Page 60 - RotalTutor
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     did she love it so now?  He had not changed.  She realized     it was she who had changed.  Before, she had interpreted     his actions harshly and distrustfully, but now that she     looked at him in a different light, she beheld goodness.            He stepped toward her and again formally bowed,     though he would not look directly at her.  “You are most     beautiful, Your Highness.  I would myself be honored to     ask you to dance this evening, but I know your father     and...”  He paused and turned farther from her.  “... and     others of your family would not approve.”            His formality and words cut into her heart.  She knew     very well he meant her.  Alexander’s family was the lowest     of all of the nobility, and her father would not approve of     any lasting friendship she might have with him.  But what     about herself?  What did she think?  Her heart swelled as if     it might burst.            From the distance, music could be heard floating     across the breeze as the ball was beginning.  Alexander     paused.  Normally, an escort would offer his arm to a girl,     and Alexander was, of all men, most gracious in his     manners.  But he seemed unsure, uncertain whether she     would take it or revile him.  The confident Alexander she     knew was gone.            She assertively linked her arm through his.  He     turned to her and smiled for an instant, before turning     away, but the hurt and pain in his eyes gnawed at her.  She     returned his smile, realizing it was the first time she had     ever smiled at him and truly meant it.  But his eyes were                                       58
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