Summary: Jasmyn of Pirate's Swoop has spent the first fifteen years of her life safe at Pirate's Swoop with her parents. She grew up learning to ride, to wield a sword, and George has taught her some tricks of the disloyal trade. It was safe to say she knew how to take care of herself. But when Jazz goes to the Royal Court on her sixteenth birthday, secrets about her past -- and everyone else's -- start to unravel.

Why has no one ever seen the Lioness's daughter before? What is her strange fascination with the King? And most of all, is it a coincidence she shows up on the day that someone tries to assassinate Tortall's beloved ruler?

Prologue

Alanna of Pirate's Swoop glared daggers into the hooded man. "I asked you here for a reason, not to have you speak in tongues," she snapped.

The hidden man nodded. "I'm sorry, Alanna. But I can't talk this over with you. It's not allowed. I'm sorry that you have to deal with this alone. But I cannot help you with the girl. Don't you know what that would do?"

"So what you're trying to say is you want no part in her life? You want me to lie and say that she's his?"

"Yes, Lioness…" He sighed. "I'm sorry to put this upon you. But I'm begging you never to tell anyone the truth about that girl. Can you imagine the kind of uproar that would cause?"

She nodded, biting her lip. "Yes, I can understand it. And that's why I hate it even more. If you took her, as yours… She would have the life of wonder."

"And she won't with you?" he returned quietly. "I think you misjudge. I think she'll be far better off at Pirate's Swoop. Especially if she grows up anything like you." He touched Alanna's face gently, the dark making his expression unreadable.

With a sigh, Alanna pulled her traveling cloak away and revealed a bundle of blankets. "At least see her. Give her a name…," she pleaded, staring into the eyes of the still hooded man.

Slowly, he nodded and took the girl from Alanna, trusting that she wouldn't run. He held the newborn baby carefully as she stared up at him with big eyes. "Jasmyn," he whispered. "She will be Jasmyn of Pirate's Swoop. And she will have the best life any child could possibly have."

Almost reluctantly, he handed the baby back to Alanna. "Now take her and go, please."

The redheaded knight nodded. "Thank you," she whispered. With one last sad look, she turned her horse and galloped away into the darkness.

The man stood there in the darkness for a moment, and then turned on his heel, sweeping away into the darkness of the night. "Jasmyn of--" his voice was cut off by the roar of thunder, and not even he could hear the words that had left his lips. "Goodbye my sweet."

So… I feel like cackling. What do you think? Speculations on the father? Huh? Huh? I know you guys have some ideas. Do share.