Jon took a whole day to recover. Alan took 3. I spent most of my time with my elder brother. We would often be seen walking throughout the palace. Page training had been put on hold for the rest of the month so everyone could recover from the Sweating Sickness.

~oOo~

I walked down the corridor with Jon and Alan. Due to the recent events, Alan and I had become quite good friends. The three of us never spoke of what had transpired in Jon's room. Alan avoided all my questions, and I suspected that Jon hadn't been able to remember most of it. I too kept my encounter with the Goddess (for by now I had figured out that it was her) to myself, though I often found myself pondering her words when I was alone. Your love for other will be your biggest strength, but also your greatest weakness. What did it mean? I wasn't sure, but I was afraid and also curious to know.

Jon's voice suddenly cut through my reverie. "Roger!" he cried gladly, running forward. I glanced up. The three of us had reached a hallway, where an extremely tall man stood, directing servants as they carried away his belongings. I estimated his height to be around six feet, maybe even more. When he glanced up, I saw that he had blue eyes and fair skin. His hair and beard was black and neatly trimmed, while his travelling gear was dusty.

This must be Roger, I realised, fascinated. I watched with curiosity as Jon embraced my cousin.
"I guess that's Duke Roger," remarked Alan.
"I guess so too," I replied. When Alan glanced at me, startled, I smiled crookedly. "I was very young when he left to study sorcery. I don't really remember him."
"Oh," replied Alan softly.
The pair came up to us, the taller man's arm around Jon's shoulders
"So you're learning magic, are you? I'll enjoy teaching you, Cousin!" exclaimed the taller man. Jon just grinned in response.
His Grace, Duke Roger of Conté paused to study us, smiling. "Will you do me the honour of introducing me to your friends, Jonathan?"

Jon smiled. "This is a friend of mine, also in page training, Alan of Trebond." Alan bowed lightly, his face showing polite interest like the most seasoned courtier at the Midwinter Ball. Jon turned to me. "This is Willow, my sister."
"I should've known," replied the man. "The resemblance is impossible to miss. I'm Duke Roger, your cousin, Lady Willow."
Well, he's charming, I'll give him that, I mused. Aloud I said "It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace," and curtsied politely.
"So formal," remarked Roger. "Are you always this polite when addressing relatives?" he added lightly.
"Are you always this blunt?" I countered.
Roger laughed. Despite my suspicion, I couldn't help the grin that stretched across my face in response. "I apologise, cousin. I was very young when you left, and I must confess that I cannot remember you at all. I have no idea who you are," I admitted.
Roger smiled. "It's quite alright, Your Highness. I will enjoy getting to know you more closely." He offered me a hand.
"Likewise," I replied, taking it. He lifted it to his lips, then letting go, he kissed my cheek. I acted relaxed, but inwardly, my nerves hummed. I realised, to my surprise, that I didn't like this man. He was…odd…for want of a better word. He set me on edge.

Interestingly enough, Alan seemed to think the same way. After Jon had departed, he looked thoughtful rather than charmed. "Alan? Are you okay?" I asked.
He started. "Yes, I'm fine. I was just thinking," he replied thoughtfully. Still on another planet, I thought. Maybe for a good reason. I shivered inwardly.

As I walked away, I thought I heard something whisper behind me. Be careful, Willow of Conté. A weasel can come in many guises and forms. I shuddered, not at the voice, but at the words it said. Unease rose in my stomach. A storm was coming.

Yeah, I know. So little from such a long wait. Sorry I was gone for so long, went on holiday over Xmas and New Year, but you don't want to know about that! I'll try to update asap. Yes, I've decided that the Goddess will be a feature in Willow's life, I've always liked mystery and intrigue :D

Please read and review!

As always, hope you enjoyed it! =D

~MagicalLeaves