2 weeks after the boating incident, Andrea decided to go visit Alanna on the training fields. From what Lady Catherine had said there were bleachers set up so that a passerby could rest his legs a few moments while watching the training. It took ten minutes to get to the field and Andrea was glad she had decided to come; the squires were practicing their sword play. As the young men dipped and swerved Andrea couldn't help but sigh wistfully, swordplay always reminded her of a dance that represented the thin balance between love and hatred.

A moment later she spotted her sister fencing with…who was it? ...Oh yes Douglas. It was soon clear to Andrea who the superior swordsman was. Alanna seemed to have been born with a sword in her hand. As she continued to watch her sister train a familiar voice sounded out, "Why Lady Andrea! What a surprise to find you here." Andrea turned and saw it was Duke Roger. Blushing lightly Andrea gave a tiny curtsey. "Why hello Duke Roger. I was watching my brother train. What brings you out here?"

Duke Roger gave her a lazy smile and said, "I was headed to the gardens when I caught sight of you. Perhaps you'd like to join me?" Andrea blushed lightly and knew that she should say no. There was something about Duke Roger that put her at edge but…he was so handsome…against her better judgment she said, "I would be delighted to join you on your tour of the garden. Gaoth, do you plan to come or stay here?" Gaoth looked up at her and snapped I plan to join you of course. You'll need me in case there's trouble. Andrea rolled her eyes and allowed Duke Roger to place her hand on his arm and lead her away.

About ten minutes later they were strolling through an elaborate rose garden. Gaoth smelled a cat and trotted off. Duke Roger led her to a shaded bench and allowed her to sit. "Lady Andrea may I ask you a personal question?" Andrea, who had grabbed a rose and was now toying with it, hesitated slightly before shrugging. "I suppose it depends on the question." Duke Roger smiled and replied, " Very well…Lady Andrea, are you welcome to the thought of a suitor?"

Andrea gave him a surprised look. Duke Roger smiled wryly and said, "Don't look so surprised my dear, ever since the moment I met you I could not take my mind off of you." Andrea felt her face redden and trying to keep the slight tremor she felt out of her voice she replied, "Oh…well…I suppose if you were interested in courting me you would have to ask the Lady Catherine." She smiled slightly and, if possible, felt her heartbeat quicken as the Duke covered her hand with his own and gave it a quick squeeze.

Duke Roger's POV

I squeezed Lady Andrea's hand and watched with faint amusement as she blushed yet again. With her raven locks swept up allowing her emerald green eyes to be seen clearly she really was quite beautiful. Too bad she was Alan's sister. Too bad unless I could devise a way to convert her to my side. If not…then she would need to be get ridden of…

I sighed and said, "Lady Andrea are you free this evening?" Andrea cocked her lovely head and replied, "Why yes I believe I am." I smiled and said, "Then I shall send a message to the Lady Catherine asking if the two of you would like to dine in my suites." Andrea smiled back; winning her over shouldn't prove to difficult.

Later that evening Reader's POV

Alanna fidgeted slightly outside the door that led to Lady Catherine's suites. After what seemed like forever a young maid opened the door. "Hello, is Lady Andrea available?" The maid curtsied and said, "yes she is, and may I ask who is asking?" Alanna nodded and replied, "I am Alan of Trebond." The maid nodded and led Alanna into a spacious waiting room. Less than two seconds later Andrea fluttered into the room. "Alan! What a wonderful surprise! Please, sit down. Mildred, please bring us some tea."

The two siblings seated themselves and Alanna couldn't help but notice that Andrea looked rather dressy. She wore a pale pink brocade evening gown. The sleeves were slashed below the elbows showing a delicate lace pattern. Andrea's silky black hair was twisted up in an elaborate fashion and if Alanna's eyes weren't deceiving her Andrea had lip rouge on. Raising an eyebrow Alanna asked, "are you going somewhere?" Andrea blushed but didn't answer since Mildred had returned. After the maid left Andrea took a delicate sip of tea before saying, " Actually, Lady Catherine and I were invited to dine with the Duke of Contè."

At the mention of Duke Roger, Alanna spit up the tea she had been sipping. "Duke Roger?! Andrea, surely you're joshing me." Andrea frowned slightly before saying, "no, I'm quite serious. Do you have something against the Duke?" "Only the fact that he's plotting to take the throne!" the words slipped out before Alanna could stop them. Andrea's face paled and she snapped, " Alan! How dare you accuse the Duke of such serious actions?! Do you even have proof?"

Alanna turned a dull red and shook her head. This seemed to satisfy her sister. Andrea smiled slightly and said, "don't worry Alanna, I'm just going to dine with him. It's not like I'm going to marry him or something." Alanna sighed and said grudgingly, "I suppose so. Andrea, do you know how to defend your self?" Andrea shrugged and replied, "as good as any other women I guess." Alanna said, "It's something that you should learn. If I find you a teacher would you be willing to learn?" Andrea nodded and at that moment Lady Catherine swept into the room.

After the customary greetings Lady Catherine smiled apologetically at Alanna and said, "I'm sorry Squire Alan but Lady Andrea and I must be on our way to met the Duke of Contè." Alanna nodded and said, "It was a pleasure meeting you Lady Catherine. I will return to visit my sister in a few weeks time. Bye Andrea." Andrea hugged her sister and whispered in her ear, "I'll come to your rooms tonight." Then pulling away she said, "Good bye Alan." Alanna left and Lady Catherine said, "Well let us go on then." Andrea swallowed slightly; time to go meet the duke.

Well that's the end of this chappie!! I hope you guys enjoyed it.