She got me doin da dishes
Anythang she want for some kisses
I'm cookin for her when she gets hungry
All she do is actin like she want me
She cuttin off all my homies
Even all my other ronnies
She ain't even my main lady
See I been thinking 'bout it lately
Man she really don't deserve me
All she wanna do is hurt me
So I gotta get away from her...
But now I'm leaving quickly
Before she come and try to get me...
And I'm takin everythang with me...
Well it all come down to her...
-I'm Sprung- TPain
A/N Hi everyone! Merry Christmas, Kwanza, and Hanukkah! Here is my gift to you! So Happy Holidays!
Caiti & Juliette
Review Responses
Stephy-you'll see... Thanks for R&R
Acanthophis- yumm hot chocolate thanks... lol... Merry Christmas to you too... thanks for reviewing
GinaStar- Thanks very much! Happy Holidays!
Julie Virginia- Thanks... "tortall, gosha, and i," jzet explaind."according to zulch's schedule we're next to FALL"... you are so right... you're even better than my editor
MissledNymph- gracias for reviewing... happy holidayz
DreamlndxFantasy- thanks very muchh... Don't worry Madison is just a little touchy... Thanks for R&R
shamrockgirl07- I'm glad you like Madison!! she is one of my faves... prepare for another filler... but I promise 33 and 34 are action packed... thanks for reviewing!
An angel on ice- you rock too lol... thanks for reviewing... happy holidays
Erytha- here is your update... be happy... lol... thanks
ponysteph15- Gracias... mahwah sucks... thanks for reviewing
stormrider7- haha I didn't forget you created her... lol... yeah I love George too... Especially his ear collection... lol... My editor loves you right now... lol... she is sitting next to me and praising you... haha... thanks for reviewing... happy holidays
On top of cloud 9- haha your colorful vocabulary is quite impressive lol... thanks for the ultra delightful review...
Nativewildmage- Yeah like father like daughter I always loved Queenscoves... lol... you have to email me about that story with kel and neal... thanks for reviewing... merry christmas... and may the force be with you!!
A/N I own Nothing
"Jzet, there's someone at the door for you." Lee called.
Jzet got up from her desk, where she was working on an algebra assignment, and smoothed the wrinkles out of her dark brown breeches.
"Coming," She said.
"Hello Jzeliette," A familiar voice greeted.
Her half brother Chuck stood in the doorway, a grin visible on his face.
"Chuck!" Jzet exclaimed.
He smiled and enveloped her into a hug.
"I haven't seen you in a while Jzet." He reminded her. "So, I decided to stop by and say hello while I was in the palace."
"Well, I am glad to see you." Jzet said, smiling. "Come inside and I'll ask Lee to make us some tea." Jzet turned towards her maid. "Lee could you-"
"Don't waste your breath." Lee told her hastily. "I'll get to it."
Jzet watched her maid stalk out of sight, apparently Chuck did too because he remarked, "I forgot about that one." He glanced over at Jzet. "Did she give you any trouble?"
Jzet smirked. She had almost forgotten the constant bickering that had occurred between Lee and him two summer's ago.
"Not too much," Jzet said frankly. "She is a smart-alec, but so far no one has murdered me in my sleep." Jzet laughed at her last statement. It brought back humorous memories. "She's a hard worker and has served me well."
Chuck snorted in disbelief at her last statement.
"She is!" Jzet insisted. Well, it's kind of true, She thought.
"I'm sure she is." He told her, even though she knew he didn't believe a word she said. He then changed the subject, not wanting to dwell on it too long. "What are you going to do with her when you become a squire?" Chuck questioned. "She can't tag along with you when you have a knight master."
Jzet sighed. "I know." She replied solemnly. Reality had seemed to immediately sober her up. "I was going to ask her soon what she wants to do when the time comes."
Jzet noticed Chuck's eyes glaze over in thought.
"Does she have the gift?" He asked suddenly.
"Yes, why do you ask?"
"What kind?" He asked her intently.
"I really don't know." Jzet stated. "But, I believe it's war magic." Jzet pondered. "She did deny she could heal when I first met her, but maybe she lied."
"Hmm… maybe I'll have a look at her after tea." Chuck announced while smoothing out his tunic.
Lee then returned to the room with a tea kettle and two cups in her hands.
"Here you go my young master and lady." Lee said with great poise and respect.
She curtseyed and then left the room quickly, in order not to disturb the two half siblings any further.
Jzet noticed Chuck's eyes glued to the back of Lee's head as she exited the room.
"So, maybe she has changed after all." He remarked.
"I told you." Jzet said defiantly. Though, thanks to her Yamani blood, she was able to hide the fact that she was totally surprised.
Jzet knew Lee was still the same pert that she had met two years ago. But, this new mysterious behavior, which suddenly occurred in a span of a few minutes, left Jzet wondering why Lee had suddenly changed her attitude.
The two friends drank their tea silently and then continued on to talk about what they were doing the last two years. Jzet told him as much as she could, but felt guilty for leaving out most of the major details of her life, which were Rae, Zulch, and Ganiel. But, the page knew that it was impossible to tell Chuck these things.
"I am going to the border soon." Chuck commented quietly, inhaling quickly. "After I graduate from the university at the end of this year, I am off to Fort Zhail. They need healers because rumor has it that there is activity in Carthak."
Jzet nodded. She had heard all the palace rumors herself and she believed every single one of them. Zulch was constantly up to no good. "That's great Chuck, I am proud of you."
"Thanks," He said, slightly flustered.
A short silence fell between them.
Chuck then cleared his throat. "Hey, why don't you ask your Aileen to come back in and I'll check out what kind of gift she has."
"Excellent idea," Jzet agreed, almost faltering. She had forgotten Lee's real name was Aileen. "Lee, can you come here please?" Jzet requested.
"I'm coming." Jzet heard Lee grumble. She entered the room and gazed at both of them. "Yes?"
"Chuck wants to test your gift." Jzet told her. "Is that alright?"
Lee glanced over at Chuck. She looked up at the ceiling like a gambler calculating the odds. "Is it going to hurt?"
"No, no, no, it will be fine." Chuck assured her hurriedly. "You won't even feel a thing."
Lee's hard brown eyes studied his face in case he was lying. Satisfied that he wasn't, she replied, "Okay, you have my permission."
Chuck nodded swiftly and then licked his lips in concentration as he called upon his own gift, which was emerald green, just like Jzet's own gift.
Without warning, Lee turned a bright shade of green on account of Chuck's magic. Jzet could see Lee clamp down on her own lips in fright. She seemed to be surprised at the sudden burst of emerald green light that covered her body.
Unexpectedly, a brown and white speckled shield appeared, blocking Chuck's gift from Lee.
"You can't fight me." Chuck warned. "Put that shield down."
Lee took a deep breath and then obediently took down the brown and white speckled shield.
"Sorry," She mumbled. "I guess I was just terrified."
Chuck ignored her and called upon his gift again. It settled upon Lee and then Chuck began his work.
Jzet glanced over at her half brother, who had tiny beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Good thing I decided to become a knight and not a healer. Jzet thought. I don't think I could deal with magic all the time. "I got it!" He exclaimed, interrupting her thoughts. Lee instantly turned back to her normal color.
"Well?" Lee asked. Jzet could tell Lee's patience was almost worn down.
"You have the gift for healing." He told her. "But, I sensed something else. I just couldn't tell what it was."
Lee nodded. "Is that all, my lady?" Jzet could tell Lee was peeved, but didn't want Chuck to notice.
"Are you done with her Chuck?" Jzet inquired.
"Well, yes, but I have an offer for you both." He announced.
Jzet glanced over at Lee and saw uncertainty form in her brown eyes.
"Yes, Chuck?"
"Jzet would your maid come down to the university on Sundays?" Chuck asked, looking at the two women intently. "I would like to offer lessons in healing and other techniques she can use with her gift." He turned to Jzet. "I would pay you for her missed hours." He added.
"It's up to Lee," Jzet said.
Both half siblings turned their attention to Lee, who was staring at her own feet. Noticing their attention was on her, she perked up.
"I'll do it mistress." Lee replied. "If you don't mind me missing those hours,"
"I don't care." Jzet told her. "It's perfectly fine for me."
"How much should I pay-" Chuck began.
Jzet cut him off. "Don't even pay me a copper. I don't want your money."
Chuck nodded gratefully. "Thank you,"
"No problem, I am happy you offered these lessons to Lee." Jzet said. "It will be a good learning experience."
"This won't be boring, will it?" Lee questioned, wary. "School was all the boringness I could take in my lifetime."
"I promise I will make it exciting." Chuck pledged.
"Good, because I have a short attention span for learning," Lee told him frankly.
Jzet held back her giggles at the surprise on Chuck's face. He had no idea what he was getting into.
"Okay," Was the only word he could manage to get out of his mouth.
"Anything else, noble boy?" Lee asked with a grin.
"Ugh, I hate that stupid name!" Chuck cried outraged.
"I know." Lee smiled sweetly. "That's why I like calling you it."
"I knew you couldn't possibly change." Chuck told her bitterly.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Lee hollered, outraged.
Jzet, fed up from their bickering, decided to be the voice of reason. "Both of you stop it right now!"
The two immediately stopped and gazed down at her.
"Sorry," They mumbled.
Jzet sighed. "Chuck just finish your offer."
Chuck glanced over at Lee, wary. "I don't know…"
Jzet inhaled deeply to show her annoyance.
"Fine," He gave in, "when you become a squire, I would like to take Lee to Fort Zhail as my apprentice." He paused. "I was having second thoughts now…" Jzet threw him a death glare. "But, I would love for you to be my apprentice."
"No, you don't." Lee told him flatly.
"Lee…" Jzet's warned, her voice dangerously low.
Lee rolled her eyes. "Whatever,"
"Lee, do you want to be his apprentice?" Jzet asked. "You don't have to decide now, but I have to remind you, I can't take you with me when I become a squire. My knight master will not allow it. It's a good offer and I will be more reassured if I knew you were safe."
Lee snorted defiantly. "Yeah, a military fort sure is safe." She said sarcastically.
"I don't want you falling into the wrong hands." Jzet told her sternly. Lee looked at her questioningly. "You know what I mean."
Lee sighed. Jzet knew she hated to give in, but Lee most likely realized she would probably be better off protected by a strong mage like Chuck. "I'll be your apprentice."
Jzet smirked on account of her friend's reluctance.
Before more could be said Jzet heard someone knock on her door.
"I'll get it." Lee grunted. Jzet knew she would do anything to get out of the room at the moment.
A few seconds later, Lee shouted from the doorway, "It's Madison,"
"I'll be there in a second." Jzet called. She turned to Chuck. "I'll be right back."
"No, I'll come with you." He insisted.
Jzet shrugged. "Okay, if you want to."
Jzet walked swiftly to her front door to see Madison of Pirate's Swoop standing there. She didn't look to be in good shape. A bruise was forming on her right eye and blood was dripping from the corner of her mouth.
"Mithros, what happened to you?" Jzet cried.
"I got into a fight." She explained.
"With who?" Jzet asked.
"The Blue Harbor girl," Madison said. "I asked her where the library was and I got a black eye for it."
Jzet's eyes narrowed considerably. "Don't worry I'll take care of her for you."
"I can fight my own battles, thank you." Madison told her shortly. "I only came here to ask you where the library was."
"Do you want me to patch you up first?" Chuck piped in.
Madison looked over at Chuck and studied him intently.
"Who's he?"
"Madison of Pirate's Swoop, this is my half brother Chuck of Queenscove." Jzet established. "He attends the university in Corus."
"Is that the Lioness's granddaughter?" Chuck questioned.
"Yes I am." Madison answered. She looked at him warily. "What is it to you?"
"Nothing, I just admire your grandmother's deeds." Chuck explained. "She's a great mage, along with your Uncle Thom." Chuck reddened in embarrassment. "I'm just in awe to meet a relative of such great mages."
"Well, I know you'll be disappointed because unfortunately I don't possess the gift." She told him. "Sorry to burst your bubble, buddy."
"That's okay," Chuck told her, even though he looked slightly disappointed. "Anyway, I just wanted to know if you needed a healing."
"Yes Madison that might be wise." Jzet advised her. "You don't want Lord Padarig to see you all bloodied up. He'll ask for explanations and then end up dishing out punishment work."
"Fine, heal me." Madison sighed. She rolled her eyes insolently.
Jzet inwardly groaned. It was just like having another Lee around.
Chuck got set to work and then quickly patched Madison up. Jzet watched in amazement as her half brother used his gift effortlessly to sew back up her split open lip and helped fade the bruise around Madison's eye. She wished she could heal with such ease like Chuck could.
When he was done, he smiled happily. "All better now," He said proudly.
"Thanks," Madison muttered. She then turned back to Jzet. "Can you show me to the library now?"
Jzet groaned at Madison's impatience. "Fine, just give me a minute." She turned to Chuck. "Thanks for everything," She gave him a hug. "I'll see you soon."
"Yeah, maybe around Midwinter," He said smiling. "Good day to you all," He bowed swiftly and then walked quickly out of the page's wing.
"Come on let's go." Jzet said, as soon as Chuck was out of sight.
Jzet, wanting to get back to her algebra assignment, quickly led Madison to the library. When they got there it was almost deserted, except for one lone individual.
"Queenscove…" A familiar voice hissed. "You should really keep your brat in line. She doesn't know her place."
Jacqueline of Blue Harbor sat in an arm chair with a heavy looking book in her lap. She immediately put the book to the side and rose from her seat.
"It's not Madison who doesn't know her place." Jzet snapped. "It's you,"
Jacqueline snorted defiantly. "I don't need to listen to you and that little bitch."
Jzet ignored her last comment. "You have a lot of nerve beating up younger pages." Jzet told her coldly. "You need to learn your place and I will be the one that shows it to you."
"I have no time for this nonsense." Jacqueline stalked towards the exit of the library. When she was two steps away from Jzet, Jzet let her have it with a left hook to the eye.
"That was for hitting Madison in the eye." Jzet spat and then advanced on Jacqueline again, this time hitting her across the mouth splitting her lip. "And that one is for splitting open her lip."
Jacqueline was on the ground her lips dripping blood. "Don't you ever think of touching her again or I'll make it hurt so bad, you'll never want to show your face in public again." Jzet hissed. "Now go." Her last words were with such force that Jacqueline got up and fled in a sprint out of the library.
"Well, that's not exactly how I wanted it to go down." Madison told her frankly. "I already told you, I fight my own battles."
"I know, but I've wanted to do that for a long time." Jzet admitted. "She'll stay away from you for a while and by the time she looks for trouble again; you'll be ready for her."
Madison looked at Jzet with her mysterious purple eyes. "I guess I have to say thanks."
Jzet chuckled. "No problem, I guess."
"Well, I'm going to get some assignments done." Madison explained.
Jzet regained her composure. "Yeah, I guess I'll get going."
"See you later,"
"Yeah,"
Jzet turned to leave when Madison called her name. "Jzet,"
"Yeah?"
"I'm glad you sponsored me." Madison told her. "You're a good person and a pretty good fighter for a Queenscove." She grinned. "Not many people would stand up for me on account of the fact I am a relative of the Lioness. I just want you to know that I respect you."
Jzet felt herself become flustered at the compliments. "Thanks Madison,"
"No problem," The younger page said, still grinning.
A month had passed and Jzet's fourth year as a page seemed to be going along smoothly. The Rattler kept her and the rest of the fourth year pages busy with constant sword training. The only complaint Jzet had was she hardly spent time with Rae now that she was training again. She missed the Shang and couldn't wait until Midwinter to be with him.
One night, Jzet was up late doing an Etiquette essay. She was in the middle of it, when Lee interrupted her.
"You got a letter today from the Prince." Lee said, handing her a neatly sealed letter.
"Thanks Lee," Jzet smiled at her maid.
"Yeah, I'll be in bed if you need me." Lee told her, yawning. "I'm wiped out."
"Goodnight," Jzet called out to the retreating Lee.
There was no response except for a low grunt.
Jzet shrugged and then proceeded to tear open the letter. She was excited because she hadn't heard from her friend since the beginning of the summer.
A piece of parchment with neat handwriting fell out of the envelope and onto her desk. She picked it up and began to read.
Dear Jzet,
Greetings from the wonderful Fort Zhail! (I do hope you saw that last sentence as pure sarcasm.) Now that I've gotten that out the way, I'll continue. How are you? I hope you are doing well. As for me, physically, I am just fine. I have had no injuries fall upon me. Mentally, I am suffering. If my knight master utters the word 'jolly' (It even brings shivers up my spine for just writing the cursed word.) one more time, I shall jump off of Balor's Needle. Don't laugh because Jzet this is not a laughing matter.
Cole has arrived at Fort Zhail. Raoul, him, and the Third Company pulled in here during July. He hasn't written because I regret to inform you, he is involved with a local girl here (Don't tell Audrey though, for she will be very upset.). Don't worry however, I will do my best to break them up and then give Cole a stern scolding. I will even call him a Meathead, just for you.
Another reason why I have written is to tell you some very important news. I am returning to Corus during Midwinter to announce my engagement to Princess Sadie of Tyra. My parents set up my engagement while I was away with my knight master Sir Owen. They want to improve the relationships between our two countries. As much as I hate to be a bargaining chip for my parents, I have to marry for the good of Tortall. I certainly won't say I am thrilled. I wanted to marry for love not diplomacy. But, as I said before, it's for the good of Tortall. And, she (Sadie) might not even turn out half bad. So anyway, no one knows yet, so I would appreciate it if you keep this information to yourself. Thanks.
So, I'll see you in two months. Have fun with the Rattler! And of course stay safe. Don't get yourself killed before I get to see you again or I shall never forgive you.
Love Your Friend,
Jonathan
Jzet sighed as she put down the letter. She couldn't say she was unhappy with the news of the engagement. She was with Rae after all and it wasn't like she was in love with Jonathan or something. As long as her friend was happy, she was happy. But at least he would be returning for Midwinter. Jzet would be delighted to see spend time with one of her older friends. It wasn't like Audrey, Kate, Brandon, and Madison weren't good friends. They just weren't as mature as Jonathan or Cole.
Jzet realizing what she had just thought, chuckled. Cole was definitely not mature.
A soft knock on Jzet's door interrupted her thoughts. She got up from her chair and answered it, since Lee was asleep.
Rae stood there a smile on his face.
"Hey you," He greeted.
"Hey yourself," She shot back playfully. "Come inside before someone sees you." She added hastily.
Rae entered her room and then closed the door behind him, making sure it was locked.
He kissed her deeply, as if they hadn't seen each other for days.
"What are you doing right now?" He asked after they kissed.
"Etiquette essay," She told him. She faked a yawn. "It bores me out of my mind."
Rae grinned and then strode over to her desk.
Jzet cursed silently, remembering the letter from Jonathan was still on her desk. She did not know how he would react.
"What is this?" He asked holding the letter up. "It doesn't look like any old boring Etiquette essay to me."
"That's because it isn't." She replied casually. "It's a letter from Jonathan," Confusion spread across Rae's face. "You know, the prince."
"Ah, that Jonathan," He said. "You gave me a scare for a second, dear."
"Yeah, he's wrote to tell me he's going to be home for Midwinter." Jzet explained. "He's engaged to some princess from Tyra." She added so Rae wouldn't be upset.
Rae visibly relaxed. "Oh, good, as long as he's not engaged to you or something, it's perfectly fine with me."
"You think I'm that low Rae?" Jzet teased.
"I never know with you Tortallians." He joked.
Silence fell between them. "Can I have a kiss please?" He asked, a lopsided grin formed on his face.
"Why?" Jzet asked. "I knew you were desperate, but I never thought you were this desperate to beg for one simple kiss."
"I'll give you one in return." He bargained.
Jzet giggled. "You've got a deal, Mister Shang Tiger."
Jzet and Rae ended up spending the night cozy by the fireplace, wrapped in each others arms. For that one night they spent together, it seemed like Jzet had not one care in the world.
A/N Jonathan's coming back!!! yay... prepare for action and romance for the next 2 chapters... the filler chapters are over! Horray!!! Be happy...
Happy Holidays!
Love Your Author and Editoress,
Caiti and Juliette!
P.S. Chuck Norris or Juliette does not use spell check. If he or she happens to misspell a word, Oxford will simply change the actual spelling of it.