Sorry for the delay everybody! My life is INSANE right now, no joke. I work 40 hours a week, plus I'm taking 16 units this semester, so I'd say my free time is at a minimum. Luckily though, one of my classes is Creative writing, so I do have a bit of time to work on this story during the week.
So before starting this chapter, I got a review that was quite a shock. I love constructive criticism, and I will take any good advice, but this was going too far. This reviewer takes it upon themselves to tear down others and make them quit writing. That is NOT what fanfiction is for. We are here to share our work and give and get feedback so we can become better writers. When I first read it, I was really upset. But then I read it again and I realized that this person is just bitter. A bad experience maybe? I don't know, but ripping apart others work is not constructive in the slightest.
So basically what I'm saying is if anyone else has gotten reviewed by this individual, please don't let that stop you from writing! If you love it, then keep at it! I know my writing is always being improved, and all your reviews let me know that at least some people enjoy my stories. After I got the review, it actually made me want to write more and prove them wrong. So I just want you all to know how much I love your reviews and support!
So the good news is it's almost done! I'm guessing 2-3 chapters left at the most, with next chapter being the most exciting. To tell the truth, I've been wanting to write the next chapter since I started the story. Anyway, thanks again to all my readers! Please review!
And now that I got that out of the way, here's Chapter 12!
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It was a only five days until the wedding. Needless to say, the Thetcher household was in a state of chaos. Maids ran here and there, dusting and scrubbing, gardeners pruned their plants to perfection, and the cooks were testing all their finest dishes every night for supper.
Alanna tried her best to help where she could, but more often than not she simply stood aside as her mother ran the show. Annette Thetcher was not to be deterred from getting what she wanted, and Alanna was more than happy to let her.
In fact, Alanna was thrilled with the freedom that was now hers. Her studies had been put on hold while her mother was busy, and she was often able to steal hours of reading in her room or riding in the cold winter sun.
Of course, there were also her duties of entertaining Prince Daniel, but she didn't really consider that a duty any longer. Alanna found she enjoyed his company, though she still couldn't help but flush whenever she felt his gaze upon her.
Like now, for example. They were sitting in the parlor with Daniel's bodyguard, Sir William, and Lady Thetcher, enjoying a rare moment of peace between various wedding appointments. Alanna glanced up from the letter she was writing to her aunt in Frell and looked about the room. Daniel caught her eye, smiled, and looked back at the book he held. Alanna was glad he had looked away so quickly; otherwise he might have seen the telltale blush creeping up her cheeks.
Trying to concentrate on her letter, she found she had lost her train of thought. She stared for a few moments at the paper in front of her, then sighed and set down her quill. She could finish it later.
There was a knock at the door, and a maid entered the room. "Lady? A note has arrived for you."
Lady Annette took the letter from the girl and broke the seal, unfolding the paper to read it quickly. "Ah, yes, the dinner party at the Montgomery's. Mrs. Montgomery mentioned it to me a few days ago, to keep the evening free."
Alanna was glad of the distraction. "When is it?"
Lady Annette went to the desk, intending to write a response to the invitation. "Tomorrow night. Good thing too, your father will be back from Bast by then."
She turned to Daniel. "I assume I can reply that Your Highness will be attending as well?"
Daniel set his book down. "But of course. I shall go as my hostess bids me."
But his eyes were not on Lady Annette; instead he focused his gaze once more on Alanna and gave his familiar confident smile. Alanna felt a thrill of pleasure run through her that had nothing to do with the coming party.
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"I hate dinner parties," Sarah Montgomery said grumpily, gazing about the crowded room.
Alanna laughed at her best friend. "You do not. If it wasn't at your home, you'd be having the time of your life."
Sarah grimaced. "I agree. Instead, I have to worry about whether dinner is being prepared on schedule, or that everyone is entertained."
"Which is no worry at all," said Alanna. "Prince Daniel is certainly diverting a great many people. With him here, there's no need for entertainment."
Sarah glanced at Alanna out of the corner of her eye. "Jealous, are we?"
"Of course not," Alanna said huffily, purposely avoiding looking to where Daniel was holding court, a small crowd of people (predominately young women) gathered around him. "I was just commenting."
"Of course," replied Sarah, with a knowing smile.
Alanna looked for a way to change the conversation. "I bet you're glad Ben was able to make it," she suggested slyly.
Sarah only blushed slightly, nervously smoothing back her blonde curls. "Oh, did he? I hardly noticed he was here."
"Oh?" said Alanna innocently. "So who've you been staring at for the last ten minutes?"
"I have?" Sarah was alarmed. "Oh dear, has he noticed?"
"I'm sure of it," said Alanna with a grin. "But only because he's been looking at you."
Alanna's best friend beamed happily, but her smile faded when she looked across the room and saw her mother, Mrs. Montgomery, gesturing frantically for Sarah to join her.
She sighed. "Well, off to talk to another dreadfully dull countess. Or maybe the cook has burned the soup."
Alanna laughed as her friend left her side and went to her mother. Left by herself, she looked around the room for someone to talk to. Her eyes rested on Prince Daniel. She hadn't spoken to him since they had arrived an hour earlier.
Alanna continued to glance around, wanting to join Daniel's group only as a last resort. She saw no one she knew very well, and those she did know were either friends of her mother or were busy flirting with the most eligible bachelor in Kyrria.
A manservant appeared, holding open the wide double doors leading to the room. "The Duke of Worthington, Lord McConty, and the Dowager Duchess, Lady Evelyn."
Alanna perked up. She hadn't known Tyson was coming.
Tyson entered the room, leading his mother by the arm, looking handsome in his dark coat and high collar. He didn't look very happy, instead looking resigned and distant, especially when his mother patted his arm and went to say hello to the Montgomery's.
Alanna, however, was very glad to see him. She hurried over to him.
"Alanna," he said, looking measurably more pleasant when he saw her. "It's good to see you."
"And you as well," she replied with a grin.
He clasped his hands behind his back and smiled at her. "And how is that book I lent you? I know it wasn't the most entertaining read, but definitely worth finishing."
"Oh, it was excellent," she said eagerly. "I didn't mind the dullness. Besides, what historical document is very entertaining?"
He nodded with a grin. "Good point."
"I actually finished it within a few days. I've had quite a bit of time on my hands, with Mother so busy all the time."
"Ah yes, and how goes the wedding? Any last minute catastrophes?"
She laughed. "Not yet, but we're undoubtedly overdue. Everything has gone much too smoothly."
His deep blue eyes twinkled. "Well, if anyone can handle a catastrophe, it's your mother. I have no worries that the day will go exactly as planned."
"I'm sure it will," Alanna said. "And the only thing I have to worry about is not making a fool of myself dancing at the ball."
"I think that would be a very difficult thing," said Tyson. "I doubt you could ever look foolish."
She laughed this off. "You have yet to see me dance, Tyson. Although I have to say, I have improved with my last few lessons. Having a partner certainly does help."
She glanced at Daniel, who was telling a story it seemed, while the girls around him giggled and shot adoring looks at him.
Tyson had seen the direction of her glance, and frowned. "A partner? This wouldn't be a certain prince we both know, would it?"
For some reason, Alanna felt her defenses rise. Too many people had hinted about the prince to her, and she was annoyed that everyone felt it was their business. Plus, Tyson had a disapproving tone in his voiced that irked her.
"Yes," she said shortly. "Prince Daniel has been kind enough to help me during a couple of my lessons. It has made quite a difference, I must say."
His eyes became guarded, and he seemed to draw back, more distant that when he had first arrived. "I see."
Alanna didn't like this new Tyson. The connection they had had in their pleasant conversation had vanished. Her annoyance again surfaced.
Thankfully, it was at that moment that dinner was announced. Alanna was afraid she would have retorted angrily, and was glad for the distraction. She gave him a terse smile, and they proceeded out of the room.
They went to the great dining hall, where the long, wooden table was elegantly set with gold rimmed plates and goblets. Alanna was seated on one side, next to Sarah and beside her own mother, and Tyson sat across and slightly to her left. Alanna spent the meal avoiding Tyson's eye, instead looking determinedly anywhere else. She also tried not to look down the table too often, to where Daniel sat beside Mr. Montgomery as a special guest. She noticed that somehow Leila Dontabar had managed to be seated on the other side of the prince, and was now engaging him in an intimate conversation. Daniel didn't seem to mind either, smiling at the alluring blonde.
Alanna gritted her teeth and stabbed at a piece of roasted pheasant on her plate.
"Alanna," her mother reprimanded with a disapproving look. "Manners, please."
Alanna shot her a glare. She could see Tyson stifling a smile out of the corner of her eyes, so she pointedly turned to Sarah and started a conversation.
After the four courses, the party returned to the reception hall where entertainment was provided by a trio of singers from Ayortha, who had been hired just for this occasion. After the performance, people began to form groups, talking and laughing. Alanna stood from her seat.
"Alanna."
She turned, seeing Tyson standing behind her.
"I don't like it when things are stressed between us," he said, going straight to the point. "I'm sorry if I said anything that offended you."
Alanna sighed. "There's no need to apologize. I'm just finding it hard to understand what bothers you so very much about Daniel. He's been nothing but kind and pleasant to me."
"And for obvious reasons," Tyson muttered under his breath. Alanna heard, however.
"What do you mean?" she demanded.
He looked uncomfortable. "Nothing."
"Tyson, may I ask you something?" she said, trying to mask the irritation in her voice.
His eyes focused again on hers, wary now. "Of course."
"What is it that happened between you and Daniel? You've been so vague, and I honestly cannot see what he could have done to warrant your coldness."
He stood still for a few seconds. Finally, he spoke. "Perhaps I have been vague for a very good reason."
"And that reason is….?" she prompted him.
He shook his head. "I don't wish to go into that right now."
Alanna was frustrated. "Oh, never mind."
She turned to walk away, but he stopped her.
"Alanna," he said quietly. "All I can tell is Daniel is not what he seems."
She looked at him skeptically.
Tyson paused, then said, "Prince Daniel is not an honorable man."
Alanna gasped. "Tyson!"
She glanced around furtively, to see that no one could hear, and then stepped close to Tyson, lowering her voice. "That is a serious accusation, and against the prince! Why would you say such a thing?"
He stiffened. "That's my own business."
"Well," she said tightly. "Then you should be careful what you say, if you can't prove it. I think I'll reserve my judgement until then."
"Alanna," he said imploringly. "Please understand. Daniel is a flirt. Any interest he has shown is purely superficial."
Anger flared up inside her. Who did he think he was? Daniel wasn't like that at all. She had talked with him much in the last couple weeks, and the attention he paid to her was constant and admiring. He had never acted or spoken inappropriately, and here was Tyson, accusing the prince of dishonor.
She looked over to where Daniel stood, talking with the Montgomery's, Leila beside him. There was a moment, only a moment, where she saw him laughing with Leila. He looked at the girl with his burning gaze that Alanna had felt so often, and Alanna felt a twinge of doubt for her trust in him. Then he looked up to find Alanna gazing at him. His smile broadened and he winked at her. Her momentary doubt was washed away, and she turned back to Tyson.
"Tyson," she said slowly. "The prince has shown me nothing but respect. I won't hear anything against him without proof."
He seemed to be struggling with something in his mind "Alanna, you must at least think about this. There have been rumors…."
"Rumors are not the truth," she shot.
"But they are based on truth."
She paused and considered him for a long second. "Tyson, I do believe you're jealous."
He looked startled. "What?"
Alanna nodded. "Yes, that's it. You were used to having Bentworth all to yourself, and now that the prince is here, you feel you've been shown up."
"I assure you that isn't the case," he said, his eyes hardening.
"And I assure you that Prince Daniel is not what you say he is," she said.
"I'm sorry that we can't agree on this point." His voice was laced with barely concealed animosity.
"No more sorry than I," she said bitterly. "If you'll excuse me."
And she left him standing there, stalking away. She ended up a few feet away from Daniel's group, and when he saw her standing alone, he immediately excused himself from Leila, and went to her. Alanna had to stop herself from smirking when she saw the look on her rival's face.
"Alanna," he said when he reached her. "I saw you speaking with Lord Tyson. Did he say something to trouble you?"
Alanna was pleased with the attention, and tried to hide it. "Oh, no. Nothing of importance."
"Are you sure? You looked upset." He frowned, his handsome features creased with concern.
She looked up at him, weighing her options. If she couldn't get it out of Tyson, maybe she could get the truth from Daniel.
"Well, actually," she said, "We were discussing you."
"Me?" Daniel looked perplexed.
Alanna nodded. "Yes. He seemed to be of the opinion that I should stay away from you."
He grinned wryly. "Sounds like something he would say."
"Really?" she asked. "How well do you know him?"
"We were never close friends or anything," he said, shrugging. "We had the same tutor for a few years when we were younger, and often went to the same social events, but that's about it."
He paused, as if measuring his next words. "To tell you the truth, I don't think he's ever liked me much, even when we were boys. Envious of my position, I guess."
There's a lot to be envious of, Alanna thought. There was nothing Daniel didn't have.
He shrugged and held his arms out wide. "I didn't ask to be a prince. It's what I was born to be, and it's my duty. He couldn't seem to get over that. Even now I think he's resentful."
His eyes gazed over her face, lingering for just a moment on her lips. "Especially now, I would say."
Alanna's breath caught, and she looked away, her heart racing. His effect on her was incredible.
"I see," she said, fighting to control her voice, which was suddenly unsteady. "How unfair that he should let that get in the way of your friendship."
"I agree," he said. "But he seems to be unreconcilable. I've tried."
Alanna wouldn't put it past Tyson to be that stubborn. He was kind and intelligent, but once he got an idea in his head, it was hard for him to get rid of it. Tyson obviously harbored ill feelings towards the prince, which had no justification other than his jealousy.
"Well," she said. "I hope his stubbornness hasn't affected your visit too much."
Daniel smiled and held out his arm. "How could it when I have such a lovely distraction as yourself?"
Alanna smiled with pleasure as she allowed him to lead her back into the nearby conversation.