A.N.: Here's an idea I had while re-reading Trickster's Queen.
Disclaimer: The story is Tamora Pierce's creation.
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QUEEN I WILL BE
Dove had sat quietly in her chair as the others pondered their future without Sarai.
"We have to get her back," said Chenaol. "Some of us will have to go after her. And at least one should be a mage, in case this Graveyard Hag is hanging around."
Dove's eyes snapped up to Chenaol's determined face and then dropped to the stones beneath her feet. Is Sarai really so good? So much better than me? They've completely forgotten...can I do this? Take Sarai's place...I hope I can...
Ysul handsigned, You can't chase Sarai to Carthak. We don't have people or time.
Ysul's right...we can't go after her. I'm the only one left, the other twice royal. I can do this. I'll take Sarai's place. I'm going to be Queen. Dove let her breath out slowly, gathering her courage for what she was about to say.
From her chair Dove said quietly, "Sarai isn't the only one with royal blood from both sides of the family." She lifted her gaze and set it upon their widened eyes. Before they could respond, there was a sharp intake of breath. Dove spun her head to face Aly and saw her widened eyes, then her sudden slump. Her maid and best friend fell out of her chair and hit the floor with a thud.
"Aly!" Dove rushed to her side and Quedanga followed. Her wrist was felt for pulse and Chenaol sighed with relief.
"She's fine, her pulse is normal-"
"Of course she's fine! The bright one has her, with right reason!" Ochobu said from her chair. She hadn't bothered to move, she had known from the minute she looked at the girl. "She ruined it! How could she miss this? Always acting like nothing could leave her sight. Well, this did!" The old mage continued to grumble.
"Stop it. What's done is done, Sarai is long gone and we can't follow. Use what you have and right now, that's me." Dove stood up and faced the crowd." I know you don't see me as anything but Sarai's little sister. I have always advised from behind. I can't rally the people the way Sarai did. She's was so passionate. I'm different because I like to read and I talk about things other girls think are boring, like taxes or crops. But Sarai and Winnamine always valued my opinion, so did you. Doesn't that mean something? From now on, I'm no longer the little sister. I'm all you have and I'm all you need. I'll take over for Sarai and I'll do the job well. I can and will be Queen. Trust me." Dove let it sink in for a few seconds before turning back to to Aly. She ran her hand down Aly's hair and took a deep breath. Oohh, wow. I just made a speech, didn't I? Well, whatever works. I need them to believe in me, that I can do it.
"Let's get Aly out of here." Dove lifted Aly's head then her shoulders, but didn't turn around. The others continued to sit silently until Dove repeated her words. They quickly roused themselves. Ulasim and Fesgao took over carrying Aly out of the room to Ochobu's infirmary. They laid her on one of the low beds. Dove sat down next to her.
"Quedanga, please tell Winnamine and Aunt Nuritin about Aly. And Boulaj, take over for Aly as my maid. We don't know how long she'll be out." Quedanga and Boulaj curtsied, their faces were lit with awe as they left the room. Dove sighed as the door closed behind them, leaving her alone with the unconsious spymaster.
"Oh, Aly...come back as fast as you can. Please."
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