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family ate was much simpler than what was served at the palace. And thinking of Alexander, always good and right Alexander, sneaking around at night, was funny. Alexander enjoyed her laughter and continued. “The cook used to think there were fairies or imps getting into her kitchen, but one night, she laid wait for me and caught me.” “Did she tell your mother?” Louise asked. Alexander grinned. “Not that I know of, but I’ve shared most of my favorite foods with my parents. I also taught the cook how to make the honey candy, and gave her a taste of my raspberry dessert. Sometimes she has even come down to join me.” Louise enjoyed listening to his stories. Alexander told her the candy he takes to the children is made in big pots by the cook. He also shared other treats he had tried. He offered her a new fruit that an Esconodian trader said was from the New World. It was called a “strawberry”, and he sweetened it with honey candy and put it over cake. That was so good it just melted in her mouth. She marveled at his hidden talents and interests. They ate, talked, and laughed for almost three hours. She inquired about other people in his kingdom. She had ridden with him many times to the countryside, but had refused to go with him to the villages, except for the one on the mountain. She had felt it beneath her to visit the small villages, but now she hoped he would take her to visit as many as time would permit. She felt a desire to know 65