Three days later…
"Alanna, you are simply stunning," Delia raved.
Alanna was stunning. Her gown was a light blue-violet. The color played up her eyes and was a nice contrast to her hair, which was left down and adorned with a flower behind one ear. The gown sat just off her shoulders, subtly enhancing her bust. As always, the bodice slid easily over her waist- no corset needed. And the skirt was layered, but fell more like a day dress than a gown. When Alanna spun, the skirt spun with her, giving the Trebond girl a more exotic look. And her blue-violet heels were silk and gently added three and a half inches to her height.
Delia, opting to let her friend shine for a change, simply wore a spring green dress. It looked very typical, with thick straps and a square neckline, along with a full skirt. Though, she could never completely fade into the woodwork with her green eyes, pearly skin, and luxurious chestnut hair. The spring green brought out softer greens in her eyes and let the deeper color of her hair be the main focus. Delia's hair had been curled, and tumbled down her back beautifully.
"So, who is your escort, Lady Alanna?" Delia asked. Alanna smiled and easily tossed her hair over her shoulder, just to get it out of her face.
"Well, I was asked by Raoul, Gary, and Jonathan, and I toyed with going with my brother for a while, but I decided that Raoul would be the best choice," Alanna replied. Delia nodded.
"An excellent choice. But, Alanna, really. You should've chosen the Prince," Delia said. Alanna shook her head.
"No. I'd rather go with someone who will make me laugh," Alanna responded. "But wouldn't it have been funny to go with Thom?" The girls laughed.
"He would certainly be popular with the men!" Delia replied.
"I'm not sure about the women, though," Alanna said. Delia nodded, her mouth pressed tightly to keep herself from laughing. There was a knock on the door. "One moment!"
"Take as long as you need, my lady." It was Raoul. Alanna stood and walked to the door.
"You never mentioned who you're going with, Delia," Alanna remarked. Delia shrugged.
"This is your night. I'm going alone," she replied.
"You just want to be open so all the men can dance with you," Alanna accused teasingly. Delia smiled and shrugged.
"What can I say? I like to keep my options open," she said. Alanna laughed and opened the door. Raoul bowed and kissed her hand.
"My lady, you look lovely," he flattered. Alanna smiled at him.
"Thank you, Sir Raoul. But you know it is simply Alanna to you," she told him, taking the arm he offered.
"And it is Raoul to you, Alanna."
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"Lady Alanna of Trebond and Sir Raoul of Goldenlake!" the herald announced. Alanna floated down the steps, all eyes on the petite beauty. One set of eyes were focused on her intently, and the owner of those eyes was smiling.
That person was his royal highness Prince Jonathan of Conté, heir to Tortall. His eyes were bright sapphire; the same eyes that made female hearts melt with one look. He didn't want to be vain, but, usually women couldn't resist him. With his coal hair and sapphire eyes, stubborn chin, slightly hooked nose, and muscular frame, he wasn't exactly hideous. And being the heir to the throne didn't hurt either. But, somehow, his squire's twin had resisted, and turned down his offer to escort her. Now, if he wanted to, he could've made her gone with him, but supplying a royal order. But he was fairly certain that Alanna would not respond well to that. And Thom had made it very clear that when Alanna said no, it meant no.
But there was something about her. He didn't know if it was the eyes she shared with her twin, or her curvy figure, or even the way she was so nonchalant around him, but there was something there that intrigued him. She was different, too. She had wanted to learn swordsmanship, and Thom had revealed that his sister was a brilliant archer and tracker, as well as a powerful mage. Thom had told Jonathan when they were alone one night that Alanna had convinced the Mithran priests to teach her magic, especially healing and more powerful magic. Thom and Alanna shared the same strength Gift, and Thom had been taught by Jonathan's cousin, Duke Roger, as well as the palace healer, Duke Baird.
Seeing the way Alanna and Raoul easily talked with one another, Jonathan gathered his nerves. He wanted to go talk to her. Joke a bit, talk about Tortall, and Trebond, and her brother.
Maybe he would even ask her to dance.
Author's Note- how do you like it? That last part at Alanna's presentation was fun to write. I was actually melting as I wrote about Jonathan. REVIEW, please.