None of this stuff is mine

'cept for the plot

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That evening she would be presented to court, at the first midwinter ball. She was thinking about how she could get out of going to it when Gabrielle walked in and locked the door.

Gabrielle turned to Alanna and said "sit down, you are going to the ball- weather you like it or not". Alanna stared at her friend, shocked. Gabrielle was hardly ever so- forceful. Alanna ventured (with a small smirk) "and if I don't?" Gabrielle held up her fist, it glowed ruby red with her gift. Alanna gulped and sat down.

She had her hair put up in a bun, with two curls hanging down, framing her face. Red lip color was liberally applied, and purple brushed over her eyes. Then Gabrielle held up the dress

Alanna stared at the dress. It was purple silk with a split skirt to show red velvet petticoats. THAT wasn't the problem. It was the neck, a deep V much to low for Alanna's taste, though not scandalous. She stared at he friend, a plea in her eyes. Gabrielle shook her head 'no'. 'Crap' Alanna thought. She put it on and stared in the mirror. 'Disgusting' Alanna thought to herself. "I look like a lady, Dammit!" She thought very strongly about making herself look horrible, but the glanced at Gabrielle. She had a pretty periwinkle dress on and had curled her long blonde hair, letting it hang down to her waist.

There was a rap at the door. Alanna answered it and, lo and behold, it was Thom and Raoul. Alanna took Thom's arm as he led her to the foot of the grand staircase. She looked up at him, in his knight-masters colors of a dark-blue hose, full-sleeved white silk shirt and dark blue tunic. At his 5' 11" he towered above her. He smirked and said

"ahhh, Lady Alanna as stunning as ever." She walloped him, muttering "shaddup." He replied, much to her annoyance, "Yes Lady Alanna". She pinched him and glanced behind her, only to find Raoul and Gabrielle in deep conversation.

"Lady Alanna of Trebond, Lord Thom of Trebond" cried the herald as Alanna and Thom glided down the grand staircase. Jonathon looked up from his dance with Lady Delia. My, he swore in his mind, this girl is a compleate brainless slut. Her dress (Delias) was clinging green silk with a neckline that showed half her chest. He turned his attention back to the Grand Staircase where his squire and his squire's sister walked down the staircase. Lad- no Alanna was a vision tonight, he noted, and strode over to the pair.

Alanna looked up, surprised as Prin- no, she remembered Jonathon's earlier request to call him by his first name, came over. She was even more surprised when he asked her to dance. She wanted to say, No! I can't dance, I'll fall over, but she couldn't very well say that to the crown prince of Tortall, now could she? Instead she took his large hand in her own, small, dainty one, and he led her out to the dance floor.

"So Alanna," started Jon, she looked up at him so he went on, "how do you like the palace?" She looked thoughtful and replied, "It seems quite nice, but I really would like to see the practice courts." He looked surprised and so she added, "I told you I wasn't exactly a lady." He raised his eyebrows and said, "I can see that." "I wanted to be a knight when I grew up but that didn't happen did it?" she snapped, he was taken aback and said, his temper getting the better of him snapped back, "so why didn't you."

He saw the hurt look on her face as she replied "Me 'n Thom were going to switch places, but a maid overheard us and told my late father." He looked abashed and said, apologetically, "I'm sorry- Alanna, would you like to come to the practice courts tomorrow?" Her face lit up with a smile and nodded. He pulled her closer, his arm around her waist tightening. She looked up and her eyes met his, he leaned in. Alanna put her finger to his lips to stop him. He looked down at Alanna; her eyes were starry, filled with unshed tears. "I'm sorry" she whispered, and, with a small sob, left the ball.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX

Lady Delia of Eldorne stared at the man, and nervously said, "Your Grace, he has lost interest in me. He is caught up by"

Her expression hardened, and she spat "Lady Alanna".

The man frowned, deep in thought. He had heard of that chit, but from whom?

He remembered, than smiled, a cold mocking smile.

He knew exactly how to get rid of 'Lady' Alanna.

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oO

a cliffhanger..

10 more reveiws

for

chappie 3