I knew I had to find a way to bring Ben into the palace, and what better way than to go directly to the king himself? After spending a few moments wallowing in my own frustration and sadness, I gathered my resolve. I wiped away the last traces of tears and stood up from where I had been sitting in the dark corner of the palace. If Aleron thought he could keep me cornered, he was wrong.
Returning to my chambers, I changed into more formal attire, fixing my appearance to look presentable. Every movement was deliberate, an armor of poise I wrapped myself in to face the king. I couldn’t afford to show any signs of weakness now. Once satisfied with how I looked, I rang the small bell on the table to summon one of the maids.
“You called, Your Highness?” The maid entered swiftly, bowing as she spoke.
“Yes. As I’m still new to the palace, could you show me the way to His Majesty’s office?” I asked with a polite smile.
The maid nodded and led the way through the winding halls of the palace. It was easy to get lost in this labyrinth of wealth and power, and though I tried to memorize the route, my mind was already racing ahead to what I would say to the king.
When we arrived, two large guards stood at either side of the office door, their armor gleaming under the light, and their spears held upright like sentinels. Their presence was intimidating, but I refused to let it unsettle me.
“I would like to see His Majesty,” I said boldly, my voice steady despite the slight tremor of nerves beneath it.
The guards immediately bowed their heads, offering their greetings in unison. “Your Highness, the Prince Consort,” they said before opening the large ornate doors.
The king’s office was vast, as one would expect for a man of his stature. Shelves lined with books stretched across the walls, and more were stacked neatly on the floor, a testament to the knowledge and responsibility that weighed on the king daily. It was an office that exuded authority, yet the atmosphere was somehow comfortable, lived-in. A place where decisions of great importance were made, no doubt, but also one where the king himself could find solace in his work.
The king, seated at his desk, looked up from the papers before him, a smile crossing his face when he saw me. “Lucian,” he greeted warmly, rising from his seat. “What a pleasant surprise.”
“Father,” I responded, dipping my head in respect as I crossed the room. He gestured for me to sit by the elegant sofa not far from his desk, and I obeyed, sitting down and trying to calm the nervous energy fluttering in my chest.
His Majesty called for a maid, requesting snacks and tea to be brought so we could converse in a more relaxed manner. As much as I wanted to skip the pleasantries and get to the heart of the matter, I knew it would be rude to rush him. This was, after all, the king.
“So,” he began, settling into the chair opposite me. “What brings you here today?”
I hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing my words. I had to be delicate in my approach. The king was kind and approachable, but he was still the ruler of the empire, and I couldn’t afford to make any missteps.
“Father, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.” I clasped my hands together, willing myself to stay composed. “It’s about my personal butler, Ben.”
His eyebrows lifted slightly, his interest piqued. “Go on.”
“Ben has been by my side for years,” I continued, my voice soft but firm. “He’s been a source of comfort and loyalty throughout my life. I… I trust him deeply, and I would feel more at ease if he could join me here, in the palace.”
The king nodded slowly, listening intently. “And Aleron? What does he think of this?”
I felt a tightness in my chest, the memory of Aleron’s refusal still fresh and raw. “Aleron… doesn’t approve,” I admitted, my voice barely concealing the frustration that boiled beneath the surface. “He believes Ben’s presence isn’t necessary here. But I feel that it’s not just about necessity. It’s about having someone I trust by my side, someone who understands me. This transition, this marriage..it’s been overwhelming, and Ben would be a great source of support.”
The king sat back, his expression thoughtful as he studied me. I could tell he was weighing my words carefully, considering the implications of my request. After a long pause, he leaned forward slightly, his tone gentle but firm.
“Lucian,” he began, “I understand how difficult this adjustment must be for you. A new life, new responsibilities… it can be overwhelming. But as part of the royal family now, certain decisions must be made with the good of the entire household in mind. Aleron has his reasons, I’m sure, for being hesitant about bringing someone new into the palace.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but the king raised a hand, stopping me.
“That being said, I can also see how much Ben means to you,” he continued, his eyes softening. “And I believe that feeling comfortable in your new home is important. I will speak to Aleron myself. Perhaps there is a compromise to be made.”
Relief washed over me like a cool breeze, though I could feel the tension still lingering in the air. “Thank you, Father,” I said, my voice more sincere than I had intended.
He gave me a kind smile. “No need to thank me. We are family now, Lucian. And family looks out for one another.”
The maid returned with a tray of tea and delicate pastries, but my appetite had already vanished. My thoughts were still swirling with the implications of what the king had said. Would he truly convince Aleron to allow Ben into the palace? Or was this just a temporary reprieve, something that would be overturned by my stubborn husband?
Either way, I was grateful that the king had listened. It was a step forward, and for now, that was enough.
As we sipped our tea, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, his plans for the empire, the upcoming celebrations, and stories of Aleron’s youth. Though I participated politely, my mind remained elsewhere. I would have to wait and see how things would unfold, but at least for now, there was hope. I had taken a step to assert myself, and I wouldn’t let Aleron or anyone push me aside again.
—
Just after a day of talking to his majesty Ben’s return to the palace was the first victory I had achieved since this marriage. It was small, but it meant everything to me. After what felt like days of suffocating beneath the weight of Aleron’s decisions and the overwhelming expectations of the palace, I finally had a piece of my old life back a piece of me. The king had come through for me, and I wasn’t about to forget it.
It happened sooner than I expected. That morning, after the conversation with the king, I found myself pacing the halls outside my chamber, restless and unsure if Aleron had approved the decision or if it was purely the king’s influence that had made this possible. The palace was so vast, yet I felt trapped, like every decision about my life was being made without me. But not this time.
When the grand doors of the entrance hall opened, the sound echoed through the corridors. I rushed to the balcony overlooking the main hall just in time to see him Ben walking through the doors with his usual calm composure. For a moment, I couldn’t breathe. The relief that flooded through me was so overwhelming that I had to grip the railing to steady myself.
Ben was here. He had always been a quiet, steady presence in my life, the one person who understood me without needing explanations. Seeing him now, in this unfamiliar place, was like finding a piece of home in the chaos of this palace. He glanced up, his eyes meeting mine briefly, and I saw that same understanding in his gaze. He didn’t need to ask how I was; he already knew. He had always known.
I hurried down the stairs, my heart pounding in my chest. When I reached him, he bowed as was expected, but the formality between us felt unnecessary. I almost broke decorum entirely, wanting to embrace him, to let him know just how much his presence meant to me, but I held myself back. There were eyes everywhere in the palace, and I couldn’t afford to show any weakness. Not now.
“Your Highness,” Ben said softly, rising from his bow.
“Ben,” I whispered, my voice betraying a hint of emotion. “You’re finally here.”
He didn’t say much, just nodded, his quiet strength doing more to reassure me than any words ever could. I could see in his face that he understood how hard it had been for me. No one else in the palace knew me the way he did. No one else would understand what it meant to have him here, to finally feel like I had someone on my side.
As we walked to his new quarters, a small chamber not far from mine, I felt a sense of peace I hadn’t felt since stepping foot in the palace. It wasn’t much, a small room for a trusted servant but it was enough. I didn’t need grandeur. I just needed someone who wasn’t a stranger in this vast, intimidating place.
While he quietly unpacked his belongings, setting things neatly in place as he always did, I stood by the doorway, watching. The tension in my body eased, knowing that I no longer had to face everything alone. I didn’t speak, and neither did he. There was no need. His presence alone was enough to soothe the turmoil that had been swirling inside me since my marriage to Aleron.
I knew Aleron wouldn’t be happy about this. The way he had tried to control the situation, to dictate who could and couldn’t be part of my life, had been infuriating. But now I had Ben, and that was a victory I intended to hold onto. Aleron could try to control me, but he couldn’t win every battle. I wouldn’t let him.
As Ben finished arranging his things, he turned to face me, his eyes soft yet determined. “I’m here now, Your Highness. Whatever you need, I’ll be by your side.”
It was the most comfort anyone had offered me since the wedding. I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Thank you, Ben. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
He bowed his head slightly, a ghost of a smile on his lips, and i decided to leave all decorum as I went ahead and hugged him tightly, finally comforted by his warm embrace. I let out a long breath, finally able to relax. The fight with Aleron was far from over, I knew that. But with Ben here, I was reminded that I still had some control over my life. I wasn’t completely powerless.
I glanced out the window at the sprawling gardens below, the sunlight casting a golden glow over the palace grounds. This place might be beautiful, but it was full of thorns, hidden and dangerous. Aleron might have won battles before, but he wouldn’t win the war. Not if I could help it.
Ben’s return was only the beginning.
— — —
It was late by the time I returned to my chambers. The palace was quiet, the moonlight casting pale silver beams through the high windows as I made my way through the empty halls. I had spent the entire evening with Ben, catching up, sharing small moments that made me feel like myself again. It was comforting, grounding even, to be in the presence of someone who truly understood me without the weight of titles, rules, or expectations. I was grateful deeply so and made a mental note to personally thank Father in the morning for his graciousness. He wasn’t just the king anymore; he was becoming my father, someone I could rely on, even in this foreign and often hostile place.
I pushed open the door to the chamber quietly, not expecting to find Aleron there so early. But there he was, standing by the wardrobe, stripping off his royal attire. His back was to me, but I could feel the tension in the room the moment I stepped inside. I hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether or not I should say anything. The evening had been peaceful, and I wasn’t eager to shatter that calm. But I knew the discussion about Ben was inevitable.
Aleron glanced over his shoulder as he unfastened his tunic, catching sight of me. His expression was unreadable, but I could sense the storm brewing beneath his composed exterior. The silence stretched between us like a taut rope, both of us knowing what was coming next.
“You’ve been with Ben all evening,” Aleron said, his voice low but firm.
I crossed my arms, trying to keep my tone measured. “Yes, I have. He’s been a loyal friend and servant to me for years. I needed some time with him.”
Aleron turned to face me fully, his shirt half undone, revealing the chiseled lines of his chest, but I wasn’t distracted. His face was tight, controlled, though I could see frustration simmering in his eyes.
“I told you Ben wasn’t necessary in the palace,” he said, his voice hardening. “But you went behind my back and involved my father.”
I stood my ground, the weight of my earlier conversations with Ben and Father giving me courage. “I didn’t go behind your back, Aleron. I made a request to someone who could actually listen and consider my needs. You refused to even hear me out.”
He let out a sharp breath, stepping closer, the tension between us growing thick. “You’re my husband, Lucian. My decisions are made for both of us, for the good of our future. You can’t just defy me whenever you feel like it.”
“And you can’t expect me to bend to your will on every little thing!” I snapped, my voice rising despite my efforts to remain calm. “Ben is important to me, Aleron. He’s been there for me when no one else was. I won’t let you strip away the only connection I have to my old life.”
Aleron’s jaw tightened, his eyes flashing with a mix of anger and something else, something softer, like hurt. “This isn’t about control, Lucian. It’s about trust. You’re acting like I’m your enemy, like I’m trying to take something from you.”
I blinked, taken aback by his words. “Aren’t you?”
He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face, looking exhausted. “No, I’m not. But you’re making this marriage harder than it needs to be.”
“I’m making it harder?” I scoffed, stepping forward, my own frustration boiling over. “You’ve done nothing but control every aspect of my life since we got married. You dictate where I can go, who I can talk to, and now you’re telling me that I can’t even have my own butler in the palace?”
Aleron’s face darkened, his voice dropping dangerously low. “This marriage is about more than just you, Lucian. You are part of the royal family now. Your actions have consequences for both of us.”
“Then maybe you should start acting like we’re equals,” I shot back. “Because right now, it feels like I’m just another pawn in your perfect little plan.”
For a moment, we stood there, locked in a silent battle of wills. The air between us was thick with tension, and I could see the muscles in Aleron’s jaw working as he tried to rein in his temper. I knew I had struck a nerve, but I didn’t care. I wasn’t going to back down—not this time.
He shook his head, turning away from me to finish removing his clothes. “You’ll have your Ben,” he muttered, his tone resigned. “But don’t think for a second that this is how things will always work. You and I, we’re bound by more than just this marriage. We’re bound by duty, by the future of the empire. You need to learn that.”
“And you need to learn that I’m not just going to follow your every command like a servant,” I replied, my voice hard but steady. “I’m your husband, Aleron. Not your subject.”
His shoulders stiffened at that, and for a long moment, he didn’t say anything. The silence stretched, heavy and suffocating, as if we were both teetering on the edge of something neither of us could fully control. Then, without another word, as he went to the sofa , pulling the covers over himself with an air of finality. The message was clear: this conversation was over.
But for me, it was far from finished.
I watched him for a moment, my heart still racing, before turning away and heading to my side of the bed. As I slipped beneath the covers, the cool silk of the sheets doing little to soothe the fire still burning inside me, I couldn’t help but feel the distance between us growing larger by the second.
Aleron might think he had won this round, but he was wrong. Ben was here, and with him came a small victory. one that reminded me that I still had power in this marriage. And I wasn’t about to let Aleron forget it.
Tomorrow, I would thank Father for his help. But tonight, I would lay in this bed in a room with my husband, knowing that the battle between us was far from over.
— — —
The next morning, Ben entered my chambers with his usual efficiency, quietly preparing my attire for the day. His presence felt like a breath of fresh air, something familiar and grounding in the unfamiliar environment of the palace. He hummed softly as he moved about the room, a tune I had heard him hum a thousand times back at the estate. It brought a smile to my face despite the heaviness that still lingered from my encounter with Aleron the previous night.
“Your highness, I hope you slept well,” Ben said, carefully laying out a perfectly pressed tunic. His gentle voice was a balm to my frayed nerves.
I nodded, though in truth, my sleep had been fitful. “It’s good to have you here, Ben. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”
He gave me a small bow. “It is my honor, my lord. I’m here to serve you as always.”
After Ben had helped me dress, I made my way down to breakfast with a renewed sense of purpose. I owed the king no, Father my gratitude for stepping in. I had resolved to thank him properly for going against Aleron’s wishes and allowing Ben to stay in the palace.
When I arrived at the dining hall, the royal family was already seated. The atmosphere was calm, and for the first time since the wedding, I felt almost at ease. I approached the table, bowing my head in respect as I greeted them.
“Good morning, Father. Good morning, Mother,” I said, taking my seat beside Aleron, who barely acknowledged me.
“Good morning, Lucian,” Father replied, a knowing smile crossing his face. “I trust everything is in order now?”
“Yes, Father, it is. Thank you for your kindness. I cannot express how much your assistance has meant to me. Having—” I stopped, catching Aleron’s sudden shift beside me. His hand clenched around his fork, and I could feel his temper brewing.
The king, blissfully unaware of the tension that was thickening between Aleron and me, nodded. “I’m glad to hear it, my son. I believe everyone should be comfortable in their own home.”
Mother smiled warmly at me, seemingly delighted by the familial bond we were forging, but Aleron’s silence spoke volumes. I didn’t need to look at him to know he was furious. His body was rigid, and the air between us felt colder with every passing second.
As breakfast continued, I found it harder and harder to engage in conversation, the tension between Aleron and me like an unspoken storm about to break. His mother asked me something about settling in, but I couldn’t focus. I kept waiting for Aleron to say something, anything, but he remained silent, his jaw tight and his eyes fixed on his plate.
When the meal ended, I rose to leave, thanking Father and Mother once more before excusing myself. But as soon as we were out of earshot, Aleron grabbed my arm, pulling me aside.
“Lucian, what the hell was that back there?” His voice was low but laced with anger.
I yanked my arm free, glaring at him. “I was trying to thank Father for helping me.I wasn’t even able to do that properly. What’s the problem?”
“The problem,” he hissed, “is that you went behind my back and undermined me in front of the king. You think you can just do whatever you want, don’t you? You’ve been here for less than a week, and you’re already playing your games.”
“Playing games?” I scoffed, my voice rising. “All I did was ask for Ben to be here because he’s the only person I trust. And you… you refused, without even giving me a reason! What am I supposed to do, just accept that? You’re not my master, Aleron!”
His eyes darkened as he stepped closer, his face only inches from mine. “You will respect my decisions, Lucian, whether you like them or not. I’m the crown prince. You seem to forget that.”
I stood my ground, anger surging through me. “And you seem to forget that I’m not your servant. I’m your equal, your husband. If you expect me to follow you blindly without question, you’re sorely mistaken.”
For a moment, we just stood there, breathing heavily, eyes locked in a silent battle. Then, without another word, Aleron turned and stormed off, leaving me standing there alone, my heart pounding in my chest.
I had won this round, but it didn’t feel like a victory. All I felt was the widening chasm between us growing deeper and darker. And I had no idea how to bridge it.
As the door slammed shut behind Aleron, the tension left me feeling drained. I stood in the hallway, trying to calm my breathing. How did we get here? It seemed that every conversation between us turned into a battle for control, with neither of us willing to back down.
I headed back to my chambers, my steps heavy as the reality of the situation weighed on me. I had wanted this marriage to be a partnership, difficult, yes, but something we could both grow into. But Aleron seemed intent on making it a power struggle, a constant reminder that I was no longer in control of my own life.
Ben was already waiting for me in the room, busying himself with organizing my things, unaware of the storm that had just passed. He looked up when I entered, his usual calm expression softening with concern.
“Your highness, is everything alright?” he asked, sensing the tension on my face.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “It’s just… Aleron. We can’t seem to talk without it turning into a fight. I thanked the king for helping bring you here, and it set him off. He thinks I went behind his back, but what was I supposed to do? Let him control everything?”
Ben’s eyes were filled with quiet understanding as he set down the tunic he was folding and turned to face me fully. “It’s understandable, your highness. You’re both still adjusting to this new life. The prince is likely feeling the weight of his duties and the expectations placed upon him. That doesn’t excuse his behavior, of course, but it might explain it.”
I sat down heavily on the edge of the bed, my head in my hands. “But I’m tired, Ben. Tired of feeling like I’m walking on eggshells around him, tired of these constant arguments. I thought… I thought marriage would be different. That we’d at least try to work together.”
Ben approached, his voice gentle but firm. “Give it time, my lord. Marriages, especially ones like yours, take time to find balance. You’ve been through a lot in such a short time. The prince may not understand now, but with patience, perhaps he will.”
I wanted to believe him, but the memory of Aleron’s cold, angry gaze was still fresh in my mind. “And what if he doesn’t? What if this is all there is? Just a never-ending struggle?”
Ben didn’t have an answer to that, but his steady presence was a comfort. He had always been more than just a butler to me, he was my friend, my confidant, the one person who knew me better than anyone. Having him here made the palace seem less suffocating.
“Thank you, Ben,” I said after a long pause, my voice barely above a whisper. “For everything.”
He gave a small, respectful nod, his usual formality tinged with the warmth of familiarity. “Always, your highness.”
Later that evening , as I prepared to join the royal family for another meal, I couldn’t shake the dread in my chest. Would Aleron be waiting for me with more sharp words? Would the king and queen sense the tension between us? I had to keep my composure, at least in front of them. Whatever was happening between Aleron and me had to be kept private, away from the prying eyes of the court.
When I arrived at the dining hall, the atmosphere was much the same as it had been before. The king and queen greeted me warmly, their faces full of the same kindness they’d shown me since I arrived. Aleron was already seated, his expression unreadable, though he barely glanced my way when I entered.
As I took my seat beside him, I could feel the distance between us like a physical barrier, though we were only inches apart. He didn’t speak, and I didn’t dare try to break the silence. The conversation flowed around us as the king spoke of political matters and the queen asked after my well-being, but I could feel Aleron’s anger simmering just beneath the surface.
Halfway through the meal, the king turned to me with a thoughtful expression. “Lucian, I’ve been meaning to speak with you. I heard that Ben has settled in well. I’m glad I was able to assist you in bringing him here.”
I stiffened, my fork pausing halfway to my mouth. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Aleron’s hand clench into a fist on the table.
“Yes, Father,” I said, trying to keep my tone neutral. “I’m very grateful for your help. Ben has been a great comfort to me.”
The king smiled, clearly pleased. “Good, good. I want you to feel at home here, Lucian. Whatever you need, you need only ask.”
“Thank you,” I said quietly, though I could feel Aleron’s icy glare burning into the side of my head.
For the rest of the meal, I barely spoke, my appetite long gone. The tension between Aleron and me was palpable, and I knew it was only a matter of time before it exploded once again.
When breakfast finally ended, I excused myself as quickly as I could, desperate to escape the thickening air between us. As I stepped out of the hall, I felt a hand grasp my arm.
“Lucian,” Aleron’s voice was low and harsh, his breath hot against my ear. “We need to talk. Now.”
I swallowed hard, knowing that whatever came next would not be easy.
I felt my heart race as I turned to face Aleron, his grip firm but not painful. The hall was bustling with the sound of servants clearing the table and the quiet murmur of court members discussing their plans for the day, but all that noise faded into the background. The weight of his gaze was heavy on me, and I knew I couldn’t back down now.
“Let go of me,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the unease swirling in my stomach. “We can talk, but not here.”
Aleron’s jaw tightened, but he released my arm, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features. “Fine. Follow me.”
He led me through the sprawling corridors of the palace, his strides long and purposeful. I fell into step behind him, feeling the tension radiating off him like heat from a forge. Where were we going? I had no idea, but I was too apprehensive to question him. My thoughts raced, wondering what new fight awaited us.
We arrived at a small, secluded garden, hidden away from the eyes of the palace staff and courtiers. It was a peaceful place, the moonlight shining upon it filled with vibrant flowers and the gentle sound of a nearby fountain, but it felt anything but serene at that moment. Aleron stopped and turned to face me, his expression a mixture of frustration and determination.
“Why did you thank my father for bringing Ben here?” he demanded, his voice low but fierce. “What were you thinking?”
I blinked, taken aback by his sudden outburst. “I thought it was the right thing to do! I’m grateful for what he did. Why should I hide my appreciation?”
“Because it undermines my authority!” Aleron shot back, his voice rising in volume. “It makes it seem like I don’t have a say in our lives. You’re supposed to be my partner, not act behind my back.”
“Act behind your back? Aleron, this isn’t a game of chess. I’m trying to adjust to this life, and Ben is a crucial part of that. He’s my friend, someone who knows me, and I need him here.”
“But I’m your husband!” he exclaimed, exasperation clear in his voice. “Shouldn’t that mean something? I’m trying to make decisions for us, to protect you, but all you see is control!”
“Control? Is that what you think this is?” I replied, my voice rising to match his. “You’re making decisions without even asking me what I want! You want me to fit into your idea of a perfect prince consort, but what about my needs? I’m not a puppet, Aleron!”
His face twisted with anger, but behind it, I could see a flicker of uncertainty. “You think it’s easy for me? To be expected to maintain this image of strength while I’m trying to figure out how to be a good husband to you?”
“I don’t need you to be perfect, we keep going over the same issue over and over again. Aren’t you tired?” I said, my voice softer now, though the intensity remained. “I just need you to be honest and willing to compromise. You’re not alone in this.”
Aleron took a deep breath, as if trying to rein in his emotions. He ran a hand through his hair, looking away from me as he wrestled with his thoughts. “I just… I don’t want to lose you, Lucian. This marriage is important to me.”
“Then let me in,” I urged, stepping closer to him. “Don’t push me away. We can’t build a relationship on secrets and half-truths.”
For a moment, the tension hung in the air between us, thick and palpable. Aleron looked down at the ground, the weight of our conversation settling heavily on his shoulders. When he finally looked up, his expression had shifted. The anger was still there, but now there was something else, vulnerability.
“I don’t know how to do this,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “I thought I could just be strong and everything would fall into place, but now I see that I’m just… afraid.”
My heart softened at his admission. “We can figure it out together,” I said, my tone more soothing. “We don’t have to face this alone. I’m here, and I’m committed to making this work, but you have to meet me halfway.”
Aleron hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing just a bit. “Okay. I’ll try.”
I offered him a small smile, relief washing over me. “That’s all I ask.”
As we stood together in the quiet garden, I felt a flicker of hope for the first time since we arrived at the palace. Maybe we could make this work, after all. But as I looked into Aleron’s eyes, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. Trust was a delicate thing, and we had a long way to go before we truly found our footing.
“Now, let’s head back” Aleron said, a hint of a smile creeping onto his lips.
I chuckled softly, the tension from earlier still lingering but softened by our newfound understanding. “Lead the way.”
As we walked back toward the palace, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of our journey together, one filled with challenges, but also with the possibility of something beautiful if we could learn to trust each other along the way.
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