Page 74 - RotalTutor

“All right,” the king said, “he can stay with you until you don’t need him as an escort any more. But then he is to report for military duty.” Louise was about to complain, but she caught a glance from her mother telling her to let well enough alone and they would deal with the rest later. She shrugged. “That’s only fair.” She was so excited she could hardly eat. Her father noticed her lack of appetite. “Aren’t you hungry, Louise?” She smiled at him. “You’ve got to admit, Father, that I didn’t eat that long ago.” He smiled at that as she continued. “But someday I’ve got to have you try raspberries with milk and honey candy.” Her father and mother exchanged questioning glances while Duke Reginald and Lady Margaret exchanged knowing glances. Perhaps they knew about Alexander in the kitchen after all. By the time the meal ended, it was getting close to noon. Louise felt her insides doing flip-flops before it was over. Her heart was racing. In due time the king and Duke Reginald rose to go. The king needed to adjust his orders. Lady Margaret had tears in her eyes as she gave Louise a big hug. Her mother winked at her. “Well done, Louise,” she said. Finally, Louise was free to head for the balcony overlooking the courtyard - the one from which Alexander had poured the bucket of mop water on her. She wanted to 72