Hidden Affection Ch. 2

Alanna couldn't help but smile as she left Daine in the company of Julian. She had formally met the charismatic young man earlier in the day with King Jonathan, and had found him favorable.

Lord Julian was charming, true, but he was not as assertive as most of the young men in his social circle. Alanna could tell it took many tries of gathered courage for him to be so bold as to approach her in asking to be introduced to Daine.

Normally, Lady Alanna viewed any sort of social connection, let along matchmaking, with distaste. However, Julian had indeed looked lonely in comparison to the young Tortallans around him in high spirits. So there really was no harm in having him make an acquaintance like Daine during his stay here. And if they should develop into something more., well Alanna thought, all the better, Julian was most definitely a respectable young man and it might even help clear up those awful rumors about Daine and her teacher, Numair. If there was one thing Alanna hated, it was idle talk between courtesans who had nothing better to do than to make up stories about others.

This is different, Daine thought, not like the way those clumsy clerks or pages and squires danced with her. She'd always thought they were thoroughly nervous creatures trying desperately not to appear the fool while she tried to be as gracious as possible. However, this situation was reversed, Julian as graceful, he was the image of chivalry and she suddenly felt (for the first time this evening) nervous, like a servant from the lower city who had wandered into the royal palace. She wasn't sure if she liked feeling like this, and so appear calm and thanked Mithros for the thousandth time that Thayet had insisted on teacher her how to dance.

"A foreigner?" Numair muttered to no one in particular. That was certainly surprising. He had heard of this young man as he was the only guest in the palace at this time, and all of it good. It wasn't until now that he realized perhaps he should have suspected something, no nobleman could have his reputation be completely untarnished.

Numair could tell by the look in Daine's eyes that she was flustered, the young man kept her off-balance. Perhaps he should do a little research on this Lord Julian, seeing as how he really doubted this dance would be the last time they see each other. But with a sigh, Numair turned away from them, he had no right to meddle in Daine's affairs. But then again, he was her teacher, and he had a right to protect her.

Julian released her hand the moment the song ended, and Daine found herself a bit reluctant however relieved. And so she somehow found herself asking if he would like to see the palace gardens. Daine blushed in spite of herself when he agreed with a charming smile.