30
Jon returned to the palace only just in time for his appointment with Gavin. He walked down the long corridor past paintings of Gavin’s ancestors, aristocratic gatherings, and bucolic vistas. He turned left into the northern wing of the palace, walked down a flight of stairs to the ground floor then walked still further until he reached the door of King Gavin’s private office. He knocked and waited.
A minute later the door opened to reveal Josie who gave him a considering stare before saying, “Good morning young man. You may go in. I was just leaving.”
Jon gave a courtly nod of his head. “Thank you, ma’am.”
Josie chuckled. “Don’t you ma’am me, you young rapscallion. Josie will do for you.”
Jon grinned. “Yes, ma… Josie.”
“Cheeky boy,” she said as she swept past him, a smile lingeri
