Recap:
"Alan is not Alan. He's Alana. She's a girl disguised as a boy because she wants to be a knight."
Theresa stared at him blankly. "Oh George, you're so funny."
"I'm not joking lass."
"…you're not?"
"No. Alan of Trebond is a girl."
Part…um….8….
"A girl? But how…how did she get in…how is she training for…oh my god!" Theresa was speechless.
"A bit of a shock, isn't it?"
"I always knew he-she was a bit small and she never liked to swim but I never even considered she wasn't what she seemed." She gasped. "And I just got her in trouble! Oh no! I have to explain to Uncle!"
"Theresa, before you go, promise me you won't tell a soul."
"Of course not. Alana's my friend, even if she didn't tell me this."
"You're a good lass."
"I have to go."
Theresa ran through the corridors until she found her uncle.
"Uncle, have you punished Alan yet?"
"Why, Theresa?"
"Because…um…he didn't really do anything. I was lying…and the glowing was my magic."
The Duke looked his niece over. "I didn't think Alan would try such a thing. Why did you do it?"
"I was angry with him. But please don't punish him! And don't tell father…"
He laughed. "I won't tell your father. But you do realize you'll have to apologize to Alan."
"I know."
Theresa skipped off, feeling considerably less guilty. But she did have to apologize. She knocked on Alana's door.
"Alan?"
"What do you want now?" She said, opening the door and scowling.
"Can I come in? I need to talk to you."
"Why?"
"Please just let me come in."
"Fine." Alana opened the door. "What do you want?"
"I want to say I'm sorry." She sat down on the bed. "I had no right to assume you would be attracted to me, and even less a right to get you in trouble when you weren't."
"Well I'm in trouble now."
"No, I talked to my uncle and explained it was me. You're not going to be punished. Can you please forgive me?"
Alana was quiet. "I'm going to need some time."
Theresa stood up. "Okay. But just so you know, I swear to the goddess I won't tell anyone, Alana."
"What!" Alana couldn't help shouting. "What did you just call me?"
"Alana. But don't be mad. George told me. Don't be mad at him either."
Alana was mad. Very mad. But she was trying to control herself. "You won't tell anyone?"
"Not my own brother." She replied. "But it could be nice having a female friend, Alana."
She sighed. "Fine. I'm not angry, exactly. And I forgive you and all that. But don't call me Alana unless we're alone."
"Okay. I won't let it slip. Bye now."
"Wait. Theresa, are you still looking for a boyfriend?"
"Of course. I just hope the next boy I want isn't a girl too."
Alana laughed. "Well the answer might be closer than you think."
"Okay? I better be going. Later."
Theresa left and headed back to her rooms. She happened to see Raoul. "Hey!"
"Hi."
"What're you up to Raoul?" She asked curiously.
"I'm just heading out to the grounds to practice some swordsmanship."
"Oh really? Can I watch?"
"Well, I'm not sure that's entirely proper…"
"Oh please? I'll stay out of your way. I promise!"
"Okay. Come on then." He smiled. "So how are things going between you and Alan?" It pained him to say it, but he was curious all the same.
"I think we should just be friends. Besides, how would I look dancing with someone the same size as me? I need someone who can protect my image, and I can love."
"I thought you had eyes for only Alan."
She blushed. "Well…things change…"
"Okay then." He smiled down and her, and she smiled back. Her clear eyes sparkled happily, and she had a bounce in her step.
"Thank you so much for letting me watch you. Jon never lets me go outside with him when he's training."
"Why not?"
"He's worried I won't act like a lady…but I rarely give him reason to doubt that I'm laylike."
Raoul wasn't sure he agreed with that, remembering the ball. "Is he worried you're going to try to be a lady knight?" He laughed at his own comment.
"It could happen." She said quickly. "Not me, obviously, but would it be so terrible if there was a lady knight?"
He thought about it. "I guess not. It could be interesting."
Theresa gave him her award-winning smile. "That's why I love you Raoul. You're so open-minded."
He blushed and turned away from her. She had said she loved him. He knew she didn't mean it that way, but still.
"So Raoul, any ladies of the court you have your eye on?" Theresa asked.
"Well…there is one lady…." He said slowly.
"Who?" she inquired.
"She has long black hair, sparkling blue eyes, and more spunk than anyone I've ever met."
Then it dawned on her. What Alana said, 'Well the answer might be closer than you think'. She smiled again, more shyly this time. "She sounds really beautiful."
"She is." He said, looking her in the eyes. "The thing is, I don't know if she's interested."
"I think she might be."
To my wonderful reviewers:
nativewildmage: Of course George would! I love George…
TPfreak: You're impressed! Yay! And may I say, finally, the goddamn wait is over.
Lady Leah Of Chaos: CURSE MY LACK OF SPELLING ABILITY! Grr…thanks for letting me know…-mumbles about evil spelling-
elmthesmartypants: Don't worry, she starts maturing very soon. Remember, she's used to getting anything she wants, so it will take time.
x17SkmBdrchiczxx: Hehe, I love writing cliff-hangers but I despise reading them. You can call me Thea or Tai…I have lots of nicknames…
Confusedknight: She won't tell. She's not evil…just spoiled…
KiwiNimrod: I know it's Alanna. But in my fanfic it's Alana. Live with it.
Kokari: Thanks! I shall write as fast as my little fingers will allow.
epobbp: Don't worry, she is more trustworthy than she lets on. And things get better.
Mist's Child: Hehe…she's mean isn't she? Not so much in the coming chapters….
winky-wink: As I said before, Theresa will mature and become less spoiled. But yes, she is very spoiled now, isn't she? Anywho, Alana is paired with George…
I will be updating only once a week seeing as school has started. I'm sorry, but I just don't have as much time. Read my profile for details.