If She Had Been Quicker ~ Chapter 13

Disclaimer: I own nothing but some of the Court Ladies and the plot. Tamora Pierce owns everything else.

A/N I am sooo sorry! I have had a LOT of schoolwork! Don't think I gave up on this story because I will neva die!!!!!!!!! Hehe. Thank you for all of the coolie people who have reviewed my story by the way! You are my motivation! I love you guys! Thank you to Shelly Salmalin who is my beta- reader of sorts as well!

* Gary was smitten immediately, all thoughts of Alanna driven out of his mind *

" My lady," he began," may I have the pleasure of knowing your name?" The lady curved her full red lips up into a half smile.

She said, in her lovely musical voice," Gwendolyn of Dolphin Waves." Gary smiled dreamily.

He said softly, " Such a beautiful name. It suits you well my lady." Gwendolyn's green eyes sparkled as she dipped a curtsy that was no less than perfect. Gary stood up in front of all the ladies. " Alright, come along now. I'm to show you to your rooms." He led them into the palace, and down the Crown Hall. At the end, there was a long hallway titled Court Hall where visitors to Court and ladies who'd come from the Convent would stay. On each door there was a gorgeous pattern of leaves, intertwined with flowers, surrounding the frame. The doors were made of the finest oak in Tortall.

There was also a slate on each door with the name of the lady who was to occupy that room written on it in curvy script. He'd shown all the ladies to their rooms except Gwendolyn. He'd saved her for the very last.

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Alanna wrapped up her conversation with Raoul and headed to her rooms. She reached the door, and stopped dead in her tracks. Some one was in there. ' Don't be silly.' She told herself. ' It's probably just Jonathon.' She gasped as she thought of the dresses, hidden in the wooden trunk. 'Wait, Alanna. Just caaaalm down. It's locked magically, remember?' With that last thought she sighed in relief. " Faithful? What do you think? Do you know who's in there?" Faithful stood up and growled softly, the hairs on his back bristling.

" Whoever it is, I don't like the feel of them in your room." He yowled. Alanna nodded. If she'd been a dog, her hackles definitely would've been raised. 'It could be some one dangerous though! My rooms connect to Jon's and it's well known people are out to assassinate him!' She thought, before cautiously opening the door.









Hmm. Maybe I should just end the chapter here, and leave you all hanging, waiting to know, who's in her room? But no, that would be very cruel after leaving you all waiting for so long, just for this chapter! Well, here's the rest, mates!













She peeked her head through the door, and looked around. No one there. She entered, on tiptoe, so as not to make any sound. She heard crashing noises coming from Jon's room, and opened the door that connected their rooms. She saw Roger, bent over Jon's bookcase, throwing books around like mad. He scowled and walked toward her.

She backed up, leaving the door open a smidge. He re-entered her room, and turned his face up, as if he were sniffing for something. Roger grimaced and walked toward her wooden trunk, and began to use his Gift, trying to undo the magic that kept it closed. This had gone far enough for Alanna.

" Excuse me." She said curtly. " But this is my room, and I do not appreciate you snooping around in it." Alanna finished, a menacing look upon her face, eyes glowing with a heated fury. She hated Roger with all her being, especially so at that moment. He turned around to look at her, an evil sneer curling his upper lip.

" Do not meddle in the affairs of sorcerers, child. You have no idea what the powerful ones can do to you." He walked slowly toward her, a blue fire pooling in his open fist.





Well how did you like that? Let me know! Pleeeeeeeease read and review people! I luv ya all! Peace, love, and Goddess Bless,

Lil miss moony