“Lady Regent, Lord Jecks.” He bowed, then straightened. “Lady Gatrune, Kyrun,” Anna inclined her head to the taller Gatrune, then to her son. Jecks repeated the salutations. “We are glad to see you, but will not trouble you until you are refreshed and we can talk at dinner.” Gatrune offered another smile. “Thank you. It’s always good to be here,” answered Anna. “I don’t know if you knew, but Lord Jecks is also now Lord High Counselor.” “Defalk could scarcely do better,” replied the rangy lady. “My brother speaks highly of you, Lord Jecks, and he seldom speaks highly of anyone.” Anna half-turned, gesturing to those who followed. “Lord Jimbob, Kinor, my chief of players, Liende, and Overcaptain Himar.” “I am pleased to welcome you all to Pamr,” Gatrune said. “We will settle you in your rooms, first." After following Gatrune down one corridor and up a set of wide stairs and down a second corridor, Anna found herself in the largest guest suite, one with an oversize and netted four poster bed and a separate bathing chamber—with the tub already filled.
