Fannon’s mouth popped open. After a moment Jimmy took great delight in gently elbowing him in the ribs and saying, “The Kings coming.”
Fannon’s gaze snapped forward, years of military training overcoming any other distractions. Lyam approached first, with Arutha at his side. Martin and Carline and the others followed as befitted their rank. Brian deLacy was presenting members of Arutha’s court to the King, and Lyam ignored protocol several times to shake hands vigorously, even embrace several of the people waiting to be presented. Many of the western lords were men who had served with Lyam under command of his father during the Riftwar, and he hadn’t seen them since his coronation. Earl Volney seemed embarrassed when Lyam placed his hand upon his shoulder and said, “‘Well done, Volney. You’ve kept the Western Realm in good order this last year.” These familiarities distressed several of the nobles, but the crowd loved them, cheering wildly each time Lyam acted like a man greeting old friends rather than the King.
When the King came up to Fannon, he caught the old fighter by the shoulders as he began to bow. “No.” said Lyam softly enough so that only Fannon, Jimmy, and Arutha could hear. “Not from you, my old teacher.” Lyam engulfed the Swordmaster of Crydee in a bear hug and then with a laugh said, “Well now, Master Fannon, how stands my home? How stands Crydee?”
“Well, Majesty, she stands well.” Jimmy noticed a faint moisture in the old man’s eyes.
Then Arutha was saying, “This young scoundrel is the newest member of my court, Majesty. May I present Squire James of Krondor?” Master deLacy looked heavenward as Arutha usurped his office.
Jimmy bowed as he had been instructed. Lyam gifted the boy with a broad grin. “You I’ve heard of, Jimmy the Hand,” he said as he took a step away. Then Lyam suddenly stopped. “I’d best check to see I’ve all my belongings.” He made a show of patting himself down while Jimmy blushed furiously. Just as he was reaching the height of embarrassment, Jimmy saw Lyam cast a glance his way and wink at him. Jimmy laughed with the others.
Then Jimmy turned and found himself looking into the bluest eyes he had ever seen as a soft, feminine voice said, “Don’t let Lyam upset you, Jimmy. He’s always been a tease.” Jimmy began to stammer, being caught by surprise after the King’s jest, then executed a ragged bow.
Martin said, “I’m glad to see you again, Jimmy,” and gripped his hand. “We’ve often spoken of you and wondered if you were faring well.”
He presented the boy to his sister. Princess Carline nodded to Jimmy and said, “My brothers and the Princess Anita have spoken well of you. I am pleased to finally meet you.” Then they moved off.
Jimmy stared after, overwhelmed at the remarks. “She’s had that effect on me for a year,” came a voice from behind, and Jimmy turned to see Laurie hurrying to keep abreast of the royal party as it moved toward the palace entrance. The singer touched his forehead in salute to the boy as he hurried to the crowd, having mistaken Jimmy’s astonishment at Carline’s and Martin’s remarks for his being thunderstruck by the Princess’s beauty.
Jimmy returned his attention to the passing nobles and his face split into a broad grin. “Hello, Jimmy,” said Anita, now standing directly before him.
Jimmy bowed. “Hello, Princess.”
Anita returned Jimmy’s smile and said, “Mother, my lord Caldric, may I present an old friend, Jimmy.” She noted his tunic. “Now a squire, I see.”
Jimmy bowed again before the Princess Alicia and the Duke of Rillanon. Anita’s mother presented her hand, and Jimmy awkwardly took it. “I’ve wished to thank you, young Jimmy, since I heard how you aided my daughter,” said Alicia.
Jimmy felt eyes upon him and blushed. He found within himself no hint of the braggadocio that had sheltered him for most of his short life. He could only stand awkwardly while Anita said, “We shall visit later.” Anita, her mother, and Caldric moved forward. Jimmy stood silently amazed.