As he was leaning in towards me, I closed my eyes, waiting… And then there came the sudden indignant squawk of the canary, with the lousy timing he always seemed to have.

Alfred jumped up. “What is that?”

“Oh, that’s just my canary. He’s supposed to be a pet but he’s really more of a chaperone.”

He laughed nervously and brushed the hair off his forehead. Then he looked around the room, surveying the bookshelf (stuffed full of books) and floor (half covered with books).

“Told you it was messy,” I said with a half-hearted chuckle.

“No, no it’s fine, really. But I was wondering…”

“Go ahead, tell me.”

“Why do you live in a tower?”

I played with a strand of my hair and debated whether or not to tell him the truth. He stood there waiting patiently, his blue eyes open and trusting.

“It’s…complicated, Alfred.”

“You can tell me anything, Sioni. I’m at your service, my princess.”

I sighed. “I told you, I’m not a princess, yours or anyone’s.”

“Not yet, you’re not. But one day, you will be.”