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"Something to make it more interesting," said Alissa.

"More interesting, you say? I may have just the thing for you." Gilbert turned to a large book which just happened to have already been opened to a chapter on the subject, and pointed to the page. "Here are various personal accounts and details on past kings and their kin. Everything from their spending habits to their embarrassing bodily functions, compiled by those who had spent a significant amount of time either with them or those that they knew."

Alissa was immediately intrigued, "That's perfect!"

"It does sound very interesting," said Randy, peering at the book.
"If you would like to stay for tea, I would be happy to read you some of the accounts," offered Gilbert.

Alissa nodded eagerly, not just because she was interested but because she would take any reason to avoid Winston she could find.

They stayed for a good while, having lunch and tea and discussing history. When at last they'd run out of excuses not to return home, Gilbert bade them goodbye and gave Alissa a smaller book to read in her spare time. It appeared to be brand-new and was all about King Arthur... "I am afraid the records regarding the monarchy must remain with me," he said, "but you may come back as needed to learn more. In the meantime, that is yours to keep."

Alissa's face lit up and she thanked him eagerly, clutching the book to her chest as though it were made of gold.

Randy also thanked him and gave him a wave as he and Alissa left. "So what do you think?" he asked her.

"I like him, he seems nice," she said, "Is he related to you?"

Randy looked down at her as they walked. "No, why do you ask?"

"There's something similar about the two of you, like you come from the same place," she explained.

"I suppose it is possible," Randy answered with a dismissive air. In truth, he couldn't help being somewhat pleased that she had picked up on it. She was a bright girl, and he knew he was going to enjoy getting to know her--even if that did mean putting up with Winston.

Alissa tucked her book under one arm and took Randy's hand curling her little fingers around two of his much larger ones.

Randy smiled at this and held her hand for the rest of the walk home.

When they returned home Alissa was taken to tend to her studies and Randy was sent to rub rose oil into Winston's feet.

Thus the pleasant afternoon was officially put to an end, and Randy chewed his tongue to hold back the grumbling and growling as he held Winston's feet at arm's length and oiled them.