She, noticing his presence, slowly turned her head from the window until her green eyes met Mark's. And seeing him, her expression changed immediately.
The sadness disappeared, replaced by a soft, warm smile.
"I'm so glad you decided to come and help me. Please, come in and take a seat beside me," she said, gesturing toward the chair in front of hers. "We have a lot to talk about."
Mark walked calmly to the chair the queen had indicated and sat down.
The chair was comfortable, with a soft fabric cushion and a backrest high enough to support one's head. It was positioned directly across from hers, with a small table between them on which sat a crystal pitcher of water and two empty glasses.
Mark settled into the seat and looked at the queen.
She was looking at him with that same warm smile she had since he entered through the door.
"For someone you don't know absolutely anything about, you sure look happy to see me," said Mark, resting his elbows on the armrests.
