Deleted Scenes

Some characters simply have too much fun. You give them an inch and they try to take over the whole book. By the time I've finished Discord's Apprentice , I shall probably have as many pages of deleted scenes as the ones that I keep. It seems a shame to waste all that paper, so here's one to scratch your heads over.

Chosen jumped up unsteadily, knocking the chair over. The crash made Oonay wince. It was enough on its own to bring servants running. She tried to push her aside, but Chosen caught the sash again and swung her around. The effort threw Chosen against the door.

She shook her head. "What did you put in the wine?"

"Not enough, obviously."

"You tried to kill me!" Chosen began screaming.

"I tried to calm you," Oonay said, but it was useless.

Biscuit growled, hackles raised, ready to jump as soon as Oonay released his collar. Chosen screamed again and aimed a kick at him. The move unbalanced her. Oonay yanked on her arm and sent her sprawling.

Chosen's screams became shrieks. "My baby!" She curled up with her arms wrapped around her belly.

Oonay managed to lock the door behind her, and had almost reached the next corridor with Biscuit trotting at her side before a manservant came pelting from the backstairs.

"Quick! Chosen is having a fit. I'll fetch a doctor."

The manservant hesitated. It should be he who ran for help and the princess who stayed.

"Now!" Her tone left him no choice.

She hurried on. "No time to pretend we're going for a walk in the city now, Biscuit." She told the dog, who only seemed to hear the word 'walk' and capered on its lead.

Don't worry–it will all make sense eventually.