A/N: I'm not gonna do this every day now. I'm taking myself a break. Thanks to buttons7 for beta reading this chapter.
Chapter Three
Alanna was walking through the Palace with awe. Coram chuckled. 'It's nice,' he thought, 'to see her so happy.' Alanna was miserable at Trebond. Now, in the palace, she was happier.
"Coram?" said an amused voice, "what brings you here?"
Alanna gasped as Duke Gareth walked forward. Coram grinned and bowed.
"Father!"
Alanna looked up as Gary and Raoul ran forward. Gareth sighed. He knew, of course, about Roald's abuse of Jon and the Queen. Jon had told him, in private, a month ago. Raoul glanced at Alanna, who shrank back.
"It's alright," he said kindly. "We won't hurt you."
Alanna slowly came forward, trembling. Gary saw bruises on her arms.
"Your Grace, this is Lady Alanna of Trebond."
Alanna glared at Coram as she curtsied.
"You have been abused too, haven't you?" the Duke asked quietly.
Looking down, Alanna nodded. "Yes, your Grace," she said in a small, scared voice.
"Well, you won't be in the Palace," the Duke told her. To Raoul and Gary he asked, "It's about Jon?" They nodded.
"We need Duke Baird. It looks like Roald beat him up, badly."
Alanna looked at them. "His Highness-" she began, then Raoul nodded.
"Whenever he gets the chance, Roald beats his wife and Jon."
"I'll heal him," she said at once. "I have the Gift."
Gareth nodded. "Alanna, Coram, follow me. Raoul, Gary, go to the kitchen and ask the cooks for food. No doubt Roald starved him again."