Disclaimer: Sorry I didn't post this on my prologue. All of these characters, except for the occasional servant girl or distant friend of Alanna and/or George's, are Tamora Pierce's.
Author's Note: This is my first fan-fic so I hope you all like it! All constructive criticism/comments will be well appreciated!!!
~Several Days Later~
Thayet, Buri, Eleni and Rispah were all at House Olau with Alanna helping her pick out one of the several wedding dresses that had just come in from Port Caynn. Alanna was in her dressing room and shouting out to Thayet.
"I really did not appreciate that comment the other day about me wearing breeches to my own wedding! Despite the fact that I am a knight I still wear dresses and I like them. I don't know why you had to go and make such an obviously ridiculous comment," shouted Alanna under the muffled sounds of cloth.
" I didn't mean it Alanna, I really didn't. I'm sorry you feel this way – but ever since the engagement you've seemed more eager to pick a fight," said Thayet as she sat down on a pouf playing with her own engagement ring.
" I've only been that way because I'm really nervous! How do I look? " Said Alanna as she opened the door to her dressing room. She was wearing a long silk and satin dress that went all the way down to the floor and came out to a train at the bottom. The silk went up to her chest but then the sleeves and collar of the dress were pale white lace – showing off her strong shoulders. Alanna's auburn hair, which she had grown to several inches below her shoulders since the engagement was cascading down her back in curls which despite being un-brushed, still looked amazing.
"Well?" Alanna said frowning.
"Alanna you look amazing, just like a lioness," said Rispah as she looked her almost-cousin up and down with a raised eyebrow.
"Are you sure?" said Alanna looking un-accepting.
"May I come in?" said someone at the door.
"I'll get it," said Buri as she ran to the door. "Who is it?"
"It's Myles, now may I come in and see my own daughter!" Myles opened the door with such force that it nearly slammed Buri into the wall behind it. Myles' jaw dropped when he saw Alanna there.
"You look beautiful my dear," he said as he walked over to her and held both of his daughter's hands. "Beautiful as the sky on a clear night."
Alanna blushed at the rare comment of flattery from her father and said, "Thank you Myles. That means a lot to me. It really does." Alanna turned to Thayet, Eleni, Buri and Rispah and asked, "Is this really the right one? It felt perfect when I was in Port Caynn by myself but I really wanted all of your opinions."
"Alanna, this is perfect. You'll look wonderful. Don't worry about a thing," said Eleni with a grin. "George will be awed."
"I'm so glad you are all my bridesmaids. I'll definitely need all of your moral support next Saturday. Oh my gosh," said Alanna as she stood up. "I'm getting married this Saturday!" Alanna ran into her dressing room as Thayet went into help her unzip as she muttered, "Some things will never change."
~The Thursday Before the Wedding~
"I hate these court functions," muttered Alanna as she walked up the steps of the palace with her arm on George's. "Especially ones when I have to wear a dress!" Alanna was wearing a gorgeous violet silk short-sleeved dress that fell to the floor. Her long hair was pinned up in a bun with ringlets hanging out here-and-there. The only jewelry she wore were amethyst earrings along with her ember from the goddess and her engagement ring. She looked very unlike her usual knightly self.
"You know I hate these things as much as you do my dear. It's just so we please the King and Queen in knowing they can do such things as bless our marriage, you being the King's champion and all, in front of the entire court," said George as he ran his hand through his hair.
"I know, I know but why in the god's name to I have to wear a dress!"
"So you look slightly more feminine and delicate my dear. Blessed Crooked God, you do look amazing my sweet," said George as he grasped her hand.
The couple walked into the ballroom with such grace that even the King and Queen thought they were reared royalty. But as soon as the herald called, "Baron George Cooper of Pirate's Swoop, Sir Alanna of Trebond and Olau, Knight of the realm of Tortall," the talk quieted and jaws dropped. Very few had every seen Alanna in a dress, let alone makeup and they were all very surprised to her dressed as a real court lady.
Jonathan stood up and said, "Welcome Baron George, Sir Alanna. The Queen and I are very pleased you could come this evening so we can bless your upcoming marriage."
I hate it when Jon has to be so formal though Alanna as Jon walked over to take her arm.
"Come and sit down with us at our table and we shall begin our feast," said Jon guiding Alanna to a seat next to Thayet and then walking over with George to the other side of the table.
"Alanna you look amazing tonight," whispered Thayet.
"Thank you. Eleni and Rispah made me 'cause I 'can't wear breeches in front of the entire court' when George's and my wedding is being officially blessed by you and Jon."
"Oh," said Thayet grinning. "I don't think anyone else would have minded but you wearing a dress like that I think surprised the entire court."
"I figured," muttered Alanna as she brought her wine glass to her lips. The feast went on for several hours with everyone eating and talking.
But once the music started, a visiting Tyran Duke came over to the royal table. He was wearing a black silk tunic and shirt with white hose that showed off his pale pallor and dark black hair.
"Lady Alanna," he said as he bowed. "I know you're to be married on Saturday but I was wondering if you would be willing to dance with me. I am Duke Rubin of Tyra."
Alanna raised an eyebrow and said, "I'd be delighted." The Duke came over, took her hand and led Alanna out onto the dance floor where they played a waltz.
"Now then," muttered George. "Who is this young and handsome Duke asking my lovely bride to dance?"
"A visiting Duke from Tyra. He's been sweeping every young lady off her feet since he got here four days ago. It's like he's a male Delia of Eldorne," Jon said as he grinned.
"Really?" said George as he stood up. "I might just have to walk over there and cut in on the young Duke to dance with my lovely bride-to-be."
"I agree, you do that," Jon grinned at George's obvious jealousy. George walked over to Alanna and the young Duke stopped dancing. They were laughing and George raised and eyebrow.
"Now, that is a hilarious story Duke Rubin," said Alanna laughing and then she noticed George and smiled. "Hello my dear, may I introduce Duke Rubin of Tyra?"
George bowed and said, "Good Evening Duke Rubin, I am Baron George of Pirate's Swoop. May I dance with my bride-to-be young sir? We are after all, here to bless our marriage on Saturday."
"Of course Baron George," said the Duke as he bowed and walked off.
"Now my sweet," said George as he took Alanna into his arms. "He didn't sweep you off your feet did he?"
Alanna grinned and said, "Of course not dear. You're the only one for me." George and Alanna danced for what seemed like hours before the King called them up to the high table.
"Baron George, Sir Alanna. The Queen and I would like to bless your marriage in hope that it will be a continuing loving and long-lasting relationship," said Jon as he went over to the couple who were holding hands and put his hand upon them. "May you have a wonderful marriage, beautiful children, and a long-lasting relationship with each other in Tortall." With that George and Alanna bowed and curtsied to Jon and Thayet, and left the room to go back to House Olau.
"They will be such a sweet couple," murmured Thayet as she and Jon sat back down at the high table.
"Yes," said Jon staring off into the distance. "I agree."