| Subject: GBMO part nineteen |
Author:
FairyT
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Date Posted: Thursday, February 24, 04:26:52pm
In reply to:
Fairyt
's message, "News about GMBO..." on Thursday, October 21, 10:34:47am
It was very late in the evening when Nikita finally decided to go to bed. In the progress of the evening she’d made a list of things to take care off first thing in the morning.
Upstairs in one of the guests rooms was a young man moving slowly around in the room, picking things up and putting them down again. He was pre-occupied with thoughts of a certain young woman who was too stubborn to know what was good for her. He hated it to leave her behind. What is she going to do when they’d left the country?
He may not be the perfect answer to all her needs, but he surely offered her an easy way out of insecurity. But than, Nikita wasn’t one to always take the easiest way out.
The morning came as most mornings in winter, misty and cold. At least three people felt a mixture of melancholy and some relief. Especially Adrian felt sorry for both the young ones. Michael had his unanswered feelings to deal with and Nikita had a great challenge to overcome. Adrian knew they were perfect for each other, but needed a miracle to come this far.
Every one was present at breakfast and it went very well. They all did their utmost to make it as pleasant as possible for the others. The feelings were genuine, the topic was the house in France and Nikita had to promise to visit as soon as she was able, and she promised right away. She told them that she would go to Africa with her friends, to be at the wedding and after that she wanted to travel some more.
When they finished breakfast, Nikita asked Michael to join her in the office for a few minutes. She needed to talk with him.
Once in the office, she offered him to sit down, while she walked to the opposite side of the desk. But he declined and said that he was comfortable with standing. So she came from behind the desk to stand before him and looked up at him openly.
“Michael, I realize that since the day we’ve met, I haven’t been the kindest person around you. It must have made your staying here very difficult. I want to apologize for my behavior.”
“I don’t think you should worry about things that have passed, I certainly don’t. Let’s forget it.”
“No Michael, I had no right nor reason to do so. You and Adrian have proven yourself to be true friends of my late father and me. If I hadn’t been blinded by prejudice concerning my father’s decisions for me, I would have minded my actions. I want to clear everything between us; therefore I am truly sorry for misjudging you and ask you forgiveness.”
Seeing her so humble and openly admitting her stupidity made Michael feel very uneasy. He hurried to reassure her that he’d already forgotten.
“Nikita please, don’t border with that. I really didn’t mind and sure don’t have a grudge against you. Who could think rational under such circumstances?”
She took his hands in hers.
“Don’t you ever get mad, Michael? I don’t deserve your compassion. And I also have many reasons to thank you, most of all for being so helpful. Before we say goodbye I want to be sure that everything is alright between us, so I want to hear you say you forgive me.”
“If it makes you feel better than I’ll say it: I forgive you, even if it’s not necessary.”
“Thank you, Michael, and I do hope that fate will be prosperous with you, that life treats you kind, whatever course you take. You deserve it.”
“Thank you, Nikita. But before I go, I’d like to ask you a favor.”
“Yes, Michael, what can I do for you?”
“May I kiss you goodbye?”
“Of course you can, with pleasure.”
Slowly he drew her near and took her in an embrace and kissed her. While the kiss went on, the embrace grew tighter and the kiss deeper on the both of them. They didn’t know how long they were busy, but a knock on the door broke them apart. Flushed with embarrassment and great confusion Nikita turned to tidy up herself and shout ‘come in’.
It was Adrian to call for Michael. The time to leave was nearing and she needed to say goodbye to Nikita too. After entering the room she noticed the strange look and flushed appearance of Nikita while Michael seemed outwardly composed.
“I’m sorry to interrupt but time is pressing. So I want to say goodbye now. I do hope we see each other again soon, Nikita. Please take good care of yourself and if anything happen, come to us or send a telegram, you will?”
“Yes I will, Adrian. Thank you so much for everything and you too, Michael. I hope you have a save journey. I’ll write as soon as possible.”
“Goodbye my dear, enjoy your visit in Africa, have a good time.”
“Goodbye, Nikita.” Michael said and walked to the door, turned to look back one last time and left.
Just then she let her tears run freely.
A half an hour or so later she contacted Charles Sand to inform him of her departure to Zamunda within a week. She would need money on regular base so she wanted him to sent the money after her when she asked for it.
Than she called Terry to tell her that she was going with them and soon after she left the house to meet with them. She needed to do some shopping.
***
Zamunda was a small kingdom. At one side the sea and the rest of the country was shaped like a huge green pepper, pressed between several other countries. The country was not very rich, but they’d maintained prosperity on a reasonable level. The king had absolute power and demanded at least fifty percent taxes of his people. And this was starting to cause discontent ness amongst the civilians. There were even rumors that some individuals were forming a small army of rebels to overthrow the government. Paying so many taxes wouldn’t be that bad if the king would provide in the basic needs of his people instead of shamelessly living in abundance.
The present king was educated in the old ways and wanted to keep things that way. The crown-prince however, was educated in Europe, so he understood what the people wanted. As time goes by it brings changes along and up to some points we have to change our standards a little if it’s to our benefit.
He had tried to reason with his father about the issue, but the king became very displeased with his son and threatened to put a younger son on the throne, one that would keep to the old ways. Since then the prince was careful to reveal his opinions.
So when he was ordered to marry the daughter of the ambassador, he complied. Now Carla was coming over to marry the prince, not knowing the circumstances they were coming to face.
It was broad daylight when they arrived at the only and very busy harbor of Zamunda. And Nikita was instantly taken in with what she saw. Colorful people in even more colorfully clothing. Many small houses of wood and a few were made of stone that were of different shapes. It was nothing like she was used to. There was no wharf. The ship stayed anchored in deeper water and the passengers were taken ashore in small boats. There were plenty of those along the beach line and in some of them were fishermen busy with preparing nets. Other men where busy loading or unloading their cargo.
The big ship drew much attention of the people gathered at the harbor, but most of the attention was for the delegation that came to welcome the girls and bring them to the ambassador’s house.
The house was huge and was built in colonial style. The foundation was of stone and on the floor were light blue tiles. The rest of the house was raised in wood. Everything looked nice and clean and shiny polished. The rooms were cool and airy and over the beds hung huge mosquito nets. Nikita was exited of all this and couldn’t wait to see the rest of the country.
And soon they did. They were always accompanied by four guards to keep people at distance. It was known that one of the girls was to marry the crown prince, so the people were curious to see the future queen. But the people were mostly looking at Nikita, for she was a rare sight to see. Not many of the civilians were used to see a white woman with white hair passing by.
Nikita would stop several times to shake a child’s hand or cares a baby on the arms of its mother, giving her a compliment. And Terry would translate for the civilian, who in turn nodded for understanding but say nothing back.
As the days passed, only Nikita and Terry went out because Carla became occupied with the wedding at hand.
Mostly they went riding through the country side with its beautiful wild life and green environment. Nikita enjoyed the trips very much because it made her feel free to be herself. For once she didn’t have to care for the stiff rules of conduct they had in England. Life here seemed much easier and simple.
One day they took a direction that was not known to Nikita so far. She asked Terry where they were going and the answer was: to a convent.
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