Disclaimer: Anything and anyone who you recognize as Almighty Tamora's is hers. I merely own the plot, and for now, Elaine.
This story will contain several new characters of my own that will make everything quite…different. I am not insulting Tamora's writing, so please! I am merely adding my own imagination and flair. After all, that's what fanfiction is all about, right? I apologize in advance if I get any details (that aren't made up by me) wrong. I haven't read the Lioness Quartet for a while. Do correct me as you see fit…but not overly harsh, please? Do keep in mind that some of the details may be wrong chronologically because I have to make them that way in order for the story to make sense. Thank you.
The starting time of this story is right after In the Hand of the Goddess. However, Alanna and Jonathan are not lovers (as in the series), but Alanna is now a knight. She's not going to the desert (yet?) and is still staying at the palace. Alrightie, enough of my jabbering. Onward!
She was dancing happily in the arms of Prince Jonathan. She felt tingly, and her heart was ready to burst with joy. The couple graced the ballroom floor with flourish, in step with one another completely, enchanted as each was by the other. He loves me. ME. Not some court beauty. Nothing in the world could have evaporated the pure wonder rushing through her whole being.
A knock sounded on Alanna's door, calling her rudely back to harsh reality. It has been three months since the death of the Duke of Conte. She had had nightmares every single night since then. It followed that the wonderful dream she was just interrupted from was her salvation. Taken away so soon, the knight was ready to kill.
Cursing and muttering, she walked briskly to the door and yanked open the door.
"Three seconds before I kill you," Alanna stated matter-of-factly, glaring daggers at her intruder. And almost dropped dead. In front of her was her sister, Elaine, whom Alanna had not seen since she had attended their father's funeral six months before.
"Mithros! Elaine, you are finally here!!!" Alanna exclaimed in disbelief and joy, crushing her sister with a fierce hug. She felt so happy. Elaine would finally get what she deserved – a proper entrance into court. Elaine had been due to enter court when she turned eighteen, but she had sacrificed the opportunity to care for Lord Trebond, whose health had been starting to fail. It has been two years since Elaine graduated from the convent and gone home. Six months since their father had died. Elaine had stayed at Fief Trebond to tie up loose ends and get things smoothed out during those six months. Two and a half years of unrealized dreams. Now Elaine would finally get the opportunity to fall in love. Though it was rare for nobles to have the privilege of marrying for love, Alanna deeply vowed that she would make sure Elaine got to. She knew how much Elaine yearned for that dream.
"God – dess, Al – an – na! I can't – " Elaine managed to choke out, gasping for air.
"Oh, I am so sorry! I didn't mean to, honest," Alanna said as she released her sister, a smile playing on her lips.
"Oh, I am sure you didn't. I could have sworn someone was just about to murder poor me for waking her from her beauty sleep," Elaine replied sarcastically, though a hint of laughter flashed in her eyes. Sarcasm was one of the few similarities between the two.
"That was only because I didn't know it was you. Anyone else, I swear, I would have stuffed them with – " Alanna was not finished, but Elaine had cut her off by pushing her gently into her room and closing the door. Startled, Alanna looked carefully at her sister's face and noticed the sorrow and weariness there. Father's death must still be haunting her.
"I am sorry, Elaine," Alanna whispered. Elaine's gaze met hers and held. She knew what Alanna was thinking. Without speaking a word, for her heart was too heavy with sorrow, she hung on to her sister as tears streaked down her face. Alanna willed her strength into Elaine, knowing there were few things that could make her so vulnerable.
Elaine was overwhelmed with feelings of helplessness and wretchedness. She thinks I am sad over Father's death. Oh, dear Alanna, if only you knew. But I can't tell anyone, not even you. This wretched spell is restraining me. If I told you, all would be for nothing. I am so sorry. I hope you will find the heart to forgive me when you find out…if you find out…
Sorry that the chapter was quite short. Things will be getting interesting real soon, take heart. Review, please? To let me know what you think…and to give me hope (or crush it)…