Memory of You

Chapter Thirty: And This Is Where It All Falls Apart

"What does that mean?" Alexandra asked, angrily, walking down the stairs without him.

"I didn't mean anything by it. It's just he probably thinks we're together because of Markov, and he'll probably try harder to get you to have dinner with some one he thinks is suitable." Nicholas said rushing after her.

"And you think I have no self-control and I'd just say yes?"

"No!" Why did I say anything, he wondered, how had things turned for the worse so quickly. They had finally reached the bottom of the stairs.

"Well, Nicholas..." He winced at her use of his full name. "I would never betray you, no matter what Crawley said. Secondly, Mark and Valek know how to deal with his pushiness."

"I came with you this morning, to be a proper woman seeing off the man she loves...and now I feel stupid for coming." Alexandra looked at him, a look of hurt mixed with anger on her face.

"I hope you have a good trip. Take care." He heard her voice break.

With that she rushed past him, going back up the stairs. Nicholas stood rooted to the ground, unable to stop her. Finally he walked down the hall, alone and upset.

Reaching the large double doors that once he exited would put him on the path leading directly to the stable, Nicholas turned to look back one last time. What have I done? He thought miserably, watching the young Queen running a hand through her hair as she quickly walked up the stairs, while Mark and Valek looked confused from where they stood at the top of the staircase. He saw her wipe away something from her face. He was leaving her in tears again.

...

"Mark!"

"Alex?"

Stepping into the doorway he saw the young ruler at her father's table flipping through pages angrily. She had been in quite a mood since the morning, and though he knew it was probably something between her and Nicholas, Mark had yet to ask exactly what was going on.

"Grab Crawley from the Oak Room. Tell him I want a word." Alexandra said, sounding cross.

Doing as she had instructed, Mark found the Lord of Eucharista speaking to a few of his fellow lords. Walking back up to the King's Quarters, Mark wondered what Alexandra was up to. She knew she wasn't allowed to act on her own anger; country matters were not be decided using personal preference. In fact, she was quite aware if she did, both Mark and Valek would be right there to tell her off. What is she doing? He thought, as they entered the room.

"Majesty? You wanted to speak with me?" Lord Crawley sounded hesitant as he sat in a chair in front of her desk, having frequently been the subject of ire for the Queen.

"Yes, I did." She said, sounding curt. "Mark, stay please. Just close the door."

She knew he wouldn't leave her alone with anyone, let alone Crawley, but Mark knew she was simply making the lord aware of his presence. A type of intimidation tactic.

"Well, Lord Crawley...I thought I asked you to approve plans for travel of the other lords." She started.

"I have been doing that task, Majesty." The Lord of Eucharista said, sounding confused.

"So why haven't I been informed of all finalized plans?"

"I didn't think you would need to know about them, once they were approved." He said, Mark watched as her gaze became hard. "Besides, all lords who travel, must present their reports on their return."

"That's not the problem, Lord Crawley." She said, sounding annoyed.

"I'm sorry Majesty, then I'm confused. Is this about Lord Devereux's trip?"