Capitolo Quattro

"Took you long enough." Jerome muttered as I walked into the dining hall later that evening. I had stayed in the bathtub until the hotness had gone away and the water had begun to loose it's rose smell before taking my time in dressing. When I had returned to my quarters I saw that many exquisite and delicately sewn dresses had been hung in the armoire for me.

I'd never seen such dresses in my life. When I was younger my mother had chosen to wear dresses that were conventional and comfortable instead of gorgeous and classy. Apparently 'uncle' Gregory had thought it much nicer when she wore plain looking things, probably because it kept the other men from looking at her as well. I wonder if my mother would have left him if somebody more suitable to her liking came along? Perhaps somebody younger? I detested them both thoroughly.

Running my hands down the silky gown I fought back a cry of joy. They were mine. All mine. I didn't have to steal any of them or share them with anybody. I could do with them as I pleased and treat them as I wanted. I could give some to the poor or simply throw them away if it so suited me. Not that I would. I couldn't decide which one I wanted to wear to dinner that night, so being a girl, I couldn't keep myself from trying on every single one of them and then choosing.

My favorite, which I wore now, was a light pink shade that went to the floor and draped elegantly across my arms. The hem had been sewn with gold thread and the bodice was tight and uplifting, something I adored in dresses.

I turned to Jerome as he spoke and saw his eyebrows lift at my appearance. I in turn raised my own towards the outfits of my, er, cousins. Each of them had been dressed from head to toe in fancy tunics and leggings that one might see at a ball. Or at least that was what I pictured them to be from. They were deep colors made from gorgeous cloths and had intricate details and expensive looking jewels. It felt almost like the holidays just looking at the fine things.

"Do come in Alecian, some of us would like to eat this evening." Mace commented rather rudely, though I did notice he had been staring rather dazed like in my direction.

I smirked towards him and narrowed my eyes a little bit before coming farther into the room and taking the seat offered me on the right hand side of Bursch, who sat at the head of the table, beside Christian. Mace sat directly across from me and Jerome at his side. Merry wasn't present at the table. Jerome later informed me that she had been put to work as a lady-in-waiting and had eaten with the servants later that night.

"Well Alecian, I do have to say you look lovely this evening." Bursch commented as the first course was being served.

"Um, thanks." I replied staring down at the plate that had been placed in front of me. I had no idea what it was and it didn't look very appetizing. Apparently neither of my cousins thought so either. We all sat staring at our food as Bursch began eating. After a few moments of listening to his chewing he looked up and glanced around the table.

"For heavens sake children, eat!" Bursch barked.

I jumped in my seat and ran a hand through my hair which had been curled by hot irons. I didn't like it curled very much. It had taken far too long to do and felt completely too loose. But the maids decided it was best for me and I had no place to argue.

"What—um, what is this?" I asked staring down at my plate. Were those eyes?

"It's snail." Bursch said picking up another piece of the snail and slowly lowering it into his mouth. I looked at him in disgust before feeling my stomach begin to lurch forward. I covered my mouth with my hand and looked away from Bursch towards Mace who had a disgusted look on his face as well.

"Are none of you going to even try it?" Bursch asked when he realized that none of us were eating. He sighed before settling back in his chair and folding his hands while staring at the four of us who sat staring at our plates. We were going to be eating snail! That was disgusting. It didn't even look cooked! I shook my head and felt my face turn green.

"I don't bloody well think I'm going to be eating that!" Mace cried staring at his plate in disgust before shoving it away from him.

"It looks like something my dog threw up last week." Christian commented as well poking at his food but not daring to eat it.

"Oh that's lovely table conversation Christian! Haven't you been taught any etiquette?" I muttered rolling my eyes towards him.

"Of course not he was raised in a barn. Didn't you know that?" Jerome laughed.

"And I suppose your all high-and-mighty now that your wearing some fancy womens clothing?" Christian smirked beginning to taunt me. I hated being taunted.

"Well I do know a thing or two about table manners and poking at your food, or screaming at it for that matter—" I turned and raised my eyebrows towards Mace "—is not proper table etiquette."

"Who died and made you bloody queen of Tortall?" Mace replied slouching in his chair like a two year old and crossing his arms over his chest.

"Well you certainly didn't that's for sure." I muttered once again rolling my eyes before the four of us began to argue about dinner and proper manner across the table.

"And I've good reason too as well. Look at you, your acting like you rule the four of us!" Mace muttered pointing towards me. I scoffed at him with my mouth gaping open.

"Oh please I do not treat you like I'm better than you or something, though we all know I am either way so there's really no point in arguing, now is there?" I replied with a smirk on my face.

"Maybe tis you who needs to know her place because I certainly am not going to be bossed around by some spoiled brat." Mace said settling his wine glass down after taking a large gulp.

"Here here!" Christian agreed taking a gulp from his mug as well.

"What impeccable manners you boys have. I suppose you'll be wanting a pitcher of ale next." I murmured staring at the snail again and grimacing.

"We're back to the manners now are we?" Mace growled.

After a few moments of this Bursch cleared his throat loudly and threw his glass on the floor. The shattering noise pierced through our argument and stopped it at once. Bursch took his seat at the table again and leaned back to become comfortable before sighing deeply and rubbing his temples. A few seconds passed before he took a deep breath and looked at us again.

"Lesson one: eat what's given to you. I don't care if its cooked, uncooked, meat, vegetables, or bloody snails. In order to show respect and proper manners you should always eat what you're given. If you're staying at a fief you have no say in what is going to be served, you simply make the best of the situation and take what is given to you."

"But I've listened to plenty of royals who whine and complain and think their some sort of god." Mace muttered slouching in his chair and slinging his right arm over the back.

"Until you have a few years of experience and trustworthy followers as well as a reputation that cannot be harassed, you have to play by their rules." Bursch explained to Mace before taking his cane, which I had neglected to notice, and slapping Mace across his knee. Mace winced and sat up in his chair while grabbing his knees. "That not only goes for your appetite but for your manners as well."

At that moment a large burp came from Jerome who had been brave enough to try to the first course and apparently liked it.

"We have a lot of work to do." Bursch muttered rubbing his temples again.

X

Bursch certainly worked the four of us to the bone. I rarely saw any sign of Merry throughout our stay at his fief but the small amount I did was usually when she came into our quarters late at night exhausted. She would simply wave before going to her room and falling asleep. I felt sorry that they were working her so hard, but that was what she wanted. She didn't want to be kept with idle hands when Bursch's staff appreciated her help.

I certainly would have switched places with Merry if I had known the tortures Bursch had been planning on putting me through. It felt like being home again. Dancing, writing, speaking, standing, walking, sitting, eating, even sleeping! All had to be done like a lady. I thought I was going to cry when I realized how easily everything was coming back to me. I had strived so hard to forget all of my lessons mother had drilled into my head from birth, but the second Bursch mentioned something I knew how to do it before he had began to teach the boys.

"Slave driver!" Mace called throwing his arms down in frustration and pulling the stack of books from his head. He tossed them onto the floor and turned towards Bursch in anger.

The three of us were sitting in Bursch study trying to teach Mace to stand correctly. It wasn't that hard, I had been drilled in it when I was three. All you had to do was walk while balancing books atop your head. Keeping your balance while having grace were all it was teaching you. I didn't know why Mace had to learn it, but alas we had been there for three hours already repeating the same thing over and over again. I was growing bored with each step and fallen book. Mace's little outburst had pulled me from my dazed glared towards the wall of books and forced me to return to the task at hand. I sighed and prepared myself for the screaming match that would happen and got ready to intercept if necessary.

"Oh I'm a slave driver am I?" Bursch taunted. "You are the one who cannot steady a few lousy books on his head not me."

"Why are we wasting our time learning these things when we should be saving Aaron! For all we know he could already be sentenced and dead by now!"

"Nonsense," Bursch replied pouring himself a glass of brandy and taking a sip.

"How would you know?" I piped up becoming interested again.

"My dear girl, do you really think I'm stupid enough to not keep in contact with those is Corus? Really now, I thought you trusted me more." Bursch said finishing off his brandy and setting his cup down. "They shall inform me if anything has changed with your brothers sentence. Now Mace, back to work."

"I'm not doing another damn thing Bursch!" Mace hollered growing upon Bursch with every step.

"You damn well will if I have anything to do with it." Bursch replied calmly clasping his hands behind his back and staring down Mace.

"This is ridiculous! I'm not even the main character in this little charade I see no reason for me to continue to practice these stupid exercises when they've got no purpose!"

"When they serve no purpose--" Bursch corrected him slamming his cane into the wooden floor in anger. "And they do serve a purpose. I wouldn't have you practicing them if they didn't. Though you are a minor character in this charade, as you so put it, you still serve a purpose in helping to free your friend. If you are to act as Alecians cousin then you must look and act the part just as she does. We can't have her doing all the work and having to pick up the slack with your poor manners."

"But balancing a book on my head will teach me nothing!" Mace hollered kicking the stack of books so they went flying across the room. I gave another large sigh and leaned my head on my fist while rolling my eyes in his direction. He always had to exaggerate everything.

Bursch opened his mouth to reply to Mace's outburst when the doors to the study flew open and his page boy came running through gasping.

"My lord," the boy said leaning over and placing his hands on his knees while taking a few deep breaths. "News from Corus"

"Speak of the devil..." Mace muttered crossing the room and taking the seat beside me.

"Hush your mouth Mace." I hissed sitting straighter in my chair while listening to the boy.

"Tey're bringing im to be trialed at the end o this week. They sent me as fast as they could, sir." The boy said standing straighter and puffing out his chest so he looked taller. The news of my brother sent me into a panic. I stood from my chair and looked between the boy and Bursch with my mouth hanging open. I had no idea what I was suppose to do. We had to get to Corus, that much was true, but what were we suppose to do once we got there? What was I suppose to say? Who was I suppose to greet? How did I greet them again? Pack! I need to pack my things! I need to get everything organized. Where are Jerome and Christian? Why aren't they in here. And Merry! Oh Mithros Merry! What was she going to do when she heard the news!

"Alecian are you alright?" Mace asked bending beside me and lightly touching my back. Apparently I was leaning over hyperventilating while he said this. I took a few deep calming breaths and nodded my head before standing straighter and turning towards Bursch.

"What are we going to do?" my voice came out weak and fragile and sounded like it were going to crack any moment. I couldn't let that happen. I had to be strong. Aaron was a stupid fool for leaving in the first place. He'll be fine. I simply had to go and rescue him.

"We'll leave in the morning. Retrieve to your quarters while I have things prepared." Bursch said. I stood my ground unable to move as his words went through my ears without processing what he was actually saying. I saw his lips moving and knew he was speaking towards me but I couldn't make out a word of them.

I felt Mace gently grab my arm and steer me towards the door. I hadn't the slightest clue what was going on around me. Something was wrong with me. I wasn't some fragile little girl that cried and broke down with the first sign of bad news. That just wasn't me.

X

We left at dawn like before and traveled without stopping towards Corus. Merry and I were forced to ride in the carriage which slowed us down some as it couldn't travel as fast as regular horses could. I was angered from my seat and sat staring out the window with my arms crossed as we rocked back and forth over the wooded trail.

"Don't be so upset Alecian." Merry muttered mimicking my posture, her arms crossed and a scowl on her face.

"And I suppose you're not at all either?" I replied turning to give her a small glare. She returned it just the same before turning to look out the window again. I shouldn't be mad at her, I knew that. She wasn't the cause of my anger and she wasn't the one to blame. Taking a deep breath I let it out in a sigh before sitting back in the seat and closing my eyes. I had been up half the night preparing myself for the trip and helping Bursch's servants pack away all of the dresses that had been made for me and other necessities. Merry was now going to be taking the role of my lady-in-waiting and had apparently been given instructions on how to behave and speak.

I glanced out the window again and prepared for our entrance into Corus as we left the woods that stood outside of the city.

"Close the curtains" Bursch ordered riding up beside the carriage and speaking towards us. Merry obeyed and closed the curtains that hung from the windows, blocking the scenery from our eyes and leaving us in dull light.

The carriage slowed profusely as we entered the city and made our way through the streets. I heard the noise of people bustling about around us. Of stall keepers selling their goods for the day. Children and animals screaming and bleating towards each other. Men calling out their prices and women gossiping. It felt as if I were back in my own city running trough the streets and stealing from those I could. It almost felt like being home again and my hands itched to reach out and grab something.

But no, I was suppose to be a lady again. I was the one who had to be robbed now. I didn't wear a haughty outfit that attracted men of high and low stature anymore, I know wore a clean cut modest dress that still attracted men but in a different way. I wasn't suppose to look like a whore but a lady. This was definitely going to take some getting use to.

An hour or so later our carriage finally came to a stop as squires announced our arrival around us. The door was opened from outside and sunlight streamed in. I blinked a few times as my eyes adjusted and saw a hand being offered to me. Taking a deep breath and squaring my shoulder I lifted my head and gracefully placed it in the hand. I noticed it immediately to be Mace's. Though they were gloved I could still feel how tuff they felt, having been through many hardships in his life, and the calluses he had received throughout the years.

Stepping out of the carriage lightly, Mace winking at me along the way, I smiled and greeted the men around me. For there were many, many men. Mace squeezed my hand and bent towards my face to whisper in my ear.

"Are you ready for the production to begin, m'lady?" he teased

I turned and smirked towards him before quickly replacing it with the smile of a lady that was expected of me. "Are you? I am the one with the skills, need I remind you?"

"Yes but I'm the one with the talent." He winked again before turning towards the crowd that had gathered in the courtyard.

Apparently the entire court had been shocked to hear of Bursch's family, more so his only daughter, as they'd all branded him a bachelor who hadn't been able to pay a women to marry him. The news had spread through the city quickly before our arrival, with the help of some well positioned friends, and we'd been anticipated for weeks.

"Good day m'lady" an older looking man who had deep wrinkles on his forehead and cheeks, not to mention about three chins and appeared to have swallowed a pig whole, said in a deep voice stepping forward and extending his hand towards mine. I plastered a smile upon my face and removed my hand from Mace's, who was squeezing it as if his life depended on it, and extended it towards the man.

"Good day m'lord." I murmured in reply as he bent and kissed my hand. I grimaced on the inside at his disgusting stature and appearance.

"Allow me to introduce myself, my name is—" the man began before Jerome saved me.

"Dear sister," Jerome said in the best accent I've ever heard in my life. Languages are his expertise and he loved being able to study that of the higher class and perfecting it. We'd all taken lessons from him once he'd established a hearty accent but it still shocked me to hear him speak. "Our rooms have been prepared and I know how tired you are from your trip. Added to this frigid cold I think that you should retire to your room. I'm sure our cousin wouldn't mind escorting you."

"Cousins I would be delighted to escort you to your room." Mace stepped forward and came to my side again. I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye and saw that he looked perfect. Like he had been fooling people his entire life. Turning I saw Christian and Bursch speaking with some of the squires and directing our luggage to our rooms properly. I glanced back towards Jerome and saw his removing his gloves and tapping them lightly against his palm while glancing around the courtyard. Mace winked at me again and a small grin escaped my lips. The boys were loving this. They were the best actors I had ever seen and were milking these royals for all they had. Well if they were going to enjoy themselves then I was as well.

"Now there be no need for that." The man who had been trying to introduce himself to me said stepping forward again and lightly grabbing my elbow. "I'd be happy to escort your sister here to her room."

"And bed her while you're there." I heard Mace murmur in my ear as he turned his head and coughed lightly into his hand. I know I was the only one to hear that and stifled a laugh as the man continued to speak with Jerome.

"Oh m'lord we could not ask such a thing from you." Jerome replied with a wink in my direction. I wanted to laugh or scream or make some sort of noise but doing so would be un-lady like of me. It wasn't my decision who escorted me to my room, and as Jerome was my "eldest" brother it was left up to him to decide. Bursch, though he was my "father" would not be overseeing my suitors. Apparently he had business to tend to. His only job would be to negotiate a dowry for me once a final suitor was selected. In theory.

"It would be my honor to accommodate your sister here." The man said with a sickening grin. I kept a smile upon my face and turned to Jerome with my eyebrows raised and a panicked look in my eyes. He laughed and stepped between the man and I, removing his hand on my elbow and taking it himself.

"No need m'lord. My cousin is more than capable." Jerome said nodding towards Mace. Mace placed his hand on the small of my back and began to steer me towards the castle doors. I nodded towards Jerome and muttered a good-bye to the lord before letting Mace lead me away.

"So, dear cousin, are you liking your suitors yet?" Mace teased once we had gotten inside and were able to whisper without being overheard.

"Gag me with a dagger and rip out my vocal chords if you please." I replied in a sweet tone with a smile still plastered upon my face, nodding towards servants and nobles as we passed them in the halls.

"No need to be so violent, dear cousin." Mace said with a chuckle. "The show has yet to begin and we need you alive, for the moment at least."

"Ha ha." I muttered rolling my eyes.

A/N : I'm baaack! Yes I know you all missed me so much! Well thanks to a few of you who nagged me endlessly to update, I have! Woo-Hoo! Yes, I am terribly sorry for making you all wait so long, I've been busy with school and being in charge of things sucks. And I had mono, which is no fun. But finals are in the next two weeks so after that I'll be able to update a lotmore!

Thanks to everyone who reviewed!