My mother has a way of finding the perfect words. She really just had to ask who the beauty on my arm was.
Gella instinctually retracted her arm from my elbow. I guess she felt me stiffen with the motion, because she then extended her hand in a flawless motion to my mother.
"Lady Evalyn, it is a pleasure to see you again. I am sure I have grown since the last time you saw me." Gella must have practiced because that introduction was flawless. "I'm Gella. My father runs the clock shop."
My mother shook Gella's hand in recognition. "Oh! Young Gella! The pleasure is certainly all mine. What a fine young woman you have turned out to be!"
"See Lord Holden. Even your mother recognizes youth when she sees it!" Princess Alina got a jab in while she could. I suppose that was the only way she could fight me and win without pulling rank.
My mother eyed me with suspicion. "Has my son forgotten his manners? Holden, you should never call anyone old! Especially a woman!" My mother took a moment to playfully swat at my arm.
"Your son has been a perfect gentleman to this commoner. He has introduced me to most of these fine gentlepeople," Gella came to my aid.
"Who has he forgotten?" My mother looked disappointed at me once more before Gella motioned to the two noblemen that my mother had in tow.
"I have not had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of these fine fellows."
"I shall remedy that. I am Sir Gavin, and this is my cousin, Sir Balor. Thank you for honoring us with your presence, Gella." The golden child bowed deeply even though it was not required by rank. Balor, for his part, at least kept his mouth shut.
Gella curtsied in return with her face flushed. "Thank you. It has been a lovely afternoon, but I must be going. My father will be expecting me in the shop. Goodday!" Gella curtsied to everyone yet again before scurrying off.
"Holden, shouldn't you escort your companion home?" My mother scolded me.
"Contrary to popular belief, Gella was not my companion to this event. She simply wanted to catch up with an old," I caught myself. "A longtime friend when she saw me, mother."
"What a pity. She could make a wonderful daughter-in-law!" My mother winked at me
"I was not expecting you until closer to the tournament. Have you seen Benate?" I asked.
"I have not. I wanted to surprise everyone. It has been a while since I have been to court. Since I have thoroughly embarrassed my youngest son, I will see what other trouble I can get myself into. The reception is beautiful, Your Highness." My mother curtsied and scurried off to find her own friends.
"Indeed, the reception is marvelous, Your Highness. Lord Holden, I cannot speak highly enough of your clan. They are all so welcoming and kind. Your mother in particular made sure that Sir Balor and myself would not miss the opportunity to be here today," Sir Gavin oozed gratitude.
Sir Balor rolled his eyes but kept his mouth closed. Part of me wanted to punch him, and I was not sure if those feelings were residual from our past encounters or if they sprung anew.
"You are gracious, as always, Sir Gavin." Princess Alina smiled.
"Not at all. I feel that I am not doing the Clan of Bear justice with my simple lip service. Do not you agree, Sir Balor?" Sir Gavin turned to his companion.
The rest of my babysitting charges exchanged a glance. Sir Balor often gave his unwanted opinion freely. It did not bode well for anyone to inquire after his internal monologue.
"Lady Evalyn was kind enough to let us come. Even if she made us ride the oldest horses half in the grave." Sir Balor spewed.
Shockingly that was the nicest thing about another person I think I had ever heard Sir Balor utter. I was not alone in my shock from the looks on Calista's and Jacobson's faces.
"It seems that the country air agrees with you, Sir Balor. Do you have plans to return after the tournament?" Princess Alina inquired.
Sir Balor's face drained of color and his mouth hung agape. "Is… Is that a threat?" Sir Balor caught himself as his listeners were all taken aback at the question. "What I mean to say is that I have not heard of my clan's plans for me after the tournament. I am simply here to support Sir Gavin."
Sir Balor was scared. My mother must have put him through the hardest chores and the most intense manual labor. Only after his reaction, did I notice that his belt was hooked at the next smallest hole.
"Thank you for your support," Sir Gavin continued as if his companion had not just had a momentary stroke. "I hear that Lord Jacobson is among the bracket of champions as well?"
"That I am. As is my uncle. I think he stands a better chance of making it through the first round than I do," Jacobson offered. I hated to agree, but I knew how stiff the competition was.
"Only the tournament will tell!" Sir Gavin looked like the excitable puppy I knew he was. "Are we to see your blade as well, Lord Holden?"
I took a deep breath to steel myself. I wanted to fight, but duty came first. "My brother Benate will be fighting, as well as one of my men that you might know from back in my village. His name is Agnar?"
Sir Balor gulped. I guess he had met Agnar. He was a force even more fearsome than my mother.
"We have had the pleasure. Princess Alina, you shall be thrilled to know that your mother's tournament is sure to be a thrilling affair." Gavin oozed amiability.
"Of course it will be. It's supposed to be in my honor. Queen Valerie is about to make the announcement. Isn't that right, Princess Alina," Lord Carrion cut in.
In all of the commotion of old acquaintances being reunited, no one seemed to notice that the receiving line had broken up, leaving Lord Carrion free to eavesdrop at will.