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“You can do so much better than him, Louise.” Louise could feel a whole gamut of emotions welling up in her heart. There was anger and sadness, and even shame and guilt that her father could think it. “Do your really think so, Father? Do you really think I can find a better man than Alexander?” “What about Sir Phillip?” he asked. “What about Sir Phillip?” she asked in return. “He’s rich with a high title,” the king replied. “Father, in my mind, he isn’t half the man that Alexander is.” “But what about your position? I’m not sure what people would think having their queen married to a Bernodian.” Louise almost choked trying to keep her composure. She lowered her voice to hold back the emotions that were tearing at it. “I don’t care what other people think. As you saw, these people love Alexander.” The king looked at her quite sternly. “Is it so great to have common people love you?” Louise met his glance with her own. “Is it so great to have them fear you? Duke Reginald and Lady Margaret rule with kindness. Alexander is just like them. I would much prefer they love me.” She was quiet for a moment as her father looked at her. Then she spoke quietly, but strongly. “I hope, as my father, you understand that I would rather be happy than be queen. If you, yourself, feel it is inappropriate for me to marry him and still be queen, I 107