A/N: Okay, guys, I'm suffering from writer's block so be patient please. Thanks to 4-eyedDragon for letting me borrow her plot. Enjoy! Also, merry Christmas!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of Tamora Pierce's books or the characters Alianne, Jane of Trebond, or any future characters I use from 4-eyedDragon's story.
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Alanna was warming up before her class with the pages when she noticed Jon and a man she didn't recognize standing in the corner of the practice court. She told her assistant teacher to start the lesson and trotted over to them. "Good morning my dear." Jon said before he kissed her. He wrapped his arm around her waist and turned to the man who began to bow. "Alanna, this is Liam Ironarm, Shang Dragon. Liam this is Queen Alanna of Contè and Olau." The Dragon bowed again. "A pleasure, your majesty." Alanna appraised him. He had copper hair, much like her own, and his eyes were a grey-green that changed as the light hit them. He was tall and muscular. She smiled and said, "Please call me Alanna, Master Ironarm". He grinned at her. "Then I am just Liam." Jon grinned at Alanna. "I was hoping he could help teach your classes and maybe tutor us in the ways of the Shang fighting." Jon laughed when Alanna's smile grew wider. "That would be wonderful.
Jon left after helping Alanna introduce Liam to her class. After the last class was dismissed, Jon came back to the training courts dressed to exercise. He held Alianne, who was dressed like him, by the hand as she observed the strange man. Alanna looked at him, mockingly questioning. Jon shrugged. "It's never too early to start teaching children self defense." Alanna grinned and kissed him before picking up Alianne. She hugged her and gave her a peck on the cheek. Liam bowed to the little princess who continued to stare at him. Then they got to work. To Alanna and Jon's surprise, Alianne mastered the Shang techniques before they did. Liam told them it was because she was young and had no previous training to contradict what he taught her. When the royal family was finished with their lessons they were all sore. After playing with Alianne after they ate dinner Jon was called away to a meeting. For the first time Alianne was tucked in without her father. As Alanna kissed her goodnight she muttered, "Don't like him". Before Alanna could say anything, Alianne was sound asleep.
Lady Jane of Rapid Falls was still at court. She had been moved to chambers in the noble's wing. She sat in her chair staring at the girl in front of her. The girl had blonde hair and bright green eyes. Her name was Alyssa of Rocky Glen and she was determined to become Queen of Tortall. She wanted to get rid of Alanna so she could take her place. Jane was willing to help her as her revenge against Alanna's mother. Alyssa was being presented to court in a week. Jane was going to help her catch the king's eye. "It won't be easy you know." Jane said. "The king is very devoted to my niece." Alyssa smiled. "You have forgotten the part my brother will play in this scheme. He can be quite… persuasive when he wants to be." Jane smiled. She had forgotten her brother. "Go to your rooms and rest." Jane said, grinning wickedly. "We have a busy day of preparations tomorrow."
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Alanna walked out to the practice courts right after breakfast. Liam was there and warming up. "Hello Alanna." He performed a complex series of kicks and punches. "How are you this fine morning?" Alanna watched him duck an imaginary blow and roll before replying. "Just fine and you?" Liam jumped to his feet and grinned. "Just restless to get started." Alanna was having a private lesson with Liam because Jon was in meetings and Alianne had lessons with Myles. It was also the pages' day off. After working hard for two hours they decided to stop the lesson. "You catch on well for an adult." Liam said as he grabbed his water canteen. He took a drink. "You're definitely a natural." Alanna flashed him a grin. "Thanks, but you're a good teacher." The bell rang, signaling the noontime meal. Alanna said goodbye and quickly ran to the baths. After washing herself quickly she rushed to the mess hall. Jon was waiting at the door with Myles and Alianne. "I thought you might have forgotten." Myles said with a grin. "We have a lunch date scheduled so we can go over Alianne's academic progress." Alanna gulped as Jon kissed her cheek. It was their daughter's first grade report.
Alanna lay in bed next to Jon. She went over the meeting with Myles in her head. He had told them that Alianne was doing extremely well and they moved quickly through the curriculum. Her birthday was approaching rapidly, meaning she would turn four and have to start learning court manners since she wasn't going to the convent. Jon had decided that Lady Eliza of Stone Mountain would be called to teach her etiquette. Alanna drifted off with a smile, thinking of how well her daughter was growing up.