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I’m posting from my current writing WiP, Song and Shadow, a prequel to Song and Sword. It’s a rough draft and I still don’t have an actual outline for it so it’s going to be a fun ride.
This month we’ll get to see Pashevel… well, let’s just say that the ways of a Bard are subtle and sharp.
“I said he is my guest. He is the Bard from the tavern last night. Surely you saw him speaking with me.”
“And if you didn’t,” Pashevel said, his voice soft but pitched so that the king could hear it, “then you were doing a poor job of guarding your prince.”
The guards flushed and he stepped past them, greeting Hierik with a warm smile.
“Thank you, Your Highness, for honoring me with the invitation.”
“Thank you for accepting it. Pashevel, may I present my father, King Kurtzen. Father, this is Pashevel, a most excellent Bard that it was my pleasure to speak with last night.”
“My son’s guest, is, of course, welcome,” Kurtzen replied smoothly, although Pashevel could clearly read his displeasure at his son’s choice of guests. “Being a Bard, perhaps you would play for us later?”
Hierik caught his breath, wanting to protest, but Pashevel smiled. “It would be my pleasure,” he said. “If the court musicians would do me the honor of sharing their stage with a guest.”
Hierik fought back an urge to laugh as Pashevel smoothly gave Kurtzen a lesson in protocol and manners.
Novel Notes 
Your bard is a smooth one all right! Enjoyed the snippet as always…
Nicely done. Very clever.