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PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW! *pouts like only Delia could* if I ask you nicely?

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Ok, here goes:

Chp. 3:

Alanna sighed as she looked at her surroundings. They passed tree after tree, and then came into the large town of Corus, as they made their way to the palace. Most girls would kill to do what you're doing, she reminded herself, scolding. Sure, you're a little late, but you'll be the "new" girl. Everyone wants the attention of all the boys. She sighed again, this time louder. Everyone, that is, except me. She was supposed to go to the palace two months ago, with everyone else, but because of her temper, and always questioning everything they made her do and learn, they had her stay an extra two months. By the last month she had been fed up with their nagging and pressuring her to be someone she wasn't, so she started doing everything perfectly just to get them off her case so that she could get away from them.

Paying attention to her surroundings once more, she saw that they had just passed through the gates leading into the palace.

Once inside, a maid ushered her hurriedly into her rooms, where a warm bath and new wardrobe were awaiting her, with a note.

Dearest Alanna,

As Lord Trebond, I thought you might like some new clothes for your stay here. The First Daughter at the Convent told me your sizes. I hope to see you soon.

Your Loving Brother, Thom

Alanna smiled. She had missed him, that was definitely true. She shook her head as she though about the new dresses. She had to admire their beauty, but that didn't mean she would like to be wearing them.

"Excuse me, Miss," the maid said timidly. "But your bath is getting cold, and there's a huge ball tonight, in honor of the Peace Treaty with Tusaine. You'll be introduced then."

Alanna turned to the woman who had brought her back from her thoughts. "Oh, right," she murmured. "I'll be 'introduced.' How lovely."

She stripped down and got gracefully into the tub. Alanna preceded to wash herself thoroughly, taking extra time to lather rose scented shampoo into her hair, and rinse it out carefully.

When she got out, it was time for her to get ready for the ball.

She sifted through the beautiful gowns purchased by her brother, and selected a lavender one that matched her eyes perfectly. She put it on in a rustle of silk, and laced up the body. The neckline plunged down to show off creamy skin and an expanse of bosom, laced with silver, clung to her torso, and swept away in a blossom of silk. Throughout the dress, silver winked in the light, threaded into the fine fabric. The dress was off the shoulders, and short sleeved, showing off slender yet slightly toned arms.

The maid looked at her wistfully. "That's a lovely dress, M'lady. Are you ready for me to help you with your hair and make up?

"Oh." she said, sounding startled, like she had forgotten where she was. "Yes, I suppose that would be necessary."

Alanna sat down, sweeping her rustling silk skirts out as she sat gracefully. Anyone who looked at this beautiful sixteen-year-old girl now would know nothing of her previous dreams of becoming a knight. Or of still wanting them. Now all they would see was this beauty, eccentric eyes with a shadow of depth behind them, pushed aside, but always there. She was short, despite her age, with flowing red hair, and lavender eyes set in a pale face. Rosy red lips, helped by lip rogue, lavender swept over her lids, and pink tinged her cheeks, topping off her look. By the time the maid was done, she had gorgeous red curly locks tumbling down her back and shoulders, falling just off of her waist.

Looking in the mirror, memory surged.

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Alanna paced the hallway nervously, wondering when her stupid name would be called, and wishing that it wouldn't. She didn't like having all eyes on her, but she was smart enough to know that they would be. She was already starting to get them. I don't know what's so special about me," she thought ruefully. I must look so tacky, being the only one introduced. I don't know why they're going to all the fuss, though I should feel flattered.

"Lady Alanna of Trebond!" the herald called. The huge doors in front of Alanna swung open, and she saw a sea of faces, all staring up at her intently. She walked forward slowly, praying that she wouldn't trip, and focused on a spot on the wall down below, as she descended the stairs. No one said a word.

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Well, she's definitely grown into herself, I suppose, Delia thought as she watched Alanna descend the stairs. That lavender looks really well with her eyes and hair. As long as the Prince is mine, I'm happy.

She sneaked a sidelong glance to her left, her Prince. Her Prince. Prince Jonathan of Conte, and gasped. His mouth was slightly parted, and was staring at Alanna intently. Jealously coursed through her veins.

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Wow. What is it about her. She's definitely beautiful, but I've seen prettier. Maybe it's her eyes, so much like Thom's but they seem.guarded, shadowed somehow, the Prince thought to himself. It wasn't until now that he realized that he had forgotten to breath, and commanded his body to do so.

Looking around at his companions, he saw that Gary, Alex, and Raoul also had the same looks on their faces. Glancing at Thom, he saw a brothers pride in his eyes, as he beamed up at his sister. Up until then, Thom had always been so guarded with everyone else. He must love her very much, Jonathan thought. Glancing back up at her, he saw her reach up and reassuringly smooth some of her cascading mass of flaming locks. She looked around, and suddenly, a huge grin lit her face.

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Why was everyone staring at her like that? Alanna wondered to herself. She reached up and touched a hand to her hair, smoothing it somewhat, wondering if she had smeared her makeup or something awfully embarrassing like that. She looked around as she descended, thinking, this has got to be the longest flight of stairs I've ever been on before in my life!

She saw Delia. Unlike everyone else, the pretty chestnut girl was not looking at her, but staring intently at a handsome boy, a few ages older than she herself, in what looked like shock. He had blue-black hair, and bright sapphire eyes. He's very handsome, she thought. I wonder who he is. She looked farther to his right, and saw four guys staring at her much like the guy with sapphire eyes.

One, huge one, had tightly curled brown-black hair, and brown eyes. Another, slightly smaller one w/ chestnut hair and eyes, and a slim, dark boy with a cat-like grace.

A flash of copper made her shift her direction slightly, and her eyes settled on her twin, Thom. He looked much the same, only taller now, and more mature. She saw a look of pride and love radiating from her brother, and a huge grin lit up her face.

As she stepped off the last step, she went to Thom, and embraced him in a huge, un-lady-like hug, as the musicians started playing.

"I've missed you so much!" she exclaimed. "How are things here? Are you behaving yourself? Did I do okay?"

She threw the questions at him, finally stopping to take a breath as he laughed. "I've missed you, too! Come, you have to meet my," an odd look settled in his eyes, but he pushed it away, and said cheerily, "friends!"

As she turned, she found herself surrounded by knights and squires. Someone, the boy with sapphire eyes, elbowed Thom in the stomach, and whispered, "Introduce us!"

Thom looked at him with a gleam of mischief in his eyes, and said, "Yes, your Majesty, of course."

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Alanna looked sharply at the guy with sapphire eyes-Prince Jonathan of Conte. This can't be right, she thought. Why would the Prince be taking an interest in me, especially since he has Lady Delia here to occupy him. I don't know how I feel about the Prince wanting to know about me, she thought wryly.

"Lady Alanna of Trebond," she heard her brother say, "May I present His Royal Majesty, Prince Jonathan of Conte?"

Alanna curtsied gracefully, her skirts whispering as she moved. "Your Majesty," she said politely.

He took her hand and brushed her fingers with his lips. "It's my pleasure, Lady Alanna."

Thom continued, "Gareth-Gary-of Naxen," he said acknowledging the boy w/ chestnut hair and eyes, "Raoul of Goldenlake," the boy with tightly curled brown-black hair, "And Alex of Tirragen," the dark cat-like boy. Each of them brushed their lips to her fingers.

"Would you care to dance?" someone asked from behind Alanna. She whirled around to face a knight who looked much like Jonathan, but his eyes were a deeper shade of blue, and his hair brown-black as apposed to the Prince's coal-black.

She felt a strong disliking to him, but, being the lady that she was, accepted graciously as he swept her onto the dance floor.

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"Oh wow," Jonathan chuckled. "I haven't seen Roger grab someone that fast in years. Not even Delia," He said shaking his head. "And beat me to it," he mumbled quietly.

Thom slightly frowned as the rest of the group muttered something that sounded much the same. She's swept them off their feet all right, faster than anyone expected, he thought ruefully. But I'm worried about her. Her eyes are so shadowed, not ever like they used to be. It's almost as if she's lost.

A few moments later, Alanna was returned to her brother and his friends, as the Duke of Conte said, "I hope that we may dance again, gentle lady."

"I would be pleased to," Alanna replied sweetly, wishing she hadn't been trained so well the last two months before she had arrived to the castle. Any other time I would have probably just laughed in his face. Or maybe not.

Not even a full minute before Roger had left her with Thom, did Gary ask her to dance. Then Raoul, then Alex, and a whole lot of other men she didn't know, and wasn't sure she wanted to know.

"Goddess, I'm tired!" she exclaimed. "I need to rest for a bit!"

"Not so fast, Lady Alanna. I was hoping you would have one last dance.with me." Startled, Alanna looked up into the Prince's eyes.

"Oh, umm.sure. Your Highness," she added at the last moment, and curtsied.

Thom watched as the Prince swept her onto the dance floor, and couldn't help but laugh. As the others looked at him, he replied with a smile, "I don't think I've ever seen my sister flustered! Even when we were little."

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Ok, end of that chapter.whew! I'm kinda tired and need to think of more ideas.suggestions would be great! PLEASE review! I would love you guys so much more if you would!