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"I’ and clear, like a vow "You know that, don’t you?"

I take a breath and exhale with a small smile "Of course I do"

But I wonder if it will be all of him that returns Or if so out theand drea of all the adventures he missed out on because he ive it a quick squeeze, before stepping back away fro Safe travels, Edward"

And I walk away

It’s been three weeks since Edward left, and I try very hard not to think of hi of him requires some effort Which makes me think of him more Since he’s been away, it’s as if the world has lost its luster The walls and rooms, the sky and sun see forith legislation to present to Parlia very involved So I’ve been spending long hours andinit to keep busy At least that’s what I’ myself

I’lance out theat thelunch I step out into the hall and Cora isn’t at her desk, but so, Alfie"

He dips his head

"How are you tonight, Chicken?"

"Mlance down at the dia on the bodice of ry I could eat the croels"

"Sounds like they’d be hard to s" He winks

"Would you like to dine with ht? The new cook in the private quarters is fantastic"

Before he can answer, Cora co down the hall, her red hair styled beautifully and her purse in hand

"All right, Dad I’o now"

Alfie kisses Cora’s cheek tenderly And watching theainst my will Because I’ve never had that--that effortless, easy closeness and affection It’s always been on the other side of the looking glass And there’s a hollowness inside me that fears it alill be

"Cora and I were just heading over to that new place in Winchester everyone’s raving about for dinner Would you like to join us?" Alfie asks

I glance down atinto a restaurant always causes too much commotion" I wave my hand "You can’t take me anywhere"

Alfie looks at me closely

"Are you sure, Lenora? We’d love to have you"

"No, no I’ll be fine Go on now--shoo"

Cora dips in a quick curtsy "Good night, Your Majesty"

"Good night" I shtly and turn to walk away first

The walk to the private quarters seeer than usual, the halls emptier, the echo of footsteps louder Winston opens the door and a reets me in the foyer She says Cook will have dinner served shortly

"Just a light ry"

I head toward the empty parlor and switch on the television, just to have soain I don’t wonder where he is or what he’s doing I don’t think about what it would be like if he were here--hoould have a drink before dinner and talk about the events of the day, maybe watch that silly Honeymooners show that’s not funny at’all

I move to the side table and pooret he’s even in the rooht, Queen Lenora?"

He speaks That’s unusual too

"I’ain Gently persistent

"It’s s that could hurt you If solance at the glass in my hand