<span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua'"><span class="fixed-color" style="color:#99ff99">Sorrow flooded Cameron at the mention that Tiberius had wanted him as his own Hand.  For a moment he couldn't speak, and closed his eyes to attempt to stem the fresh wave of grief.  When he could speak without choking upon his words, he answered.  "I would be honored to serve as your Hand, my Queen -- at your request and in you father's honor."<br/>
<br/>
He caught her hand on his face and held it there, still not opening his eyes.  "I wonder now if he sent me away in part because -- " he paused, "-- if he thought you and I were... were too close.  I know how serious the situation was but -- I have oft wondered if I had angered him or your mother.  Five years is a very long time."</span></span>