Page 60 - RotalTutor

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