This is my first serious fic!  Disclaimer: I don't own it.  Tamora Pierce does, and I ain't mak'in no muh-la.

*= Faithful talking

italics= thoughts

Hidden Secrets

            "That was a close one!" exclaimed Alan(na) of Trebond. 

"Yeah.  I'm sure thankful we came out of there alive!" said her friend the Crowned Prince Jonathan of Conté.

            They had just beaten the Ysalimari, and they came to rest at an oasis.

            "Alan?"

            "Yes?"

            "That Ysalimari you killed- Ysandra? Anyway, before you killed her, she said that you had a secret."  Silence.

            "Well?  Are you going to tell me or not?"

            "There was no secret." she snapped.  Jon really didn't believe her, but he let it go anyway.  Alan was tired, and Jon wasn't in the mood to argue.  He knew he was lying, but Alan had a temper that would make Mithros beg for mercy to whomever the gods prayed to.

            "Alan?  Would you be my squire?"

            Alanna thought it over.  Would he find out?  If he did, would he keep my secret?  Would he tell Roger?  Would he exile me?  Put on trial? Execute me?!?!?!?!?

            Jon misunderstood the emotions that crossed her face.

            "It's not that hard.  I mean, I know you don't like social events, but you'll also be able to get great experience in combat, though you would too with Gary or Raoul-"

            Alanna cut him off with a laugh.

            "I'm not worried about that.  It's just that," She exhaled deeply.  This isn't going to be easy.  Jon and the rest of the court adore him.  Boy, will I be in trouble if I screw this one up.

            "Jon, have you ever wondered that Roger might, well wanna kill you?  I mean, he seems all nice on the outside, but sometimes it's like he's keeping some dark secret on the inside.  I also think he might be jealous of my gift, and you're so close to him-"

            All during this shpeel, Jon had begun to fume inside.  How dare he!  Roger, want to kill him?  ME?  Impossible!

            "Alan!" he was abruptly cut off.  Alan stopped in mid sentence, looking somewhat surprised. 

            "I did not ask your opinion on my cousin.  I asked if you would be my squire." Jon said, rather icily.

            There was silence again.

            "Your Highness, I would be honored to be your squire."