James saw Jerome go slightly rigid. The fussy ex-squire was a stickler for protocol and the duke had managed to brush aside an apology from Arutha and return an insult, without making it obvious. This man obviously felt no timorousness being in the presence of a Prince.
Anita had been court bred and knew the intricacies of court manners. She knew that anything she said in response to the slight would only worsen her situation socially. She merely inclined her head and said, I suspect the subtleties of the east are lost upon us here in the west. Would you present your companions?
The duke bowed and turned to the younger of the two men. Your Highness, may I present my nephew, His Highness, Vladic, son of my brother the Archduke, heir to the throne and Crown Prince of Olasko, Prince of the House of Roldem by blood. On cue the young man stepped forward and bowed in greeting to the Prince and Princess of Krondor. Then the duke said, And this is Kazamir, my son and heir to my house, also Prince of the House of Roldem by blood. The other son bowed effortlessly, with exactly the proper deference for one of his rank before Prince Arutha. Smoothly, the duke turned and said, And this is my daughter, Paulina, Princess of the House of Roldem by blood.
Arutha nodded greeting. You are all welcome in Krondor. He made a small gesture to Jerome, who hurried off to ready guest apartments for the duke and his entourage. James was again forced to concede that Jerome was good at what he did. He had no doubt the rooms would be aired, with wine and other refreshments on hand, and a squad of pages ready to do the dukes bidding.
Arutha said, We are celebrating a safe return from troubles to the north. You are most welcome to remain for the gala.
The duke smiled. My thanks. From the reports and gossip we heard along the way from Salador to Krondor, I suspect the troubles were not trivial. A gala is most appropriate to celebrate a Princes safe return.
I am tired from the journey, however, and will beg your forgiveness and retire. The children, perhaps, might enjoy some music and revelry after our long journey.
James realized this was not an option, but an instruction. The two youngsters turned to their father and bowed, while the Crown Prince merely looked on for a moment, then inclined his head. Radswil bowed to the Prince and withdrew before Arutha had time to do more than wave agreement. Master de Lacy intercepted the duke and his retainers at the door and escorted them to the guest quarters.
Arutha turned to James and said, Squire James, would you please see that our guests are refreshed?
James bowed and stepped down the dais and presented himself to the dukes children with a courtly bow. Keenly aware the introduction of the three youngsters revealed the Olaskans formality in matters of rank, James said, Prince Vladic, Princess, Prince, may I offer you refreshments?
Vladic studied James a moment, his dark eyes narrowing slightly, then he nodded.
With as deft a movement as James had seen, he found himself with the Princess Paulinas arm through his, before he had even had the chance to offer his hand, a far more courteous gesture. The familiarity almost caught him off guard. Tell me, squire, said Paulina, as they moved towards the large table where refreshments were offered, how do you come to serve the Prince, personally?
James was struck by two things at once. There was something about her, a scent, perhaps an exotic perfume, that caused his blood to race. He suddenly experienced a fierce desire. And that in turn caused what James had long called his bump of trouble to start bothering him. Paulina was a pretty enough girl many would even say beautiful and easily one of the most attractive at the gala, but James was long used to the wiles of women and she was not so extraordinarily attractive that he should find himself being so irresistibly drawn to her.
He glared at the two young men, saw what he took to be a slight sense of amusement in Kazamirs expression, and a mask of neutrality in Vladic.
Forcing his attention back to her question, he replied, I was granted my office for service to the crown.
Ever so slightly she drew away. Oh? she said. If a single word could convey volumes of meaning, hers did.
James smiled his most charming smile and said, Yes. You wouldnt know, of course, being from so distant a land. Before coming to the Princes service, I was a thief.
It took a massive application of will power on the Princesss part not to push herself away from James. Her frozen smile looked almost painful as she said, Really? while behind her, Kazamir suppressed a laugh. Even Vladic betrayed a slight upturn of his mouth, the hint of a smile.
Just then James spied William, who had been stationed by the table of refreshments, and said, Allow me to introduce someone to you, Highnesses. He signalled for the young cadet to approach and when William did, James said, Highnesses, I have the honour of presenting William conDoin, son of the duke of Stardock and cousin to our Prince. Hes about to be commissioned Knight-Lieutenant in the Princes army. He quickly named his companions in order of rank.
Instantly the Princesss manner changed once more and again she was the vivacious charmer. Williams colour rose and now James was convinced there was something more to this Princess than her more obvious physical gifts. Perhaps the cadet could show me some of the palace, while you entertain my brother and cousin, Squire James?
James glanced at Swordmaster McWirth, who stood near the dais and with a nod of his head communicated the need for William to act as host to the visiting nobility. The old swordmasters expression turned slightly sour, but he nodded and James said, William, Im sure the Princess would love to see the tapestry gallery and Princess Anitas gardens.
As smoothly as an eel slipping through water, the Princess disengaged herself from Jamess arm and attached herself to William. And what shall I call you, young knight? asked the Princess.
Will, Your Highness. My friends call me Will.
As William led the Princess off towards the tapestry hall, James indicated the food and wine to Prince Vladic, then Prince Kazamir. The Crown Prince took a goblet of wine and sipped it. Very good, he said. Darkmoor?
James nodded. I believe so. Most of our best wines come from there.
Youre not having any?
James smiled. Im on duty.
Kazamir nodded. I understand. By the way, you handled that very deftly. Not many young men would give up my sisters company so easily.
I can well believe it, said James. Theres something about her
Vladic studied James a moment, again appraising him, and James could not help but feel again that he was being sized up as a possible opponent. Vladic said, Youre perceptive, squire. My cousin has a need to be admired by a great many men. She employs additional supplements to augment her natural appeal.
Ah, said James. Magic. A charm or a potion?
Her left hand. A ring purchased from a woman who dabbles in such trinkets in our homeland. I fear this need for male attention that drives Paulina will eventually create difficulties for her future husband.
Then she should either marry a man with great skills as a swordsman, or one with great patience.
Vladic nodded, as he slipped his wine. He then took a small slice of melon from a platter and nibbled at it, his expression every so slightly indicating satisfaction with the fruit. The court here in the west is a refreshing change from some of the environments weve discovered east of Salador.
James nodded. I have no doubt. West of Malacs Cross things are very different. Ive not spent much time in the east, but it is
More civilized? provided Kazamir.
James smiled. I was about to say older, but if you prefer civilized, Ill concede the point.
Vladic smiled, and for the first time since they met James sensed the young man was letting his guard down a tiny bit. Well, its a function of perspective, I warrant. Our nations are very old, while this Western Realm is relatively young. In Olasko, we havent seen an elf or goblin in centuries. There are six other states of some size between the far northern lands and Olasko.
Elves are interesting, replied James. And Ive seen enough goblins to last me a lifetime.
I hear theyre not terribly bright, but that they make good hunting, ventured Kazamir.
Well, if youre interested in hunting something that carries a sword or bow, I guess. James shrugged. Im city bred and have little experience with hunting. I dont understand the appeal of the sport.
It livens up an otherwise dull life, said Vladic.
James grinned. Ive never found life to be dull, so I suppose thats why.
Youre a lucky man, then, said Kazamir. We have our wars, often enough, but other than that, theres little to occupy a man who craves excitement.
Vladic said, My cousin is like most of our nobles, and seeks glory in overt fashion. But the skills of arms, the sword and bow, the challenge of the hunt, those are secondary in importance to that. He pointed to where Arutha was listening to something being whispered into his ear by one of the local nobles. He seeks office, or a suitable husband for a daughter or an ally against an enemy, or something from your monarch. Intrigue is a way of life in my fathers court.
James laughed. Thats Squire Randolph of Silverstown. I think hes trying to convince the Prince to get one of his pesky neighbours to move his cattle off Silverstowns meadows.
Kazamir barked a rough sounding laugh. A very small intrigue, then, cousin.
Vladic looked slightly nettled to be mocked so, but said nothing.
Are you staying long in Krondor? asked James.
Kazamir shrugged. Father has planned this as a tour of the west, so I expect well stay a few days before moving on. He wishes to hunt the Trollhomes, where it is rumoured great boars reside, as well as wild trolls and even, if true, dragons.
James could barely contain his amusement. Having spied a dragon myself, may I suggest that only a madman would go looking for one?
Kazamirs expression darkened. A madman?
James quickly spread his hands in an apologetic gesture. A jest, and obviously a poor one. It is just that dragons are everything youve heard of and more. If you hunt one, take an army with you.
Kazamirs expression softened slightly, but James couldnt be certain the offence had been mitigated. He continued, Even trolls are to be avoided unless you absolutely must face one. The lowland trolls may be barely more than wild animals, but they are more dangerous than any lion or bear you might hunt, for they are more cunning, and they hunt in groups of two or more. Their mountain kin have language and use weapons. You go hunting them, be assured theyll be hunting you right back.
Interesting, was all that Vladic said. Then he added, How is the hunting in this region?
Yes, said Kazamir with sudden interest. Lions, perhaps?
James shrugged. If you go north, up into the foothills of the Calastius Mountains, youll find a good population of game. Closer to the Kings Highway its scarce, but once you get high into the hills theres ample deer, elk, bear, and big leopards. Occasionally a wyvern comes down from the northern mountains and thats as much dragon as Id be willing to face.
If we stay for more than a few days, would you be able to arrange a trip into those mountains? asked Vladic.
James nodded. Ill speak to the housecarl; he can arrange with the huntmaster and swordmaster to provide guides and men-at-arms. You could travel out for a day and reach some very rough terrain, where game is still plentiful.
Vladic looked pleased, as did his cousin. Good. I will speak with my uncle tomorrow and, depending on his plans, perhaps I will prevail upon him to depart the day after on such a journey.
Kazamirs smile broadened a bit. I suspect, however, youd better also contrive some distraction for my sister while were gone.
Jamess frown brought forth a laugh from Kazamir. The squire said, I think I will prevail upon Princess Anita to fashion that distraction. I suspect most of the young men in the court might be faced with some difficulties given the duty to attend your sister.
Yet you felt no difficulty in turning her over to that young cadet, observed Kazamir in a guarded tone.
James leaned over and lowered his voice in a conspiratorial fashion. Young Will lacks experience. No matter how attractive your sister, she would have to initiate anything beyond an awkward flirtation, I think. And if Im any judge of such things, I doubt she will.
Kazamir slapped James on the shoulder and laughed. You may be rural, James, but your grasp of certain subtleties is not. Yes, my sister is out seeking a well-connected husband. She will not lessen her chances of such by any idle dalliance. Her husband will expect her unsullied on their wedding night, and she will be. But she will make some young men very unhappy until that time comes.
Given Jamess background, his view of such issues was far less critical; he had known too many women while a boy, and as a man who enjoyed the pleasures of the bed, to think much of the notion that men had different standards from women. Still, he had met enough men, noble and common, who felt differently that he appreciated the prevalence of that attitude.
Given her use of enhancements to her charms, doesnt this make things difficult back home?
Most men in Olasko are terrified of her father, said Vladic, putting down his now empty goblet of wine and refusing a refill by one of the servants. In my homeland few would dare his wrath.
James shrugged and nodded his head in agreement. Seems a wise course were I a citizen of your nation; the duke appears a most formidable man.
Kazamirs smile vanished. As all would do well to note, James. James was certain that remark was more directed at Vladic than at himself. Then Kazamirs smile returned. Still, it is tempting for men of my nation to pursue a prize like my sister.
James blinked in confusion. Prize?
As Ive mentioned, we are adventuresome, in Olasko. Hunting women ranks as high as hunting cave bears.
An interesting way to put it, said James as neutrally as possible. I think my friend Locklear would fit right in.
He pursues women?
Incessantly, said James.
Then I would suggest he be a well-practised swordsman, offered Vladic.
That he is, but why?
Kazamir answered. Because in my homeland a young man is expected to have as many women as he might, while it is also his duty to defend the honour of his sister with his blade should another man offend her.
James grinned. So you have a lot of duels in Olasko.
Vladic returned the grin with a nod. Constantly.