-This has to be done; the disclaimer is in Chapter 1 if you really need to see it.

-Thank you to all of my reviewers, it's nice to know you like my work.

Chapter 8

No one noticed the group of soldiers led by Lieutenant Danu, except for Ned, who heard the commotion.

"Hey, what's going on..." the world became dark.

"Has anyone seen Ned?".

No one knew.

With her instincts up, she withdrew her knife from her belt, ready to strike.

"Mistress Krusix, I've been waiting for you".

Only one person had that vile scent.

"Private, I thought I smelled you" she faced him, her eyes on fire.

"Valencia!" Ned called out, the black and blue mark discoloring his handsome features.

"You should have been mine long ago, my pretty Valencia, and its Lieutenant, but you can call me Danu" his hand crudely cupped her right breast.

"I was never yours to begin with".

"Lay one finger on her..." Ned struggled against the men who held him.

"Or you'll do what Mr. Malone?" Danielle taunted.

He stopped struggling.

"I thought as much"

No one at the party noticed the commotion until Assai felt cold steel on her neck.

"If anyone moves, she's dead".

The party ended.

"My deal still stands, Mistress. Give me your sister and you shall be set free".

"Margo, no, it's a trap!".

"Follow me" John and George attempted to escape, but they too were caught.

"Captain Roxton, I thought I knew you".

"Miss Tribune, as I told you, I have no interest in you. I love Margo".

Margo's heart caught in her throat. He had been telling the truth, it had been a ruse. Taking two long strides to where she stood, despite the fact that the soldier stood only inches from her, ready to kill at Danielle's command, he kissed her as if it was the first time.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

"I know, we'll get through this, I promise" reaching for her hand, he faced Danielle.

"If you're going to kill us, you're going to have to kill both of us".

"Kill them all" she ordered as they heard the sound of cocked rifles behind them.

"Kill them, darling, and you'll be in the Tower till you die" The Duke, with Arthur surround the camp along with hundreds of British soldiers.

Begrudgingly, Danielle and her men gave up their weapons.

"Uncle Arthur" Valencia and Margo ran for their uncle.

"I'm fine".

"Mistresses Krusix, Captain Summerlee, I thank you, as does Her Majesty. I truly hope both Mr. Malone and Captain Roxton know how lucky they are".

"Your Grace, you knew about us, about everything?" George asked.

"Yes, Dr. Chancus, I have known all along about all of you, including my betrothed. If you excuse me, I must make sure the prisoners are secure".

"I'll get you all for this, you'll pay for this" Danielle's scream disappeared as she and her men were led away.

"Margo, I..." he pulled her away from the group.

"You did what you had to do; we would have been shark meat if it wasn't for your planning".

"We as in you and Tribune?" his nose wrinkled at the thought of the leech who hands had been on her a short time ago.

"We, as in myself and our child".

"Child, are you sure?".

"Of course".

"I'm going to be a father" it took a moment for the thought to sink in.

"John, put me down" he swung her around.

"I love you".

"And I love you".

"Captain, is everything all right?" George ran over to them.

"Yes, George, everything is wonderful. We are going to have a child".

"If only your parents were still living..." .

"Thank you, Uncle".

"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but has anyone seen Tribune?".

What do you think? Is Tribune turning back to his ways? Is this the end of Danielle and her plans to control the world? You'll see, I promise ;).