| Roxton was reading the last Malone’s story when he heard the elevator coming up. Marguerite entered the room with tired glance and fell down to the soft armchair. She closed her eyes and tried to relax. Challenger and Veronica that followed her just looked at her with sympathy. - Aren’t you used to such big hikes? – Roxton grinned at Marguerite. - Shut up, John. – She advised him without opening her eyes. - Where are Summerly and Malone? – Veronica decided to ask while their “sweet” conversation didn’t grow to a big quarrel. - They are in the lab. – Roxton responded. – Summerly found some interesting insect and they are making experiments with it. - Without me?! – Challenger exclaimed and ran to the lab. Veronica looked him with a soft smile. - They are like children. – She commented. – One always tries to be better than another is. They heard a loud Challenger’s voice shouting at Summerly and Ned because they did something wrong. - I think we’ll go mad before this situation will go on. – Roxton smiled ironically. – How was your hike? - As always. – Veronica set next to him. – We tried to find way out in the western part of the plateau, but raptors decided to change our plans a little bit. We ran a long-distance marathon. - Oh, that might be the reason why Miss Krux seemed to be a little tired. – He looked at Marguerite who was sitting motionlessly in the armchair. - Stop talking about me as I’m not here! – She said in a cold voice without opening her eyes. – And, Roxton, stop laughing at me! - I’m sorry. – Roxton apologized with a smile on his face. – How could you know that I’m laughing at you if you sit with closed eyes? - I feel it! – She opened her eyes and came to Veronica. – I’m going to freshen up a little. Veronica, will you go to the pond with me? Veronica looked at her with astonishment and was about to agree, but remembered what had happened several hours ago. - I don’t want to offend you, Marguerite, but I spent the whole day with you and it was enough for me for the next month. – She replied. – I’m going to take a rest in my room. She went away. Marguerite made faces to her back and then breathed deeply. Her dream to feel better crushed. - Well, I didn’t spend the whole day with you and I think I could bear you for a little bit. – Roxton volunteered. – I would like to go the pond with you. - Only in your dreams! – She snapped out. There was only one problem – she found his suggestion very attractive. But Marguerite made an effort to forget all these stupid thoughts. Roxton was a man, just like others. Roxton came closer to her and leaned to her face. - Miss Krux, we are adult people. – He said with a grin. – What are you afraid of? His words made a very extraordinary effect. - Afraid?! – She exclaimed. – I don’t afraid of anything! And… and we going in 5 minutes! With shining eyes she ran to her bedroom to take soap, towels and clean cloths. All the way to the pond Marguerite kept silence and said not a word to Roxton who followed her and tried to begin a conversation several times. And all those times Marguerite said something rude or even didn’t answer at all. - Would you mind to turn away, please? – She asked when they reached the pond. Roxton turned away looking to the jungle where raptors might be. He heard how Marguerite’s skirt and then blouse felt down to the soft grass. Then her corset followed them and then other types of woman’s cloths. A second later Roxton heard a low curse and interested. - Is everything okay? - Yes, of course. – She replied. – I just didn’t expect water to be so cold. She dove into the deep and noticed something bright and light on the bottom among the grass. Marguerite wanted to look what that could be but suddenly she felt the water boiled. No, it wasn’t hot, but lots of bubble rose from the bottom of the pond. And she felt how water began to move. Suddenly she found herself in the middle of whirlpool that drags her into the deep. With the last effort she came to the surface of the water and saw Roxton standing on the shore and even didn’t looking to her side. - John! – She screamed for the last time and disappeared in the water. Roxton, who was still standing back to the pond turned immediately and saw Marguerite waved him her hand. He ran into the water but she already disappeared. Only then he noticed that there was a whirlpool in the center of the pond. And Marguerite had to be somewhere there! He dove again and again, but didn’t see her. The pond wasn’t very big and deep and for such a long period of time he had to see her! But Marguerite disappeared without any track! In fifteen minutes of useless searching Roxton understood that there had to be more mystical reason for Marguerite’s disappearance. He ran to the treehouse to call for the help. The moment during which the elevator lifted him to the treehouse seemed to him the longest moment in his life. When he finally entered the kitchen where everybody was sitting he couldn’t find any words to describe what had happened. - Roxton? – Veronica looked at him with little smile. – What happened? - Marguerite, - the only word that he could pronounced. – She… she… - We know, - Challenger tried to refrain the laugh. – She pushed you to the pond again? Only then Roxton understood what did the older man mean: he was in wet cloths and even from his hat water drops fell to the floor. - No! – He exclaimed angrily. – Marguerite disappeared! In a moment everybody became serious. They looked at Roxton with bewilderment. - What are you talking about? – Veronica came to the consciousness. – How could Marguerite disappeared? - Yes, how? – Malone joined her. Others were just standing and waiting for his answer. - She was swimming. – Roxton tried to be calm. – As usually, she asked me to turn away. And I did it. In several moments I heard her screaming and when I turned to her she was disappearing under the water. I tried to find her but couldn’t. - The pond is not so big. – Summerly said with a doubt. - I know! – Roxton hit the nearest wall. – Devil! I tried to find her but she wasn’t there! - And where do you think she could be? – Challenger was puzzled. He heard about something like that in the tribe. He was said that a water ghost stole people when he woke up. It happened one time in a hundred years when water ghost woke up and stole people. - I don’t know! – Roxton repeated once more. – That’s why I came here. I need your help. Veronica knew that Roxton was connected with Marguerite not only by a friendship, but also by more deep feelings. And she could understand that he worried very much about her. She was everything for him. Veronica couldn’t imagine what would happen with her if something wrong had happened with Ned. - Let’s go. – She said and went to the elevator. Others took their weapons and followed her. œ * * * ? Marguerite awoke in a big room on a large bad with silk pillows around her. She was in a long blue gown. But last that she remembered was her swimming in the pond and then a whirlpool. Roxton… She set abruptly and looked around the room. Where the hell she was? And where was Roxton? Marguerite stood up from the bed, walked to the window and looked out. She found her self not in a big house but in a little one that consists only with one room where she stood that moment. - Okay, - she said to herself, - fine! I’m not in the prison and it means that I can go out and make someone to answer what the hell is going on here. But it turned out that it would never let to go out in the nightgown. Marguerite found a big wardrobe with different cloths. She had a lot of questions to the inhabitants of this place. First, where was she, second, what had happened in the pond and third, where were others. That’s why she put on the first dress she had taken out and went to find someone who would explain her everything. She walked along the wide streets of a beautiful little town on the seashore. It consists only of 50 houses, not more. Everywhere were flowers and colored banners. It looked like a paradise. Marguerite remembered the strange paradise with a tree that had eaten people and threw these thoughts way. On the very shore she saw several young people decorating something like altar and went to them. When they saw her they behaved very strange. All of them fell down to the knees and began to pray. Marguerite crossed her hands on the chest and looked at them with a sarcastic smile. With such a smile cat plays with a mouse before eating it. - Well, guys, it is very nice of you to know who I am, but can someone of you explain me what I’m doing here? – She interested. Suddenly from the backside of the altar appeared an old mad in a long dark cloak with golden letters on it. He came to Marguerite rapidly and bowed to her. - We are greeting you, queen Margo. – He said. - Who is we? – She looked at him with wide opened eyes as he was mad. - Your people. – He showed several young people who was still sitting on their knees. – You are our queen. You came to us to bring a peace to all our country, to be our symbol and protector from cruel warriors. - Sorry, but I think that you mixed the addresses. – She smiled trying to figure out what did those people want from her. – Hardly I could be called a peaceful person. So show me the exit and I’ll go back home. It was nice to meet you. A man grabbed her hand. - You can’t go away. – He said in a pleading voice. - Why must I stay? – Her eyes narrowed. - You’ll have the best life that you could ever imagine. – Man’s eyes shined. – You’ll have everything you want – gold, diamonds, emeralds… Everything! She thought for several moments. Gold, diamonds… That was a really rare occasion for her. She couldn’t refuse to have everything! - Diamonds? – She repeated slowly. – What must I do? - Nothing! – Man seemed to be really happy that he could persuade her to stay. – Absolutely nothing, queen Margo! You just have to be our symbol. And if you stay with au we will have peace and calm in our kingdom. - That sounds very attractive. – Marguerite smiled widely. – I always wanted to have everything. And if I’m a queen I must know everything. What is it? She pointed to the altar decorated with lots of flowers and silk pillows. - It is your throne. Tomorrow we will have a big celebration in your honor. - Wonderful! – She exclaimed hoping that her guests would come in time. œ * * * ? - Found something? – Roxton cried from the center of the pond. Veronica came out of the water next to him. - No. – Answered Malone, Challenger and Summerly simultaneously. - She MUST be somewhere here! – Roxton was going to dive again when Veronica caught his hand. - Wait! – She tried to find right words. – Look, Roxton, we have been looking for her for several hours already. It’s too dark now to see something. If she were here we would have found her long ago! He was already going to answer that he would never leave this pond without Marguerite when he noticed something shining on the bottom. It couldn’t be just phosphorous plans or animals but… He looked on a growing shining circle and understood that it could be the only chance to know what happened to Marguerite. - No… - Veronica breathed when she noticed how Roxton dove to this circle. – Devil! Ned, Challenger, Summerly! Follow me! I think that the luck is on our side now. Roxton touched the shining sand and felt nothing. It wasn’t real! It was just an illusion! It was a portal to… He didn’t know where it led but was sure on 100% that Marguerite was there. œ * * * ? Marguerite was walking along the streets and thinking about what to do further. Where the hell was Roxton? And others? No one answered how she appeared here and she knew that she wasn’t on the plateau any more. The town was situated on a shore of the real sea with salt water and real waves. But there were only several lakes on the plateau with fresh water. Suddenly she heard a strange sound behind the stable. When she came closer she saw Roxton, Veronica, Challenger, Malone and Summerly sitting on a big haystack and looking amazingly around them. - What a nice surprise! – Marguerite commented with an ironical smile on her face. – I was afraid that you didn’t get my invitation cards. Everyone stared at her with wide opened eyes. - What are you doing here? – Roxton jumped from the haystack. - Interesting question. – She crossed her hands on the chest and thought for several moments about what to answer. – Honestly I want to know it, too. But unfortunately no one wants me to know it. It is so rude of them. This moment Roxton wanted to embrace her and never let her go from him. But on the other hand, he wanted to kill her. She might be more grateful for his attempt to save her. If only she knew how he dreamed about her disappearance for these years! Others came to them. - Marguerite, are you all right? – Veronica asked carefully. - I’m fine, don’t worry. – She led them to her house. It turned out that the house where she lay was a queen’s apartment. There was only one room but very big and there was everything that she could need. In the street they met that old man whose name was Eric and who talked to Marguerite on the central square. - Your highness, - he bowed to her. – We need to know what do you want to do with flowers and banners that we don’t need. - Tomorrow, Eric. – She replied. – I have guests, don’t you see? They need the best quarters to live in. - But queen Margo… - he began. - I said everything! – She interrupted and went to her apartment. Everybody followed her without saying anything. - Now, Marguerite, can you explain what the hell is going on here? – Roxton exclaimed when Marguerite closed the door of her room. - Can you repeat you question louder, Roxton? I’m afraid that those two men on the other side of the town didn’t hear you well. - I don’t want to interrupt such an interesting conversation but you can talk about it later, okay? – Veronica stood between them. They didn’t answer anything. Marguerite sat turned away from Roxton. - Now, my child, can you say what had happened to you? – Asked Summerly in a soft voice. - I would like to, but… I can’t. – She looked at him. – The last thing that I remember is a whirlpool. Then I woke up in this room and… nothing more. - Why do they think that you are the queen? – Challenger interested. She shook her head. - I have no idea. I tried to ask them about it but they said nothing. And the most part of local population is afraid even to look at me. - She noticed sarcastically. – I am the queen! - Queen Margo! – Roxton pronounced. – It sounds gracefully! Did you think it of by yourself? Marguerite tried not to pay attention to his words. - I think that Eric already made everything we need. – Challenger walked to her door. Veronica looked at him bewildered. - Oh, yes, I’m sure he is. – Malone followed her. – What do you think Summerly? An old man understood what he had meant and agreed. - We must check it out. The four of them left Roxton and Marguerite alone. - Are you crazy?! – Veronica exclaimed as they left the house. – They will kill each other! - I don’t think so. – Summerly had a sly grin on his face. – Two of them need to talk with each other. Marguerite kept silence. She knew that Roxton didn’t go away but didn’t look at him. She was sitting on her bed and looking at the wall in front of her. - Marguerite, - Roxton came to her. – I want to apologize. I hadn’t shout at you. I was just… I was… scared. When you disappeared… I thought you… - But unfortunately I’m still alive. – She lifter her cold eyes to his face. – Why couldn’t you imagine that I was scared too?! I awoke in unknown place. And no one even didn’t explain me what the hell had happened here! I was stolen not for one time and I was afraid that these people were going to feed me to T-rex! And then you appeared her and started to shout at me as it was my fault! - I’m sorry! What else do you want from me? She jumped up and looked in his eyes. - I want nothing from you, John. – Marguerite said in a low voice. – If you came here only to be sure that I’m okay, you can go home! I’m fine! I’m a queen here! His eyes narrowed. - What did they promise to you? - Excuse me? - All of us know what do you love more than anything in the world. So what is it now? “You” – hardly she refrained this answer. This moment she wanted to throw her arms around his neck and to feel his strong hands on her body. - Gold, diamonds… Everything! – She replied. - I knew it! – Roxton shook his head. – You can’t change. - Of course I can’t! – She looked through the window. – I can have all of this. These people adore me, I’m their idol. They will do everything for me. Roxton smiled ironically. - I would think a hundred times before calling you the queen. - I don’t ask you to do it. – Marguerite looked at his lovely face. – I just want you out of my life! He came closer to her and caught her arms when she wanted to get away from him. - No, you don’t. – He said in a soft voice. - I do. - Repeat it looking into my eyes! - I want you out… Roxton didn’t let her to finish. He just leaned forward and kissed her half-opened lips. Marguerite tried to resist but then she freed her arms from his and slipped them around his neck. Roxton embraced her gently and pressed her to his chest. He wanted to protect her from everything in the world and didn’t want to let her go away from him. - Are you still sure in your words? – Roxton asked with a smile when they broke their kiss. - I’m always sure in my words. – She couldn’t refrain her smile. – But this case. She placed her head against his shoulder. - John, I was so afraid… - She whispered. - I know, sweetheart. – He stroked her soft long hair. – But now I’m with you and you have nothing to be afraid of. I would never let someone to hurt you anymore. They set on her bed. - You are tired. – Roxton noticed. – I think you need to sleep for awhile. - I… I always sleep badly in unknown place. – She said quietly. – Will you stay with me until I fall asleep? - As you order, your highness. œ * * * ? Malone came to the window and looked out on the dark street. A half of an hour ago Veronica had gone to find something interesting and still didn’t come back. He worried about her. Who knows what could happen in the night? - I think Lord Roxton won’t come back today. – Challenger smiled to himself. - What makes you think so? – Ned turned to him. - If he cares about Marguerite as you care about Veronica, he won’t leave her for the moment in this strange place. – He replied. - If he is still alive. – Malone commented trying not to notice the remark about Veronica and him. – Marguerite wasn’t in good mood when we left them… He was interrupted be Veronica entered the room. All the clothes were wet and little water drops fell from her hair to the soft carpet. - What happened to you, my child? – Summerly came to her. – Is something wrong? - Everything’s fine. – She breathed heavily. – In a 10 yards from the shore I found the same thing as in the our pond. I think it must be back portal to the plateau but I’m not sure. - Can we check it? – Malone seemed to become calmer after her coming back. - I’m afraid no. – She looked at him. – I don’t like all of this and I want to get out of here as soon as it possible. Everybody thought for a moment. - What if it is not way back to the plateau? – Summerly supposed. - I think we have no other way, professor. – Veronica smiled a little. – Oh, where is Roxton? I wanted to talk to him. Challenger couldn’t refrain his smile. - Lord Roxton still didn’t come back from long conversation with Miss Krux. Veronica lifted her eyebrows in amazement. - Are you sure that she didn’t kill him? - We’re sure that he is okay. œ * * * ? Roxton awake at the dawn when the first sun rays appeared on the horizon. He looked at Marguerite sleeping peacefully in his arms. She was too tired to think about what had happened. Even in the dark he saw a smile on her face. She fell asleep almost instantly as she closed her eyes. Roxton was sure that she had a very nice dream that moment. Marguerite was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. But she was afraid. Roxton swore to himself that he would never let anyone to harm her. It was something strange in this place. Everything was too good to be true. He wanted to escape from there to be sure that the woman he loved was safe. Marguerite moved slowly and opened her eyes. In the dark she saw Roxton looking at her. - What? – She asked. - Was you ever said to be very beautiful in the morning? – He smiled and tenderly took away the lock that had felt on her face. Devilish smile appeared on her face and she slipped her hands around his neck. - My second husband always said that I looked awfully in the mornings. – She whispered. - He was stupid. – Roxton stroke her luxurious hair. – Why are you smiling? - It is very sweet feeling to wake up as a queen. – She put her head on his chest. – And next to you… - Queen Margo! – He smiled. – It sounds very graceful. May be you should take this name? - May be. – She agreed. – I’ll think about it later. Roxton felt her body relaxed in his arms. Marguerite embraced him tighter. She had never felt something like this. All her thoughts mixed up. The only thing she knew was that she didn’t want him ever left her even for a moment. - We have to go. – Roxton said. - Where? – She looked at him and understood that sweet dream finished and they came back to the real world. - To Challenger. – He stood up from the bed. – He was waiting for me yesterday evening. I think he could find a way to get out of here. Marguerite followed him as he walked to the door. - Since when Challenger became your father? – She teased him. – Or he still didn’t noticed that you’re a big boy already? - Shut up, Marguerite. – He kissed her nose and smiled. As they entered one of the little houses where Marguerite ordered to lodge her friends all of them were sleeping. Veronica on the bed, Summerly on the sofa and Malone and Challenger were on the chairs. They were very tired and on one of them heard the sound of opening door. - Good morning! – Said Marguerite in a loud voice. Everybody jumped up and stared at her. - Why all of you are sleeping here? – She interested. – Didn’t I order to make a personal apartment for each of you? - You did. – Malone yawned. – But we were waiting for Roxton. Why didn’t you come? He looked at the older man. - I… I was busy. – He looked at Marguerite for support. He met her pleading glance and understood that she didn’t want to spoil her reputation of a cruel greedy person by admitting her tender relationship with him. - We just talked about… about this place. – She lied with a brilliant smile. Roxton smiled too. - Can I ask what both of you laughing at? – Veronica stood up from the bed. - You looked… funny, when we came in. – Marguerite answered. Veronica didn’t want to leave everything like that and asked Marguerite with a sly grin: - And where Roxton slept in YOUR house? Marguerite opened her mouth and closed it immediately. - So what had you learn about this place? – She changed the theme immediately and looked at all of them. Veronica and Challenger exchanged glances and smiled. - Well, we didn’t learn something new. – Veronica replied. – But we have a suspicions that in 10 yards from the shore the same portal exists. We can escape through it any time. - I have one suggestion. – Marguerite sat on the nearest chair. Everybody looked at her attentively. She smiled and continued: - All of you know that local people considered me to be a queen. Today they want to make a big celebration for me. If you don’t hurry to come back home, I would like to visit this party. - What for? – Summerly looked to be surprised. - Well, Arthur, we are living on this godforsaken plateau for more than two years. Almost all the time we are in danger. And this place… it seemed to be safe enough. And I just want to relax a little and don’t think about hungry T-rexes and raptors. - Is that all? – Veronica crossed her hands on the chest. - No of course! – A devilish smile appeared on Marguerite’s face. – All local people are ready to give me everything I want. And I can’t lose such an excellent opportunity. - As always! – Malone commented. Challenger looked at all of them. For all this time together they became like a family with merits and demerits. But they always were together. And even Miss Krux began to change. No more she was a greedy heiress who cared only about her self. However, everybody knew how much she cares about Lord John Roxton. Everybody but she. It was obvious for everyone but Marguerite considered to be blind in this aspect. - What do you think about it, George? – Summerly turned to his colleague. – Should we stay here for awhile? - I think Marguerite is right. – He said. – We need some rest. And I think that the culture of these people must be very interesting. - Great! – Marguerite exclaimed and smiled. – It is so pleasant to feel myself a queen. I think you will never let me behave like that when we come back to the treehouse. - You are absolutely right. – Roxton shook his head. – We are not masochist. She looked at him with killing glance. Once more Roxton noticed how beautiful her eyes were when she was angry. He had to admit that he almost hated her when they met for the first time because she was haughty and unbearable person who had complained all the time. But that moment he loved her so much that it even hurt him. He wanted her to know everything about his feelings. - I noticed something strange in behavior of this people. – Veronica said thoughtfully. - What? – Malone asked her. - I don’t know, but something is not normal. - I’ll check everything now! – Marguerite went to the street. - I’ll go with you! – Roxton ran after her. They went along a wide street to the shore area. All the houses were decorated even more than a day before and looked very beautiful. And the entire altar was with flowers and banners that flapped on the wind. When Marguerite passed a group of people all of them bowed to her and she smiled to them. She took Roxton’s arm as by accident and squeezed it but didn’t look at him. The day passes very fast. They even didn’t notice when it became dark and the entire village went in the direction of the central square where the party had to be. The entire square was lit by neon light and it made it to seem very beautiful and mysterious. Marguerite was in dark blue long dress and with golden diadem on her head. Though other part of the group refused to change their clothes. They preferred to stay in their own. And all of them seemed to be worrying about something. But Marguerite knew that they always behave like this in unknown places among other people. Marguerite was standing near the long table with the glass of sweet wine in her hand when the slow music started to play and she saw Roxton coming to her. He smiled to her, then took the glass off her hand and placed it to the table. - What the queen Margo thinks about dancing with the mortal man? Without waiting for the answer he pulled her closer to him and went slowly to the center of the square. Marguerite looked in his eyes and threw her hands around his neck. Roxton embraced her gently and tried to forget that the entire crowd was watching at them with amazement. - Do you like this evening? – She whispered and put her head on his shoulder. - I like to be with you. – He answered. – What do you think about going to the evening romantic walk? She pulled him to the shore without getting her hand out of his. Eric was waiting for them near the altar. - Good evening, your highness. – He bowed to her and looked at Roxton for a moment. – Is everything all right? - Everything is fine. – Marguerite looked at the altar lit with lots of candles. – Good work, I like it. Everything is very beautiful. Eric turned and looked at the altar too. - We are making everything to make your wedding day unforgettable. – He smiled to her. Marguerite and Roxton stared at him with wide opened eyes. - Wedding day? – She repeated. - Yes, queen Margo, your wedding ceremony will be at the sunset tomorrow. – Eric replied. – Each queen must have a king and your king is already waiting for you. He will come next morning from another part of the country and after the ceremony you will live together till the end of life. - Wedding day… - Roxton pronounced slowly. – Excuse me, Marguerite, but as I remember you didn’t mention something like this. And in your… invitation cards you didn’t write that we have to visit two parties. - I didn’t know about it! I hear about it for the first time! – She exclaimed. But his eyes said that he didn’t believe her. Devil! Why?! Why couldn’t he believe her? Why she always had to prove her feelings to him? - I can’t even suppose that your greediness and wish to have everything will grow to such a big size that you even agreed to marry somebody who you even didn’t ever see! But I have to admit that it is in your style, Miss Krux. Roxton turned away and went to the Challenger and Summerly standing not far from them. - John, wait! – She was going to run after him but then turned to Eric abruptly. – Explain everything! NOW! - I… I already said everything. – He was really frightened and even seemed to become lower. - Why didn’t you say me it earlier?! – She shouted. – I’m not going to marry anybody! What the hell does all of this mean?! - It is… our tradition. – He replied quietly. That moment she was going to kill this old man. Roxton was right, everything was too good to be true. Now he was angry with her and all because of stupid tradition. - I don’t care about your traditions! - But you are the queen and… - I didn’t ask you to make me the queen! – Marguerite interrupted him furiously. Eric kept silent for a moment and then said: - If you want to lose everything and return to you world you man must fight with the king. - What if he refused? - You will be killed. - Great! With an angry face she crossed the square and ran to her house. Fight! It was really fantastic to think that Roxton would speak to her. And why had he to fight for her? Devil! She couldn’t lose this man! She loved him more than anything in the world. But she had to admit that he could refuse to fight for her. It was possible that he even could leave her here alone. In front of the door Marguerite stopped. She didn’t want to stay in the room. It was too hard to think about all of this. And she went to the beach. On the log near the water she saw Summerly. - Arthur? – She sat near him. – What are you doing here? - I can ask the same. – Older man smiled to her. – And… I just don’t like all this noise, loud music. Where is John? Marguerite breathed deeply. - I have no idea. After the new of my marriage he disappeared. - Your marriage?! – He exclaimed in amazement. - Yes, it is a tradition. – She explained. – Either I get married their king, or they will kill me. And the only was to avoid all of this if John will fight for me. But he won’t. - My child, why do you think so? – He took her cold hand. The air was fresh. – He loves you and he will do everything for you. - He thinks that I lied him. – She smiled ironically. – He thinks that I knew everything and didn’t say him. Arthur, I love him. But I don’t know what to do in such cases. She looked pleading in his eyes. For so long time together he became like a father for her and she knew that she could say anything she wanted to him. - I know. – He stroked her hair. – Queen Margo, you need to talk to your knight! She nodded her head and went to find Roxton. œ * * * ? Roxton opened the door and saw Veronica and Ned sitting on the sofa. They jumped from each other and their faces became serious. - Did you see Marguerite? – Roxton said the first words that came to his mind. - No. The last what we saw were both of you dancing. – Veronica said. - What happened? You quarreled? - No. We… I was stupid and I want to apologize for it but I can’t find her. And nobody saw her. The door opened again and Summerly entered the room. He looked at three of them standing in the center of the room and smiled a little. - John? What are you doing here? - And where have I to be? – Roxton came to him. - Miss Krux was looking for you. – An older man patted his shoulder. – Why don’t you go and find her? - Good idea. – Roxton smiled. His mood became really good. Everything might be not so bad as he thought. As he left the Malone’s apartment he went to Marguerite’s “castle”, as she called it. All the way he was thinking about his stupid behavior and understood that he was wrong. He was wrong always. Why couldn’t he refrain his temper and just show her that he loved her?! Marguerite was walking along the flowerbed and talk to herself silently. Roxton came to her back and touched her shoulder. She screamed and turned abruptly to him. - What… what are you doing here? – She asked breathing heavily. – Devil, Roxton, you frightened me to the death! - You were looking for me, aren’t you? – He smiled sarcastically and crosses his hands on the chest. - I was… yes, I was looking for you, but it doesn’t give you any right to scare me! Roxton looked at her attentively. She was so beautiful that moment! - You are quivering. – He said in tender voice. – What happened, Marguerite? - It is cold here. – She smiled nervously. – And… - And what? – He didn’t like the sound of her voice. - Eric said that I have to marry this man. – She whispered. – Or they will kill me. Roxton stared at her with wide opened eyes. He knew it! He knew that something was wrong! But this felling didn’t make him happier. - Let’s go away now! – He exclaimed. – They can’t force you to stay here! - I’m afraid they can. – She waved her head in the direction of the shore. There were about hundred people standing along the water edge. – And… there is only way to avoid my death and my marriage. - And what is it? – He looked at her impatiently. Marguerite kept silent for a moment. She didn’t want to say Roxton that her life depended on his decision but there was no other way. - Eric said that my man must fight with the king for me. – She smiled sarcastically. – I consider he thought that you and me… we… Well, I think he meant you. Roxton stared at her with amazement. He heard a big doubt in her voice and didn’t like it. How could she doubt that he would do everything for her, everything to save her life?! If she doubt in it she doubt in his feelings! He was so stupid when he left her on the square alone! - I knew it. – She said quietly but smiled. – Just forget about what I said and that’s all. She turned away and was going to leave him, but Roxton caught her wrist and pulled her closer to him. He knew that is he let her went away that moment she would never believe him. For a long moment they looked in each other’s eyes and then Roxton leaned forward and kissed her sweet lips. Marguerite returned the kiss immediately; she slipped her arms around his neck. Roxton embraced her tighter and pressed her to his chest. When they broke the kiss Marguerite looked tenderly in his eyes. She knew that if she lost this man she would never love someone else. - You are not shivered already. – Roxton said with the smile. - Because I don’t feel cold already. – She whispered. Somebody cleared his throat just behind them and they turned their heads to his direction. In several feet from them Challenger stood with a sly grin on his face. - Nice to see you together. – He commented while they jumped literally from each other. – Did you see Summerly? - He was in Malone’s apartment. – Roxton replied quickly. - Thank you, John. – Challenger thanked him. – Have a nice evening! And he went to Malone’s apartment. Roxton felt himself very confused and Marguerite was going to die if someone knew that she was kissing with Roxton. œ * * * ? - A ling arrived! A king arrived! A loud voice seemed to be heard in the other part of the world. - This works even better than my alarm clock. – Challenger lifted his heavy head. – Why didn’t they let us sleep till the noon? That night everyone except “her highness” spent in Malone’s apartment. - Because my time came. – Roxton stood up from uncomfortable chair. – What do you think about waking queen Margo? - Who is so brave? – Malone stood up too. This moment everybody heard the gentle knock, then door opened and Marguerite appeared in the room. She was still in her white long nightgown with long tresses and with tired eyes, as she didn’t sleep all the night. - As you see she didn’t need our help. – Veronica commented. – What made you to wake up so early, Marguerite? - How could I sleep in such a noise?! – She asked dryly. – Besides, I wanted to see that king. - And what? – Everybody stared at her. - He is fat and ugly. – She waved her hand. – I won’t marry him even for all jewelry of the world. - And I must fight with him. – Roxton continued. Marguerite looked at him with pleading glance but her answer was cold as always. As always when they were not alone. - I didn’t ask you. It is your decision. - I know. In a half of an hour everybody came to the central square. All of them wanted to see a king fighting for the queen and queen’s man, as they called Roxton though no one admitted it. - Promise me you will be okay. – Marguerite whispered to Roxton when Challenger and Summerly went away. – And… John, you mustn’t do it… - I promise that I will be okay. – Roxton looked at his sword and then in her eyes. – And you know that I can’t leave you. Even if you are quite unbearable sometimes. - Nice to hear. – She smiled sarcastically. Then leaned to him and quickly kissed him. – You have to go. I’ll be there. After he left Veronica came quietly to her and put her hand on Marguerite’s shoulder. Marguerite smiled softly to a younger woman for her support and looked at Roxton going to the center of the square. - You’d better to change these clothes to your own. – Veronica advised to her. – If Roxton win or not we will escape with the first opportunity. Marguerite nodded and went to her apartment. In spite of seemed clumsiness the king Charles, as everybody called him, was a very good warrior. It was obvious that he took part not in one fighting. But Roxton was better all the way. Mostly because of using not formal methods. Not once king was kicked in his legs and even fell down, but always jumped up immediately. Marguerite appeared in several minuses and watched the men fighting. No one paid attention on her old clothes because no one thought about it. In one hand she carried Roxton’s pistol. - It is time. – Veronica whispered to her and moved to the others standing in several steps from them. Roxton fell to the ground and tried to move from the hit of king’s sword. But he couldn’t. A sword of the king stroke against his shoulder. Marguerite saw that the king was going to make another attempt to kill him. And she saw the only way to save him. She shot the king. She didn’t kill him but she shot his hand where he held his sword. - Run, Roxton! – Challenger shouted. Roxton jumped up immediately and ran to the shore where Veronica found another portal. Everybody followed him including the entire crowd standing on the square with wide opened mouths. - Take it. – Summerly gave his second pistol to Roxton. – I don’t need it now. - Thank you, professor. Marguerite entered the water just behind him. Challenger, Veronica and Malone were already under the water. In the last moment Marguerite turned and looked at her country for the last time. All her difficult life taught her not to spare the eternity with the people she didn’t love. And that moment she understood that even all the treasures of the world didn’t cost a happy life with Roxton. œ * * * ? In the evening everybody was sitting in the kitchen having a dinner. They came back several hour ago and all the time they had a rest, everybody was tired. Veronica and Summerly made all they could to Roxton’s shoulder. The wound wasn’t serious and Roxton was expected to be all right in several days. - It was a very nice tale for me to write. – Malone smiled a little. – All of this was really interesting. - But as you remember, we escaped in the lake and appeared on the tree. – Marguerite smiled sarcastically. – It was a good luck for all of us that the tree wasn’t very high. Though me head still aches because of my falling from it. - We couldn’t know even that we appear on this plateau but not in other world. – Challenger noticed. – I think it is a good lesson for all of us. - What lesson? – Marguerite lifted her eyebrows. - Not to come close to the shining green portals. – Roxton replied. – And not to swim alone. - Don’t even dream! – She ordered. Then Marguerite took a big emerald out of the pocket of her coat and looked at it. - Your highness stole an emerald? – Malone looked at her with ironical smile. - Why stole? I just took what belonged to me. – A sly grin appeared on her face. Everybody laughed. - Well, ladies and gentlemen, it was nice to sit here with you, but I think I need to have rest. – Malone stood up and went to his room. – Good night. - I agree with him. – Challenger said. - Yes, my old bones need some rest too. – Summerly followed her. Veronica looked at Marguerite and Roxton. - You can go. – Marguerite said to her. – I’ll clear everything. - I’ll help you. – Roxton volunteered. - Well, if you insist. – Veronica smiled. – I need to catch a moment when you are ready to help. And she went away. Marguerite cleared everything from the table and washed the dishes feeling Roxton’s glance on her back. - Don’t you regret of losing everything in the world? – Roxton came closer to her when she finished. - No one can have everything. – She smiled nervously. – And… How is your shoulder? - Fine, I’ll be alright. – Roxton pulled her closer to him and embraced with healthy hand. – But not this you wanted to say, don’t you? - Yes. - She whispered and looked on his lovely face. – What is the reason to be a queen and have no opportunity to choose a king by herself? He kissed Marguerite gently and pulled her to his bedroom. - And who will you choose if you have an opportunity? – He asked when he had closed the door tightly showing that there was no way out. - You. – She whispered to his ear. – Because you are better than anyone in this world. |
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| Better than Anyone |
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