Title- Not Everything is Expected
Category: Action/Adventure, Romance
Keywords: Alanna, convent, Thom, knight, Tortall
Rating: PG-13 for cussing
Summary: Thom chickened out of the plan, and Alanna was forced to go to the convent. Now
she's 16 and visiting court in order to find a husband, or that's what was supposed to happen.
However, she's arrived at the wrong time, and the palace is chaotic. The queen is deathly ill, Thom
is worried, and everyone is suspicious of certain nobles. The commoners are rioting in the street,
and George Cooper is having problems controlling the thieves. No relationships in this story are
written in stone, so all shippers are welcome.
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by Tamora Pierce
and various publishers. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is
intended.
Revelations
Alanna stood in front of her closet, trying to chose between two violet dresses of two
different styles. She heard the door open and turned half around. "Oh, hi Thom," she said once
she caught sight of her brother.
He grinned and walked over. "What are you doing?"
She shrugged. "Trying to decide which dress to wear for the ball tomorrow night," she
replied. "What do you think."
Thom glanced over at the dresses and shrugged. "Don't know. They look the same to
me."
Alanna rolled her eyes. "Brothers," she muttered in disgust. "Thank the Goddess I only
have one."
Thom grinned at her. "It's not like you care which dress you wear," he retorted. "Who are
walking down the stairs with?"
"What are you talking about?"
Thom gave her a look. "Tomorrow, at the ball..."
Alanna frowned. "I have to walk down with someone?"
"Oh for.." Thom began, but then realized his sister was serious. "Yeah, it's a custom.
You'd better pick a partner soon or end up looking like an idiot."
"Stupid custom, if you ask me," Alanna muttered in disgust, shutting the doors of her
closet.
Thom sighed. "Once again, I'm to the rescue of the fair lady," he said.
Alanna raised an eyebrow. "I think I saw a pond outside," she said warningly.
Thom shut up, the memory of his twin sister dunking him in the pond flashing through his
head.
"Thought so," Alanna said smugly. "Now, are you going to tell me what you were talking
about the first day I got here? Troubles?"
Thom nodded and grabbed her arm. "Yeah, sure. After we find you a partner," he said,
dragging her to the door. Alanna glared at him and pulled her arm away.
"I can walk by myself," she snapped.
Thom grinned. "Good, I wasn't about to carry you."
Alanna rolled her eyes and followed her brother out of the room, careful to lock the door
behind her. "So, where are we going?"
"To Gary's rooms. The rest are sure to be there."
Alanna froze. "Them?"
Thom raised his eyebrows. "Who else were you thinking?"
"They're squires! I barely know them. Are they even going?"
Thom rolled his eyes. "Jon's the prince, of course they're going." He resumed walking.
"Fine," Alanna consented. "But I'm not walking with the prince."
Thom shot her an amused look. "You couldn't, even if you wanted to. He's walking down
with some visiting princess."
"Oh," Alanna muttered, feeling stupid. "Right."
Thom grinned and they walked in silence the rest of the way. Thom knocked on Gary's
door and poked his head in. Seeing his friends there, he opened the door fully and walked in,
followed by his twin.
"Hey Thom, Alanna," Gary said, looking over. The rest said their hellos as well. Alanna
smiled, feeling slightly out of place.
"My dear sister has yet to find a partner for the ball," Thom said. "Anyone free?" He
ignored Alanna's wince.
Gary looked regretfully. "Sorry, I'm walking down with Lady Delia." He ignored the
others' catcalls. Alanna silently felt sorry for Gary. He'd learn how vicious Delia could be. There
was only one person that girl could be after. The prince.
Raoul shook his head as well. "I being made to walk in with Lady Marie. Whoever she
might be," he said.
Alanna grinned. "Marie's nice, although she'll run you in circles with her speeches if
you're not careful," she said. At their questioning look, she shrugged. "She was at the convent
with me."
Alex shrugged, his dark eyes regarding Alanna thoughtfully. "Well, it seems as if I'm the
only one free," he said. "Lady Alanna, will you be my partner at the ball tomorrow night?"
Alanna blushed and then inwardly cursed herself for flushing. "Sure, thanks," she said,
dropping into a chair.
Thom grinned. "Good, that's all settled.
Alanna glanced sideways at him. "Who are you walking in with?" she asked curiously.
Thom shrugged. "No one."
Alanna stood. "Well, we're just going to have to change that." she said, grabbing his arm.
She ignored the questions of the other squires.
"Alanna, stop," Thom said after pulling the door shut. He wrenched his arm out of her
grasp. "You know I was planning at serving at this banquet.What's up?"
Alanna grinned at him. "You still have to tell me about the troubles'."
Thom rolled his eyes. "For that you nearly took off my arm?"
She shrugged. "Yeah. I thought it was a good coverup." She smirked. "Let's go to my
room to talk." She paused. "Scratch that, let's go to yours. You have protection spells, right?"
He nodded silently, leading the way. After they had entered, he closed the door and muttered
a few words. Alanna saw a ring of purple fire for a few seconds before it disappeared.
"You're getting stronger," she said lightly.
He glanced at her and sat down on the bed. "I've been practicing. Something which you
have not, I noticed."
She glared. "I'm never going to use my gift, Thom. I hate magic!"
Thom sighed. "Fine, I'm not going to argue about it. Back to the subject."
Alanna nodded. "Yeah. So what's going on?"
Thom frowned and began. "A few years ago we had a plague epidemic. It wasn't like the
normal plague. There were hints of magic in it."
Alanna arched a brow. "You think someone-"
"-I know someone sent it," Thom interrupted. "I think it was Duke Roger."
Alanna burst out laughing. "That's rich, Thom," she said, gasping for breath.
He glared at her. "I'm perfectly serious."
She saw that he was and calmed down. "Thom, the duke is well respected. He wouldn't
have sent a plague for no reason."
"There was a reason, Alanna," her twin said softly. "Jon got it. He almost died." He let
that sink in. "Do you know who's in line for power after Jon? Duke Roger. You know something
else? The queen isn't going to have anymore children." He smiled grimly as she realized what he
meant. "Now do you believe me?"
"He's trying to take over the throne?" she asked.
Thom frowned. "Yes...and more. He's up to something else as well. I just don't know
what, yet. I think he's been consorting with our neighbors. And not in a good way either." He
sighed. "Also, the people of the city are rioting. It's pretty dangerous to go down there now
without getting mobbed."
Alanna gulped. "What are we going to do?"
Thom shrugged. "Nothing, for now. Just keep your ears open and watch out for Roger.
He's one of the strongest magicians in the land."
"Stronger than you?"
Thom shrugged. "He has more knowledge, more practice. Potentially, could I be stronger
than him? I don't know. Maybe."
"Oh shit." Alanna said, sinking into the chair. "This really has ruined my trip."
Thom grinned. "No it hasn't. Come on, you can watch us practice on the courts."
***
George Cooper glared angrily at the thieves around him. "You steal, not murder," he
snarled at them. "Especially nobles. What the hell were you thinking? Do you want to bring the
army down on us? Kill anymore of the rich, and that's exactly what will happen!" George paced
angrily across the floor. Life the past few months had not been good. There had been riots, deaths,
and he'd steadily been loosing control of the thieves. He glared. "Just get out. Clear this room and
let me think," he snapped. He watched them mutter among themselves, but thankfully they left.
"Damn, damn, damn," he said to himself. He grabbed a goblet and poured some wine, ignoring the
splash onto his clothes. He drowned in a gulp and poured some more. Sinking into his chair, he
lowered his head, turning the cup thoughtfully in his hands. He made no move as to drink it.
"Your majesty?" a voice said, interrupting his thoughts. "Cluxon wants a word."
George gave a brief nod, not looking up. He heard the door close quietly. Sighing he leaned
back in his chair and got his emotions under control.
The door creaked open, admitting a young man of barely 17 years. He said nothing, but
moved quietly towards George. The king of thieves hooked a foot around a chair and spun it
quickly towards the youth. Cluxon barely jumped out of the way of the spinning stool. "Sit,"
George spat. Cluxon swallowed hard and sunk carefully down onto the chair.
"Your majesty?" he said softly.
"Two dead and one injured. When's it going to stop, Cluxon?" George's soft voice was
laced with fury.
"I don't know what your talking about," Cluxon replied, feigning ignorance.
The older man let out a harsh bark of laughter. "You were seen in the act, Cluxon. Do you
know what I do to people who betray my friends and I." He smiled grimly as the other man began
to shiver uncontrollably. "You like your ears, right?" at the quick confirmation, George continued,
"Good. Now, you're going fix your mistake by supporting me in every fashion."
Cluxon nodded, obviously wanting out. "Of course, your majesty."
George smiled briefly. "Good, then we understand each other." There was more that
Cluxon would have to do, but that was left unsaid. The younger thief understood.
"Perfectly, your majesty." There was a hint of mockery, but George ignored it.
"Good night, Cluxon," he said, nodding towards the door, which a guard opened.
George waited until the young thief left before throwing his goblet across the room. It hit
the wall, the red wine staining the white wall. "Have someone clear that up," George snapped at the
guard, standing up. He stalked towards the door, intending to catch a few hours sleep before dawn.
***
"So how did you get to be friends with Gary and the rest?" Alanna asked her brother.
"They're a few years older than you."
Thom shook his head. "That is not a story I'm going to tell you," he said forcefully.
Alanna grinned. This had to good. "Come on, I'm your twin. Tell me," she said coaxingly.
He groaned. "Fine, but it's embarrassing." He bit his lip and continued. "I got in a fight
the first day and needless to say I lost. Badly."
Alanna smirked. "Who'd you fight?"
Thom swallowed. "Alex, in a sword fight."
Alanna burst out laughing. She had learned earlier that Alex was the best squire with a
sword. "About what?"
Thom shrugged. "Honor, I guess. It was stupid, and I just realized that this is really not a
conversation I want to be having..."
Alanna grinned. "No, I don't think so," she said. "Tell me, or I'll just ask Alex. I'm
walking down with him tomorrow so there's plenty of time."
Thom didn't meet her eyes. "He called me a scrawny brat because I fell down the stairs and
then accused Coram of tripping me."
Alanna stared. "You really don't get along with Coram, do you?!" she said, shaking her
head in mock-disgust.
Thom glared. "Shut up. I didn't want to be here."
Alanna raised her brows. "Whose fault was that? Yours. We could have gone with my
plan."
"Yeah, and then just gotten in more trouble. Brilliant, Alanna. Really," Thom said
sarcastically.
She glared. "Shut up. It would have worked."
He rolled his eyes. "Yeah, because you'd be able to hide..." he blushed and abruptly
stopped speaking.
Alanna shrugged. "I'd figured something out, as always," she lied. She silently wondered
what she had missed by not coming to Corus five years ago. She shrugged to herself. She couldn't
change the past. Thom was probably right anyway. They would have been caught.
"Sure," Thom muttered, obviously not believing her. "Here we are at the practice courts,"
he said abruptly.
"Like I hadn't noticed," Alanna muttered.
"Shut up, `Lanna." Thom shot her a glare, and then shrugged as they made their way
towards Raoul and the prince who were watching a duel going on. Thom smirked. "Looks like
Gary challenged Alex to another duel. What a fool."
"Why do you say that?" Alanna asked.
"Alex is the best with a sword," Thom explained. "What's the duel about?" he asked
Raoul.
"Nothing, Gary's just trying to beat Alex again," the older boy replied, not taking his eyes
off the duel.
"Looks like he's going to fail," Alanna murmured as they watched Alex knock the sword
out of Gary's hand. Alex held the sword at Gary's throat.
"I yield, again" Gary muttered resignedly. Alex grinned and sheathed his sword. He held
out a hand, pulling Gary up to his feet. Gary retrieved his sword and the two made their way
towards the crowd.
"I heard you're the best," Alanna commented to Alex. He shrugged.
"With the sword, yes."
"I feel so special, being accompanied by the best squire," Alanna said, grinning.
"I resent that," Jon called out.
"What, the point that I'm the best or that I'm being accompanied by the most beautiful
lady?" Alex asked
"Both," Jon said. "Why you get Alanna and I'm stuck with snobby princess, I don't
know."
"Some of us are just better, cousin," Gary said, smirking. "In a lot of things. Like writing
poetry. Your eyes sparkle-"
"Shut up, Gary," the prince interrupted quickly.
"No, continue. I want to hear about the rest of the poem," Alanna said, grinning.
"It was pretty bad," Alex said. "He was absolutely infatuated with this girl. Wrote tens of
poems and recited them outside her window."
"Did not," Jon muttered sullenly.
"Did so." Gary retorted. "We'd know, we were the ones who had to pretend to like the
poems, just so you'd leave us alone. `But Gary, I don't know if she'll like it' what rhymes with
eyes?'"
Jon flushed. "I've got better things to do than listen to this," he muttered, walking away.
"I'll see you guys in class."
Raoul grinned. "Poor boy. Off to go fix his wounded pride."
Alanna grinned. "Is he always like this?"
"Jon? No, not really. He just hates being embarrassed, especially in front of a lady," Alex
said.
There was a brief silence after that, which Alanna interrupted with, "Thom, you never did
tell me why you're fighting with the prince." The other squires flinched, and quickly made excuses
as to where they needed to be. Thom watched them go with sullen eyes.
"It's not really any of your business," he told her.
Alanna shrugged. "Maybe not, but I'm curious."
Thom sighed "Fine, but not here." The twins walked from the practice rink in silence until
Thom decided they were far enough from the people. He sat down on the grass and Alanna plopped
down across from him.
"Tell," she commanded.
Thom leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands. "Well, I told him about my suspicions
of Roger. He didn't believe me, saying I was jealous of all the time he spent with Roger. We got
into a heated argument, and we both said stuff we shouldn't have.He said that I should be grateful
for all that Roger was teaching us in our Gifted classes." Thom laughed bitterly. "Roger's
teaching us basics, just so he can monitor us. I've learned much more by reading in the library. Jon
said that I was jealous of Roger's power and experience...which is true, in a way."
Alanna studied her brother. "You could have become a great sorcerer," she said softly.
"We could have switched places and you could have gone to the City of the Gods."
Thom shook his head. "It wouldn't have worked. And even so, than there would have been
even more trouble here. Who would have saved the prince?" He shook his head. "No, it was better
this way. At least Jon is alive." He stood, offering his hand. She ignored it and stood up.
"Are you going to apologize to him?" she asked.
"For what?" Thom asked indignantly. "He was the one who started the insults. I was just
trying to explain." As usual, her brother was being stubborn.
"He's a prince, and from what I've seen, arrogant as well. Or proud, at the very least,"
Alanna said.
"I know, but I can't," Thom said softly. A bell rang from the palace. "Classes," Thom
said, making a face. "I'll meet you after?"
Alanna nodded. "Sure," she said, turning and walking back towards the palace. Her brother
was still as stubborn as ever. Apparently six years of training to be a knight hadn't knocked that out
of him.
TBC
Next Chapter: The ball, with Alex escorting Alanna. But will that relationship blossom? And how
much of a lady is Alanna? And what else is happening in the city, and what will George do about it?
Thank you to all who reviewed. I promise that I will actually update this story now...
Category: Action/Adventure, Romance
Keywords: Alanna, convent, Thom, knight, Tortall
Rating: PG-13 for cussing
Summary: Thom chickened out of the plan, and Alanna was forced to go to the convent. Now
she's 16 and visiting court in order to find a husband, or that's what was supposed to happen.
However, she's arrived at the wrong time, and the palace is chaotic. The queen is deathly ill, Thom
is worried, and everyone is suspicious of certain nobles. The commoners are rioting in the street,
and George Cooper is having problems controlling the thieves. No relationships in this story are
written in stone, so all shippers are welcome.
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by Tamora Pierce
and various publishers. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is
intended.
Revelations
Alanna stood in front of her closet, trying to chose between two violet dresses of two
different styles. She heard the door open and turned half around. "Oh, hi Thom," she said once
she caught sight of her brother.
He grinned and walked over. "What are you doing?"
She shrugged. "Trying to decide which dress to wear for the ball tomorrow night," she
replied. "What do you think."
Thom glanced over at the dresses and shrugged. "Don't know. They look the same to
me."
Alanna rolled her eyes. "Brothers," she muttered in disgust. "Thank the Goddess I only
have one."
Thom grinned at her. "It's not like you care which dress you wear," he retorted. "Who are
walking down the stairs with?"
"What are you talking about?"
Thom gave her a look. "Tomorrow, at the ball..."
Alanna frowned. "I have to walk down with someone?"
"Oh for.." Thom began, but then realized his sister was serious. "Yeah, it's a custom.
You'd better pick a partner soon or end up looking like an idiot."
"Stupid custom, if you ask me," Alanna muttered in disgust, shutting the doors of her
closet.
Thom sighed. "Once again, I'm to the rescue of the fair lady," he said.
Alanna raised an eyebrow. "I think I saw a pond outside," she said warningly.
Thom shut up, the memory of his twin sister dunking him in the pond flashing through his
head.
"Thought so," Alanna said smugly. "Now, are you going to tell me what you were talking
about the first day I got here? Troubles?"
Thom nodded and grabbed her arm. "Yeah, sure. After we find you a partner," he said,
dragging her to the door. Alanna glared at him and pulled her arm away.
"I can walk by myself," she snapped.
Thom grinned. "Good, I wasn't about to carry you."
Alanna rolled her eyes and followed her brother out of the room, careful to lock the door
behind her. "So, where are we going?"
"To Gary's rooms. The rest are sure to be there."
Alanna froze. "Them?"
Thom raised his eyebrows. "Who else were you thinking?"
"They're squires! I barely know them. Are they even going?"
Thom rolled his eyes. "Jon's the prince, of course they're going." He resumed walking.
"Fine," Alanna consented. "But I'm not walking with the prince."
Thom shot her an amused look. "You couldn't, even if you wanted to. He's walking down
with some visiting princess."
"Oh," Alanna muttered, feeling stupid. "Right."
Thom grinned and they walked in silence the rest of the way. Thom knocked on Gary's
door and poked his head in. Seeing his friends there, he opened the door fully and walked in,
followed by his twin.
"Hey Thom, Alanna," Gary said, looking over. The rest said their hellos as well. Alanna
smiled, feeling slightly out of place.
"My dear sister has yet to find a partner for the ball," Thom said. "Anyone free?" He
ignored Alanna's wince.
Gary looked regretfully. "Sorry, I'm walking down with Lady Delia." He ignored the
others' catcalls. Alanna silently felt sorry for Gary. He'd learn how vicious Delia could be. There
was only one person that girl could be after. The prince.
Raoul shook his head as well. "I being made to walk in with Lady Marie. Whoever she
might be," he said.
Alanna grinned. "Marie's nice, although she'll run you in circles with her speeches if
you're not careful," she said. At their questioning look, she shrugged. "She was at the convent
with me."
Alex shrugged, his dark eyes regarding Alanna thoughtfully. "Well, it seems as if I'm the
only one free," he said. "Lady Alanna, will you be my partner at the ball tomorrow night?"
Alanna blushed and then inwardly cursed herself for flushing. "Sure, thanks," she said,
dropping into a chair.
Thom grinned. "Good, that's all settled.
Alanna glanced sideways at him. "Who are you walking in with?" she asked curiously.
Thom shrugged. "No one."
Alanna stood. "Well, we're just going to have to change that." she said, grabbing his arm.
She ignored the questions of the other squires.
"Alanna, stop," Thom said after pulling the door shut. He wrenched his arm out of her
grasp. "You know I was planning at serving at this banquet.What's up?"
Alanna grinned at him. "You still have to tell me about the troubles'."
Thom rolled his eyes. "For that you nearly took off my arm?"
She shrugged. "Yeah. I thought it was a good coverup." She smirked. "Let's go to my
room to talk." She paused. "Scratch that, let's go to yours. You have protection spells, right?"
He nodded silently, leading the way. After they had entered, he closed the door and muttered
a few words. Alanna saw a ring of purple fire for a few seconds before it disappeared.
"You're getting stronger," she said lightly.
He glanced at her and sat down on the bed. "I've been practicing. Something which you
have not, I noticed."
She glared. "I'm never going to use my gift, Thom. I hate magic!"
Thom sighed. "Fine, I'm not going to argue about it. Back to the subject."
Alanna nodded. "Yeah. So what's going on?"
Thom frowned and began. "A few years ago we had a plague epidemic. It wasn't like the
normal plague. There were hints of magic in it."
Alanna arched a brow. "You think someone-"
"-I know someone sent it," Thom interrupted. "I think it was Duke Roger."
Alanna burst out laughing. "That's rich, Thom," she said, gasping for breath.
He glared at her. "I'm perfectly serious."
She saw that he was and calmed down. "Thom, the duke is well respected. He wouldn't
have sent a plague for no reason."
"There was a reason, Alanna," her twin said softly. "Jon got it. He almost died." He let
that sink in. "Do you know who's in line for power after Jon? Duke Roger. You know something
else? The queen isn't going to have anymore children." He smiled grimly as she realized what he
meant. "Now do you believe me?"
"He's trying to take over the throne?" she asked.
Thom frowned. "Yes...and more. He's up to something else as well. I just don't know
what, yet. I think he's been consorting with our neighbors. And not in a good way either." He
sighed. "Also, the people of the city are rioting. It's pretty dangerous to go down there now
without getting mobbed."
Alanna gulped. "What are we going to do?"
Thom shrugged. "Nothing, for now. Just keep your ears open and watch out for Roger.
He's one of the strongest magicians in the land."
"Stronger than you?"
Thom shrugged. "He has more knowledge, more practice. Potentially, could I be stronger
than him? I don't know. Maybe."
"Oh shit." Alanna said, sinking into the chair. "This really has ruined my trip."
Thom grinned. "No it hasn't. Come on, you can watch us practice on the courts."
***
George Cooper glared angrily at the thieves around him. "You steal, not murder," he
snarled at them. "Especially nobles. What the hell were you thinking? Do you want to bring the
army down on us? Kill anymore of the rich, and that's exactly what will happen!" George paced
angrily across the floor. Life the past few months had not been good. There had been riots, deaths,
and he'd steadily been loosing control of the thieves. He glared. "Just get out. Clear this room and
let me think," he snapped. He watched them mutter among themselves, but thankfully they left.
"Damn, damn, damn," he said to himself. He grabbed a goblet and poured some wine, ignoring the
splash onto his clothes. He drowned in a gulp and poured some more. Sinking into his chair, he
lowered his head, turning the cup thoughtfully in his hands. He made no move as to drink it.
"Your majesty?" a voice said, interrupting his thoughts. "Cluxon wants a word."
George gave a brief nod, not looking up. He heard the door close quietly. Sighing he leaned
back in his chair and got his emotions under control.
The door creaked open, admitting a young man of barely 17 years. He said nothing, but
moved quietly towards George. The king of thieves hooked a foot around a chair and spun it
quickly towards the youth. Cluxon barely jumped out of the way of the spinning stool. "Sit,"
George spat. Cluxon swallowed hard and sunk carefully down onto the chair.
"Your majesty?" he said softly.
"Two dead and one injured. When's it going to stop, Cluxon?" George's soft voice was
laced with fury.
"I don't know what your talking about," Cluxon replied, feigning ignorance.
The older man let out a harsh bark of laughter. "You were seen in the act, Cluxon. Do you
know what I do to people who betray my friends and I." He smiled grimly as the other man began
to shiver uncontrollably. "You like your ears, right?" at the quick confirmation, George continued,
"Good. Now, you're going fix your mistake by supporting me in every fashion."
Cluxon nodded, obviously wanting out. "Of course, your majesty."
George smiled briefly. "Good, then we understand each other." There was more that
Cluxon would have to do, but that was left unsaid. The younger thief understood.
"Perfectly, your majesty." There was a hint of mockery, but George ignored it.
"Good night, Cluxon," he said, nodding towards the door, which a guard opened.
George waited until the young thief left before throwing his goblet across the room. It hit
the wall, the red wine staining the white wall. "Have someone clear that up," George snapped at the
guard, standing up. He stalked towards the door, intending to catch a few hours sleep before dawn.
***
"So how did you get to be friends with Gary and the rest?" Alanna asked her brother.
"They're a few years older than you."
Thom shook his head. "That is not a story I'm going to tell you," he said forcefully.
Alanna grinned. This had to good. "Come on, I'm your twin. Tell me," she said coaxingly.
He groaned. "Fine, but it's embarrassing." He bit his lip and continued. "I got in a fight
the first day and needless to say I lost. Badly."
Alanna smirked. "Who'd you fight?"
Thom swallowed. "Alex, in a sword fight."
Alanna burst out laughing. She had learned earlier that Alex was the best squire with a
sword. "About what?"
Thom shrugged. "Honor, I guess. It was stupid, and I just realized that this is really not a
conversation I want to be having..."
Alanna grinned. "No, I don't think so," she said. "Tell me, or I'll just ask Alex. I'm
walking down with him tomorrow so there's plenty of time."
Thom didn't meet her eyes. "He called me a scrawny brat because I fell down the stairs and
then accused Coram of tripping me."
Alanna stared. "You really don't get along with Coram, do you?!" she said, shaking her
head in mock-disgust.
Thom glared. "Shut up. I didn't want to be here."
Alanna raised her brows. "Whose fault was that? Yours. We could have gone with my
plan."
"Yeah, and then just gotten in more trouble. Brilliant, Alanna. Really," Thom said
sarcastically.
She glared. "Shut up. It would have worked."
He rolled his eyes. "Yeah, because you'd be able to hide..." he blushed and abruptly
stopped speaking.
Alanna shrugged. "I'd figured something out, as always," she lied. She silently wondered
what she had missed by not coming to Corus five years ago. She shrugged to herself. She couldn't
change the past. Thom was probably right anyway. They would have been caught.
"Sure," Thom muttered, obviously not believing her. "Here we are at the practice courts,"
he said abruptly.
"Like I hadn't noticed," Alanna muttered.
"Shut up, `Lanna." Thom shot her a glare, and then shrugged as they made their way
towards Raoul and the prince who were watching a duel going on. Thom smirked. "Looks like
Gary challenged Alex to another duel. What a fool."
"Why do you say that?" Alanna asked.
"Alex is the best with a sword," Thom explained. "What's the duel about?" he asked
Raoul.
"Nothing, Gary's just trying to beat Alex again," the older boy replied, not taking his eyes
off the duel.
"Looks like he's going to fail," Alanna murmured as they watched Alex knock the sword
out of Gary's hand. Alex held the sword at Gary's throat.
"I yield, again" Gary muttered resignedly. Alex grinned and sheathed his sword. He held
out a hand, pulling Gary up to his feet. Gary retrieved his sword and the two made their way
towards the crowd.
"I heard you're the best," Alanna commented to Alex. He shrugged.
"With the sword, yes."
"I feel so special, being accompanied by the best squire," Alanna said, grinning.
"I resent that," Jon called out.
"What, the point that I'm the best or that I'm being accompanied by the most beautiful
lady?" Alex asked
"Both," Jon said. "Why you get Alanna and I'm stuck with snobby princess, I don't
know."
"Some of us are just better, cousin," Gary said, smirking. "In a lot of things. Like writing
poetry. Your eyes sparkle-"
"Shut up, Gary," the prince interrupted quickly.
"No, continue. I want to hear about the rest of the poem," Alanna said, grinning.
"It was pretty bad," Alex said. "He was absolutely infatuated with this girl. Wrote tens of
poems and recited them outside her window."
"Did not," Jon muttered sullenly.
"Did so." Gary retorted. "We'd know, we were the ones who had to pretend to like the
poems, just so you'd leave us alone. `But Gary, I don't know if she'll like it' what rhymes with
eyes?'"
Jon flushed. "I've got better things to do than listen to this," he muttered, walking away.
"I'll see you guys in class."
Raoul grinned. "Poor boy. Off to go fix his wounded pride."
Alanna grinned. "Is he always like this?"
"Jon? No, not really. He just hates being embarrassed, especially in front of a lady," Alex
said.
There was a brief silence after that, which Alanna interrupted with, "Thom, you never did
tell me why you're fighting with the prince." The other squires flinched, and quickly made excuses
as to where they needed to be. Thom watched them go with sullen eyes.
"It's not really any of your business," he told her.
Alanna shrugged. "Maybe not, but I'm curious."
Thom sighed "Fine, but not here." The twins walked from the practice rink in silence until
Thom decided they were far enough from the people. He sat down on the grass and Alanna plopped
down across from him.
"Tell," she commanded.
Thom leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands. "Well, I told him about my suspicions
of Roger. He didn't believe me, saying I was jealous of all the time he spent with Roger. We got
into a heated argument, and we both said stuff we shouldn't have.He said that I should be grateful
for all that Roger was teaching us in our Gifted classes." Thom laughed bitterly. "Roger's
teaching us basics, just so he can monitor us. I've learned much more by reading in the library. Jon
said that I was jealous of Roger's power and experience...which is true, in a way."
Alanna studied her brother. "You could have become a great sorcerer," she said softly.
"We could have switched places and you could have gone to the City of the Gods."
Thom shook his head. "It wouldn't have worked. And even so, than there would have been
even more trouble here. Who would have saved the prince?" He shook his head. "No, it was better
this way. At least Jon is alive." He stood, offering his hand. She ignored it and stood up.
"Are you going to apologize to him?" she asked.
"For what?" Thom asked indignantly. "He was the one who started the insults. I was just
trying to explain." As usual, her brother was being stubborn.
"He's a prince, and from what I've seen, arrogant as well. Or proud, at the very least,"
Alanna said.
"I know, but I can't," Thom said softly. A bell rang from the palace. "Classes," Thom
said, making a face. "I'll meet you after?"
Alanna nodded. "Sure," she said, turning and walking back towards the palace. Her brother
was still as stubborn as ever. Apparently six years of training to be a knight hadn't knocked that out
of him.
TBC
Next Chapter: The ball, with Alex escorting Alanna. But will that relationship blossom? And how
much of a lady is Alanna? And what else is happening in the city, and what will George do about it?
Thank you to all who reviewed. I promise that I will actually update this story now...