Ali smiled as she recognised one of Amanda's familiar poses.... The King considered this, carefully weighing up the small (in fact, almost insignifica...t) rents he got from Earl Farnworth, and he issued a decree there and then stripping old Farnworth of his land and titles 'For unnamed crimes against the state.' The king had always found it kept the more uppity nobles in line if he tossed one of them to RSVP every now and then; great man manager, the old King.That very night Amanda had packed. I felt a blush creep across my face as I thought about surprising him by slipping into those clothes. The box was resting on the bar in the living area of the boat so I had to retrieve it without him knowing if it were to be a true surprise. I crept out into the galley and then down the hall to the living room and to my luck it was empty. Perhaps the Captain and Bryan were off talking nautical jargon above deck. No matter, I thought as I ran across the empty space to the bar. I grabbed my. I blinked.Damn, this was one smart and perceptive little girl.I blinked again, even slower than the last time ... then gave my tiny daughter a big grin."How did you get so smart Tink? I can't get over what a big brain you've got stashed away in that pretty little head of yours ... it's amazing!"Tink preened and puffed up; smiling at me, her sisters and her brother for all she was worth. She might not have let on that her smaller size bothered her, but I knew better. Actually, for her age, she. I think we should promise that we’ll not be romantically involved with someone else without first showing proper respect to the other by ending the relationship we have. I won’t cheat on you and I won’t share you, Gwen. I know that men will always be trying to seduce you. You are an extremely beautiful woman. It would have been easier to fall for an ugly girl. Not many guys try to steal them.’ ‘That’s what I was hoping you’d say! I know girls are after you all the time and it’s only lately that.