Pierce, Tamora - The Song Of The Lioness Quartet 02 - Alanna by In The Hand Of The Goddess

Author:In The Hand Of The Goddess [Goddess, In The Hand Of The]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-11-24T10:56:44+00:00

7: Winter Lessons

ALANNA pulled her cloak tight against the wind and knocked hard on the door marked with the healer’s sign. She waited, watching the last fall leaves dance in the street, until Mistress Cooper appeared.

“Hello,” Alanna said shyly, letting the hood fall back from her face so George’s mother could see who her late-night visitor was. “Can we talk?” Mistress Cooper smiled, motioning Alanna inside. “It’s been a long time, little one,” she commented as she bolted the door. “Come into the kitchen and I’ll make us some tea.” She led the way, her majestic form casting a long shadow in the hallway. “I trust you’re recovered from your wounds? How is your arm?”

Alanna took off her cloak and draped it in front of the kitchen fire before rotating her left arm obediently. “It’s a little stiff sometimes, but it’s all right now. I wasn’t as badly hurt as people think.”

Mistress Cooper put on the teakettle. “My son doesn’t feel as you do. But perhaps he has his reasons for worrying?”

The girl blushed. “George worries about me too much. I hope he gets over it before I go away.”

“So you still plan to leave us once you have your shield?” The woman moved around the room on silent feet, getting cups and a plate full of cakes. Alanna bit into one of the cakes eagerly; she had only picked at her dinner.

“Of course,” she said, her mouth full. She swallowed quickly. “I have a feeling that when I tell them I’m a girl, they won’t want me around.”

“Could be you’re not doing them justice,” Mistress Cooper suggested, pouring out the tea. “George tells me you’re liked and trusted.”

Alanna frowned. “Not by all.” Shoving Duke Roger to the back of her mind, she cradled the cup of tea in her hands.

“How is His Highness?” the woman asked, sitting down.

Stirring the tea with the tip of her finger, Alanna replied softly, “I’m not sure. He’s been-very odd, lately. Ever since we returned from the Drell Valley.”

“How so?”

“He… he blows hot, then cold. Sometimes I’m his best friend in the world. And sometimes he acts as if I’m poison. It doesn’t make sense. He-” Alanna blushed. “He kissed me, this summer. I think he wants to do it again, except he doesn’t. Sometimes he talks as if he doesn’t like George, except I know that isn’t true, because he comes into the city to see George when I’m occupied. He expects a lot from a person!” Alanna burst out, getting up to pace. “If I go to social events with him-and he makes me go-I have to have every hair in place. I have to have better manners than everyone else. I have to dance with all the ladies, as he does, even though no one else has to. I tell him I feel like a fool, and he tells me it’s better to be a fool who’s considerate than a fool who isn’t. But if I really talk to a lady-or

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