The girl stared into the mirror, admiring her violet eyes and her short messy red hair that framed her face. She knew she wasn't pretty, but she knew that those striking features made all the difference in her appearance; it gave her personality. She also knew she was foolish. A girl pretending to be a boy shouldn't wish to be pretty, rather the opposite to appear more convincing to those with sharp eyes. Despite her mind warning against her silliness, she stared into the mirror a little longer, hoping for beauty to take her by surprise and stand out in her face.

"What are you doing?"

Alanna turned sharply to look at her knightmaster who leaned casually against the door connecting their chambers. "Nothing, just…" She realized her hand was curling her hair around her face and dropped it guiltily to her side.

Jonathan looked amused and pushed himself away from the door. Subtly checking to make sure Alanna's door was firmly shut, he moved closer and shut the other door behind him. "Trying out a new hairstyle?" he teased her.

Alanna turned red. "N-no." At his grin she felt flushed with anger. "I'm trying to mimic how my lord acts when he goes to the ball. My lord is the Prince of Primping, and what better than his squire mimicking him?"

Jonathan laughed. "What better? I expect to see you wear a gown at the next ball."

"I will when you do," Alanna retorted. She picked up her sword and headed for the door. "Excuse me, I have more important things to do than argue with my lord."

Jon watched with amusement as his squire, still red in the face, stormed out of the room, embarrassed to be caught doing something so remotely feminine as staring at her reflection.