Page 106 - RotalTutor

candy. When the bowls were set before the king, he knew all eyes were upon him. He tried the raspberries first. His eyebrows went up slightly. “That is very good.” He then took a bite of the strawberries on cake. He exclaimed. “That is heavenly!” Louise grinned. “Alexander made them up himself. The first time I tried it was that night after my birthday ball.” The minute she said it, she wished she hadn’t. She saw a look come over Alexander’s face, as if the memory of it was taking him back to something he would rather forget. Her father also seemed to get a slightly more solemn expression on his face. When the king finished the desserts, he pushed the bowls away. “My compliments, Alexander.” “Thank you, Your Majesty.” The air in the room was slightly tense, as the king did not indicate an end to the meal. It was clear he had something on his mind. Finally, he leaned back and looked at Alexander. “Alexander, I want to thank you for the wonderful time my daughter has had here this summer.” “It has been my pleasure, Your Majesty.” “She has written of the things she has learned. This was her last chance to have an opportunity like this before she is expected to take on more weighty responsibilities, like marriage to a man worthy of her title.” 104