I own none of these characters, they are Tamora Pierce's, only the plot is mine. My second fic so please R&R. Ten reviews till I upload the next chapter, I have it ready so review!!!!

Chapter 1: Surprises Even to a Princess

Princess Alanna of Tusaine sat stonily in the carriage. She didn't want to go to Tortall, she was missing a training session with Leon, just to go to a bunch of stupid balls where she would dance with the squires and knights and receive compliments and poems from people expressing their undying love. It always happened this way, at every new palace she went to.

"Mother why, why do we have to go to the palace?" Alanna asked, but she knew the answer, and she had really tried to accept it, but it wasn't registering in her mind. One night she overheard her parents talking about her marriage to a prince Jonathon of Conte. She didn't want to be betrothed, let alone to some snobbish prince she didn't know, and hardly loved. Her father had forced her and her family to take the long trip to Corus so he could offer his daughters hand to the prince. They would probably say no except for the fact that her father was offering peace between the two feuding lands. She had no choice but to accept, her country was at stake if she refused, and she would do the noble thing, marrying to a man who lived far away from her own home. Of course noone had told her yet, and she couldn't let her parents know she was eavesdropping, it wasn't ladylike. Now more than anything she wished she could have been born a boy, so she could have fought for her shield, but no she had to be a good princess, one who did the right thing.

"Alanna, you know the answer, but there is another thing we must discuss since we are nearing the palace. It's time you stopped your fighting lessons, and took up more lady like pursuits. As royalty, you have to put on a good impression or you'll never be a proper wife, and noone will want to wed you. You must do this not only for your family, but for your country." Her mothers voice was stern, but it was also kind. She knew what her daughter was going through, being a princess was never easy, your country always came first.

Staring at her mother, the words sank in. No more fighting, no more swords, or bows. What was she to do!? She knew that this would come one day when she was wed to a prince and was supposed to produce an heir, but she was only fifteen! Rage engulfed her, but also sadness. Noone had ever asked her if she wanted to be a princess, noone had ever asked her if she wanted to wed a prince. Fighting, was her only escape, she lived to use a sword and fight evil, but since she was a princess she never got the chance to try this, but at least she could practice. Now even that was being taken away.

The carriage came to a stop. Alanna smoothed her white silk dress out and made a decision. Noone would know that she would continue fighting, and if it came down to it, she would train in her room, though she doubted she couldn't find an abandoned practice court.

"Alanna are you ready? Remember, first impressions are everything, and never forget where you come from," with that the door was opened and the driver offered first her mother a hand and then Alanna. Although she was quite capable of getting out herself she accepted the hand.

A man and woman stood hand in hand, and she recognized them right away. "Your majesties, it's an honor to meet you," she swept a graceful curtsy, and gave her hand to the king like she had been taught. With a light kiss he released it, and introduced his son. For the first time she noticed the prince, with his coal black hair and black eyes. He was very attractive, but there was a smugness about him that she didn't like. Again she curtsied gracefully and said in a fake tone, "Your royal highness, it's an honor and a pleasure."

Taking her hand he held it a moment longer than necessary, kissed it, then released it. "The honor is all mine, my princess."

She had not even talked to him a minute and he was already flirting! How am I supposed to live with him if I can't stand him? He was conceited, and spoiled. Since he was a prince, he probably thought he could have any girl he wanted, and she would have to obey him when there betrothal was announced, but she decided to have some fun anyways, despite what her mother said.

These thoughts were running through her head, but she lowered her eyes from his, and fluttered her eyelashes as she remembered what she had been taught on how to attract a man. Let him think he is the center of my world, she thought.

When her mother was busy talking with the king and queen, the prince asked, "My princess may I have the pleasure as to escort you to your rooms?"

"Your highness, I'd be delighted as to have you escort me to my room," she cooed taking hold of his left arm. Yes, this shall be a perfect escape, I think I'll try practicing in my rooms, keep it low key for now she remarked silently to herself.

I can have any girl I want, and this one will be like all the rest, I'll have my fun with her, and wait for some other court beauty to come along, although this one has more elegance and beauty than any other, even more than Delia.

The girl had purple eyes, and copper curls that were wound into hundreds of small braids and knotted at the back of her head. Much makeup had been applied to her small face, making her look pale, almost glowing. Diamonds glittered from her ears, and a gold chain with a ruby attached could be seen since her dress was cut low. She was different from any other girl he had seen at court, definitely the most beautiful.

The girl, Alanna suddenly dropped hold of his arm. He glanced down at her, he was almost a head taller than her, she smiled at him and said, "Thanks for getting me out of there, but I'm sure I can find the way on my own," with that she walked down the hall away from him.

What just happened there? No girl had ever walked away from him, he was the prince! Ungrateful girl, he thought to himself, yet he still found himself attracted to her. I'll see her again at the ball tomorrow, and I know I'll be able to put a spell on her to love me, all the girls love me.

She had shown that arrogant prince! Not everyone was captivated by his looks, she wasn't just any princess. She was princess Alanna, probably the only princess who could fight to save her own life.

After Alanna had been walking for half an hour in a circle, she finally found her room, it was marked by her country's coat of arms. An adjacent door led to her brother, Thom's room and she couldn't wait to see him. Her brother and father had left a month before her mother and her, so she missed him. He was the only one she could really talk to, since they were twins.

She rushed over to his door, as fast as she could in slippers and a tight dress, but she eventually made it. Not bothering to knock she opened the door and stifled a gasp. A girl of about her own age with chestnut brown hair and gleaming green eyes was kissing her brother fiercely on the face, while Thom worked on her neck. They didn't seem to notice her until she yelled sharply.

"Thom!"