Next bit. Pretty short, but hey. That's life.
Giovanna


Ryana found her friend in their room, sitting on her bed, another letter clutched in her hand. She was about to ask her if she would like to go to the residential seamstress with her, but thought better of it when she noticed Alanna's expression.

What is it? she asked, approaching her friend. In a dull, lifeless voice, Alanna replied,

A letter from Father. He says I'm... She closed her eyes and turned away.

You're what? Ryana pressed, sitting down next to the other girl.

Betrothed to Duke Roger, Alanna whispered.


Thom was pulled out his light sleep by knocking. Growling under his breath, he got up and went for the door, opening it enough so he could see who was disturbing him.

he started, blinking at the older man. He stepped back, allowing the burly warrior to enter the room, a familiar scowl on his face. What do you want?

Letter from yer father, Coram said, tossing a sealed letter to the squire, who caught it with an expression of distaste. Thom opened it and with unbelieving eyes, read its contents.


Thom -
Your sister has just been betrothed to the Conté Duke.
She arrives in Corus sometime this week.
- Lord Alan


What is it, lad? Coram demanded, noticing Thom's expression of utter incredulity. Wordlessly, the youth showed the warrior the letter. Then, with a sudden snarl, he crumpled it and tossed it into the fire. The parchment was devoured instantly.

Lad - began Coram anxiously.

Get out! hissed Thom, turning his back on Trebond's old sergeant-at-arms.
But -

Thom closed his eyes and took deep breaths, unwilling to throw one of the fits he was so well known for - self-centered Thom and his childish tantrums. He sighed in relief when Coram left, closing the door softly behind him. Alone again, he leaned his forehead against the window-pane.

Damn you, he whispered.