Chapter 7

"I wish I were going," Eliena told Daine a year later.

Daine and Numair were going to fief Dunlath. Daine's wolf pack, the Long Lake Pack, needed her. And Eliena wasn't about to stop the girl, who had explained why this was important. But her parents had said a firm "no." Over their dead bodies was the heiress going to be around wolves, even if Daine swore that they wouldn't harm her. With much stomping, swearing, yelling, and eyelash batting, Eliena had conceded to remaining in Corus. The fourteen-year-old would have to be content with Leo and Neal as her companions.

"You'll see me soon enough," Daine promised.

"I'd better!" Eliena said. "Otherwise I'll go mad!"

"You're already mad, Eli," Daine remarked. Eliena glared at her.

"I could have you hung for that, Sarrasri. You're leaving me with Tyler." She shuddered.

"And Leo, and Neal," Daine reminded her. "You'll be fine."

"Without the one girl my age in the palace who treats me like an actual human, and not like a princess? Sure I will," Eliena muttered. She flicked her hand. "Out, insolent commoner, your presence aggravates me." Daine smiled and shook her head. Even though she had said it in a very noble, stuck-up, princessy way as a joke between them, Eliena wanted to be left alone.

As she walked out, Daine called, "You will see me off, won't you?"

"Of course! I'm not that upset! Great Goddess, Daine!"

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"This is so boring," Eliena grumbled.

"More wine your highness?" Leo was at her elbow, holding the pitcher. As a fourth year page and Jonathan's future squire, he was eligible to serve the royal family. It helped that Lord Wyldon had a soft spot for Eliena, and was willing to take her recommendation that Leo be the only page permitted to serve her family.

"Please," Eliena said. "Anything stronger? Ale, maybe?" George had given her ale on one of her many trips to the Swoop. She loved the stuff.

"Eliena!" Alanna hissed. The Lioness's daughter rolled her eyes.

"Fine." Leo topped off Eliena's goblet, stifling a giggle. "Just what is so funny, Page Leonard?"

"Nothing, your highness," Leo replied. Eliena smiled as he slipped away.

"At least act as if you're enjoying yourself, Eliena," Alanna whispered. "Mithros knows I am."

Eliena knew her mother loathed Court events. And this was one of those large events. It was also pointless. As far as Eliena could tell, they had a ball and a feast just for the sake of having one.

Though, she did love her gown. The sleeves sat just off her shoulders- still tan from her time in the sun- and were stretched taught to her elbows, where it turned into flowing, gauzy material with bell sleeves large enough for her horse to fit his head in. The bodice fit closely to her still-developing body, but showed promise of curves to come. Her skirt appeared to be held out by a cloud, it was so perfect and free. The dress was golden, with threads that seemed spun from gold, sparkling beautifully. If she had ever looked like a princess, it was then. Her stepmother Eleni had made it for her.

"The ball will begin shortly. If everyone will please make their way into the ballroom…" the Master of Ceremonies announced. Eliena rolled her eyes and rose with her parents. (Her younger siblings were in the City of the Gods.) They left first, followed by their closest advisors and then the general courtiers. Eliena found a corner of the ballroom to wait for Neal in before she had to get to the top of the stairs. She craned her neck and stood on her toes, cursing her height of 5'4'', she was too short, but she wasn't getting any taller. Where was Neal? There! Eliena waved her hand in the air, trying to avoid her sleeve. He saw her hand and made his way to her.

"Please, Neal, be my escort for the evening," Eliena begged. "Please. I can't do this alone." Neal smiled and kissed her hand.

"I would be honored, Eli," he replied. She smiled at him.

"Thank you. Now, let's get to the top of the stairs before I'm looked for." Holding tightly to Neal, she transported the two of them to the top of the stairs. Jonathan smiled.

"Just in time, Eli, as always," he teased. "Ah, Nealan. Are you her escort?" Neal nodded.

"Yes, your majesty," he replied.

"Very good. Now, my lady, shall we?" he offered his arm to Alanna, who took it.

"Of course, my lord." Ew, Eliena thought. My parents are flirting. And wasn't mother ticked off before? I wonder how father cheered her up… She glanced at her parents. On second though, I really don't want to know.

"If I may have your attention please?" the Master of Ceremonies said. "Her Royal Highness, Princess Eliena of Conté, heir to Tortall and her escort for the evening, the Student of Healing Nealan of Queenscove." Eliena and Neal floated down the steps. She felt the jealous eyes of many knights, squires, and pages on them. She'd had many offers to be her escort that night, but she had turned them all down in favor of Neal at the last minute. Though she harbored a secret crush, he was one of her very best friends. They reached the dais and Eliena stepped up to the top level. She curtsied and Neal bowed, kissing her hand. She sat in her "small" throne, and Neal stood on the ground beside the throne that would usually be filled by her younger sister Lianne. "His Royal Majesty King Jonathan IV of Conté and Her Royal Majesty Queen Alanna of Olau and Conté!" Jonathan and Alanna looked so royal, that Eliena had to smile. She was proud to call them her parents at moments like this. Jonathan's large throne was beside hers, and Alanna's on his other side. As the heir, she had a slightly smaller throne beside her father on the top level of the dais. Her younger brother Roald and younger sister Lianne had thrones smaller than hers on the lower level, as the minor prince and princess. Jonathan rose.

"Let the ball begin!" he decreed. Everyone clapped and he sat down. The music began. As was custom, the royal family sat out the first dance. Neal went to talk with his friends and Leo waved to Eliena across the room. She acknowledged him with a deep nod, as not to seem un-princess-like.

When the second song came around, Eliena rose. About fifty men came to ask her for the first dance. Neal was talking, so Eliena offered her hand to Sir Dominik of Danshame. He was a terrible dancer, Eliena found out. The second dance went to Neal, the third to Leo, the fourth to Squire Hargreave of Coas Wood, the fifth to her father, and the rest to Neal again. She and Neal talked while they danced. She told him about how she missed Daine and Numair, and he said he did too. They speculated about what could be going on in Dunlath that they had been gone almost a week.

Finally, Eliena glanced at her father. He nodded to her. Neal gave her a puzzled look.

"He's about to announce that we are retiring to our chambers," she replied. "But I don't actually have to go. He and mother are just tired." Neal smiled and nodded.

"Let's grab Leo and go for a ride," he suggested.

"I don't know…" Neal looked shocked.

"Who are you and where've you put Eliena?" he asked. "The Eliena I know wouldn't hesitate to get out of here."

"Neal, I have responsibilities," Eliena replied. She was shocking herself. But, then again, she was getting older.

"So bring a keeper," Neal retorted. "Come on, Eliena. We're not going to live forever, you know. Have fun now, before you have to become all serious." Eliena smiled.

"All right."

Author's Note- OK, so I wrote the last few lines while listening to "4ever" by the Veronicas. (Awesome song, BTW) So… REVIEW.