Down the Other Path
Chapter Six
A/N: I own none of these characters.
She decided to go for a walk in the palace gardens to just try and forget about this. It was too much. She walked out of her chambers and down the halls.
As she walked through the gardens, she felt calmer and forgot her problems. Though most of the flowers and plants were gone, the garden was still beautiful; in their place were statues carved of ice and snow. There were scenes of the gods, nobles hunting, the Royal Forest, and even a royal ball. The royal ball . . . where she had first met Gary – and Jonathon. The feeling was happy, yet confusing. She couldn't choose between them, for fear of hurting the other. There was a cold breeze and she looked up at the sky; the sun was setting and it was time for the supper banquet. She groaned. She'd probably have to see Gary and Jonathon and that was the last thing she wanted to do. With a sigh, she walked back towards her chambers.
She entered her chambers and looked in her closet. None of the gowns were really right for her mood today. She wanted something calm and peaceful. Then she noticed a gown in the back of the closet. She pulled it out. It felt calm and peaceful, just what she needed. It was a white, empire silhouette gown with an off-the-shoulder neckline. Its long, flowing sleeves were flared and split from elbow to wrist. It had delicate gold and silver beading along the bottom of the bodice and the tips of the sleeves. She laid it on her bed and looked for a pair of slippers. She took out a pair of simple white slippers and put those next to the gown. She thought about her hair. She wanted to leave it loose so it would be free, the way she wanted to be, but she knew she couldn't. She decided on a silver circlet with pearls and rubies in the curlicues. She put the gown and slippers on carefully, as not to wrinkle them. She carefully fixed the circlet around her head so that it lay flat against her forehead. She applied a touch of shimmering golden eye paint to her eyelids and a touch of rouge to her lips.
She walked down the hall to the dining hall. When she arrived, a footman brought her to her place. She sat down carefully, looking around for Gary or Jonathon; she needed to avoid them tonight. Good. She didn't spot them anywhere. Then she saw Jonathon. He almost caught her eye, but she looked away quickly and concentrated on her empty plate. When the servers came with the food, she concentrated on eating. She listened to the other ladies' chatter, about the latest fashions, and the knights that were courting them. She sighed. She wouldn't admit it, but just the sight of Jonathon sent chills down her spine and her heart racing. But Gary. He had been so romantic, and kind and she really did love him. She stared moodily at her venison. How can I love them both? Or do I? Is it just lust for Jonathon? Or not? Finally the banquet was over and she could escape to her room. Just as she was leaving the hall, she was intercepted by Gary.
"Alanna, I just want to let you know that I truly love you with all my heart." Then he pulled her to a corner in the hall and kissed her. Surprisingly, she found her kissing back. Then she abruptly pulled away and ran back to her chambers.
Gary looked after her as she ran down the hall. Did she love him or Jonathon? He sighed, running a hand through his hair. He thought that she probably knew that it was him who had sent her the flowers. He hoped it would work, for her really did love her. He walked back to his chambers and shut the door. He sat on his bed, contemplating what might happen. If Alanna fell for Jonathon, he could never face Jonathon again. To look into the eyes of the man who had stolen his love would be too much. And that was very much what he was afraid of. Jonathon had a lot of charm and ladies were quite attracted to him and, though he hated to admit it, very handsome. Though not as much as me, he reassured himself. That thought reassured him. Alanna will be mine.