The Future of Tortall…?

Disclaimer: Unfortunately I have had to face the sad reality that all of Tamora Pierce's characters do not belong to me (and are not secretly in love with me). So any name or place that you recognize would not be mine. The end.

Please R&R! Please!

Chapter 1

Walking through the great doors of the throne room I found Princess Alexa of Conte sitting on her throne. "Hello I presume you are Isabella of Mindelan, a mage", said the princess. "Yes, I am", I said lamely. "It's always good to have another mage and I understand you have a unique gift." "Yes", I said dryly, I didn't like the princess yet again I didn't like anyone. "I have the gift of prophecy, A type of seer, you could say." "I also understand you can heal and kill", said the princess. "Your majesty I have know intention of killing anyone while I'm here", I exclaimed though at this point I wanted to kill her, leave, and take a bath. The princess laughed, "I know. I also know you want a bath and a nap. I'll call a maid."

Chapter 2

Once in my room and away from the princess I felt much better. At around six o'clock someone knocked on my door, like the maid had said. I opened the door and saw a lady. "I'm Lady Taylor of Queenscove, I understand you are new here."

"Yes," I said while observing Lady Taylor. She had blonde-brown hair, bright blue eyes and the prettiest dress I had ever seen. Then again I hadn't seen too many dresses.

"Well my dear, I'm here to take you to dinner, but I must confess I want to fix you up before we go."

I looked at myself in the mirror, I was wearing a skirt and shirt and my hair was mussed. I looked at Taylor whose hair and dress were perfect; she also wore make-up.

"Alright!" I said, " But hurry!"

She began rummaging through my clothes and found my mother's white dress with the embroidered green leaves on it, it was my best dress.

"This will do," she said.

I went into the closet and put on the garment.

"Much better! Now let me do your hair and make up." She sat me down and began piling my hair on top of my head and securing it with various hair accessories. Then she grabbed some lip rouge and eye paint and applied them to my features. Then she slapped me hard on one cheek, then the other.

"Ouch! What'd you do that for?" I exclaimed.

She laughed, "To put color into your cheeks."

"Next time tell me, I can use my gift," I told her.

"No you can't," said Lady Taylor.

"Why not," I asked, confused.

"I've tried it before, it makes you look like a big shiny red apple."

"Oh," I said intelligently.
"Let's go," said Lady Taylor.

Chapter 3

We walked into the dining room.

"Taylor! Taylor! We're over here!" said a lady.

"Hello Nicole," said Taylor. " Isabella, this is Nicole of Pirate's Swoop, Erin of Disart, and Emily of Veldine. Ladies this is Isabella of Mindelan, she's a mage."

"Please called Bella," I said instantly.

"So are you related to the famous Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan?" asked Lady Nicole.

"No, actually, I'm related to her eldest brother."

"Oh," said Nicole, losing interest. " I'm related to Lady Knight and Champion Alanna of Pirate's Swoop and Olau."

I hated when people did this. After I told them that I wasn't a descendant of Keladry, they didn't see me as an interesting person. So they started babbling about whom they were related to until walked away. This is probably why I only had one close friend. Heather of Trebond was my best friend. She had a similar situation, people thought that she was related to Lady Alanna. But anyone who knew their history would know that Lady Alanna gave Trebond to her manservant Coram. I refocused on Nicole who was now talking about the "boys." Lady Erin said, "Yes, I heard many of them are attending the Mid-winter festivities."

"My mother expects me to wed by March!" exclaimed Lady Emily.

Soon they were talking about men and marriage, thankfully something that I wouldn't have to go through with if I didn't want to.

"Excuse me," I said finally. "But I must be leaving you now. Nice to meet all of you. Good bye."

"Bella, you must go to the mid-winter balls!" called Taylor as I left.

"Oh, joy," I muttered sarcastically once out the door.