A/N- The chappie before was supposed to be a oneshot, but since I love reviews, this chappie is for Lady Genevieve and TheWriter21. Thanks for reviewing!

Disclaimer: Any characters you see are not mine. However, adding "the Peacock" onto Perin's name is all mine. :D

Perin the Peacock was furious. How could any female resist him? He was perfect in every way, with his flawless pitch black hair, the twinkle in his eyes, the manliness of his deep, rich voice-

But she had rejected him for that-that man! The man who could probably see eye to eye with an ogre! And not only that, she had-had-kissed him! Perin shuddered. All for show, he told himself. All for show.

But that was a lie. And he knew it. When would Veralidaine Sarrasri do something for show?

But she had liked him before. Maybe because he didn't really say much. He just helped animals in her direct line of sight to get her attention. He had only grasped the other woman's hand at the end of the ball to get her attention.

He could not just let her go! He would fight for her, no matter what. He would lure her. Make himself irresistible. That would do the trick.

Daine felt as if she had just consumed gallons of sugar and mead mixed together. She felt unbelievably giddy, after the events of that night. She was laughing hysterically, both the queen and Lioness following suite.

She was trying, (in vain), to get back to her room. Although she kept crashing into walls. A tad bit of a problem. The three women were laughing/crying at nearly everything, like how the Peacock was trying to get to Daine, how she was fought over for the first dance, and especially the fact Numair had given her the most romantic dance anyone had seen in years.

This would normally not be funny to anyone. But this is with three very hyper females. And so they carried on, tripping over their expensive gowns and trying to get to their rooms.

It took Daine twenty more minutes than usual to reach her room. She bade goodnight to the other two women and entered her room. As soon as she closed the door, she collapsed down it laughing still.

This was not normal for Daine. But this is Tortall, Daine thought. Is anything normal?

She was just standing up when a knock sounded at the door. Who would knock now? She thought. She opened the door.

A clerk stood there.

"Your 'most admiring, lovable, charming, gallant exotic, remarkable' lover awaits you in the stables," the clerk tiredly said. "He said it was urgent."

Two things popped into Daine's head. First, why was it urgent, and secondly, why would Numair call himself those things? Numair wasn't that kind of person. Unless-

"The Peacock," she muttered to herself.

"Did you say something, my love?"

Daine wanted to scream. Loudly. She had run to the stables to find Numair, only to be greeted by the Peacock.

"What is so urgent," she said, with as much dryness as she could muster.

"Only to tell you of my un-dying love."

Daine wanted to vomit.

"Is that why, when it is two hours after midnight, you have sent for me?"

"Love is blind to all hours."

Daine wanted to choke.

"I do not want you love. I am loved by another." Daine's voice was clear and cold.

"He will dump you for the nearest shapely young blond he can find-,"

She went up to him and spoke directly into his eyes.

"Don't you ever speak that way about Numair! He's twice the man you are!"

"I highly doubt it."

She wanted to slap him. Only nearby horses stopped her from doing so.

But nearby horses didn't stop Numair from slapping him. Perin the Peacock looked shocked at his new guest. Apparently Numair had been giving Spots a late-night grooming when Daine started her conversation with the Peacock.

Numair said something Daine would never repeat in front of children when she decided she had had enough. She took her shiny slippers off in one hand and ran to her room.

Daine shoved her face in her pillow. Why should she be mad? Two men were fighting for her!

But it was Perin the Peacock. He was so rude!

A sudden idea formed in her head. And she knew exactly what to do.

She ran back to the stables. The Peacock was there, leaning arrogantly against the wall of the stables.

"I knew you'd come back. You cannot resist me," he said, poison dripping from him.

"Of course. You are the picture of perfect masculinity. I was just toying with you."

Numair gasped. Of course, he was there; once again hidden in the shadows, making sure the Peacock didn't do any more nasty tricks. But it turned Daine was doing the tricking here.

She waltzed up to the Peacock, toying with his hair.

She started-grooming?-his hair.

"No one could resist you," she said, lying through her teeth. She dug her nails into his scalp.

He yelped.

"What?" she asked sweetly.

"Nothing my dear," he said, gritting his teeth as she dug her nails further.

"I think I'll go now," she said, noticing Numair's silhouette.

She pranced off like a maiden in love.

The Peacock should have been happy at his conquering, but alas, he was not. The whole point was to get Daine. There was no fun now. Besides, she couldn't even groom his hair properly! And he had to be nice to all those animals, while secretly bribing them with jerky.

He sighed.

Numair followed Daine out of the stables. Seeing him, Daine began her story, interpreting his look correctly.

"No. Don't worry: I still want to strangle him. Just wait…I'm guessing he'll be gone by tomorrow. He's been through every young female here. He just wanted me for the "chasing" stage. Now it's no more fun. He'll be going onto another city or town. I just figured that out."

Numair smiled, understanding.

"You worried me there for a second."

She laughed.

Jonathon approached Daine the next day, at breakfast.

"Daine," he said, his voice curious, "one of our clerks has vanished. He was reported talking to you last. Do you have any idea of why this is?"

She glanced over at Numair. He winked at her.

"I have absolutely no idea, sir. Absolutely no idea."

A/N- Was it good? Please Review!!!!