| - Marguerite! Hurry up! – Lord John Roxton screamed through the jungle. – I want to get back to the treehouse by the dinner or Veronica will kill us. It’s her birthday today, if you don’t remember. - I didn’t forget it since you remembered me it five minutes ago. – Marguerite Krux answered abruptly. – And even if you’ll say it million times I won’t go faster because I can’t. I’m tired. - You’ll have a good rest in the evening and now hurry up. In the morning Challenger had asked them to go to the jungle to pick some plants for his researches. And may be to catch something unusual to the dinner. Veronica was so happy in the morning when Malone presented her a gold chain with a crystal pendent in the form of the heart. And when Roxton presented her new hunting knife. Even Marguerite made a gift – a thin gold bangle. Then Challenger, Malone and Summerly suggested their help to Veronica in making holiday dinner. And when Roxton offered to help Challenger in picking the plants Marguerite decided to go with him. Better than to stay all the day in the kitchen. Marguerite turned to the east as she noticed that a little wind blew though all the day there was no track of it. And she didn’t like what she saw. - Roxton, I think we have a little trouble. – She said, touching his shoulder. - What again? – He turned to her. – If it’s again your trick… - No, but I think that you prefer it to be only a trick. Marguerite made a step to the side and Roxton saw big rainy cloud that occupied the half of visible sky. And he saw how the strong trees sagged under the wind rushes. Marguerite was right – they got in a trouble. - Well, what will we do now? – Her voice was quite in the surrounding noise. - Try to think yourself. – Advised Roxton. - But you’re the man of sense here. – Marguerite crossed her hands on the breast. - If you want… - Roxton smiled. – We must go to the treehouse. The first drops of the rain fell down on them. And they became heavier and more often with every second. The strong wind was like a tornado and it was very difficult to hold out on the ground. In several seconds it was pounding with the rain. The clothes were soaked to the skin and wet hair stocked over their faces. - Come on. – Roxton took Marguerite’s hand and pulled her behind him through the jungle. Marguerite said nothing. She even forgot about the storm and heavy wind that tried to tear her hat. She thought only about the feeling that filled her when Roxton touched her. She felt her safe when he was near. And it was frightened. She didn’t want to believe any man in the world because none of them was able to love. They could only hurt. Roxton pushed Marguerite into the cave that they passed by several minutes ago and the dark closed down upon them. The cave had very unusual entrance that the raindrops couldn’t fall into it. - Well, - Marguerite looked around trying to see something but it was too dark around. – It’s way better than to go to the treehouse in the rain. Though we’re quiet wet. - Hope the rain won’t be too long. – Roxton looked out of the cave, but noticed that the rain became even heavier. – Veronica wouldn’t like if we late to the dinner. - Veronica is wrapped up in communication with Ned. I won’t be surprised if she doesn’t notice even if we absent the whole week. – Marguerite said ironically. Roxton looked at her attentively. It seemed to him that he heard the pain in her voice but he wasn’t sure. He knew perfectly that Marguerite didn’t like any holidays at all because she wasn’t used to them. There were so little holidays in her life that she even began to afraid of them. That moment he wanted to embrace her and to wipe these sad thoughts off her mind. But he knew how she was afraid of any relationship and refrained his impulse. - I hope the rain will stop soon. – Roxton replied. – It’s quite cold here. Did you notice it? - Yes? I think so too. – Marguerite embraced herself. – We must make a fire if we need to stay here for a long time. Roxton decided to take care of the fire while Marguerite would prepare the dinner. He was sure that they were late to the holiday dinner in the treehouse. But also he was sure that everybody would be anxious about his and Marguerite’s disappearance. Suddenly the ground quivered under them. Than again and again. The send and little stones poured from the cave’s arch. It was heard how big rocks were fall from the top of the mountain in what the cave was situated. - Roxton! – Called Marguerite trying to shout the raising noise down and her voice was full of fear. - Let’s go! – Roxton grabbed her hand and their bags and ran deep into the cave. – Don’t worry, Marguerite. Everything will be fine. A little later. - Hope so. They ran about twenty feet and suddenly stopped. Roxton noticed that there was no light in front of them and behind them. It could mean only one – the entrance to the cave was blocked up with stones. Perfect situation. No light, no entrance and almost no food. - I think you were right – Veronica will kill us. If we come back. – Marguerite shook her head. It was absolutely dark around and she couldn’t see Roxton, only heard his deep breathe somewhere behind. - Yes, I just can’t imagine her mood when we come back. – Roxton fired the brunch he held in his hand. The cave lit with the dim light of torch. He saw Marguerite standing near the opposite wall with the bag in her hand. He couldn’t say she was scared, but she was greatly surprised with that situation. - It must be another exit somewhere here. – Roxton supposed. - But where? The cave may be endless. Like that where Malone, Challenger and I met underground civilization with blind oracle. I thought that cave was too huge to look for the exit ourselves and if you and Veronica didn’t help us we might stay there forever. - Think about something good. – Advised he. – With such thoughts we’ll never get out of here. It’s a pity that you had left your optimism out of plateau. - You’re nice as usual. – Marguerite looked at him angrily. - You’re too. They made their way through the cave that seemed to be really endless. The floor was rough and it made big difficulties for them. Every stone was able to jump from under their feet. The torch was too dim to light the cave well that’s why not all tunnels were found. - Roxton, what would we do if the oxygen ends? – Marguerite interested in calm voice. - The cave is big and oxygen must be quite enough for several days. – Roxton looked around. – I hope we’ll find the way out during that time. - I hope so too. * * * Somewhere-aloof Marguerite noticed the light. It had to be produced by hundreds, even thousands torches. But it was so unusual here, underground. She touched Roxton’s hand and waved her head to the light. They made their way faster to that light and saw a big village, about tow hundred houses in it. They were placed not only on the cave’s floor but also in the walls. All the walls were covered with rope ladders and wood stairs. - If I meat little blind oracle again… - Marguerite replied quietly. - You’ll make something bad and the citizens will kill both of us for it. – Ended Roxton. - Hey, you’re right! – She turned her face to his. – What do you think, they have a hotel? - It’s possible. – Roxton showed to the middle of the wide square. – Look there. I think she’s their queen. Marguerite saw a young girl, roughly Veronica’s age. She walked gracefully through the square while the entire crowd looked with adoration at her. She was in white silk robe, with long blonde hair and with crown on her head that shined with jewels. There could be no doubt that she was the queen of underground kingdom. - Hope they like guests. – Said Roxton, carefully making his way from the rock they were sat at and helping Marguerite to do the same. - Hope, they’re not cannibals. – Said Marguerite. – I’m not sure that here is enough meat for all these people. As they appeared in the square all the glances turned to them. The rustle swept trough the entire crowd. The rustle of admiration and wonder. - Oh, we’re so popular here. – Whispered Marguerite to Roxton’s ear. - And no one try to kill us. – He whispered in answer. - It’s the most unusual. The crowd parted to let their queen to approach the guests. She was more beautiful closely. And the anger swept trough Marguerite mind when she noticed how Roxton stared at her. The queen stepped slowly with high lifted chin. But her eyes showed child’s interest to the new toy. - Hello, strangers. – She smiled widely. – My name is Arian. I’m the queen of Neverland, underground kingdom. We were waiting for you for many years. Now the prophecy comes true. - Waiting for us??? - The prophecy??? Exclaimed Marguerite and Roxton simultaneously. It just couldn’t be true! Strange people lived underground and waited for them for years. How could the know the they would come? What for they waited for them? - I’ll explain you everything later. – Arian smiled softly to Roxton, looked at Marguerite quickly. – Now my servants will show you your apartments. See you in the evening. Then she turned and escaped in the crowd. Roxton and Marguerite stood with wide-open mouths for several moments. They were greatly surprised by what had happened several minutes ago. But that was good that the people waited for them and didn’t try to kill. So they had a hope to escape from this strange evening. - Roxton, do you know what that… queen meant when she said she meet us in the evening? – Marguerite asked while they went behind the tall man named Joseph who volunteered to see them off to their apartments. - I think we’ll have very interesting dinner. – Roxton was surprised that the people paid no attention to the gun in his hand. As if they were not got acquainted with any weapon. - No, she said in the evening, but how could they know when the evening and when the morning. It’s absolutely dark here all day long. - May be they have a clock. Several minutes later Marguerite found herself in front of great stone building. It must be hotel, she thought. Or something like that. Joseph led them to the big rooms that were placed one opposite another and opened them. The rooms were almost the same – big bed, toilet table, sofa and two chairs and a soft carpet on the floor. Marguerite found in the wardrobe several silk robes, blouses and skirts. On the toilet table she saw hairbrush, some cosmetics and perfume that seemed her too sweet. In front of the bed she found soft pumps different colors. If they would have official dinner she had to look perfect. Especially to make Roxton not look on that girl that stared at him with adoration. Every man would be flattered with such an attention, but she didn’t expect Roxton to be caught in that trap. * * * Marguerite was buttoning her blouse when she heard the knock at her door. - You look great. – Said Roxton, entering her room when she opened the door. - Don’t you dare to say something like this to our queen during the dinner. – Marguerite closed the door and came back to the mirror. - Why? She was quite nice to us, I think. – He made a surprise on his face. - She was quite nice to YOU. – Marguerite turned to him. Roxton answered nothing and Marguerite began to brush her raven tresses. She showed her jealousy so rare and it was very pleasant for him to look at her in such moments. She pretended to be indifference to anything around and was so charming making herself to believe that Roxton was nobody for her. - Well, - she continued, - if you and your little princess are big friends, just ask her how to escape from this damn place and let’s go. There is no need to pay compliments to her during the eternity. I want to come back to the treehouse. Everybody must be worrying about us. - I’ll do all the best. – Roxton promised appeared behind her back. – But I can’t promise. - Stop kidding! – She exclaimed turning her face to his side. – If you want to spend the whole life here – it’s your choice, not mine. So ask that girl let me out of here and then do what you want. Marguerite tried not to look at him. It was too hard to see how calmly he spoke about that queen. She put her old clothes to the chair, then went to the door. - If you don’t want to be late for the dinner we must go. – She said opening the door. – I don’t want her highness to be vexed with our behavior. Roxton said nothing, just followed her with a sly smile on his face. Whoever that queen was she got his relations with Marguerite moving. Joseph met then near the entrance and led them to the apartments of the queen. They found themselves in the long hall in the middle of which located a big table. On the table Marguerite saw gold dishes and a great deal of food. Even fruits were there. It showed that she was right – there was exit somewhere there. Arian sat at the head of the table. Marguerite sat on the right side of her and Roxton on the left. Arian filled their bowls with wine and lift her one. - It is very great event – you’re here with us. – She said with a wide smile, trying to refrain her emotions. – You will be our symbols of immortality and invincibility. And in two years when I become adult you’ll help me to become a real queen. You’ll help me to enlarge my power… Marguerite almost choked over wine when she heard queen’s last words. Two years!!! She wouldn’t stay here for so long time! But Roxton. She thought he really liked how the queen looked at him, how she smiled to him. Marguerite was absolutely sure that now Roxton wanted to come back to the sunny world, but what would happen in several days in queen’s company? - Excuse me, your highness. – Interrupted Marguerite her tirade. – Lord Roxton and I… we must come back to our… family. They will worry about us. And we’re not on vocation. - Sorry, Marguerite, but it’s impossible. Big Book of Destinies tells that once man and woman come and we’ll get our full power. We’ll become immortal. You can’t leave us. - Immortal? – She asked. – We’re here for several hours and you think you’re already immortal. Arian nodded assent. - So let’s check it! – Marguerite stared her attentively. – What if I kick you with this knife and you’re not immortal? - Marguerite! – Roxton kicked her leg under the table. – Don’t be so rude. - Sorry, John. – She smiles sweetly to him. – I just couldn’t resist temptation. But now, - she stood, - I must go. I have a headache. * * * Marguerite left the room quickly. Her greatest wish was to kill this little princess. And Roxton. How dare he to protect this little..?! Marguerite tried to select polite words for that girl but it was impossible for her. Two years?! Even a queen couldn’t male her to spend here two years! If only she would look at Roxton in such a way again… Marguerite was sure that if it was possible, Roxton’s room was the same with hers. She slammed the door behind her back with such a strength that the first moment she was afraid that it could come unhinged. She was so upset with that damn dinner and with Roxton’s behavior. When Marguerite heard a knock a little time latter she knew perfectly who it was. - Marguerite! Open the door. – Called Roxton. – We need to talk. “We have nothing to talk about” – she thought and answered nothing. - Oh, come on, Marguerite. Just say me what I did wrong. “You know what!” – She answered wordlessly. Roxton was able to break down that damn door that stood between him and the woman he needed most of all in his life. He knew he was wrong but he just wanted to tease Marguerite. And she misapprehend his joke. She thought he really was interested in that queen. He had only to hope that her mood would change till morning. Marguerite was lying on the bed with silk bedspread and soft pillows and cried. The tears seemed to be endless. She made a mistake again. She fell in love with the man that didn’t love her. The only man in the world that made her cry because of love to him. Yes, he liked her but because there wasn’t another woman on plateau. And when another appeared he just wiped her from his mind like an unsuccessful episode of his life. When would she learn not to fall in love with the men that didn’t love her back? She thought she passed that stage long ago. But now she was crying again like a teenager. * * * When Roxton came to Marguerite in the morning she opened the door and even was friendly with him but he could swear that she was crying a half of a night, not less. And she was still in her night robe though it was late enough to go to the breakfast. - Arian wants us to have a breakfast with her. – He said with a little smile. - I’m not hungry. – Marguerite answered. – But you may go if you want. - Are you sure? – He stroke her cheek. – You’re a little pale. May be you need to eat. - No, I’m fine. – She stepped back from him. – Go. She’s waiting for you. Roxton stared at her with a surprise. He couldn’t understand what she wanted him to do. He saw she was afraid of his presence in her room. But on the other hand she didn’t want him to go away. - Okay, I’ll be back immediately after the breakfast. But he didn’t come back even after the lunch. Like any other man, Lord John Roxton never kept his promises, Marguerite thought. She sat on the sofa in her room trying to hear his familiar steps, but heard nothing. Of course he was with Arian. She was young, beautiful and attractive to every man. Why hadn’t he caught this rare opportunity? When it was dinnertime Marguerite still wasn’t hungry. She was too upset to think about the food. Now she thought only about leaving this bored place and came back to the treehouse. But she couldn’t do anything without Roxton. Of course, she could try but she knew that latter she would regret of her attempts a lot. Marguerite decided that it was time to talk to Roxton seriously and went to his room to wait for him there. He appeared after the half an hour. - Where the hell have you been with this little bitch? – Asked Marguerite angrily. – I was waiting for you the whole day! - Arian showed me her kingdom. – Roxton looked at her attentively and there was no trace of a joke in his eyes. – We waited for you to accompany us, but you didn’t appear even at the lunch. - And you didn’t try to come here as you promised. Well, I didn’t want to break up you little love affair. – Her voice was so cold that even the air in the room seemed to become cooler. – Just ask your princess to show me the way out, because I don’t want even to see her again. And then you may do whatever you want. - You think I want to stay here? – He looked at her. - Even it is so it’s you problems. – She crossed her hands on the breast and went out. – See you in the morning. Almost at the same moment when she closed the door of her room she heard the knock. On the threshold she saw Roxton. - May I come in? – He asked knowing the answer. - What for? – Marguerite’s eyes were cold, as all face. - We need to talk. - About what? You and this little princess? I’m afraid you mixed up the door of my room with hers. As you know she lives in the end of Central Street. Ask Joseph to show you it. He would be glad. So as she. - What are you talking about? You really think I came to talk to you about my relationship with Arian? I came to you because I want to be with you. So as you want to be with me. And don’t try to object. Roxton approached her. His eyes were full of tender and care. For the moment Marguerite even forgot what for had he come here. How violently she wanted to believe him, but she was so afraid of it. Her feelings were so unusual and frightful. Roxton stroke her cheek tenderly, then embraced her tightly. He felt how her body relaxed in his arms, how the fear went away from her eyes. And he bent to her face when she threw her hands around his neck. Their lips met trying to give all the passion and tender they had. - What if… - began Marguerite quietly when they broke the kiss. - Nothing. – Roxton interrupted her while they sat to her bed. He felt her body and her mind trust him and he didn’t want to hurt this woman once more. His joke wasn’t good and now he was going to correct the situation. Roxton kissed her again and the eternity devoured them for a long time. The world broke down to million shining pieces and stopped existing. * * * - Where they are? – Asked Veronica nervously standing on the balcony. - Oh, my child, - Summerly put his hand on her shoulder. – They’re late only on five minutes. - Seven. – Veronica turned to him. – May be something happened to them. - Roxton is able to protect both of them. And you know perfectly that Marguerite will kill anyone who’ll only try to hurt Roxton. – Old man smiled. – They’re like teenagers. - You’re right. – She smiled too. – It’s the most correct determination of their behavior, I think. - You still here. – Malone appeared on the balcony. – It’s you holiday and you’re sad. We must correct it immediately. He embraced her shoulders and kissed her forehead. Veronica took his hand. Summerly rolled his eyes and went to the kitchen where Challenger tried to make a salad. - Stop your attempts, George. – Summerly advised. – I’m sure Veronica will make it better. When she and our journalist stop talking on different romantic themes. - Roxton and Marguerite didn’t appear? – Challenger ignored his reply. - No, - professor smiled. – May be they found more interesting occupation than our little holiday. - What do you mean? * * * - I like to see you jealous. – Roxton whispered kissing Marguerite’s shoulder an eternity later when they were lying in the bed in her room. - I wasn’t jealous! – Exclaimed Marguerite raising her head from his breast. – I just… I… - Yes, you were. – He kissed her tenderly. She answered nothing but smiled a little. She didn’t want to argue with him, especially now. How long she waited for that moment, when she would be with Roxton and nothing would spoil that time. She felt like a schoolgirl on the first date. Marguerite threw her hands around his neck. - I want to go home, John. - I know, my sweet, and I want it too. Arian showed me the way out, but it’s always guards. – He strokes her raven hair. – But I promise, I’ll do all that I can to let us out of here. - I’m sure you will. – Marguerite took his hand and kissed each finger. – I think Veronica will show us all her anger when we come back. - Yes, she won’t be very glad. - But we have a good pastime. – She smiled and kissed him. – May be it’s even good that we’re here. - Are you afraid that something will change when we leave this place? – Roxton took her face in his hands. - May be, - she whispered. – I don’t know what to think. You’re her with me and it’s the best day of my life, but… You know, I had a lot of accidents in my past with which I’m not proud. And I don’t want you to regret about something later. Roxton saw the tears filled her eyes. He understood her feelings, but couldn’t find the words to make her understand that everything would be okay. He loved her too much to let her memories disturb that magic moment. And all her past played no role to the future he wanted to make for her. - Nothing will change. – He promised. – I’ll never let you go. - Promises, promises… - She whispered. And those were her last words that night. * * * Veronica went on the balcony once more. She was really anxious about Roxton and Marguerite. She couldn’t say anything about Miss Krux but Roxton had one quality that she liked a lot – punctuality. He was never late. - Oh, Veronica. – Ned appeared near by her. – They’re late only on ten minutes. I’m sure they’ll appear in several moments. - Hope so. – She smiled a little when he put his hand on her shoulder. – I want to think that this birthday must be the best. - It will. – Malone kissed her. – Everything will be fine. - I want to believe. * * * Roxton lied in Marguerite’s bed and look how she slept. Her face was so peaceful and a little smile played on it. He considered that she had very good dream. Even dreaming she looked like a graceful panther. No, little lost kitten that finally found his way home. Roxton wanted to kill by his own hands that man that hurt her so much that she stopped believe even herself. - Marguerite, - he touched her cheek softly. - Hmmm, John, - she opened her eyes. – I just couldn’t imagine how nice to wake up next to you. - I feel the same, sweet. – He kissed her tenderly. – But let’s continue in the treehouse. And now we must hurry up and try to get out of here. And dress please your old clothes. I like them way better than these silk robes. You’re not real in it. - Okay. Have we go to the breakfast? - I don’t know. Though it’s too early to breakfast. I want us to go to the cave that led out and to find out how to escape. Took your gun and don’t forget about hostels. - When did I forget about something? – She called while he was putting on his clothes. In five minutes they stood in front of big stone that closed the entrance to the cave. It was too huge to try to move it themselves without any help. - Great! – Concluded Marguerite. – And how are you going to move it away? - Yesterday it wasn’t closed. – Roxton looked around. - I think they close it to the night. - But if they have to open it every day it mustn’t be too heavy. - Oh, sure. – She said sarcastically. – Not more than two or three tons. Roxton looked at her with killing glance. How could he suppose that after the night of love she became so intolerable? In spite of helping him she only tease him. Good situation, what could he say? - Marguerite, John, what are you doing here? – They heard Arian’s voice. – I think you’re still sleeping. - I don’t want to upset you, your highness, but we just trying to end our little vacation. – Marguerite smiled venomously. Arian stared at her with half-opened mouth for the moment. - You can’t go away. – Her voice was cold. – You must stay here. John, how could you do this after all the words you said to me? After you kissed me? - Excuse me! – Marguerite exclaimed turning to Roxton. – You didn’t say anything about this point! She stared at Roxton angrily and didn’t notice that he looked a little confused. She made a great mistake again. - It’s not true, Marguerite! And you, - he turned to Arian, - stop lie! I never kissed you! I never promised you anything! - I knew I mustn’t believe you! – Marguerite didn’t listen to his words. – You’re like all the man! Hey, little princess, - she turned to Arian too, - let me out of here and then you may solve your problems with that gentleman. But without me! I’m not going to keep promises he made to you. - No, Marguerite! – Roxton seized her by shoulders. – I love you! You mustn’t believe that girl! - Put your hands off me, you, bastard! – She stepped away. – Let me out of here! - Or what? – Arian looked at her with challenge. Marguerite thought for a moment. The girl was right. What could she do? Especially alone. And Roxton… Now most of all she wanted to kill him. But she hadn’t solve his problems with anybody. This… queen liked him and if he promised her something he had to make it. - Or I’ll spoil all your queen’s life. And you’ll regret of your decision the rest of your days! – Marguerite crossed her hands on the breast . - Well, - Arian seemed to be very disappointed, - I can’t make you to help me if you don’t want. It won’t make any good for my kingdom. You may go. She waved her hand and a huge stone that closed the exit moved as it was not a stone but a little feather. Marguerite and Roxton stood with wide-opened mouths and stared at what had happened. A small wind blew through the hole and tore off Marguerite’s hat. But she didn’t noticed it. Roxton grabbed her hand, their bags and his gun and dragged her to the light while her highness changed her mind. He didn’t want to spend the rest of his life underground because of will of fickle girl. It was too even for him. - Don’t touch me! – Exclaimed Marguerite when they found themselves in the forest where they were two days ago. She snatched her hand out of his and stepped away. - Marguerite… - he began but she interrupted him immediately. - I think I heard enough so you have no need to repeat. And don’t try to lie me again! - Why don’t you believe me?! – Roxton began to lose his temper. – Why you always believe everyone except me?! This girl is nobody for you and you believe her as to a best friend! Marguerite answered nothing. She decided to ignore all his words. Yes, he was right, this princess nobody for her, but she was able to believe her than the man. They always lied to her. Roxton was the same. Suddenly she noticed that she left her hat in the cave. She turned to come back and took it but there was no cave. Only a rock without any holes at all. And on the grass her hat laid. * * * - We worried so much! – Veronica exclaimed when Marguerite and Roxton appeared in the treehouse. – You late on fifteen minutes! Marguerite stared at her with surprise. - Fifteen minutes?! – She didn’t understand anything. – We were absent for two days! Now it was turn of others to be surprised. - What are you talking about?! You went hunting in the morning and promised to come back till the dinner. And you were late on fifteen minutes, though today Veronica’s birthday. – Summerly replied. – We understand that the time for you in each other’s company goes slowly but… two days! It sounds like fantasy. - But we really spent tow days in underground kingdom! – Roxton looked at then and at Marguerite. – And the queen even wanted us to stay there forever. - Again the queen! – Marguerite turned to him. – Still can’t forget her? After these words she went to her room, slamming the door loudly behind her back. All the group stared at her with amazement. It was normal thing when Marguerite came back to the treehouse in a bad mood after a day with Roxton, but all their words about the cave and about tow days that they spent there. It was abnormal even for their regular quarrels. She never was so angry with him. And she never cried leaving him with wide-opened mouth. - Even if you spent tow days underground it hadn’t change anything in your relationship. – Summerly looked at Roxton with sympathy. - It’s okay, - Roxton smiled a little. – I just need to talk to her. - Wish you to come back alive. – Said Veronica watching how he went to Marguerite’s room. - I don’t want to have bloody birthday. Marguerite was lying on her bed embracing the pillow. She had no mood to celebrate any birthday. Tears ran by her cheeks and she felt herself so tired of lies and betrayal. She just didn’t notice Roxton appeared in her room. She saw him only when he sat on her bad and stroke her hair. She sat rapidly and looked at him. - What are doing here? – Marguerite asked quietly wiping her tears. - We need to talk. - We have nothing to talk about. And there is no “we” between us. - You know it’s not true. – He turned her face to his and made her to look in to his eyes. – That’s why you make yourself to think that nothing happened between us this night. - Well, it’s possible that “this” night didn’t exist. You heard Veronica said that we were late only on fifteen minutes. - Devil! – Roxton jumped up from her bed. – Marguerite, it’s not my fault that somebody betrayed you in the past. And not yours. I don’t care about your past at all! And there was nothing between Arian and me. I didn’t make any promises to her, I never kissed her! I love you! Only you. Marguerite looked at him saying nothing. It was so difficult to make choice between past and future. She couldn’t believe only on some part of her mind. She had to believe fully, without any regrets. But she knew that if Roxton betray her she wouldn’t survive it. She loved this man more than anyone in the world. And she had to believe him. She got up from the bed and came nearer to him. Roxton saw the fight inside her soul and he understood how difficult was to her to make this steps to the future. It was the most difficult decision in her life but she made it without any regret, without looking back. - This night existed. – Marguerite tried not to look in his eyes. – For me. And I hope for you too. I know it’s not you fault that my past was so… I don’t know how to describe it in one word. But I don’t want it to spoil my future. You still want me to spare it with you? She raised her eyes and looked at him with hard beating heart. And she read the answer on her question in his eyes. Roxton stroke her cheek, her hair then kissed her tenderly wiping away her tears. - I think Veronica won’t like us to be late on her birthday party once more. – He kissed her again. – You know, I like to kiss you when you’re smiling. - Good new. – She slipped her hands around his chest. – So what about party? - I think we must visit it. Just for an hour or two. And then we may make our own party without any witnesses. What do you think about it? - I like the way of your thoughts… - Hope so. – Roxton took her hand. – Let’s go. Guys are worrying about you. Your leaving was impressive. Even for me. - As you know, Lord Roxton, I like to make an impression on everybody around. Didn’t you notice it? - Oh, sure. You impressed me too much. Veronica’s birthday party was great. The first party when everybody was happy. And even Marguerite didn’t try to refrain her feelings to Roxton during it. Especially when they danced and he held her tightly in his arms and murmured that she was the most beautiful and unpredictable woman in the world. But the most wonderful party was later when everybody was asleep and Roxton came to her room with the bottle of wine and a gold ring to ask her to marry him. |
| The Cave |
| ... |
 |