Chapter 3 of Early Love
By BEA2688

I just want to say thanks to all of my reviewers. I also thought that I should give a description of the characters so that people know what I am thinking. Also, if you read this and you like it, for some strange reason then you should read my other story that I am writing with an anonymous geek that is called "Uncalledfor Jealousy." You should also read any of an anonymous geek's stories because they are pretty good. Don't tell her I told you that! *winks* Speaking of an anonymous geek, she is not going to be able to get to a computer so I am going to be gradually putting on her stories as she gives me them hand written unless that changes sometime soon. Also, Joslyn Sparrow has a story out there. It is okay and has potential, and what's worse, she has like no reviews, so if you are needing to do a kind work today. Oh, and if you're into the whole Pirates of the Caribbean thing, then there is a story written by Morfalisiel22 (I think) that you might consider reading. Anyway, now on to the descriptions.

Katrene: she is the princess of the Copper Isles. She has like seven brothers or something like that, and she is the youngest. Her mother died shortly after she was born. *sobs* She is really close to her youngest brother, and he is really nice to her. Her father pays no attention to her at all. She likes to do guy things like use a sword, and all that. Another thing about her is that she hates men. All of the men in the court want to marry her, and she is sick and tired of the suitors. She has a woman mentor who is always telling her things that she does not want to hear (kind of like parents.)

Raoul: only the coolest knight! He was a friend with Alanna, the lady knight. He has come to the Copper Isles on a mission to bring the king a letter from Tortall. Then he meets Katrene, and.well, just read the story.

Now, on to the story.

Katrene left her room that night and made her way downstairs to the ballroom, while putting on her gloves. She was about to step into the room, when the servant that was in charge of entrances into the ball, told her that she must have an escort. She rolled her eyes. He began looking around for someone who could make an entrance with her. The only male that was suitable was Sir Raoul who was standing in the corner a ways off looking very bored and disinterested. He pointed to him and several men grabbed him, dragging him over.
Katrene's eyebrows raised instantly. He was being poked at by ladies standing near-by that were making him look presentable.
"M'lady, this is Sir Raoul. This is the princess of the Copper Isles, lady Katrene," the man with the curling mustache said.
"We've already met," Raoul said, trying to not laugh.
"Oh, good then," the man said as he almost pushed them out the doors into the ballroom.
"This wasn't my idea," Katrene whispered to Raoul as everyone stared at them.
"You sure?" he asked as he gave her a questioning look.
She jabbed him in the ribs, as she again caught everyone's attention. She flashed her smile that she was taught to use when she was in public. Many of the courtiers applauded her as she walked around to the throne and sat there. Raoul remained there by her side.
"You may leave now," she said as she gave him a look telling him to leave.
"I thought you might want to keep me around," he said, raising his eyebrows.
"You are mistaken," she managed to get out through clenched teeth.
Just then Lord Clymene, a tart-looking gentleman approached her, asking if he might dance with her. She refrained from rolling her eyes, and was about to say yes, against her will, when Sir Raoul intervened.
"I'm sorry, the princess has already agreed to accompany me for the night," Raoul said.
"Why don't we let the lady speak for herself," he said looking to Katrene.
Katrene was at a loss of what to do.
"I've already spoken for the lady, so if you wouldn't mind, I am sure that she would rather spend her time dancing with me than with the likes of you," Raoul said in her defense. "If you would like to, we can take this outside," Raoul suggested when he saw that the ugly man challenged him. He then retreated, almost slithering away.
"Thank you," Katrene whispered.
"I told you that you would want to keep me around," he answered her, smiling. "Now how about rewarding me with a dance?"
"I.I suppose that it is the least that I could do," she said as she stood up and gave him her hand. In moments they were twirling around on the dance floor, holding hands and becoming dearer to each other. Ü#$t¾#$%?'\

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