Page 23 - RotalTutor

until I met my Alexander. His kind, gentle, yet firm spirit helped mold me during that summer my parents sent me away from the palace to live with his family. I know my mother hoped we would fall in love.” “As I remember,” Lord High Chamberlain said, “Alexander wasn’t all that excited about it.” “No, but he was just what I needed,” the queen replied. Lord High Chamberlain nodded. “It must have been for the best, because you have always ruled wisely by following your heart.” The queen thought about how she had known Lord High Chamberlain long before that office had come to him. He was almost old enough to be her own father, and could have easily retired from the work of the court, yet he still had more vigor than a man half his age. He had been at the palace for as long as she could remember, probably even before she was born. There was no one she trusted more. His kindness, loyalty, and wry sense of humor were her strength now that she had neither her father nor her beloved Alexander. The queen’s smile turned into a full, mischievous grin. “You are kind and diplomatic, Matthew. Sometimes a big liar, but kind and diplomatic. That is why I want you to be the one to tell Marie.” The look of sheer terror that broke Lord High Chamberlain from his solemness was priceless. “You want me to tell Princess Marie you are having a soldier tutor 21