A Minor Glitch:

Disclaimer: All I own is Eriko, her family, my plot, and a Tom in a room but anything familiar belongs to Tamora Pierce.

A/N: Hehe...I feel so loved when someone reviews even if it's just one because then I know someone is actually reading it. Yay to readers! Have a Happy New Year!


The day after he walked her back, Merric tried everything he could think of to spend time with Eri. It doesn't work out most of the time since she's always busy with Yuki and Shinko. He never knew that weddings took so much time and planning but then again this was a royal wedding. When he didn't see her in the Mess Hall for meals, Merric would make sure she had something to eat. Of course, that made her more irritable than anything else and almost bit his head off for it. After she had toss him onto the ground for scaring her, Merric made it a point to try and not provoke her even after she had came and apologized to him. It wasn't until he went to Kel for advice that he found out it was her time of the month but it didn't go so well when he told her that he understood. Apparently there is more than one way to go up a tree, Eri's way. He was sore after she threw him up there with her Gift and he didn't even know it was possible but Kai made it all so much better by demonstrating this ability...on him.

Merric finally got his chance when Yuki 'accidentally' told him about the next ball coming up. It wasn't officially announced yet but he can work with that. If he can get past the 'dragon', then there shouldn't be any problems although it was very hard to find her. Merric had walked the castle twice already and still there was no sign of her. On his third round, he found Kel and Eric walking back from the gate with Eri following behind them at a slower pace. He would've shouted for joy but calmed down enough to wait for them by the entrance. While waiting he noticed how Eric pulling Kel closer and whispering something to her that made her face drop. She looked at him confused but it didn't take long for her to give him a small smile and nodding her head 'yes'.

"Hey Merric!" Eric called out.

"Hi guys."

"What are you doing out here?" Kel asked.

"Oh I don't know watching two certain people look happy?" Merric suggested.

"Breathe a word of this to anyone and I'll flatten you," Kel threatened while Eric just chuckled but he shut up as soon as Kel glared at him.

"My lips are sealed milady."

It was taking Eri longer to catch up for some reason but Merric didn't mind.

"So what are you really doing out here?" Kel questioned.

"Uh. I was going to ask Eri something," Merric replied shyly.

"No one asked her yet," Eric told him.

"What?"

"You were going to ask her to the next ball right?" Eric inquired.

Merric could do nothing but nod his head a bit embarrassed.

"But she doesn't know that there's a ball yet," Kel told him.

"Why?"

"Why what?" Eri asked.

Her voice coming out of nowhere and scared Merric, so he jumped a little. Looking away from Eric, Merric looked at Eri before glancing back to see Eric look that said 'go ahead'.

"Why what?" Eric asked again.

"Nothing," Merric answered.

Seeing her frown, Merric continued, "But I was wondering if you were going with someone to the ball."

"Ball? What ball?" Eri asked with confusion.

"The one Shinko and the Queen is throwing for Roald's birthday," Kel answered.

"No, that can't be right. Shinko would've told me if there was a ball," Eri frowned.

"Well it's suppose to be a surprise seeing as how the King and Roald isn't coming back until then," Kel explained.

"Wait a minute. Then how come she told you but not me?" she questioned.

"Because she knows you're going to try and make up some excuse," Eric told Eri.

"And besides it's a Royal celebration so you'll have to attend anyways," Kel continued.

"But technically she didn't tell me so that mean I don't have to go," Eri thought aloud.

Smiling, Eri waved them 'goodbye' and walked inside, leaving Eric and Merric confused but Kel in deep thought.


Hearing the pounding on the door, I got up and pulled my robe closer around my body. The pounding seemed to get louder and I was getting irritated. Walking across the room, I grabbed my glaive and opened the door.

"What's the big idea?" I growled waving the weapon like a mad woman.

"Ur-urgent mes-message mi-lady," the servant croaked out, staring wide eye at the glaive in my hand.

Sighing, I put the weapon down and apologized to the servant telling him that I thought he was a crazed maniac because of his knocking. He seemed to relax greatly before handing me my letter and walking back the way he came. Closing the door behind me, I picked up my glaive and walked back to bed. Setting the letter onto the night table, I rested the glaive on the wall and curled up back into bed making a mental note that I should bring my shukusen next time.

vvvvvvvv

After eating a quick breakfast with Shinko and Yuki, I left the Dining Hall and made my way back to my room but I hadn't even gotten there when I heard someone running behind me. Turning around, I saw a servant run by as if his life depended on it. I thought it was odd before continuing on but I ran into Anthony and Alice. Things are better now between us and Anthony even apologized for his behavior the last time I saw them. They stopped and I chatted a bit with Alice before we went our separate ways.

I couldn't help but feel a bit jealous at their actions, not that I like Anthony anymore but it would be nice to be with someone I could really like and spend time with. Shinko and Roald got along very well thanks to Kel and the wedding was fast approaching, while Yuki and Neal were quietly planning their own. Even Kel was being courted by Eric, which I tease him for but not without consequences. Kel pinched me last time I made fun of Eric, but what was I going to do since it was my duty as his sister after all.

I still hadn't made it back to my room when the servant who had run by before stopped me. Poor guy was out of breath and couldn't get a single word out but I couldn't help but think it was the same one I scared last night. When he looked up, I realize that he was the same boy. He was still trying to catch his breath while I waited; it makes me think that he must've ran throughout the castle looking for me...if it was even me he was looking for.

"La-lady Eriko?"

Yep, he was looking for me.

"Yes?"

"You. Are...needed."

"Uh, could you be a bit more specific?"

"In the east library, on the ground floor."

"Oh. Thank you."

Standing straight, he gave a small bow before sighing with relief and walking away. Shrugging my shoulders, I turned around and made my way towards the mentioned library, running into Merric and Faleron on the way. I gave a brief greeting and was about to brush past them but Merric stopped me. Facing him, I could see Faleron giving him space and nodding.

"Yes Merric?"

"Well, you see. You know what a ball is?" Merric asked.

I could see him cringe and hear Faleron laughing when he asked that. Poor guy...

But he really does try and it's kind of c-, I cut of my thought right there.

"Yes Merric, I do know what a ball is," I answered.

"Uh right. I didn't mean to say that but well..."

"Yes?"

"Woulyaliktogowidme?"

He looked about ready to faint.

"I'll think about it. How about I find you later and tell you?"

I didn't get to hear his answer except for a loud 'thump' on the floor. I looked at him before glancing over at Faleron, who was bent over and laughing. Glaring at him, Faleron suppressed his chuckles long enough to come over and help Merric up.

"Can you tell him that I'll find him later?" I asked Faleron.

"Sure. We'll be in the practice courts later if you need us."

With that Faleron dragged Merric away and I walked on. By the time I made it to the library, I had to avoid several hallways with people in it to make sure I didn't run into anyone I knew or wanted to talk. Patting my hair down, I smoothed my skirt and knocked on the door but no one seemed to answer. I was going to knock again, when the door opened and I saw who it was.

"You're late. Now get in here."

"Good morning Aunt Lucille."

"Good morning."

Something was wrong and something was off because 1) she was trying too hard to be nice and 2) she didn't yell at me for being late. It didn't take long until I found out why. Pointing me to a chair, I sat down but not before noticing the man sitting in the chair opposite mine. I felt the corner of my mouth twitch but I pushed down the urge to frown and smiled as pleasantly as I could to the man.

He didn't look much older than Kai and would be handsome; if it wasn't for that holier-than-thou look he had on his face. He was fit and had broad shoulders, taller than me as far as I could tell. He had golden brown hair that fell into his sharp blue eyes with thin lips and a small, pointy nose. He was slightly tanned but still pale and had one too many frown lines at his age.

"Eriko this is Sir Harrison of Haledon," she introduced.

"Hello," I greeted as politely as possible.

"He's to be your partner at the next ball."

I really wished she had beat around the bush for a little longer but not everything is in her favor.

"Well that's very nice of you Auntie but really, I already have a partner," I said as sweetly as possible.

I could see her frown and the guy didn't seem very happy either.

"I didn't ask for your opinion young lady. I'm telling you that Sir Harrison is you partner at this ball and for everything else that comes along."

Oh Goddess, "Really?" I asked trying not to twitch.

I don't like her smile or his either, not one bit. Mithros, I wish I could just smack it off his face and he keeps eyeing me like a piece of meat. Maybe I could gouge his eyes out as well. Oh the possibilities...

"Yes, now I expect you to get to know each other before then. Do I make myself clear?" Ironheart demanded firmly.

"But I already told you. I've been asked and I said yes," I told her.

So that was a lie but she didn't have to know. I wonder if Merric is going to faint again...for his sake and mine, I hope not.

"Lady Eriko, let's get to the point shall we?" he drawled.

He even sounds like a snake...someone stab me now, I thought without cringing.

"I'm not here for some fun but for a wife. I must say Lady Lucille wasn't joking when she said you were beautiful..."

Maybe I can stab him instead.

"Although she didn't really do you justice there, I'd say you are gorgeous."

"Why, thank you," I replied; oh how I wish I could make him blind.

"The very image of the perfect lady even..."

If he didn't sound so oily and have such an ulterior motive, I might say I was charmed but he's being a pretentious bastard right now.

"But."

There is always a but.

"Lady Lucille has made it a point to tell me about your 'odd' behaviors and I'll tell you right now that I don't tolerate such behaviors."

When the hell did he get up? I thought as he began to hover me. He was like one of the Palace hawks circling their prey and it wasn't very comfortable.

"You do realize that I have no intentions of getting married so soon, right?" I prompted.

"And I don't appreciate cheekiness either," he told me calmly but it came out as more of a bark.

I could see that evil woman smirking with so much glee out of the corner of my eye, while the man sneered.

Yep, definitely too many frown lines.

"I wasn't trying to be cheeky sir but merely telling you that I have no intentions of getting married now-"

"I believe a year is enough time for you to be ready," Sir Harrison cut off.

"You didn't let me finish. I have no intentions to get married now nor do I have any intentions to marry you. Now if you'll excuse me, I have an appointment to attend to."

Getting up, I smiled as politely as I could before curtsying and leaving them in the room. Ah the look of pure rage on her face is a classic because I know she won't dare show her true colors in front of company. Making sure I closed the door, I used my Gift to lock it before walking as fast as I could towards the practice courts.

vvvvvvvv

I was out of breath by the time I had gotten to the practice courts. Seeing the group assembled there, I walked over immediately and grabbed Merric. It was funny to see them all look surprised. Once I made sure they were within watching distance but not close enough to hear, I faced Merric who was flustered at the moment.

"My answer is yes," I told him simply.

Apparently he brain wasn't working because he was gaping at me and sputtered, "What?"

"I'll. Go. To. The. Ball. With. You," I enunciated carefully; gods this makes me feel as if I was asking him.

"Really?"

When I nodded my head 'yes', he looked so happy and excited that I couldn't help but smile with him. Good thing he didn't faint either but his face fell as he started thinking.

"You're not going with me out of pity are you?" he asked uneasily.

"No."

"Guilt?"

"No."

"Revenge?"

"What?"

"That's a 'no' right?"

"Of course, where did you get that idea?"

He hung his head in embarrassment and...shame? Why would he- oh.

Leaning in slightly,"I'm not mad at you anymore," I whispered.

He would've hit me in the face, if I hadn't moved out of the way in time.

"I'm really am sorry about that. I was just frustrated," he told me shyly.

"It's fine...but don't let it happen again," I scolded him lightly.

Taking my hand gently, he raised it to his lips and kissed it, "I won't," Merric murmured.

Looking back at the group, I could see Eric gaping at him while I felt a slight heat rising in my cheeks.

"Something wrong?"

Glancing at Merric, I could feel myself become ever redder.

"Uh...no," I answered as calmly as I could but there was a strange nagging feeling.

"Are you sure?"

"You know what? I think I need a nap."

I turned to leave but forgot that he was still holding my hand. Merric let go of it, a bit reluctantly, but that didn't make me feel any better. Giving him the smallest grin I could muster, I turned around and left as fast as I could without looking like I wanted to run.

Something is definitely not right here, I thought as I touched my heated cheeks.

Not right indeed.