Mutters and curses followed me as I walked down through the long tables. They had quieted down by the time I had found my sponsor. Then, I couldn't help but stare, for there he was, Joren of Stone Mountain, sitting with a few friends, and not a square inch to spare between them. What I was supposed to do now? So, like an idiot, I just stood there, waiting for them to notice me. On the other hand, maybe I didn't want them to, when I clued in to what they were saying.
" That Dunlath girl is something, eh? Says less than the Lump. What are you going to call her, Joren?'
"She's Spider, but we're not going to get much of a chance to use it. She'll be gone by the end of the week, you mark my words."
"Not as tall as the Lump, either. You're right. She'll be gone in no time at all."
I fumed. Then walked over to an empty next to my year mates. Owen. I think.
As I sat down, Owen turned. His eyes widened, and he turned to the person sitting next to him, and whispered into his ear. The stranger turned and stared, but I was too surprised with the person sitting three chairs down to notice. I was thinking whether to open my mouth, or stay silent, but then, the king walked in, and all stood. He waved us down.
"I'll talk after you eat. I can remember how hungry you must be by now."
The king said the blessing, and everyone started eating. But I admit that I heard not one word of the prayer, and looking back, I can't even remember what I ate, for throughout the whole meal, I stared at the king, oblivious to even the talk that circulated around me. But if I had been listening, like my teachers had taught, I would have heard something along the lines of…
Prince Roald: "Kel, another girl! Who's her sponsor?"
Neal: "I think I heard the Stump talking about her. He called her Lady Calia of Dunlath. I was going to tell you, but…"
Kel: "Yes, go on."
Neal: "I forgot."
Roald: (quickly) "So, who's her sponsor?"
I heard the last bit quite clearly, for as soon as the prince asked, Owen turned and poked me out of my reverie.
"So, who's your sponsor?"
He startled me so much, I answered without hesitation;
"What?"
There. 'What.' The first word I had said in the palace.
Not a great first impression.
Yah, that's the end of chapter 2. Now, to thank my reviewers…
Bambolieblue, I'm glad you liked it! I tried to update as soon as possible.
bbllgirl4ever, I hope you enjoy the next chapter. Thanx for reviewing!
