They turned Rachel toward the door.

She stopped for a second as she passed Alexander.

She looked at his face, searching for some sign of regret.

He did not look back at her.

He kept his gaze fixed on the wall opposite him.

The agents led her out of the room, her silk train dragging on the carpet behind her.

The door closed, leaving Alexander and me alone in the quiet suite.

He walked over to the window and pressed his forehead against the cold glass.

“I wanted to believe her,” he said.

“She was so different from everyone else here.”

“She was different because she was playing a part,” I said.

“She studied what you wanted, and she became it.”

“I am sorry for the pain this has caused you, Prince Alexander.”

He turned back to me, a small, sad smile on his face.

“You have nothing to apologize for, Commander,” he said.

“You brought the truth to light.”

“My family owes you a debt.”

“I only did my duty,” I said.

“To my uniform, and to my parents.”