Cleora, who remained silent, sighed loudly and smiled at her son.
"We should greet him properly," Cleora decided, smoothing invisible wrinkles from her dress. "Jolthar, will you accompany me?"
It wasn't truly a question. As her betrothed, certain ceremonial duties were expected, regardless of his personal inclinations.
"Of course, my lady," Jolthar said with an exaggerated bow, his voice laced with mock formality. He dipped low, one arm across his chest like a court fool performing for royalty.
Cleora chuckled, the sound light and genuine, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Jolthar wanted to meet the old man anyway, so he agreed to go with her.
Roblan, his embarrassment fading beneath obvious concern. "Grandfather… it's the first time he came to the barony. Will it be all right, Mother?"
Cleora walked to her son and said, "Don't worry. I'm sure he came here on the request made by Nora."
