Page 100 - RotalTutor

He looked at her and, again, his eyes had that hurt in them that tore at her heart. “Princess, why did you ask your father to go riding with us?” She took his hand and looked directly at him. “I want my father to know the Alexander I know.” “But what am I to do?” he asked. She smiled encouragingly at him. “Just do what you always do. Visit with the people, trade plants and knowledge, give the children candy.” “But he’ll think I’m stupid - that I’m being less than noble. I mean, he already feels I’m not worthy of...” He stopped, as if saying it was too painful, and he looked away. She squeezed his hand. “He won’t think you’re stupid or less noble, and we can work to change his feelings.” Alexander still said nothing. She squeezed his hand tighter. “For me. Won’t you do it for me? Take us to the village in the mountains. Let’s do just like the time you took me.” Alexander swallowed hard and smiled a weak smile. “Minus the chicken?” She grinned at him. “Minus the chicken.” Alexander took a deep breath, but finally nodded. She smiled. “I told Father we would leave just before dawn, so we better get some rest. We will want to be up to join him for breakfast.” Alexander nodded, and, as he turned to leave, she 98