**
She is not in Xylonia," Xavier said, avoiding my eyes. I waited for the tears to fall, but they didn't. He held himself together like the strong man he was... just like Karl would have done. I shook my head, reached into my purse, and handed him a white handkerchief.
"I'm glad you love your wife," I said softly. "May you be united with her someday." Maybe I shouldn't have said anything—it wasn't my place—but he brought it up. "If you don't feel well, you can return tomorrow. That way, you can spend tonight with your family and say your goodbyes."
"No, your highness. I am fine," he replied, his head slightly bowed. I hated when they acted so formal like this. "I am ready to work, just as the king commanded."
"Are you sure?" I asked, truly concerned. He looked like someone who needed a break. If he asked for time off, no one would deny him. But instead, he nodded again, calm and firm.
"Yes, your highness. What should I do next?"
