Embarrassed, Al looked away. Edmund made his service sound like a great feat. The truth was Al had done no more and no less than the rest of his pride. "I am a steward, your highness," he demurred, glancing briefly at Edmund, scanning his face for some sign of understanding. Edmund wasn't Narnian by birth. But surely he understood duty and responsibility. The watchwords of Al's life. "Any would do the same. Many did. I'm not special."

Nor was he an appropriate friend for royalty, but that seemed to be a lost cause. Al could feel his cheeks heating up, blushing again. He looked to the side once more, quickly.

At least teasing Edmund was something he could feel almost comfortable with. He hassled his brother often enough to know what to say, even if the concept of saying it to the king was terrifying.

"And often are. But the stewards hear more than anyone expects, and our sources are more reliable."