Disclaimer: Ok everyone, I'm sure you've already heard this a million times, but none of these characters belong to me. They all belong to Tamora Pierce, except for Lillian. Of course, I wrote this chapter, so please don't copy my work without my permission. Thanks!

[A/N: *skips in and looks around* Oh hi! I LOVE all the nice reviews I've gotten! Thank you sooooo much! Expecially those who keep reading and reviewing! Hehe! Oh yea, I forgot. I made a mistake in the last chapter. I said I refuse to update until I get 47 updates! Oops, I meant reviews! Anyway, I hope you like the story, and this chapter is going to start looking brighter for Daine and Numair! Yay! Enjoy!]

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The next morning Numair slept in. Finally, when the bright sunlight pierced through his eyelids, and he could mope around no longer, he groaned, slowly sat up and yawned.

"Mithros, today is the ball!" the mage remembered, "I wonder if Daine is going to be there." Just in case, he stood in front of his closet to pick out something to wear. After many moments of hard decision making, he picked out his gold-rimmed black cape, and his best suit. He wanted to look good for Daine.

The day dragged on, and Numair constantly checked his watch. Usually he would be dreading a ball, but any chance to see Daine would be like Heaven to him. Finally, an hour before the ball, he started getting ready. Numair wanted lots of time to prepare and be ready.

30 minutes later, he was ready. After checking one last time in the mirror to make sure his hair was perfect, he walked toward the door. Just as Numair was about to open it, the door swung open and Lillian popped in.

"NUMAIR, YOU LOOK PERFECT!" Lillian exclaimed in a shrill voice. Numair winced and rubbed his ear. Then his eyes widened as he looked at Lillian's dress. She was wearing a long emerald colored dress, with blue trimmings. But, he had to look away because he realized that she had a VERY low collar. As much as Numair hated to admit it, she did look pretty.

"What would Daine think?" He thought to himself sorrowfully.

"Are you ready do go?" Lillian asked impatiently.
"Huh?" Numair looked confused until he realized that she expected him to escort her to the ball. He forced a smile and his happy mood disappeared as he reluctantly took her hand.

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Meanwhile, Daine was dressing up. She had just found out the ball was in her honor! Excited as she was, she was still nervous about seeing Numair again. Would he forgive her? Would he ignore her? Would he yell at her? A million doubts flew through Daine's head, as she quickly blocked them out. The beautiful girl put on her dress of lavender and gold, and combed her hair until it shone like gold, cascading perfectly down her back. Then Daine wove matching lavender ribbons in her hair, and put on her glittering shoes. Her necklace shone as the light bounced off it, sending rays of color throughout her room. As a final finishing touch, Daine carefully put on the earings that she had bought the day before. They were delicate gold hearts, representing her love for Numair. After Thayet and Ouna helped her with face paint, she was ready. Turning around to look at herself once more in the mirror, Daine smiled, I look almost as beautiful as Thayet! She thought happily.

[A/N: Sorry I had to end it there, I have a ton of homework, but I promised you all I would update ASAP. So there it is, hope you like it! Aren't I mean! I still haven't gotten to the ball part yet! I am writing as fast as I can to keep up with you guys, and I will add another chapter after I get 56 reviews! I'm evil! ^_^]

Lady of the Shadows: Well…sort of..you'll see when I write more! *grins mysteriously*

The Lady Maharet of Raleigh: Hehe! Yea, this story will have an unexpected ending. Actually, not really, but the part before the ending is. Confusing? Thanks!

Lady Katrina: lol, hehe, ok. Don't worry, I'm writing fast!

Lady Katrina: Yea, she's REALLY evil. Right now you all haven't gotten to the climax of my story yet, it will just get even better, I hope!

Lady Katrina: Lol, I will try and make it a happy ending! I'm just trying to restrain myself from giving it away!

Wolf-of-Tortall: hehe! I haven't written the ball part yet, but I think you will be kinda right. Don't worry, I won't make Lillian do anything TOO evil, for the sake of my loyal readers! Lol. Your welcome! ^_^

Lady Lianna: Thanks! Oh don't worry, she will knock his socks off, u'll see! Hehe

anonymous(): Woah! Getting impatient there! J/k, I'm writing, I'm writing…*gets pen and starts writing*

Lady Marie: I'm writing as fast as my fingers can type! I know this is full of suspense tho. Yesterday I spent 5 HOURS on the computer doing a US History assignment!

Clarylissa: Hm…I guess I PROBABLY will bring him back as human. It just makes things easier. Well, I'll keep thinking on that. Thanks for reading!

Alisa: I know, aren't I evil! Oh well, just keep reading and reviewing, and some dramatic happy scenes just might happen! Lol

queen of chickens: hehe, lol. Thanks very much *british accent* you are a very lovely person! Lol. Yea, they will probably get back together, I don't have anything against them. Keep reading to find out how! *hint hint* It's gonna be very dramatic, but not the usual "OMG! I'm SOOOOOOOOO sorry! Daine!"

*Daine leaps into Numairs arms* hehe

Cinereath: Thank you so much! You make me feel so loved! ^_^ Sorry the ball didn't come yet in this chapter, but it will in the next! Keep reading! Thanks again!