Read Online Essence Of The Heart (The Royal Tutor) by Daris Howard - Free Book Online Page B

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 everything about him and his life.
     
          He asked her about her life and what it was like in the palace. She
thought it rather dull compared to his. He traveled widely and knew almost
everyone in Bernodia and far beyond. He could talk of artisans, farmers,
peasants and rich men. She could only talk of what was inside the palace
walls. Still, he seemed to listen with great interest.
     
          Realizing it was time to get some rest, Alexander stacked up the
dishes and put the food back where it belonged. He said that was one of the
deals; the cook made him promise that he would put things away.
     
          He offered his arm, and carried a lantern to guide them back through
the darkened castle halls. As they walked along, her heart felt lighter than
she could ever remember. Alexander was very quiet. She turned to look at
him, and again that feeling that something was wrong came to her - like he
was holding something back.
     
          When they reached her door, she turned to face him. She sensed a
sadness in his smile, and again felt there was something he wasn't telling
her.
     
          His voice was quiet as he spoke. "Louise, I am really sorry about
what I did to you."
     
          She lowered her eyes. "I'm sorry, too, for all the mean things I've
done to you." She said it before she even thought about it. It was as if her
heart spoke for her, but it felt good to say it.
     
          He smiled at her. "I promise I will never do anything mean to you
again."
     
          She looked up at him. "Even if I am awful and stupid?"
     
          He shook his head. "Another person's actions should never dictate
my own. Besides, I will never forget this night, and I thank you for it."
     
          She nodded and smiled weakly, thinking about how unkind she had
been. "I'm just glad we could be friends."
     
          His voice quivered as he replied. "I just wish it could have been
longer."
     
          Something in the way he said it struck fear into her heart. What did
he mean? Something was definitely wrong. He held out the lamp to her.
"Here, you take this. I will be fine getting back to my room."
     
          He turned to leave, but she reached out and grabbed his arm.
"Alexander, what is it?"
     
          He turned back, but did not look at her directly. "Like it, or not, you
got your wish of having me out of your life. Your father has asked Sir
Phillip to be your escort from now on. He has commanded me to leave for
military training by noon. He said, after last night's events, he wanted
someone better to be your escort. He said now that you are eighteen, he
wants..." Alexander paused, choking back the emotion in his voice before
he continued. "He wants someone more worthy of you."
     
          With that, he looked into her eyes, smiled