Never say Never
Summary: Alanna went to the convent and is going to Tortall to meet her betrothed…Roger of Conte. She has yet to meet him though, but when she does, she believes her affections are never going to be his. Never say never.
A/n: this is my second Tamora Pierce ff, and I hope to have more luck and more reviews with this one. Due to lack of reviewers and inspiration I decided to remove the other story, so if you do read this story will you please review for me? Coz then I'd know if you like it or not and if I should continue.
Disclaimer: I own nothing, 'cept the description I put for Roger is kinda the same as the one on the book.
Meeting Him
Alanna was perched on the edge one of the carriage's plush seats when her brother, Thom, spoke up. She had been day-dreaming, looking out of the window and was surprised at the sudden noise, jumping at the sound she bumped her head on the ceiling of the carriage and let out an angry torrent of curses.
Thom waited patiently until she had calmed down a bit and tried to speak again. "As I was saying, I would just like you to know how happy I am that you agreed to the engagement."
"You would be happy, wouldn't you? Making engagements behind my back with men I haven't met," Alanna replied tartly.
"Ouch I should have seen that coming. Anyway, I'm sure you'll like Duke Roger, he's an absolute gentleman. Not spoiled or anything even though the king is his uncle."
"Remind me why I'm doing this again..."
"Because now that father is dead we need someone to pay for the taxes and such." Alanna started to open her mouth. Thom continued quickly before she could speak. "And no, we can't do it ourselves because in case you haven't noticed, we're not weighed down by bagfuls of money. It's going to be fine. You'll like the duke. Just be polite and remember all your manners." She grunted in reply. "Now that you have to stop. Ladies don't grunt, Alanna. Didn't they tech you that back at the convent?"
Before she had time to come up with a cheeky answer, the carriage stopped and the door opened. A strong-looking hand snaked into the carriage. Alanna placed her hand on it after a moment's hesitation and leant slightly on it to get out.
"Hello, you must be Alanna. My name is Roger."
In front of Alanna was a brown-black haired man with a neatly trimmed beard. He was over six feet tall with bright blue eyes and a perfectly carved nose. His red and full mouth framed his white flashing teeth and his smile was filled with charm and confidence. Broad-shouldered, he looked muscular. So this is Duke Roger, Alanna thought to herself.
"Pleased to meet you," she replied daintily, presenting a perfectly manicured hand to Roger.
Roger took her hand and gently brushed his lips against it, bowing slightly, he answered, "As am I, as am I."
A/n: Please review; all you have to do is press that little button on the left. Give in to the temptation, you know you want to. Just do it!
