Everyone- Well, just as soon as I finished and posted that last chapter I realized I had only the foggiest idea of what Vidanric meant by 'breaking the rules'. So, I had to make it up as I go along. So I basically improvise this whole chapter. Hmm. Let's see how it goes. Although, I must say, I really want Mel to eavesdrop, so I'll just write it in. I'm sorry about the 'Whatever you think of Flauvic Merindar, you have to admit, he makes a gorgeous tree' line, I know it's not mine. I stole it from 'Vidanric's Birthday Surprise' the short story attached to the Firebird publishing of Crown Duel. I absolutely loved that line when I read it, and I just had to use it. It's not mine, it's Sherwood Smith's. As is everything. Enough with the petty details. Let's go!

          The morning after the horse race I awoke feeling refreshed and limber. For some reason, I kept thinking of climbing a tree. I have no idea how my brain works sometimes. Even as I sedately put on a morning gown, my mind kept leaping back to Tlanth, where I could climb to the top of trees that no one else had ever climbed.

          Nee wasn't there; she and Bran had gone off to see to wedding details. It was in seven days, the wedding, and Nee was getting nervous and excited. I was excited too, for the two of them.

          I'm getting off the subject. The point was that Nee wasn't there. And no one else expected me in the morning. What was there to stop me?

          After about a moment's fight of temptation, I willingly gave in. Stepping out of my gown, I found my old linen dress from my Tlanth days, and put a pair of breeches underneath it. I sped out into the gardens, and staying under the brush, found the tree I had been secretly itching to try. It was long, smooth, with few branches. It was perfect to test my rusty skills on. Unfortunately, it was right near a path, so I had the danger of being seen, but it was seldom used, and the tree's foliage would cover me. Looking furtively around, I kicked my shoes under a bush and started climbing.

          My skills came back to me, thankfully, and I scaled the tree with little difficulty. I found the highest branch I could trust, and sat down, enjoying the breeze I could feel from the height. It was so nice to be up in a tree again, and the freedom it gave me was exhilarating.

          Looking down, what I saw almost made me fall. I clutched at the trunk, wide-eyed. Lady Renna and Lady Tamara were walking along the path. If they just looked up- I didn't dare to think what Court insanity would ensue.

"It's really worrying me," I heard Renna say. My curiosity overcame me, and I dropped down a few branches. I gave myself the excuse that I was becoming more hidden; truthfully, I just wanted to hear what they said.

"I'm sure he'll be coronated soon," Tamara said smoothly. "Gossip has it that he wants there to be a queen before he takes up the kingship."

I gasped, and then muffled the sound. This was juicy information; I kept on eavesdropping. They were talking about Vidanric! And a Queen? Hmm…

"But who?" Renna asked. "We all thought it would be Elenet, but she- and Vidanric- made no mention of it, and she just left for Grumareth. It can't be her."

"Who in Court?" Tamara asked thoughtfully. "He isn't associated with anyone, except…"

"Meliara?" Renna asked incredously.

"Who else?" Tamara said, piecing it together. I never said she was dumb. "They used to hate each other, I know, but ever since the Merindar's rebellion they've been so much more at ease. Something happened during that time they were saving Remalna."
"If it's Mel, she's make quite an interesting Queen," Renna laughed. "I'd love her all the same, though."

"I hope she does," Tamara said with a fervor that surprised me. She was never like that to me! Only to others, perhaps. "She'll make a good one. A bit unusual, but all the same."
"If it really is her," Renna reminded. "It's so odd; I could never imagine the Marquis and Meliara. They always seem so stiff together."
"Not as of late," Tamara's voice came, and then they turned a bend. I could hear no more of their conversation, although I was curious.

          Staying in my tree, I grinned. So people were on to us! Although the idea seemed ludicrous to them. I had to admit, if someone had mentioned it a year ago, I would have laughed so hard they would think I was a madwoman.

          Scrambling down the tree, I was glad Renna had only spoken well of me. And Tamara too, although she showed her allegiance differently when around me. Even at Court, one could have true friends. Who would have thought? Especially Tamara. I grinned. She was still all thorns but had been blunter ever since she had gotten her Savona back.

          I returned to my rooms by back ways, and jumped into my morning dress so no one would know anything, except the discreet Mora. I saw a plain letter waiting on my desk and snatched it up eagerly. Letters were still anticipated.

Meet me in the Throne Room as soon as possible. I've some changes I want to make, and I'm fairly sure you'll want to help.

Puzzling over his cryptic message, I took my breakfast hastily and rushed to the Throne Room. Vidanric was there, looking up at the goldenwood tree.

"Whatever you think of Flauvic Merindar, you have to admit, he makes a gorgeous tree," I remarked, coming up behind him. He turned, laughter in his eyes.

"Goldenwoods always are," he said. "The Treefolk couldn't deny his Roseship."

"They take too much pity," I said lightly. "Anyway, what's happening?"
"It deals with our tree's placement," Vidanric waved a hand to the sprawling tree.

"Right over the throne," I said.

"Exactly," he said. "After the whole ordeal we went through in here, I'm not too crazy about the idea of new thrones."
"I'm perfectly happy to leave Flauvic where he is," I agreed.

"So what do we do?" Danric asked.

"Nothing," I laughed. "Why don't the royalty sit like commoners do? It's not going to hurt our behinds to stoop down to kneeling on cushions. It's ridiculous to stand the whole time."

"You're too sensible sometimes," Vidanric grinned.

"I didn't grow up in Court," I replied. "No one in Court has any sense."
"Especially the Ladies," Danric teased. "I have a feeling dress styles will change when they realize their beaded gowns will be ruined by kneeling."
"Good," I sighed in relief. "Those things are so uncomfortable."

"So let's get started," Danric said. "We have to get low tables, cushions, replace the stools with low seats…"

"We'll be in here until Court starts," I groaned.

"…and get the cooks to bring us lunch," he finished, undeterred. I laughed, and we got to work dragging stools away. Servants came to help us, somewhat stunned (and appalled!) that nobles were doing menial work. I objected when they said I should stop, saying that honest work never hurt anyone. That line made me and Danric grin, thinking of Flauvic's sneer at me before his transformation.

          We did work until Petitioners' Court, and I gasped when I heard the bells.

"I didn't change!" I exclaimed, looking down at my dusty dress. The Court was transformed and ready, but we were not.

"Come on," Danric said, grabbing my hand, and exiting by way of a back door.
"Please tell the Court that we will be a bit delayed," he called to a servant.

"Where are we going?" I asked, confused as I followed him. I ran to keep up with his long strides. This was one of those times I didn't enjoy my height.

"To the Renseleuses wing," Danric replied. "It's closer. Plus, surely Mother has some dress you can borrow."

          We reached the wing, and Danric pointed me in the general direction of his mother's rooms. I reached them, and told a servant of my plight. She nodded sympathetically, and opened the Princess's wardrobe.

          I gaped in dismay. Why hadn't I thought of this? Obviously, the Princess had only one fancy dress for Petitioners' Court. There was no dress for me to wear! Miserable at the gossip I would cause, I chose a plain dress that was left, knowing that they would talk no matter what. At least I could kneel easily in this one, a soft gold silk.

          Brushing my hair, I went to meet Danric, who smiled when he saw me. I glared back.

"Your mother has only one Court gown," I explained, as we started a fast walk back to the Court.

"It's fine," he reassured me. "You'll cause a new fashion."
"You have too much faith in my influence. It's only going to cause gossip, not a trend."
"You have too little faith in yourself," Danric said. "Aren't scarf dances all the rage now? Thanks to the party you held for Branaric and Nimiar?"

"That has nothing to do with it," I replied.

"Of course it does," he said, and opened the Court door. Everyone looked up at us as we walked in. I blushed scarlet.

"I apologize for our delay," Vidanric said smoothly. "As you see, we made some changes to the Petitioners' Court. In doing this, we lost track of time." A corner of his lips lifted slightly. He sat down at a cushion, and I did too, staring in hidden amusement at the dismayed Ladies in their stiff gowns. I looked at the Princess, to see her lift her fan in the gesture of Amusement. Then she flipped it shut again, but the mirth in her eyes left me no doubt of what she said. I quickly opened my fan to Gratitude then switched to Conversation When Permitted. I quickly shut it, and started to pay attention to the petitioners again.

"That is a gorgeous gown you have on, if I might say so myself," the Princess said, coming over to me after Court. "It looks rather familiar."

"I'm sorry," I said, shamefaced. "Vidanric said your quarters were closer."
"It's quite alright," she said benevolently.

"Anyway, I won't do it again. It was humiliating to not follow tradition," I confessed.

"Nonsense," the Princess smiled. "I have a feeling Court will be quite different tomorrow. And as my future daughter and queen, you are free to borrow any of my dresses."

I gaped at her. "What are you talking about?" I squawked.

"You know," Elestra said, smiling slyly, then leaving to talk to her husband. I just stared at her openmouthed. Then, realizing all the curious glances the courtiers were giving me and the fact I was in a quite improper dress, I scurried back to my quarters.

          The next day, I went to the alcove to find Vidanric. He was there, copying some things.

"Your mother knows," I remarked, by way of greeting. And Elenet, I added mentally. We definitely can't keep a secret.

"It's impossible to keep anything from my mother," Danric said good-naturedly.

"You told her?" I asked.

"No," Vidanric said. "She guessed all the same."

"Great," I said. "I think the whole Court knows."
"Only the smart ones," he said, grinning.

"Which means quite a few of them," I smiled. I didn't really mind; when you were in love, sometimes you feel like you want the whole world to know.

"And I'm sure the whole Court will look at me as I come in today for Petitioners' Court," I grumbled, feeling the self-pity coming, "to make sure I'm not disgracing myself again."
"Wear a normal dress," Vidanric told me. I stared at him for a moment.

"Are you joking?" I asked.

"No," Vidanric said. "Please. Do it. I will guarantee you'll be surprised."
"But-but-" I spluttered.

"Do it for me," Vidanric said. Then he grinned. "Trust me, I've an idea of what's going to happen today during Petitioners' Court."
"What?" I asked, curious.

"My mother is planning on not wearing her formal Court dress," he said, making me gape. "And neither is Tamara, Renna, or Trishe, as far as my eavesdropping skills go."
"Is it Fools' day today?" I asked, astounded.

"Go ask Nee," Danric said. "If I'm right, I get a kiss." I got up and kissed him.

"You'll get one anyway," I told him, my eyes dancing. "Now I must go find out." I ran off to find Nee.

          Vidanric's eavesdropping skills were good for something. Nee told me that everyone she had talked to were planning to wear formal, but not Court, dresses.

"I never realized," I muttered.
"After one day of kneeling with those dresses on, none of the Ladies care to repeat the experience," Nee assured me. "In addition, you wearing another dress means it is socially acceptable."

          I just rolled my eyes. As much as Vidanric and Nee might try to convince me that I was a main Court influence, I would only half-believe it. After all, it would be uncomfortable to kneel in a beaded and embroidered dress.

          As I walked into Petitioners' Court in a deep maroon dress, I noticed that all the other Ladies were wearing dresses much like mine. The servants had opened a few windows, and the fresh breeze rolled through, feeling cool on the stuffy air. Breaking rules, indeed, I thought with a smile as I sat down. I rather like it.

So….hmm. I guess that was my take on it. I suppose next chapter will be Bran and Nee's wedding, huh? That would be Midsummer….so that means that Midwinter- Vidanric and Mel! I still have half a year to write about. ^-^ So, definitely more chapters ahead.

Savannah – thanks for the constructive criticsm. I really like it when people do that. Um…I think about Elenet's departure, you're right about why she should be sad- Nee's obviously sad since one of her best friends is leaving, but as for Mel- well, she did talk with Elenet about things, and I think she came to see her as a friend- not a close one, but a friend all the same. Something like that, probably. Plus, she does feel guilty about Vidanric. So there's a guilt factor in there too. Oh yeah, I realize that the dress color conversation is pretty much useless, I'm not really sure why I put it in there. Petty little details. Maybe to show Nee's love for Bran? Okay, I'm making excuses now. It was useless. ^-^ Keep reviewing!

People have extremely creative ways of saying this, but I prefer the more blunt: REVIEW!

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