Sort of Thirteen, part two. It works on the premise that Duke Baird checked up on Delia's health but is now too old to climb up the stairs of her tower so passed the job on to Neal (which is how he gets through the infernal locked door). Sorry about any formatting stuff – still working out kinks.
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venom in your ear
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…I'm sorry. I was frustrated about Yuki and … I shouldn't have done that.
You wanted to, did you not? Never be afraid to take what you want.
…You're one to talk. Look where it got you.
Yes, remind me of the bars on my windows, but what I really wanted, my cynical healer, is still going to happen.
And that is…?
I am a woman. We cannot rule without a husband, cannot inherit land. And now, with the influence of the Queen and your knightmistress, it will change – not for me, but for others. Of course, you will have twice as many patients and far too many orphans now that women are allowed to fight.
But you agree that it is still better than what was there before. In the long run it only means that there are always better ways to accomplish your goals.
How idealistic of you. I remember when I thought the same. And I did try other ways; I took my suit to court, but it was dismissed before it came to trial. Then I met Duke Roger. He promised me everything and I believed him. Surely you know the influence a teacher has on his student.
He was your teacher? I didn't know that.
Yes. He helped me to develop my gift. Did you know I had it? Of course you did. Your father would have warned you. When I was young, they taught me enough control so that I could light candles and then they forbade me to use it ever again. Men do not want wives with power over them.
Some. Not all.
Times are changing.
I wish I had known you then.
Whatever for? To save me from my terrible fate?
Of course not. I'm sure you are strong enough to save yourself. I just would have loved to see the shouting matches between you and the Lioness… Lady…? What was…?
Ladies don't have shouting matches, Sir Nealan. Now come with me. There is something I want, too.
o-o- The serpent never sleeps –o-o
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Nealan, you boytoy. Thanks are again due to Lyre… Fen… whichever you are today.
And the extras:
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Alanna: So you're a woman. What a sob story. Build a bridge and get over it.
Delia: Yes, I'm a woman. You're just bitter because Jon treated you like a boy for the first couple years he knew you. Think of all the lost time.
Alanna: I'm sooo totally over that.
Delia: Sure you are. But you know, you really did miss out. Jon was the least of the Conté men, if you catch my meaning.
Alanna: That's disgusting. You scarlet woman!
Delia: No, no, dear. That's you. Red hair, you know.
Alanna: (fuming)
Neal awards winning point to Delia but has to wonder whether he really needed to hear all that.