Thanks to those who have reviewed. And thank you to the guest who pointed out my mistake :D
Rana was led up the path and into the Palace, with Galad whispering instructions into her ear, stand up straight, show no weakness. Speak clear and true. When she stumbled, the strain of the fall having aggravated her ankle injury, Galad tightened his grip, "Careful, there's no need to worry. Everything will be okay."
Rana gave a small nod, leaning against him. Eventually they reached a set of tall double doors of dark wood. Galad nodded to one of the guards, "Announce my arrival if you would."
The guard he spoke to headed inside, and a moment later the doors swung open and she heard the voice announce them."
Rana took a deep breath before limping inside with Galad's help. He let go of her to bow, and Rana made an attempt to curtsy, but she nearly fell and only her brothers arm steadied her. She peered up through a curtain of her hair.
The square chamber was about the size of the common room at The Queen's Blessing, its walls presenting hunting scenes carved in relief in stone of the purest white. The tapestries between the carvings were gentle mages of bright flowers and brilliantly plumaged hummingbirds, except for the two at the far end of the room, where the White Lion ofAndor stood taller than a man on scarlet fields. Those two hangings flanked a dais, and on the dais a carved and gilded throne where sat the Queen.
There was a bluff, blocky man stood bareheaded by the Queen's right hand in the red of the Queen's Guards, with four golden knots on the shoulder of his cloak and wide golden bands breaking the white of his cuffs. His temples were heavy with gray, but he looked as strong and immovable as a rock. Behind the throne and to the other side a woman in deep green silk sat on a low stool, knitting something out of dark, almost black, wool. At first the knitting made Rana think she was old, but at second glance she could not put an age to her at all. Young, old, she did not know. Her attention seemed to be entirely on her needles and yarn, just as if there were not a Queen within arm's reach of her. She was a handsome woman, outwardly placid, yet there was something terrible in her concentration. There was no sound in the room except for the click of her needles. And off to the side there were two young men with golden blond hair, her eyes were drawn to the younger looking of the two, but she looked away quickly to focus on the Queen.
Then a warm voice that seemed to expect obedience stated, "You may rise." And Galad helped Rana stand straight. A look of shock passed over the older womans face when she focused on Rana, and her eyes narrowed slightly, "I had heard there was an intruder. Tell me, what is your name and your business here?"
"Rana al'Thor." she took a deep breath, "I didn't mean to trespass your highness. I was being chased by Whitecloaks and I tried to escape by climbing the wall only one of them threw a stone at me.. it hit my head and I fell."
Galad nodded, "Her story is the truth mother. I saw her reach the top and I saw the panic on her face. And I saw the stone hit her head."
"You chose to climb the Palace walls rather than head down some alley?"
"I didn't know my Queen. I only arrived in the city today, I swear I would not have trespassed on purpose."
The Queen nodded, "And if I believe you..." she shook her head, "I must say when I first saw you I could have almost mistaken you for Tigraine Mantear."
Galad tensed beside her, and Rana flinched very slightly, "I... I am sure that it's just a coincidence my Queen."
"And yet I am not." the Queen shook her head, "You look far to much like her for it to be a mere coincidence. And Galad may be good with a sword but he is not good at hiding his feelings. His reaction is enough to confirm your connection to the previous Daughter-Heir."
After a moment the woman who was knitting spoke up. "I have no doubt she is of the Royal blood my Queen. And I would say she would be around the right age to have been conceived after Tigraine disappeared."
"Mother." Galad stepped forward, loosening his grip on Rana to do so. "She means no harm, she's not here to cause any trouble. Yes I believe she may be my sister but-"
"Silence." The Queens voice filled the room and Galad flinched, before her expression softened, "I do not doubt your words son. Elaida, what do you think?"
The woman who was knitting, undoubtedly Elaida, eyed Rana thoughtfully. "I certainly believe that she could be Tigraine's daughter, though I would question her past and how she came to be here... but, she could be the solution to the problem we have been discussing recently."
The Queen nodded, "I believe you may be right. Rana. You shall come and stay in the palace, in time I hope you will tell us how you came to be here, but for now you may simply bath, and do as you wish. I will have food and clothes brought to your rooms... Until we have a some made especially I'm sure we can find some dresses that will fit you well enough."
Rana's eyes went wide, "I... I don't understand."
"It is very simple child." the Queen smiled at her, "You will stay in the Palace for now... I hardly see you as a threat, as as a Royal yourself if is only right that you stay here. I can have the guards go down to wherever you are staying and gather your things."
Rana hesitated, "I don't have many things with me but I do have a friend who is sick... if you could see that he's cared for..." the Queen seemed to want to keep her happy, and Mat did need help."
"It shall be done, where is this friend?"
"The inn called the Queens Blessing... it may be best if I go down to get him." she suggested hopefully, "He's weary of strangers."
The Queen nodded, "So be it. After you have bathed and changed you may go into the city with some of the guards and find this friend of yours." then she looked over to the two young men, "Gawyn, Elyan. One of you escort Rana here to the rooms nearest Galad's."
"Mother I can take her." Galad stated quickly, before the others could respond, "Come Rana," he rushed her out of the room before anyone else could speak, and she could have swore that she heard the Queen laughing softly.
"Galad." Rana hissed when they were away from everyone. "What is going on here? Why does she want me to stay in the palace?"
"I can't be sure." Galad stated after a moment, "But... mother has no daughter, and only a woman can take the throne of Andor... perhaps she is planning something... it would certainly ease tensions in the city for the future of the throne to be stable, and you are the rightful heir."
Rana's eyes widened, "But I... oh this is a mess. I have to go to Tar Valon."
"Oh?" Galad frowned before shrugging, "That makes little difference in the long run, all Daughter-heirs go to Tar Valon to train."
Rana's eyes widened, "They do.. that.. may actually help." she smiled slowly, "I suppose... for now I can stay here." Elan would not attack the Palace, not for some time yet. For now at least, she would be safe.