This story is set one year after Lioness Rampant, the fourth book of the Song of the Lioness Quartet. This is the result of an intense edit of the first version that had been in place of this one over a year ago. If you would like to read the original copy, please send me a message or ask me on your reviews.

Disclaimer: All characters, unless otherwise mentioned, are under the ownership of Tamora Pierce.

A/N: This is an A/J fanfic. Don't let this chapter confuse you.

Chapter1: The Beginning of Things

"Thayet."

She pushed herself upright, one hand over her swollen belly, the other steadying her weight. This was the day her baby would arrive, if the palace mages were correct. She would have to spend the whole day in the infirmary- something she did not look forward to.

"I know. Help me down, will you?"

A strong hand came to rest at her back, another arm sliding under her legs. Thayet's husband heaved, lifting his wife into the air.

"Even better, I'll carry you out," he said, as the beauty in his arm kicked her legs, complaining. He kissed her forehead, grinning.

"I love it when you whine."

He strode down the hallway with her in his arms (still in her nightgown), grinning at those who bowed as they passed, their eyes as wide as saucers.

"I'll never be able to show my face again," whimpered Thayet, burying her face in his chest.

"But that's a good thing," explained Jonathan, nuzzling her ear.

"It means you can spend more time with me."

"Baird, this is boring."

That was the Queen, finally stating the obvious after two hours of staring at the white ceiling.

"I know. Everyone only ever talks about the pain of childbearing, but they never tell you of the waiting before the convulsions," Duke Baird sympathised.

Thayet grinned.

"And you have such a vast experience, I suppose."

"Of course I do," he said, raising his brows. Almost immediately, his face flushed.

"It's unholy to tease an old man, Majesty."

"But you're not an old man," complained Thayet.

Baird smiled. This was the first time he had directly dealt with the Queen, and he was pleased to know that she had a working sense of humour.

"Hush," he scolded gently. He handed her a book on the care of babies, who obediently began to read.

Pirate's Swoop Castle, Tortall.

It had been a hard day. Pirate's Swoop was a small fief, and everyone helped to feed its inhabitants. Today had been the first day of weeding, a nod at the season. Weeds, Alanna decided, were the plants of the Trickster himself. She slumped against her leather armchair. If all went well, she would spend the night reading, then to bed.

Someone knocked on the door.

"Come in," she called. A panting messenger slumped in. Without a word he handed a letter sealed in royal blue.

Praying that this wouldn't be another summons to the palace (the King had recently delighted in summoning her every few weeks), she cracked the seal. Scanning the page, a frown creased her brows as she caught the phrase 'the funeral'. Worried, she rang the bell for a maid to take charge of the messenger, and sat down to read.

Dear King's Champion,

Queen Thayet's baby is born. The baby is a healthy girl, but the Queen has passed away during the process. The funeral will be on next week Thursday. Heralds have been-

Alanna closed her eyes as her vision went dark.

This couldn't be happening.

Sorry to all the T/J lovers out there, but I adore A/J and will not let anything get in the way… not even Thayet.

Now that you've read it, how about clicking that little button down there? Hmm?

-Vonnie-