In the Hand of the Goddess by Tamora Pierce Read Free Book Online

June.”
    â€œI’m only fifteen,” Alanna replied automatically. “I’m too young for girls.”
    Gary smoothed his new mustache. “You’re nevertoo young for girls. Come on. I’ll introduce you to the newest arrival. She just came yesterday, and Mithros !” He whistled his approval, adding smugly, “I got to meet her first.” He clamped a hand around Alanna’s arm and levered her out of her seat, walking her out onto the floor. It was either walk or be dragged; Alanna sometimes wondered if Gary knew his own strength.
    She saw the trouble spot immediately: Jonathan stood at the center of a cluster of knights. He was talking to someone hidden from Alanna’s view. The young men moved out of Gary’s way, spotting Alanna and grinning. Squire Alan’s reluctance to meet young ladies was palace legend.
    Jonathan saw them and smiled, beckoning them forward. “Gary, you found him. Alan, come here.”
    A royal command was a royal command. Alanna moved up to stand beside the prince, but she wasn’t happy about it.
    Seated at the center of the cluster of men was a lovely girl with chestnut-colored hair. Alanna lifted an eyebrow. Most maidens at Court wore pale colors or whites, but this one was wearing a low-cut green silk dress. Well, the color did emphasize her bright green eyes as a lighter color would not.
    Jonathan was bowing to the vision. “Lady Delia of Eldorne, I’d like you to meet my personal squire, Alan of Trebond.”
    Alanna bowed and found herself presented with a dainty white hand. Blushing slightly, she brushed it with her lips. Never was she more aware of her real sex than at moments like these! She looked up into Delia’s face, noting the pert little nose and full red lips. She’s a beauty, all right , Alanna realized. And she knows it.
    â€œAlan of Trebond,” Delia murmured, her voice light and throaty. “I’ve heard of you, haven’t I?” She tapped her rosy mouth with her fan, delicate dark brow carefully arched. Then she laughed merrily. “The ‘Squire’s squire!’ And you beat that dreadful knight from Tusaine. I think that’s thrilling!”
    Alanna bowed politely. “It was nothing, Lady Delia,” she murmured.
    â€œOh, but you’re being modest. I’m sure no Tortallan thinks it was ‘nothing’—do you, gentlemen?” Delia asked the bristlingly jealous knights around her. Alanna knew very well that at the moment her friends were wishing they had beaten Dain, and that she was far, far away. In that Alanna was one with them. She didn’t like Delia, and shewanted to leave. “Do you dance, Alan of Trebond?” Delia asked now.
    Jonathan, grinning wickedly, replied, “Of course he knows how to dance. He learned the steps as a page, as did we all.” Alanna promptly resolved to put something soft and squishy in her friend’s bed—very soon.
    â€œAnd he was always stepping on someone’s feet,” Raoul muttered.
    Delia placed her hand on Alanna’s arm, rising gracefully from her chair. “I’m sure he dances beautifully now.” She laughed.
    The Code of Chivalry was very specific about moments like this. Red as a beet, Alanna led Delia out onto the dance floor as the musicians struck up a waltz. She had never felt so ridiculous in her life. Delia was even taller than she was!
    Carefully Alanna whirled Delia around the floor as the girl chattered about how kind everyone was, particularly Prince Jonathan. She knew now she didn’t like Delia at all, and she felt very odd whenever Delia complimented Jonathan. Finally it was over, and she returned the young noblewoman to her admirers. Good manners or no, she was going. Even the Chamber of the Ordeal had to be better than dancing with a green-eyed flirt.
    She bumped into Myles on her way out. Her friend was worse for wear, to put it mildly.
    He toasted her with