Thank you so much for all the reviews! I never realized Crown Duel was so popular- but certainly with good reason!

Kakachipchip- well, here's the quick update! I don't know how quickly I can update every time, but I'll try for weekly.

Felsong – oops…the okay part was a mistake. I fixed it, I'll try to reload it so it works. Was there any other bloopers? Tell me if there are.

And now to the story…

I skipped breakfast with Elenet and Nee again, thinking with a stab of guilt, of Elenet's feelings towards Vidanric. I didn't think I could face her just yet, even though it was no fault of mine. With the excuse of looking for some books on magic given to Mora, I grabbed a breakfast from a lower dining room.

Near blue-change, I changed into a gown, as the other one was dusty from poking around in an obscure branch of the library. I had checked the alcove, but Danric wasn't there.

As I neared the fishpond, with my innocuous basket of bread to feed the fish, I saw Vidanric, but also Tamara and Savona. Slightly disappointed, I reminded myself as I approached that it would be a good way for gossip to get around if Tamara was there.

"Meliara!" Savona cried when he saw me. "No rest for the heroine?"

"No," I replied. "Because I'm not a heroine."

"It would seem so," Tamara said, eyes dancing. "It's all anyone at Court-or in Athanarel- can talk about."

"You and Vidranic," Savona amended.

I rolled my eyes. "Just because I talked to a few wagoneers? They would have minced me if Nessaren didn't come in time."

"The idea was to talk them out of it," Vidanric said. "Isn't that what you said?"

"Of course," I said pertly. "But it didn't really work, did it? If you hadn't sent the troops…well, you know."

          Gradually, Savona and Tamara got ahead of us on the walk, and Vidanric and I walked alone.

"Is this what you wanted?" I asked, grinning. "Tamara'll definitely spread the word."
"That's what I'm hoping," he said, smiling slyly.

"What about Savona? Does he know anything?" I asked, curious.

"Russav? No, he doesn't. He'll think the same," Vidanric said.

"You can tell him to stop flirting now," I pointed out. "He can go back to Tamara."

"In due time," Danric said. "You can deal with his flirts."

"Of course," I grinned. "They're ridiculous enough."

"He enjoys it," Danric retorted. "Practice for him."

"So glad to be of use," I said tartly.

"Are you coming to petitioners' Court today?" Danric said. "You'd be of use."
"I might as well. Let the petitioners gaze at me in awe," I said, smiling. "I'm a legend by now, huh? First the whole war against Greedy Galdran, then dealing with a war against you."

"At least they know where your loyalties lie," Vidanric said lightly. I shot him a look.

"Who say otherwise?" I said, and then felt like an idiot. Of course. I was part of a rebellion, and it was assumed that I hated Danric.

"They won't anymore," Vidanric assured me.
"That's good," I said, blushing.

          Tamara turned to us with an inquisitive glance. I blushed more, then cursed myself. Why couldn't I hide my emotions?

"Going to sword practice?" she asked.

"Mel will probably beat the life out of us," Savona commented laughingly. I snorted. The comment didn't deign an answer.

          At sword practice, I was thoroughly beaten by Nee, Savona and many others. Finally, Danric and I squared off. After beating me, he showed me a butterfly technique with the sword.
"Like this?" I asked, trying it out.
"Just more controlled," he said, putting his hand over mine, and directing the sword. His touch made me want to kiss him, and I struggled with a blush. Then I thought of Flauvic's eerie kiss, and the blush disappeared. I smiled, proud at my success. Whenever I wanted to blush, I thought, I would just think of horrible things.

"There's a ball in our honor at sunset," Danric said, watching me practice.
"Indeed?" I asked, trying to keep the swing controlled. "How many people?"
"All of Court," he commented.

"No," I moaned. "Why do people think we're such heroes?"
"You are," he pointed out. "It's courageous to-"

"Have a conversation with foreign wagoneers?" I asked.

"I was going to say stand up to Flauvic," he said, amusement evident in his eyes. "However, people are quite amazed that the Tree Folk held you with enough honor to save us and Remalna."
I fell silent, thinking of the Hill Folk. "If only people would learn their ways," I said wistfully. "There's so much to learn, and see with them. It opens your eyes."

"Could I come with you one day to see them?" Vidanric asked politely.

"Maybe," I said. "It will take them a while to get used to you. It's not quick, or easy. I've been near them my whole life, and I still don't know all their secrets."

"Perhaps you never will," he said quickly, as the others approached.
"Perhaps? I definitely won't," I said.

"Is Vidanric teaching you the butterfly stroke?" Lady Trishe asked.

"Attempting to," I joked. "The student doesn't have much aptitude, however."

"You'll get better," Trishe soothed.

"As likely to come true as Savona is to stop flirting," I retorted easily.

"What about me?" Savona asked from his duel with Bran. Lady Trishe just laughed.

          After going to Petitioners' Court and dealing with all the petitioners who looked in half-awe, half-fear at me, I returned to my chambers to ready for the ball. For once, I actually cared how I looked. Nee, looking splendid in a deep gray gown, recommended I wear blue.

"It brings out your eyes," she recommended. "They're so much like Bran's."
"Exactly," I said. "Inherited from our mother."
"They're lovely," she replied. I was sure she was thinking of Bran's, not mine, but chose not to say anything.

          I decided on a pretty cerulean blue gown with glowing red-gold embroidery of colorwood trees. I thought it was suitable, considering my now-infamous relationship with the Tree Folk. The neckline was square, dropping to just above the point of uncomfort. I wore some jewels Azmus had designed, along with Vidanric's ring. I hoped he would wear mine.

          We stood above, waiting to be announced. Vidanric looked splendid, as usual, somber clothing bringing out his features even more. The only jewelry he wore was my ring, and I took it as a good sign.

"You look beautiful," he murmured. I blushed to the roots of my hair as he smiled at me. I was never in complete control of my face.

"You too," I said hurriedly. "What's the plan for tonight?"
"Dancing, then some discussion," he replied. "Sound good?"

"With you, of course," I said, unusually shy. He took my hand and squeezed it in reassurance as the doors opened. We walked down amid heavy clapping.

          The night passed in a dream. I danced with Vidanric at least three times, finding people's curious glances at us amusing. Then we retired to the punch, and discussed when we should go visit the Tree Folk. When other people joined us, the topic switched to safer discussions of a petitioner heard this afternoon.

"My dear," Tamara said when we were alone, Vidanric gone to dance with Elenet, "Are you on better terms with Vidanric?"

          Her eyes seemed eager. I smiled slightly. "After going through the whole Flauvic incident, Lady Tamara," I said, "I believe I would trust even Greedy Galdran."

My comment was received with a laugh, and Tamara pressed no further. I was glad that she wouldn't be jealous, now having Savona to herself. It appeared she didn't care for the throne anymore. I wondered what Savona had done. 'Dallied' around? I smiled at the thought.

          Elenet soon joined us, looking serene in a pale green gown. I wondered if she had noticed anything, and hoped she wouldn't be too hurt. She appeared as steady as always, however, and only talked of Grumareth, and the things left to do now that she was the sole ruler.

"Will you be joining us for breakfast tomorrow, Meliara?" she asked courteously, snapping me out of my reverie. "I should like to see you before I leave."
"Of course," I said, surprised that she wanted me there. "You're leaving?"

"There's much to do at home now," she said, talking sadly. "I must get there to sort through the problems."
"I shall miss you," I said sincerely.

The next day at breakfast, Nee and I were unusually subdued, saddened at Elenet's leaving. We chattered of nothing, and only our comments revealed what we really felt.

"Will you come back soon?" Nee asked.

"Perhaps," Elenet said, patting her arm. "I'm not sure. I'll miss your wedding, I'm so sorry."
"It's alright," Nee said. "I just wish you could have stayed longer."

"Me too," Elenet said, with such a degree of melancholy in her voice that I wondered at it.

          We walked out to her awaiting carriage, and she and I embraced first.

"Please do come back soon," I said, hugging her. She looked back at me with a sad smile.

"I might," she said. "Look after Danric, will you? I wish the both of you happiness."
          I nodded mutely, too surprised to say anything. I curtsied and left, leaving Nee and Elenet to have a more private departure. My mind was in turmoil. Elenet knew, or had guessed. There was a double meaning to her leaving, and Vidanric's- and my- interests were in her mind. Her grace left an impression in my mind, and as I soberly walked to my rooms, I fervently wished her future happiness.

-Alqualyne