Page 107 - RotalTutor

The king looked back and forth at Louise and Alexander. “Do you understand what I am saying?” Alexander nodded. “Yes, your Majesty.” “That will be all,” the king said. Alexander rose and bowed. “Good night, Your Majesty.” He then turned to Louise. Louise could see that same hurt that she had seen those many months before, yet he still had a smile for her as he bowed. “Goodnight, Your Highness.” “Goodnight, Alexander,” she replied. Alexander left, and Louise felt anger building in her. She knew that her father was implying Alexander was not worthy of her, and she knew Alexander understood as well. But she knew she had to restrain herself. She had learned from her months of watching Alexander that getting upset was not the best way to deal with anything. She turned to her father. “Father, may I have a word with both you and Mother?” The king was cautious in how he answered. Louise knew he was well aware how her mother felt about Alexander, and that it would put him one against two. “Why do you want your mother?” he asked. “Because I want to talk to you as your daughter and not as a princess.” The king could hardly refuse that, and he seemed somewhat taken off guard by her civility, as if he expected her to get angry. They retired to the royal quarters to 105