Down the Other Path

Chapter One

Disclaimer: None of these characters belong to me.

            Alanna stepped out of the carriage, viewing her new surroundings. She sighed. 'This place was going to be her temporary home?? Instead of the freedom I'm supposed to get, I just get to go to another prison. Great.'

Prince Jonathon smirked as he watched the red-headed maiden step out of the carriage. 'His latest conquest. Well, soon to be latest conquest.'

Alanna followed the servant to her room. It seemed to be taking a long time. 'Good. I need to avoid being forced to shop for a gown.' Just the thought of royal balls and gowns brought chills down her spine. They unfortunately however, arrived at her room a short time later. 'Great. Priestess Elena is probably going to come in any minute and give me a lecture about dressing properly. In a gown. I do not need wear some blown up thing to bump into people with.'  Knock, knock. The sharp raps on the door brought Alanna out of her thoughts. 'Ugg. It's probably her.'  And unfortunately, it was.

As Priestess Elena entered the room, her mouth was pursed into a disapproving frown. As she opened her mouth to begin another scolding, Alanna inwardly groaned. 'Not another scolding. I've done practically everything they wanted me to, yet they are still not happy.'  Her train of thought was broken off by the sound of the priestess's voice. "Proper noblewomen do not wear rags like peasants", she said, looking in disgust at Alanna's linen dress. "You are to get yourself down to Corus and buy some proper gowns, including one for the upcoming ball. If I do not see that you have proof of your proper attire by tonight's banquet, you shall be severely punished." With that, she swept out of the room. Alanna sighed as she walked down to the palace stables. There was no way out. She shivered involuntarily as she remembered the priestess's last "severe punishment". She had taken away all of Alanna's clothing and replace it with ones that she deemed proper for a young noblewoman. Ugg.

            Alanna heard someone saying her name. She turned around to face five young noblemen. "Thom!" she cried to the one with purple eyes. "I'm so glad to see you!" "Me too, Alanna", Thom replied. "And wearing a dress. The convent changed you, huh?" "Nope. You shouldn't judge a book by its cover Thom", Alanna replied.

            Thom gestured to the other young noblemen standing beside him. "This is Gareth of Naxen," "Gary", the one with brown hair and eyes interrupted. "Alexander of  Tirragen, or Alex", Thom continued. "Prince Jonathon of Conte, and Raoul of Goldenlake." Alanna nodded in acknowledgement.

            Prince Jonathon noticed that this was the girl he had seen earlier. 'She looks a lot different than she is now.' He noticed that she wasn't dressed like the other palace ladies. However, he kept those comments to himself, not wanting to offend Thom, who when angered, could be extremely dangerous.

            "Well, I have to go", said Alanna. "Where?" said Thom. "Down to Corus", Alanna replied. "Bye".

            Prince Jonathon watched as Alanna walked down towards the stables. 'She certainly is a lot different than the other ladies.'

A/N: Please review. Constructive criticism, but no flames. It's my first fic.