A/N: Alrgiht. I don't update unless I get reviews. And my other stories are a little lax on the reviews. If you like this chapter than review and you might be lucky enough to get an update. LOL anyway I really hope you enjoy this story. It has three parts and the pairing is a mystery so far... well... to YOU it's a mystery.

Secrets and Lies

Part I

By Jedi Girl

"Miss Bianca, are you alright?" the small framed maid named Martha asked me. She seemed worried; I knew it was an act. She was paid to take care of me.

"I'm fine, thank you." I replied, calm as you please. But I was far from it. I was panicking on the inside. It all seemed too much to bear. I could hardly breathe at times thinking about it. But no one could share in my secret. For that's exactly what it was... MY secret. This is how I've felt since...well, you'll see.

I walked from the small room that I called my bedchambers to the downstairs living room. It was a large well furnished room. What would you expect in the house of Montgomery Grey, the most formidable knight in England?

My father had won many a jousting tournament and it had made him very wealthy. Laughably so in fact, sometimes it was daunting how much money we had. Me being his only offspring, you would think I would be entitled to receive it when he died. But alas, laws in England only allow men to pass on their inheritance to male relations.

It made no matter to me though. I don't bother with such things, if I were to end up a peasant tomorrow I would not care... Especially since... well, you'll find that out later.

Today was my father's tournament finals. I would rather be pulling my own teeth out with a crocodile. But if I were not there my father would 'have no inspiration' as he so put it. Plus it gave him a chance to boast about me to prospective husbands. That itself is enough to make me vomit.

I follow my mother into our carriage and it takes us to the stadium. The ride over is, as usual, quiet. My mother believes a good woman keeps her mouth shut. I however, believe that speaking your mind is key in a relationship. That is a belief that has gotten me in trouble many times. Men just don't appreciate powerful women, well, most men don't.

We got out of our carriage after it stopped and our driver Gustav opened the door for us. My mother ignored him coldly, but I smiled and gave a nod of thanks. He smiled back and went to park our vehicle. I look around the messy arena and cringe. All I see are horses and sweaty men, which explains the horrible smell. I scrunch my nose it hopes to block at least some of the odious smell out. No such luck.

As I pass by vendors and blacksmiths I am amazed by the number of people. My mother however seems to be trying to ignore everyone. We finally reach my father's camp and he looks at us both and smiles. I smile wide back and run to him. He throws his armor covered arms around me and I giggle into his chest.

"Really now, Bianca, it is not proper behavior to act like a child, you are nearly eighteen years of age." My mother quipped as I broke from my father's grasp.

"Pricilla dear, it is quite alright, let the girl show some emotions. It's refreshing to see such a free spirit" My father said back in his strong voice. I beamed up at him but mother just scoffed.

"Sir, it's almost time for your match" my father's squire Percy addressed.

"Yes, so it seems" My father murmured and left for the arena after giving me a kiss on my forehead. I smiled as he left. My mother nudged me and I made my way toward the seats. We found a fairly nice par of seats with an excellent view. Not that I liked the excellent view. I always closed my eyes as not to see the impact. That part always terrified me. Injuries and Fatalities were common in jousting.

As the riders prepared to start I let my eyes drift over the competition. I gasped inwardly at the sight I saw. I couldn't believe it... could it be? It couldn't possibly be...

"Bianca, Stop staring" my mother hissed sharply at me. I snapped to attention and mumbled my apology. "And don't mumble" she added.

I rolled my eyes and said as clearly as possible "My dearest mother, I am truly deeply sorry for my dishonorable actions, I beg your undying forgiveness."

She sighed and retorted "it's not worth all THAT, please just watch your fathers' match."

I quieted down and watch and my father lifted his lance in a salute to the other knight. My mother and I were too busy squabbling to catch his name. I watched as both men rode towards each other. I closed my eyes just before impact and heard a sickening crunch followed by a roaring of applause. I opened my eyes and saw that my father had taken a lance to the helmet and his lance had only hit the other man's chest.

The other knight had won. I frowned but applauded politely for the opponent's victory. As the crowd prepared for the next round I let my eyes drift back to the other side of the arena. I saw him again. Our eyes locked. But my mother pulled me away to see to my father.

I hugged my father as soon as I saw him. He smiled back at me and I proclaimed "Daddy, I still love you." He laughed at this and ruffled my hair as his squire Percy helped him out of his armor.

"Pricilla, you and Bianca must stay for the banquet tonight to mark the end of the tournament; I received second place in joust and first place in the sword. Therefore it is my obligation to be there, and it just wouldn't be the same without my lovely wife and daughter."

My mother smiled and replied "As you wish, my dear." I smiled but inwardly I dreaded banquets and parties. They were just opportunities for nobles to brag and boast to one another.

My father took my mother and I to a dress shop in town and we both found lovely dresses. Well, mother described them as lovely; I described them as parasitic, sucking the life out of you from being so tight.

The banquet was boring. It consisted of second-rate food and my father conversing with other tournament patrons. There was some dancing but who would ask the strange daughter of Sir Grey? I snuck out halfway through claiming a headache and that I needed some fresh air. My mother nodded and I left. I looked up at the sky and watched the stars as I let my feet carry me away. I hadn't realized how far from the banquet I was until I heard a familiar voice behind me.

"I never thought I'd see you again" he said in barely a whisper. Butterflies filled my stomach as I turned around to face him.