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vantage point, but she could imagine what was going through his mind. Her father played his part well. She could not believe he had agreed to this, but he was as good as any actor at the royal palace, and seemed to be relishing his role in this drama. She had to play this one last trick on Alexander. Of all the tricks she had ever played on him, it would be her best, and she wasn’t doing it out of spite this time, but because she loved him. She smiled to herself. Besides, he had it coming for leaving with only a note of good-bye. The king stood with his back to the door. As the door was carefully opened, it squeaked on its hinges. The king turned slowly, deliberately, and faced Alexander. The king’s voice was stern and harsh. “Alexander of Bernodia.” Alexander quickly stepped forward and fell to his knees before the king. “Your Majesty!” Now Louise could see Alexander clearly. He was wearing the uniform of the army. He was dirty and sweaty from marching. He looked exhausted, and he was trembling and breathing hard. She didn’t know how much was from the march and how much was from fear. The king took a deep breath. “Young man, did I not give you a direct order?” Alexander nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty.” “And what was that command?” the king asked. “That I should report to military training,” Alexander 119