A/n: Hi! The next chapter is here!

Thanks to everyone who reviewed! You all make me happy!

I do not own Gakuen Alice. I only own my OC's.

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Chapter Fourteen: Marguerite Speaks

Days after their arrival in England, the ladies were back to their studies. The last few days were spent resting, exploring the castle and looking for Derrell, if they were able to. Marguerite joined in their studies for her love of learning, and proved to be a very diligent student. Lady Sylvia was sent to Spain with a few other ladies for some reason. She was to return in a week.

Meanwhile, Queen Rhiana seemed absorbed in her own thoughts about Sumire, Natsume and, more often than not, her missing sister Alicia. Her days were spent arguing with Natsume about Alicia and Sumire, finding ways to look for Alicia and working on her needlework.

One day, the ladies were sitting on silken cushions in the Queen's privy chamber as the Queen herself busied herself with her embroidery, which she did to pass the time. The ladies could tell her moods by the neatness of her stitches. If it was very neat, she was perfectly contented, of not happy. Moderately messy thread meant sadness or depression. At times she would talk with her ladies, asking about Derrell and their search. They said no more of Alicia.

"Marguerite, how is your search for Derrell doing?" Rhiana asked.

"Fine, Rhiana," Marguerite replied.

"I'm glad." She looked at her needlework again.

"The prince has been acting…different, don't you think, Rhiana?" Nonoko finally ventured after a long silence that hung suspended in the air.

"Yes. He has been acting more difficult these days."

"And I…we…have noticed your…conversations with him." Notice how carefully Hotaru chose the words coming out of her mouth.

"Mmm. Our arguments must be the talk of the kingdom now." Rhiana laughed bitterly.

"Rhiana, why do you torture yourself so?" Marguerite asked, standing. "Why are you doing this to yourself? You and the Prince, you are arguing nonstop! The kingdom is worried sick! Why do you do this, Rhiana?"

The Queen was silent. "Yes, why am, I doing this? I am tired of doing this to myself," she half-whispered. "And I want it all to end." She abruptly stood, causing her needlework to fall. "It is decided." She glanced at her ladies and Marguerite. "I will put an end to this at once. Thank you, Marguerite." And she strode out of the room.

"Rhiana, Rhiana!" Mikan jumped to her feet and ran after her. "Rhiana, what are you doing?"

Anna stepped on Mikan's gown. "Yaah!" Mikan cried and fell.

"Sorry Mikan," said she, "but let Rhiana do this on her own. She needs this."

Hotaru patted Marguerite's shoulder and gave her one of those rare but true smiles of hers. "You did the right thing."

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"Natsume." Rhiana entered the study room. "I need to talk with you." She faced the tutor. "Is it okay with you, Master Jinno?"

"Yes, Highness," he replied, bowing low.

Natsume stood up and followed his sister out the door.

"What is it that you want this time Rhiana?" He asked.

The Queen, in turn, took a deep breath. "I want this to stop. I don't want to argue with you anymore. I don't want to keep searching for Alicia. I need to end this. Now."

"Rhiana--"

"No, Natsume, no speaking. My mind is made up. I will declare Alicia dead. Tomorrow. Good day." She turned but paused for awhile. "Ruka, Yuu, Koko, I know you're listening. Do tell Master Jinno to cancel your lessons for today." And she walked away.

"She knew we were here?' Ruka asked, bewildered.

"Yes," Koko replied.

"But she's giving up so soon…" Yuu trailed off.

They were surprised by Natsume's words. "I know."

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A/n: Was that okay? Hmm…I have nothing else to say.

Please review!

SAKURA