Distant Memories – Surprises

Disclaimer: As much as I wish I did, I don't own these characters, countries or anything. I just added in a few extra character's to make things exciting.

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When Alanna was three and a half, she believed that all Ladies had to do was attend balls and looks beautiful. Boy, was she wrong. Until the eve of the ball she didn't realize how stressful and nerve racking it could be.

Gwyn had insisted on her going to the ball, but told her, "If it gets to be too much, you may leave earlier or take a walk for some fresh air, my child," and gave her a hug.

Alanna still hadn't wanted to go; but then Gwyn did something that made it impossible - or extremely rude - not to go. She found Alanna someone to go with. It didn't help her to think of whom she was going with, he still confused her.

He was a mixture she missed from home, people she didn't want to think of at the moment. Though even his name made her think of the two people who she possibly missed the most.

The Royal families or both countries were both to be announced and presented, which meant those accompanying the royal families were also made too. It just so happened that Alanna was now to walk down the red staircase also. Being Jorge's partner for the ball required her to do so.

She wasn't too sure she wanted to be put in the spot light for everyone to see, especially when she wasn't sure how fool-proof her disguise was. But there was nothing she could do about it now.

The Royal Family of Tusaine was called first. King Ain went first with one of his many wives, followed by the heir and the eldest few children. Alanna couldn't remember a time in her life when she had been more nervous.

Jon was standing a few meters away from her. She tried to stay out of his view in fear of being recognized. So far she had succeeded in not being recognized.

"Duke Hilam and Duchess Gwyn," a male voice announced. "The host's of the festivity." The couple came out of the shadows as the curtains were opened and made their way to their seats.

Alanna was next, and she felt sick. "Their Grace's son, Sir Jorge and daughters: Lady Catherine and Lady Isabel." One by one they went. Alanna and Jorge first, followed by Catherine and her partner and lastly Isabel and her partner.

For most of the trip down the stairs Alanna looked at her feet; she still hadn't adjusted to heels and didn't want to see everyone in the room. Only when she felt comfortable walking in heels did she dare to look up. With her arm linked with Jorge's she permitted herself a smile. Maybe the night wouldn't be so bad.

Not until she was seated, did Alanna relax, but only a little. The Tortallans were being introduced next. "His Highness and heir to the Tortallan throne, Prince Jonathan of Contè accompanied by Lady Delia of Eldorne," the man announced.

Delia's beautiful, Alanna thought. I'll never match her. But then she began to wonder why she was comparing herself to Delia. She had no reason to, she wasn't jealous or the girl or one to compare herself to others.

"King Roald and his Queen, Lianne." The Queen looked no better than the last time Alanna has seen her, in fact she looked as if she was getting worse. If another sickness came it could be the end of her. Her weak body wouldn't be able to protect her. She was dreadfully pale, more than what was fashionable and no amount of cosmetics could hide it. Nor could any piece of clothing hide how thin she was becoming.

The first meal served, Alanna took her napkin and placed in on her lap as Gwyn had instructed her too. She had gotten through the first phase of the night; she just hoped the rest wouldn't have any unexpected surprises.

The music began and so did the dancing. Jon and Delia made their way to the dance floor and Alanna looked away from the dancing. She needed a distraction, someone else to think of. That's when she discovered how easy and relaxing it was to talk to Jorge.

The made jokes about the match-making mothers and laughed as the conservatives told off their mischievous daughters. They shared stories from court, Alanna never mentioning herself though, in any of the stories she shared.

The song finished and a new one began, Alanna couldn't help but look at the dancing couples. She also couldn't help but notice how much Jon seemed to be enjoying himself – dancing with Delia.

But she didn't know that from the moment he had arrived, he had been searching. Searching for a lost noble, searching for his friend, searching for his squire. He carefully examined each room he entered and person he met and forgot nothing.

Alanna had had enough, the night was becoming just too much to handle. She excused herself to Jorge and told Gwyn she was going to get some fresh air. She headed to the luxurious gardens. After finding an isolated bench she put her cloak down and sat.

From her bench she could see the terrace she had come from, but someone was standing there, a man, but the shadows concealed his face. He was waiting for her, she looked away, but when she looked back he was out of sight.

Alanna left the bench and walked away. She didn't want to see or speak to anyone who may recognize her or even notice something wasn't right. A gust of wind came and Alanna shivered, she had left her cloak behind!

She hurried back and hoped no one was there. But her wish didn't come true; someone was standing at the bench. He was waiting for her right where she had left her cloak.

"Hullo," he said casually, holding the Garment up. "I believe this is yours."

"It is," Alanna said her hand trembling; she knew who she was speaking to. "May I have it back?"

"You may," he said and handed her the cloak, "Alanna."

Her eyes widened. "Don't look so surprised," he said and took one of her hands. "I'd recognize my squire anywhere."

"How did you know it was me?"

"There are some things you just know."

"Oh…," Alanna said.

"I thought you were taken as a prisoner, I never expected to see you like this," he said meaning her being dressed as a Lady.

Alanna blushed; she was grateful for the darkness which concealed her rosey cheeks. "I had to," she briefly explained her plans to her prince. "But you have to continue acting as if you barely know me."

Jon sensed that Alanna would rather not discuss this any further, so changed the subject for her. He lifted the gold chain from her neck and examined it. "What's this?" he asked his voice warm and soft.

"A – a…" Alanna was having trouble answering, but luckily she didn't have to.

Jon began to kiss her.

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Well you know what to do!

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The next part of the night is comming soon and believe me there are more surprises to come!

Happy Reading

Madame-S-Butterfly

xoxo