Disclaimer I own nothing it all belongs to Tamora Pierce

Chapter Three

That is it! Miri thought, I don't care if I'm letting Buri down I can't stand being imprisoned for three long hours on the styles and materials for dresses. Miri sighed loudly to vent her frustration while her hand tightens over her saddlebag making her knuckles turn white. Miri had tried the last couple of days, to understand why court life was so interesting for these women; all she found was their continuous gossip over breakfast, lunch and dinner. Not all were so oblivious to life in fact Miri actually chatting to Lord Rauol old squire, Lady Keldary of Mindelan, about the affairs of court concerning both the Riders and the Own's people.

However Miri had had enough of the simpering chatter of flirts especially when she realised that Evin Larse was being served as the new dish of the day. Everything they talked about him was in praise and full of compliment. Miri held her tongue when Lady Clara, oldest daughter to a Baron up north purred at the mention of Evin's name and dropped hints to the other ladies that she was going to make a conquest with him tonight after the wedding. It made her feel angry and cold inside at the prospect of watching her best friend fall for a selfish, narrow-minded, egotistic girl!

Miri had finally reached the Riders' stables and headed along the rows towards the back for Raindrop. Hearing Raindrop snort a hello at his recognising of her presence made her smile and wonder at Daine's ability with animals. It was an amazing gift that had saved Miri's life twice out on the field. Miri slipped into the stall with ease and grabbed a brush that was hanging on the door to work on Raindrop's coat. She had been neglecting him in the build up to Buri's wedding. It was today, which were both a relief and a nightmare for Miri. She should be getting ready as a bridesmaid but there was still four hours to go and Buri knew that Miri would not show up until the last moment to avoid the attention.

"Hello old boy" Miri's voice echoed throughout the stable.

"Oh thanks!" For a split second Miri stood still and backed away believing that Raindrop had spoken.

"I'm glad to hear your honest opinion", said a male voice chuckling afterwards.

"Evin?"

Miri turned round to the front of the stall and found Evin grinning while leaning in a relaxed manner over the barrier to scratch Raindrop's nose. Why is he here? Miri asked herself.

"Shouldn't you be preparing for your entourage of ladies at tonight's ball? remarked Miri in a bitter tone as she continue to wait for Evin's explanation. It then dawned upon Miri that her last thought had escaped her mouth.

Evin's eyes widen at the comment and stared straight at Miri in disbelief. Miri winced, hoping that the ground would swallow her up right now, and tried to say something to cover up her embarrassment but couldn't. Her whole mind was too engrossed in the deep blue of Evin's eyes, which were glistening brightly in the shadows and therefore she couldn't function.

What was with me? She had stared into those eyes across campfires, hospital beds and tables and never had she notice them until now. The silent stare was not broken by either of them but by an impatient Raindrop who was concerned more about his nose than his rider's feelings.

Evin patted Raindrop's brown nose one more time then pulled himself away.

"Sorry to bother you, Miri. I better be off" and with that Evin turned on his heels and marched towards the half opened stable doors. Miri cursed, threw her brush down and ran out to catch Evin.

"Stop Evin…please!" Miri desperately figuring how to apologise for her last remark and wondering why she said it. "I didn't mean it to come out".

Evin faced Miri with his arms clasped across his chest in defence mode which was a clear indicator of the hurt that Miri had caused.

"But you did mean it…about my entourage, I suppose", his voice barley a whisper.

Before she could think she spoke "Yes…NO!". Miri could kick herself for her honesty at this moment.

Evin lifted his head to Miri, strands of blonde hair had drifted into his eyes blocking his vision but Miri glimpsed at the sadness there. Why? She thought, I have made fun about his court ladies before.

But always in jest side another part of Miri. Miri shook her head to ignore the voices inside her head.

"I've spent all this glorious morning listening to court ladies, Evin and you popped up most of the time", said Miri simply but her heart was pounding for no reason she could think of. Mimicking a court lady "He is so handsome and such an eligible bachelor too. Commander of the Queen's Riders."

Miri finished by pulling a face of disgust. "So that's why I was snappish at you… not you personally but by the way they treat you as one a herd of cattle and not a individual." Miri had run out of words to convey something that even she wasn't sure of and therefore clamped her mouth.

"I suppose, I have known for awhile that my reputation as a romantic would eventually haunt me," Evin said with a faint smile.

Miri just stared wanting to say nothing that would hurt Evin again.

"Are you ok?" Evin stated, concerned at Miri's unusual quietness. Miri nodded. Evin smiled and gave her a quick hug as a reassurance of their friendship.

A female voice, which was high pitched, drifted in to the stables. "Do you really believe that she in that dirty place when she is suppose to be readying herself for the wedding. How thoughtless".

Miri blanched, disentangled herself from Evin's hold and started to search for a way out. She caught Evin's humorous glance at her actions and read his thoughts immediately.

He was going to hand her over like a prison to Lady Sylvia, the woman responsible for the bridesmaids. Miri stepped quickly backwards, away from him but Evin had quicker reflexes.

Evin grabbed her right hand, pulled Miri to his side and secured her into position with his arm tight around her waist. Trapped and out-manoeuvred by her best friend Miri glared at Evin wishing horrible things to him but it did not penetrate his innocent expression that he returned.

"Lady Sylvia", he called in his most polite tone "I think I have found what you are looking for!"

After such an energetic dance Miri was feeling quite hot and needed to sit down before she fell down of exhaustion. She now regretted not having a proper lunch which would explain her light headness in the last dance.

She had seemingly became the property of Baron Rupert of Willowfield in the last three dances and he did not seem to be bothering in attracting any other court ladies to his list of hits for tonight. Miri had to admit that he was pleasant and a little too much attentive but his conversation bored Miri to death. It either surrounded around him or his family's legacy which he now had to carry on.

"Would you like me to fetch a punch to revive you Lady Miri?" asked the Baron

Miri drew her eyes away from a couple who had now appeared on the dance floor and smiled slightly at Rupert. "That would be lovely thank you Baron… and please it is just Miri" in her polite tone.

"I only wish that I was not leaving you alone" Rupert said while glancing nervously around to see any potential threat who would steal Miri from under his nose. This irritated Miri. I'm not your belonging mister, thought Miri, so don't push your luck!

"I have been in worse circumstances Baron" Miri stated "And there is no way I will be moving so soon".

"Yes…well".

The Baron got up from the table and began to disappear into the crowd who were also retrieving refreshments. Miri sighed at her misfortunes. It was going to be a long night and Miri realised that even if she gave this Baron the brush off tonight he was going to be more determined the next time.

"I hate balls" muttered Miri.

"I don't know", said a voice behind her "I think you have made a conquest with that one."

Sitting in the vacant Chair was Daine who was dressed stunning in sky blue which brought out her smoky blue grey eyes and looked as tired as Miri from dancing.

"Where's Numair", Miri quizzed.

"He got dragged off with another academic magician about a study that he had done on water spirits", Daine pulled a face " I probably won't see him for hours now".

"I wish I could disappear from my partner as easily" Miri said earnest.

"I don't know" Daine said with mischief in her eyes " he is handsome".

Miri rolled her eyes and looked at the people dancing in the centre of the room. The large hall had been decorated in red and gold and there were flowers everywhere bringing the smell of summer inside. It was the most beautiful thing Miri had ever seen in her life. It was magnificence, like a fairy tales she uses to dream about at night when she looked longing at the sea.

Diane chuckled and said "Look who Evin is partnered with?"

Evin was easy to spot in the dance; he was tall with blonde hair and was wearing a deep shade of blue which made him look very handsome in Miri's mind. His partner was no other than Lady Clara.

"No…please anyone but her" whispered Miri.

Daine heard with her sharp hearing and turned around with a strange look on her face and asked "What's wrong with her? She is considered to be the beauty of the court and seemingly is very interested in Evin."

Miri shrugged her shoulders and viewed the couple once more in the centre of attention. Evin was swirling Lady Clara under his arm and Miri noted the way Lady Clara gave a flutter of her eyelids and a seductive smile. It looked like Evin would be writing more poetry of love soon.

Not taking her eyes of Lady Clara, Miri replied "If I had a choice of saving either Lady Clara or a stormwing from drowning I would jump without hesitation to the stormwing even he didn't want my help".

"I see".

Miri couldn't stand it any longer on seeing the sight of Lady Clara hurting her dearest friend. Miri stood up from the table and straighten her dress.

"If you don't mind Daine I want to get some fresh air. Could you inform the Baron for me?"

"Sure" said a surprised Daine "Are you feeling well? You're looking slightly pale Miri."

"It is too hot in here," said a distracted Miri "I will just get some fresh air while it is quiet in the gardens".

And with that Miri lost herself in the crowds before Daine could figure out the strange behaviour of Miri was displaying. The present dance had ended and there was light applause which Daine clapped to. Evin and his partner were weaving their way to Daine and when reaching their destination, Evin gave a puzzling look.

"I'm sure I saw Miri here, at this table"

Daine smiled "She was, but felt the room was stuffy and decided to take a turn in the gardens"

"On her own?" enquired Evin.

"Yes" again Daine was surprised by the behaviour of her friends.

"Ahh" was Evin only remark.

"Well are we going to sit down Evin", smiled sweetly Lady Clara while she battered her lids at him.

"Of course,"

Evin placed the lady in the Miri's vacant chair and then sat across from the Lady Clara, it seemed to Daine that his thoughts were preoccupied with something else since he wore a far off expression. A silence grew at the table, although Daine had tried to start a conversation with this dazzling beauty beside her but was given the brush off at not being important enough. Daine had seen it all before and therefore took no hurt in Lady Clara's ill-manner upbringing.

A coughing behind Diane and Evin made all three heads turn to the Baron of Willowfield.

"Sorry to interrupt" the Baron said with politeness "but could you inform me of Lady Miri's whereabouts?"

"Why do you want to know?" Evin said before Daine could tell the Baron of Miri's to walk outside.

Confronted by someone Baron became hostile "I do not think it is any of your business".

"But it is", Evin growled "Miri is under my command".

"Under yours?" the Baron said in disbelief and confusion.

Diane cut in before Evin could retaliate with his sharp, sarcastic tongue and start a fight. "She felt the room was stifling so went for a quick walk in the gardens. She should be back any moment Baron".

Diane glared at Evin to be quiet which he perceived and pretended to be interested in his glass of wine. The soft music started up once again and Lady Clara gave a squeal of delight.

"You must dance this one with me Evin," said Lady Clara decisively and tried to capture his attention once again.

"I'm sorry Lady Clara I am exhausted from all the dancing I have done earlier" Evin replied and threw a winning smile in her direction, hoping to drop the matter.

"Well that's not good enough," she said pouting slightly.

"Sorry to hear it", answered Evin flippantly.

There was a deadly silence at the table which was beginning to make Daine feel uncomfortable and try to think of a valid excuse to disappear. She noted that something was not right with Evin this evening because he was never one to refuse a pretty lady in his company. Nevertheless the situation was resolved by an unexpected source.

"If Commander Larse can not accommodate you Lady Clara, then allow me," said the Baron bowing over Lady Clara's dainty hand.

"Thank you, you are a gentleman" crowed Lady Clara who with one last glare in Evin's direction walk away without looking back.

Daine stared at Evin's bowed head waiting for a reply. Evin felt eyes upon him and lifted to meet the quizzing look of Daine.

"I love her", he said quietly.

Diane chuckled, "That's a recorded for you! Blowing off the girl you love."

"Do you mean Lady Clara?"

"Yes" Diane answered a bit puzzled "And I can tell you that Miri isn't going to sing the praises of Lady Clara. In fact she would rather drown saving a stormwing." Daine laughed at the image.

"Did she really", muttered Evin "I might have a chance after all."

"I think you just lost your chance Evin", Daine nodded to the dance floor.

"Chance at what?" said a deep voice of another man "Evin is not betting again. He always seems to lose". Daine turned around to stare into her lover's eyes. Numair quickly bent down and kissed her lightly on the cheek.

"That's for thank you not for being annoyed with me discussing work on our night off," Numair whispered to Daine's ear.

"I'm use to it by now, love" Daine rolled her eyes "I'm only grateful that it was someone else and not me being bored to death".

Daine smiled at Numair to reassurance of her attempt of her jibe. Evin watched this in fascination of his good friends' relationship. Pangs of jealous entered but quickly disperse, as he could not hold a grudge for long.

"Please, my dear friends if you are going to make up," said Evin teasing "find a room and save the torture for the rest of us".

Diane laughed while Numair tried to look disdainful at Evin but failed miserable when Daine kissed him softy on the nose. They were completely lost in each other attention at that moment until Numair remembered his surroundings. Numair placed himself next to Diane and poured himself a drink with one hand while the other clasped Diane's.

A comfortable lapse of silence among friends came across the table each occupied with their own thoughts. However it was Numair who broke the silence asking where Miri was as she wanted a book that he had in his possession.

"She went to the gardens for some air" Diane replied, "however I think she was running away from Baron Willowfield. She has been gone for a long time now."

"I'll go and find her" Evin said too quickly.

Numair lifted his eyebrows questioning Evin sudden impulse to find his second in command. Evin tried to cover his face with an innocent expression but Numair's eyes widened as he always did when discovering a new object or solving a problem. Daine had missed the significant of the transaction but she knew that she would get the truth out of Numair when they were alone together in bed.

"I want to get away from all the lovey dovey eyes you guys will make". Evin pulled a face of disgust at the image. "It will really ruin my chances with the court ladies stuck between two powerful love birds."

Before any of them could reply Evin sauntered causally through the crowds, not to seem desperate for Miri's honest company. At was difficult to reach the tall, glass doors which led to the gardens as at every turn Commander Larse had to stop and apologise profoundly for declining conversations and refusing to dance with other ladies. This sent many of them pouting after the Evin's figure and giving daggers at Lady Clara for being his only partner of the night.

Lady Clara noted the absent of Commander Larse and was extremely annoyed nevertheless after over hearing that she was the considered to have made him made by dancing with the Baron she held her head higher and continue to dance with other men.

I must be mad thought Evin, why is it Miri is occupying the whole of my mind. Not very good for someone who leads the Queen's Rider Groups into battle and enforce the law of the land. Evin smiled at his good luck at receiving his new position. He didn't think he was held in so much high esteem. But it doesn't count for anything now unless Miri saw him as something more than a leader, more than a friend.

What did he want from Miri he was unsure. Yet the problems and troubles looked smaller when she teased him and vice versa or her giving him a piece of her mind when she believed he was being pig headed.

Evin sighed. He had reached the door and was preparing to have a very honest chat with Miri about his feelings. It has to be done he thought determine not to miss his opportunity. And if the gods was in his favour Miri appeared on the main walkway, existing from the rose garden but her back turned away from the ball.

Evin took a step forward…

"Evin!" exclaimed a familiar voice that had the power of command still.

Reluctantly Evin spun around knowing that he had lost his chance with Miri and smiled down at the now married Buri.

"How does it feel to be married ma'am?" said Evin still smiling at the height between Buri and him.

"Well definitely different Commander Larse" Buri replied "Before I leave for my honeymoon I wonder if you will do me the great honour of dancing with your ex-commander so that I warn you of the difficulties ahead."

"I would be delighted" said Evin and bowed to Buri letting his arm guide the pair back to the dance floor.