Daine smiled at Alanna, who looked stonily back. Nervously, the young woman grinned at Thayet, who turned away. Daine was now completely confused. What was happening?
"Thank you for coming, Veralidaine." The King's tone was clipped. "We wish to thank you for your work for our country. We no longer require your services. Thank you for your time."
Daine fixed her gaze on the floor, concentrating on breathing. "You 'thank me for my time'? You're sacking me? I don't BELIEVE this. Just wait until Numair hears-"
"Running to lover boy?" Alanna was as cool as her King.
"Why not? It's worked for you." At those malicious words, Alanna started forward.
"After all the things we've done for you-"
"And I've given a lot back. You don't know how it feels. This is the only place I've ever been where I've been accepted. And now I'm being sent away, with only a consoling pat on the head as my reward. If it hadn't been for Numair 'n me, you'd all be sunk into Chaos."
Jon folded up the parchment he had been writing on. "We understand you feel unwanted, but that's no reason to insult Alanna."
"Oh, I think it's plenty reason, your Majesty," she spat, mocking him with the last two words. "In fact, I'm glad this has happened. I thought you were nice. Now, all I see is a bunch of prissed-up peacocks in front of me."
Thayet longed to comfort the distraught girl. "I do understand that you are feeling hurt right now-"
"Oh do you? Have you ever had to leave a job you loved? Well, your job's safe. Your looks will keep you. Well, until your husband decides he wants his Lioness back. I've seen the way you look at her."
"Now I realise you're hurting, but you have no right to say that!"
"Do you deny it?" she challenged. "Go on. Tell a lie. Tell me you wouldn't give up Thayet's looks for one night with Alanna? But you won't, will you? Because you're too much in love with that stubborn COW!" A reckless rage had blown over Daine; she didn't care what she said.
"Leave my sight."
"Gladly," she retorted. "Wouldn't want to look at something that drops its new toy when it feels like it. Be careful Thayet. Alanna will tell you how easily he betrays you." Daine stromed out of the room, slamming the door. Tears were flowing down her face. They seemed to have no end. It felt like her life was flowing out with them.
"Well, that went well." Inside the room, she had left one devastated woman, one puzzled one and a VERY angry man. All faces held an element of sadness.
