Page 73 - RotalTutor

control. By the look on his face, Louise knew he thought she was going to mention it. He stumbled over his words as he spoke. “Well, it’s just...” Louise interrupted him, turning to Duke Reginald and Lady Margaret. “Father felt that if I were to be queen someday, it would be good if I could get out and meet the people.” The king breathed a sigh of relief. “Exactly!” “But that is exactly the problem,” Louise said. The king looked at her narrowly. “In what way?” “Alexander is a native son here. The people love and respect him, and I feel totally safe when I travel with him. I’m not so sure they would feel the same way about an outsider like Sir Phillip, especially where he is so wealthy and many of the people here are so poor.” The king’s expression showed his thoughts, and Louise continued. “I suppose you could always send an army with us everywhere we went, but I’m afraid that would only make the people suspicious and unfriendly.” The king turned to Duke Reginald. Duke Reginald nodded his agreement. “It is true, Sire. I could more than guarantee her safety if she is with my son. I am not sure I could say the same about an outsider.” The king still paused. Louise took a bite and chewed slowly, as if she didn’t have a care in the world, disguising her anxiety. She saw her mother reach out and touch her father on the arm. He turned to look at her, and she nodded reassuringly. 71