Of course, no sooner did I start hoping things would last then they were over. The last well-wisher was filing out and the Queen herself rising to leave when Grimble and Badaxe left their customary positions and stepped before the throne.
“Before you go, my dear,” Rodrick said, “our retainers wish to extend their compliments.”
Queen Hemlock frowned slightly, but resumed her seat.
“The Chancellor of the Exchequer stands ready to support their majesties in any way,” Grimble began. “Of course, even with the new influx of wealth into the treasury, we must watch needless expenses. As always, I stand ready to set the example in cost savings, and so have decided that to purchase a present for you equal to my esteem would be a flagrant and unnecessary expense, and therefore…”
“Yes, yes, Grimble,” the King interrupted. “We understand and appreciate your self-sacrifice. General Badaxe?”
Grimble hesitated, then yielded the floor to his rival. “I am a fighting man, not a speechmaker,” the General said abruptly. “The army stands ready to support the kingdom and the throne of Possiltum. As for myself … here is my present.”
He removed the axe from his belt and laid it on the stairs before the throne.
Whether he was offering his pet weapon or his personal allegiance, I found the gesture eloquent beyond words.
“Thank you. General Badaxe, Grimble,” Queen Hemlock said loftily. “I’m sure I can …”
“My dear,” the King interrupted softly. “There is another retainer.”
And I was on.
Screwing up my courage, I dropped my disguise and stepped before the throne.