I've been having mega writer's block

I've been having mega writer's block. I am going over the same ideas over and over in my head, and worrying myself to death about Neal Gets Drunk chapter 2, and generally going AAAARGH! A lot. It is very frustrating. So I am going to write, and hope that ideas flow from the pages… fat chance. This starts when Daine is in Carthak, during Emperor Mage. I said a while ago that this would be brutal to D/N fans; I lied. I'm going to do another thing that is brutal to them. So walk forward without fear!

Tortall's Twin

Part Two: Daine

Veralidaine Sarrasri was walking towards her rooms when Harailt of Ali bumped into her.

"Oops- sorry. It's just been so hectic lately. The peace negotiations haven't been going exactly as planned, and it's just been one thing after another…"

"Fishing rights?" asked Daine.

"Worse. The Emperor refused to co-operate at all unless Prince Kaddar was married to Kalasin within the next full moon."

Daine squeaked, "But she's only ten. Thayet won't hear of a marriage being set up until she's thirteen or fourteen! And this wasn't talked about before we arrived!"

Harailt looked grim. "You'd better come with us. Your miracle with the Emperor's birds might put his in a better state of mind."

He pulled Daine with him into the conference rooms, as Daine anticipated another long and boring talk. What she didn't know is that it was about to get anything but boring…

"We refuse to have a little girl of ten married to your sixteen-year-old heir! Your Imperial Majesty, please think reasonably! The Queen would never accept your terms!"

"I see nothing wrong with a simple alliance through marriage between two just and honest (muttering in the crowd) countries."

"But a child. Cannot you wait until she is of age? Is there not some other noble or person of importance that could go in her place?"

Ozorne's debater looked thoughtful, and turned to Ozorne. There was quiet talking and conferring going on between Ozorne and his nobles. Then the Emperor's gaze turned upon Daine, and she shivered icily.

"I believe we can compromise." He replied. "We have decided that the marriage between Kalasin and Kaddar would not work with your unwilling Monarchs. (More muttering). Therefore we have decided that in place of Princess Kalasin, Veralidaine Sarrasri will marry my nephew, Prince Kaddar, within the next full moon."

Much talking broke out then, shouts and arguments.

"But she is of no blood! A common-born maid with no given status until now!"

"Do you question our motives?" Ozorne asked.

"Why would the heir to the throne of Carthak marry the bastard of a poor Gallan hedgewitch?" someone yelled. Daine flushed with anger on this remark about her Ma.

"I wish to reward Veralidaine for curing out birds so marvelously. That is our final word." Ozorne said, leaving the room. Many baffled nobles were left in his wake.

***

An angry and confused Daine was somehow married to the Prince of Carthak a week later. She was still in a slight daze, not quite following the events, only a furious Numair registering on her senses. Why the hell would she end up like this? It was all so very very twisted.

I know that was weird. Why would Ozorne do that? Flaaaaaaaaaame me. I know it was short, and the next chapter will probably be short too, but the chapter after that will be longer. Whatever comments, compliments, flames or suggestions you have, give 'em to me and R/R.