yay!!! I'm sixteen!!!!!! Huzzah!!!
Yes, I know it's been a long time and I sincerely apologize. My parents took Johnny away again, and I just now got him back. I swear if they take him away again I'll scream!
It's really short and I'm sorry! I'm also working on something else (my poor hand will finally be free of writer's cramps!) and it's kind of blocking me on this. But I thought I should get this up before you guys got out your torches and pitchforks. (haha... you guys would never do that... would you?)
Disclaimer: I don't own Alanna. Oh wait, wrong fandom. I don't own Crown Duel!
Now, to turn these characters' worlds upside down...
((-))
Chapter nine: A Peaceful Interlude
When Vidanric returned to his rooms in the wee hours of the morning, he seemed to be floating on air. His head was in the clouds and he was grinning like a madman, the very picture of a man in love. He was so enraptured that he failed to notice the lumpy figure of a man sitting on a lumpy chair in his parlour.
The lumpy form spoke. "Have a nice evening?" Vidanric jumped a foot into the air.
"Russav?" he asked. "What are you doing here?" He went to a small glowglobe and lit it. Russav was grinning like the cat that caught the canary.
"What else would I be doing in your rooms?" Russav wanted to know. "I want to know how it went. From the look on your face, I'd say it went exquisitely."
"It did, cousin, indeed it did!" Still grinning broadly, Vidanric sat on another lumpy chair with a happy sigh.
"Are you going to tell me about it?" Russav asked when Vidanric had been silent for a few minutes. "Are you going to tell me anything?"
"No," Vidanric replied. "I'm not."
Russav shot him a look. "Spill." He commanded.
"No," Vidanric replied, shaking his head.
"Tell me Danric," Russav said, in warning tones.
"Oh all right," he relented, not unwillingly. He related to Russav his conversation with Meliara. Russav smiled happily for his cousin.
"And what's the next step?" Russav asked, when Vidanric had divulged the last details.
"It is already been taken care of," he replied smugly. "When Meliara returns to her rooms tomorrow evening, she will find a magnificent ring from a not-so-secret admirer."
"A ring?" Russav echoed.
"A ring," Danric confirmed. "The same ring as shown in my great-grandmother's royal portrait."
"Ahh," Russav breathed, picturing the ring. "That ring." He paused. "So... when's the wedding?"
(-)
I don't remember the walk back to my room. I don't remember taking off my shoes. I don't remember changing into my bedclothes. I don't remember putting my head to my pillow... I was already dreaming.
Someone loved me. Loved me. And he wasn't my brother or my father or any of the people I grew up with. He was the future King. The future ruler. And he loved me. An of-no-account countess who grew up in a cold castle with hand-me-down clothes and bare feet. He loved me despite all that... or maybe because of it. Who knows. He loved me.
I knew that I was ready to court him. I liked him as more than a friend and acquaintance, and I liked his kisses. But I had to think of him. What if I found that after a few months or even years that I couldn't love him, or I couldn't spend my entire life with him? That would crush him... and I would feel rotten for leading him to believe I might love him. Even if I couldn't love him, I could never break his heart.
And what if I found I did love him? He would want to marry me... and I would be queen. Could I do that? Rule the land? Preside over Petitioner's Court? My life wouldn't be my own, it would belong to the country. I couldn't run away every time something bad happened or when I decided I couldn't cope, as I was so fond of doing. I would always have to stick it out in the capital.
I don't want to give my life away, I thought. I want to travel and I want to live at my beautiful new Tlanth. I want to run with the hillfolk and listen to their music.
I sighed. It was really no use wondering and worrying about what may or may not happen. I let my thoughts drift back to Vidanric...
((-))
So that's it. I'm sorry, it has almost nothing to do with anything, but still, it's there. I'm sorry. I can't apologize enough. I'm really very sorry. But I do love you all, and especially your reviews! So review and tell me you hate me for taking so long! (I just love seeing the number go up on my stats page!) and of course, I command you to tell me you love Danric. If you do not, then I shall be forced to murder you.
I need to go to the library. Or even better... Chapters! I need to get a book for my classic novel book report. I can't wait!
Beevle: Huzzah! New reader! Welcome to Like Kissing a Fish. If there's anything I could get you, please do not hesitate to ask. Enjoy your stay!
rootless californian: well, it's not often people say I do cliffies well! normally they just say I'm evil. Thank you!
Phillipa: yes, you may have a clone. Yes, Mel is a different one. but SHHH!!! Don't tell anyone about the unfriendly watchers... /looks around suspiciously/ Name day is next, I promise!
siriusforeva: Cuteness is good. love the cuteness!
stargirl98: I'm still debating Mel's final reaction. Up there we see that Mel's thinking about getting together with him... but she hasn't thought it through. Plus there are... wait, I don't want to give it away. we'll see...
shannonlynn-I want to find a guy who knows just what to say. All my guy friends are like: "uh.... um... wanna... go to class?" Got your net? Your hiking boots? Your camouflage? then we're ready to go!
LAdy Fate: DEATH TO THE CHICK FLICKS!!!! I like to read fluff, but I can't stand it in movie form. It's so predictable in the movies... and they're all carbon-copy characters. Argh, annoying. I'm glad you like the cheering. I rather like it myself. /pats muse on the headgets fingers bitten off/ eh heh heh...I'm glad you like how Mel is scared... (hell, I'd be scared.) And I promise, as soon as I find Danric and a way to clone him I'll send you a copy!
legofiance: I'm so glad you like! I could never have made her say I love you back... too fast! lol, I"m glad you like!
felsong: Huzzah for updates!!!!! I'm glad it made sense to you! warm and fuzzy is good too. huzzah!
Erkith: ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? "I am Cow" was my best friend's theme song in grade seven! have you heard "we are the beaver"? Haha, I love that song... I'm listening to it now... er... yeah. I'm glad you love it! I'm giving you full permission to take me up on the apple thing... I THink I deserve it for taking so long. "we are the beaver.... we're furry and we're free! we are the beaver... we got two big front teeth!"
flaming phoenix09: /sigh/ Danric's so cooooooooool! I love his thoughtfulness! I'm glad you like!
Narm's Briton 44: What girl's heart doesn't live with horses and chocolat? lol, I'm glad you loved it so much! since you're the only one who would care to know this, I'll tell you... I'm having a Numair craving. I just read Lady Knight, and there's only a little bit about Numair in there, but it's such a tantelizing little bit...
Adalon Ithiriel: I'm so glad you like the fluff! Huzzah for Mel not saying I love you! I'm glad you like this fic!
Wake-Robin: NOT THE END!! More to come! Huzzah! Vidanric is perfect, isn't he? I luv him soo much...
Argh... and now, off to homeworkland. Or rather, mathland. Ugh.