AN: and here it is….last chapter, not including an epilogue. It could be a bit of a wait until then, though…life is crazy…and patience is good. Sorry for the formatting on this one.

Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with Tamora Pierce and co. I own nothing, which is a pity, since I'd give quite a bit to own Gary…

But when a young lady is to be a heroine, the perverseness of forty surrounding families cannot prevent her. Something must and will happen to throw a hero in her way.

-Jane Austen

"we need to talk," I hissed at Cythera at we waltzed at a stately pace around the ballroom. Despite the disaster of the previous evening, (hereafter referred to as "that night") Cythera had not revoked her promise of letting me escort her to the ball. However, though I came to the party brimming with hope at Myles's information, I had deflated faster than the pages on their first day. To say the last hour had been awkward would have been a gross understatement. Never overly warm, Cythera had been appallingly distant. Not that I could really blame her.

"there's been a…misunderstanding," I tried again, "and we should straighten it out."

"I suppose we should," she replied coolly, still not looking at me, "shall we go to your rooms?"

Surprised, I raised an eyebrow. The gossip mills, already working overtime after my midnight serenade of Sir Myles and Jon's rather public snub of Lady Delia last week, would likely explode if anyone got hold of this. That'd be it for her reputation, not to mention her chances at an advantageous marriage.

Looking as if she was resisting rolling her eyes, she hissed, "Have you got a better idea, Sir Gareth?"

I didn't, so I took her back to my rooms. It looked as if I had my work cut out for me this time.

After several minutes of uncomfortable silence, I gathered my courage and spoke. "Look," I began awkwardly, "I'll come right out and say it, I suppose, flowery speech never having been one of my fortes, but…do you have any sort of…you know, affection for me?" I asked her, "Cause if you don't, I promise to leave you alone, but I sort of thought…" I trailed off and eyed the pretty woman expectantly.

"You thought what?" she asked grimly, "I don't know how you normally court women, Sir Gareth, but I assure you, it hasn't worked on me. I may not be very worldly, nor particularly experienced, but somehow, I don't believe that you will win me over with nothing but some dreadful poetry."

"So…you…don't like me?" I stuttered, taken aback.

"No, Sir Gareth, I don't." she replied, perfect blue eyes beaming at me as if I was a toddler who had just read his first sentence. "I will admit, at first you had potential, being one of the few men who were both charming, and discreet about eying my breasts, and I was rather flattered by your attentions, but after your behavior last night, I have come to the conclusion that is nothing but a great joke to you, and I for one, refuse to play along!" she finished, nostrils flaring slightly.

I coughed slightly. "Ah. Yes. That." I replied expressively. Arching a delicate eyebrow, Cythera eyed me with haughty distain. "Lady, I promise you, that was a complete misunderstanding. For further details I suggest you take it up with Lords Raoul of Goldenlake, Alan of Trebond, or my dear cousin. I am in no way affiliated with them, and was, I assure you, an innocent victim of their 'help'" I explained in a rush, eying the petite blond across from me with expect.

Cythera's mouth twitched slightly. "really?" she asked skeptically.

"Yes," I told her earnestly, "I've never been this serious. Look. " I got to my knees and took both her hands in mine. "Cythera of Elden, I, Gareth of Naxen, do solemnly swear to love no one but you for as long as I live." As soon as I said it, I wanted to take it back. It was one of those things that you said because you knew it was what the other person wanted to hear, something you said to appease and then get laid, without really meaning it. But at the same time, I knew I did mean it on some level. It was, to be honest, just too deep for a boy like myself to figure out.

Cythera studied me carefully for a moment. "Under the circumstances, Sir Gareth, I suppose that it would not be beneath my dignity to admit that you are rather nice to look at, and I do believe I am rather fond of you," She informed me quietly, smiling slightly, "are you happy?"

"For now, yes." I told her. My inner demons, which always sounded suspiciously like Jon, were screaming "kiss her, kiss her!" never one to ignore my instincts, I leant forward to obey the voices. But people, this is my life. And nothing was ever that easy. And so, just as our lips were about to brush, someone began pounding on the door.

"Gary!" a voice called, "are you in there? Open this door!"

"Is that your father?" Cythera demanded, ashen-faced.

"We've got to get you out of here!" I cried, panicking slightly.

"How?" she asked desperately, "there's no time!"

"Gary!" my Father called, "what's going on in there?"

"Quick," I told her, "into the closet." She dove into the closet as I hurried to the door and yanked it open. My father stood there imposingly, an annoyed look on his face.

"why aren't you at the ball?' he asked, peering into my room suspiciously.

"Not feeling well," I lied quickly, "I think it was the oysters. I've always had a delicate stomach." At this point, a distraction was offered in the form of Jonathon. hair disheveled, breathing hard, and eyes darting from right to left, he threw a hasty salute to my father before diving into my closet. A thud and two squeaks were heard. Jon's head popped out again.

"Gary," he asked with a confused expression, "are you aware that"

"Yes," I snarled, sending him a pointed look, "shut up."

Comprehension dawned on my cousin's face, "ah," he replied knowingly, winking, "say no more, say no more!" he told me, disappearing back into the closet.

"you live an interesting life, son," my father commented sardonically, "care to explain?" right on cue, Raoul and Alan arrived looking grim.

"seen Jonathon?" Alan demanded, "Delia's on the rampage again."

"the closet, hiding," I told them waspishly, without thinking. Purposely, Raoul strode towards the closet and yanked open the door.

"come on Jon," he said, reaching inside, "we drew straws. It's your turn to head her off." My big friend reached inside and yanked. An ungodly shriek was heard as Raoul yanked Cythera out by her hair. He froze, gaze darting back and forth between me, my father, and Cythera. He shrugged helplessly at me before gently shoving her back inside the closet. He and Alan left, sending curious glances back at us.

"Gary," my Father began, "was that Cythera of Elden in your closet?" I eyed his slowly reddening face, apoplectic with rage.

"um…no?" I tried.

AN: And another chapter bites the dust. Sorry I can't write fluff…reviews are LOVE!

And thanks to last week's reviewers…

Wild-vixen, augurycry, sunkissed guacamole, drop your obe, music nerd, insouciant, spunkyhufflepuff13,

Music nerd: I wouldn't call it filler, EXACTLY, but you're right, it was a slow chapter. I probably wouldn't show my face either, but perhaps Gary is made of stronger stuff then us…thanks for your review!