The palace guards escorted Eva and George to their own chambers, and Alfred took Sioni’s to hers to rest. Helen would be buried the next day, in the woods outside the village, she was assured, and would be given all the honors of one who had saved a princess. Alfred sat next to her on her bed, which shocked Sioni. This was not courtly behavior in the least, from what she’d heard.

He placed his hand gently under her chin, turning her face to him. “Sioni, I’ve missed you… I never stopped looking for you for a moment, and I thought of you always.” She avoided his eyes, and bit her lip.

“But… I’d heard that you found a bride, at the ball.” She was all too aware of her flaws, her freckles and long hair, her peasant upbringing and ruddy skin. She was nowhere near as beautiful as the noble girls, not even as beautiful as Helen.

Alfred shook his head, “Look at me, Sioni. There could never be anyone else. I love you.” He closed his eyes. Her lips were dry, but not cracked, and trembled as he kissed them.