<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#99ff99">Cameron did not move until they were alone -- and then, it was only to squeeze her hands.  "Where else would I be?"  He smoothed his thumb over her knuckles.  "Little one -- Gwen -- " he cut himself off, not sure if she'd accept either familiar name any more.  "Your majesty.  My duty to the crown... my duty in Runasia could not compare with my duty to the royal family.  I left as soon as I got word of your Queen Mother's passing -- which was, I regret to say, far too late to be of any comfort.  News was... delayed, thanks to the illnesses."<br/>
<br/>
His hands tightened on hers, and he fought the desire to tug her into his arms and rock her against his chest.  "I am so sorry for your loss."  Tears sprung up again but now that they were alone, he didn't feel the need to stifle them.  "They will be missed -- they will all be missed.  Ty... King Tiberius was one of my dearest friends, and I loved your mother like a sister."  The loss of her siblings would sting too, but it was drowned out by the grief for his friends.<br/>
<br/>
"How can I serve you, little Princess -- your Majesty?"  He looked up at her through streaming tears, his hands tight on hers.  "I owe my life and service to the Amauri family -- and that is you.  You have only to ask, and if it is in my power -- if there is breath in my body, I will see your will done."</span></span>