And support,” I was a bit overwhelmed by my sudden empathy, especially given that her companion had turned around and bolted, leaving her alone.“R...y ... he left! I don’t ... I ... can’t,” Elizabeth clearly wasn’t able to go anywhere by herself, but she apparently hadn’t budgeted or planned to pay for the meal.“Mama, he might come back or he might not, but it’s no less either way, is it? Men like him have always come and gone ... and I don’t have a problem with that, as long as you’re honest and. Hastily, I pulled on my clothes and tried to make it look like my morning suit hadn't spend the last couple of hours in a pile on the floor. I failed miserably, but I reasoned that most of the guests would be too focussed on the bride and groom — or their ever-filled wine glasses — to spare a thought as to why I looked so dishevelled. I got as far as the door when I spied a loose piece of paper on the floor. I bent down and picked it up — it was a menu from our reception, although someone had. I had showered and was eating with the others when the civilian stepped into the room. A girl followed him as he looked around and everyone stopped what they were doing. He crossed to me and bowed, "I see you managed to escape."I grinned and held out my hand, "Alexander."He gripped my hand tight before letting go and turning to look around. He grinned, "my government would like to thank you men for helping our ambassador escape."He looked at me before glancing at the girl who had remained. “As sure as I can be. I know if we do this, there’s no turning back; and I know that it will change our relationship in some way. Hopefully for the better...”And possibly for the worst. “And you’re willing to take that risk?”“If it were with anyone else, no. But I trust you; I trust you enough to spar full force with and to perform katas that you could seriously hurt me with if you wanted to. So yes, I’m willing; but only because I’m sharing that risk with you.”Which leaves the final decision.