A/N: Wow, busy month. Just got back from vacation and wrote this up. Hope you enjoy.

Disclaimer: Whatever you may think, I'm not Tamora Pierce.

Chapter 7

Let's Pray You're Wrong

Nawat walked around the palace looking very lost and confused. He had never been in Tortall before, let alone the palace. He wasn't very awed by the size (for he was from Rajmuat, after all), just by the sheer confusion. There were many people of all different ages, ranks, shapes, and sizes. The crow-man couldn't even begin to guess where Aly was. He looked at the mass of people and wondered if maybe he should ask for directions. As he gazed around, the man wasn't even sure if people would know his wife. His mother-in-law, perhaps, but Aly, who hadn't lived here for ten years? Hesitating at a hallway, Nawat was suddenly bumped into by a harassed, but excited looking knight.

"It's a boy!" he practically shouted to the whole room. Several people nearby heard and smiled. Some even clapped. Nawat heard shouts of approval from some other knights just entering. It was clear this man was popular. As Nawat looked closer, he noticed the man bore a large resemblance to his wife. "It's a boy!" Alan said again, grabbing Nawat (who was closest) by the shoulders. "I can't believe it! I've got to go find–Nawat?" For the first time since Alan had entered the hallway, he looked closely at the man he was standing by. Sure, he had only met him once, ten years ago, but Aly sent letters often enough. "What are you doing here? Never mind. Aly'll be thrilled! She's with my wife now. Come, I'll take you to her." Alan was so excited that his voice came in breaths. He was speaking so fast, Nawat could barely understand him. So, more confused than ever, Nawat just nodded. He hoped Alan would take him to his wife. That's what he assumed was happening, but wasn't one hundred percent sure. The former crow just followed the invigorated knight, who set down the hall at a swift pace.

As they went through the maze of the palace, Alan shouted the news to every person he saw. People patted him on the back, offering congratulations. His third child, but first son. Everybody seemed to share his happiness. "Is something wrong at home?" Alan asked, remembering that there was somebody else with him.

"No," Nawat replied. "I just missed my wife." Alan nodded, understanding completely. If he had been separated from his wife for a couple weeks, he wouldn't like it much either. Finally, the knight appeared to slow down. Then they came to the fifth door on the right.

"Daniella?" Alan called softly, knocking on the door.

"Alan, stop acting like a pansy. You know we're all in here. Just come in," came Alanna's painfully frank voice. Alan rolled his eyes at his mother's tone and Nawat stifled a smile. The young knight entered tentatively, eyes moving directly to his wife in the bed. It appeared that quite a crowd had drawn around the young woman. All of both families were crammed in the room. Everybody was herding around Daniella, nobody paying any attention to the two entering the room. Alan was already halfway across the room before Nawat closed the door. George looked up, noticing the movement at the doorway. He gave a crooked smile as he recognized his son-in-law. Nawat caught the smile and gave one in return, putting his fingers up to his lips. Aly's father gave a nod as the former crow crept up behind his wife (which was hard to do because of all the people in the room). Somehow he managed it without the spymistress knowing it. Aly was staring down at her new nephew and godschild with a smile on her face. Then, she felt a presence behind her. It didn't feel like any of the others that were in the room previously, but someone more familiar. Her eyes met her father's dancing ones across the room. Quickly, the woman turned in her seat and let out an uncharacteristic squeak of joy, confirming her suspicions.

"Nawat!" she exclaimed, tumbling into his strong arms. The former crow just laughed and stroked his wife's soft hair. Everybody in the room was smiling, their joy apparent.

"We'll be back," Nawat told the group, tugging Aly out of the room. Once again, out in the hall he was unsure where to go. Aly gave a smile and this time led the way to a small, secluded room not too far away. Once she shut the door, Nawat turned to her and gave her a firm, but passionate kiss. She instantly softened at her husband's touch, soothed by his presence. After all, this was what she had been hoping for the last couple weeks. The spymistress could hardly believe he was there. When they broke the kiss, the couple held each other as their eyes drank the other in. Then, Aly remembered where they were.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded of her husband, hazel eyes flashing.

"Is it wrong of me to miss my wife?" he replied, employing his simple, but very effective, charm.

"Yes!" Aly challenged. "Are you aware of where we are?"

"I am," Nawat said solemnly. "If you are looking for another reason, Dove asked me to come."

Aly frowned, suddenly worried. "Is something wrong with the baby?" she asked, not only concerned for the Isles' future heir, but for her friend's child.

"There soon will be if you don't get back. You promised to be there for the birth and I know she won't have the child without you there."

Aly sighed, knowing he was right. "I know. I just need more time."

"Time?" Nawat asked, confused.

"Later," Aly said wearily. "They'll be wondering what happened to us. Let's go back so you can see your new nephew."

Before she could open the door, Nawat swept her into another kiss. "I still missed you," he whispered into her ear.

"I missed you too," Aly said back, in equal softness.

"I know."

Later that night, Aly laid in Nawat's arms and told him all that had happened. She was glad to confide in him, relieved that she could finally share.

"Uncle Gary said his father volunteered. I didn't understand at first, but in makes sense. He knows the area and the people. But it's very risky. One loose tongue and it all could be ruined. One servant gossiping in the marketplace could lead to disaster."

Nawat hugged his wife gently around the shoulders, urging her to continue. Even with his limited experience in the spy business, Nawat knew this was very twisted.

"Scanra isn't aware that the duke is supposed to be dead," Aly continued. "Nobody is supposed to know. Quite ingenious, really. They fake his death in the palace and don't talk about it out of respect for his family. Nobody else knows he's dead. That's why I didn't know he died. Or didn't. It was purposely done that way. Still, it's incredibly risky."

"Why didn't they send in a normal spy?" Nawat asked, still slightly confused. This plan was indeed crafty. Almost to a point where it was a bit overdone.

"That's what I wondered," Aly responded. "They said he caught wind of the plan and wanted to be a part of it. But it's more than that. The more they thought about it, the more perfectly the pieces fell together. Some of the information needed would be much easier for the duke to get than a regular spy. He's a noble, so he would have more access."

Nawat found himself being drawn in. He asked another question, still slightly doubting the plan, as Aly obviously was. "Wouldn't that also mean he is more likely to be watched?"

Aly frowned, still trying to puzzle the logic of her family. By Mithros, what had possessed them to make this move? It had some advantages, but the disadvantages outweighed them. "Yes," she said simply, her mind still moving at lightning speed.

"And what's the need to tell the palace he's dead?" Nawat questioned. "Seems a bit unnecessary. They could have just said he went away."

"I believe Duke Gareth requested that," Aly said haltingly. "Ever since his wife–"

"Yes," Nawat said suddenly, "but what is he going to have to come back to?" Aly suddenly sat up, breaking free from her husband's hold. She stared at him with a small look of horror on her face.

"I don't think he want's to come back," she said softly. "Maybe he realizes it's a suicide mission if the Scanrans figure out what he's up to. And maybe he doesn't care. That's why Uncle Gary was so upset."

Nawat pulled her back to him and murmured softly, "Let's pray you're wrong."

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