Page 58 - RotalTutor

her gulp a couple of deep breaths. He now seemed distant and reserved. That was not what she wanted - not now. In that instant he had stood up for her to her father, everything had changed. Now she wanted him to be the one thing she had never allowed before - she wanted him to be her friend. He continued on. “It isn’t much. I could only sneak some soft rolls, a little cheese, roast pork, and a flask of grape juice, but I hope it will be filling to you.” “You shouldn’t have,” she said. “You could have gotten in big trouble. You know what my father said.” “Your father said I was to go hungry,” Alexander replied. “He didn’t directly say it to you. I am not going to allow you to go hungry for my misdeed, especially on this night that should be such a joyous one for you.” He bowed low and formally to her. “I will be just outside the door when you are ready, Your Highness.” As he shut the door behind himself, Louise could not keep the tears from coming. “Oh, please, Alexander,” she said to herself. “Don’t turn away from me now - not now that I’m beginning to...” She started to sob. Beginning to what? Beginning to feel? Beginning to understand? What was she beginning to understand? Something was changing in her, but she couldn’t put it into words. But in an instant, he had changed, too. He seemed crushed and defeated. The warm, humorous Alexander was no longer there. He was now trying to pull away from her, to lock his heart against her and anything that was her. 56