AN: Why even bother with the excuses? This chapter is not beta-d, but I just really wanted to get something posted. Besides, I had an entire lengthy chapter written quite a while ago and was about to post it until I realized there was a monstrous, gaping plot hole.

The Yamani Rose:

Chapter 9: A Damned Good One

21st Year of Reign

460 H.E.

"Sir Alanna, Champion of the King," the herald announced, irritated, as the small woman pushed past him and the guards into the royals' private suite. He shot a look at her back and rolled his eyes when she realized that the king was nowhere to be found. However, as he was about to dismiss her, the queen entered the sitting room.

The scorned man scowled deeper as the queen's face lit up at the sight of the crass knight. Queen Thayet moved forward quickly and pressed her hand against Alanna's. She nodded to George with a smile, seeing him leaning against the wall in the outside corridor. "Alanna, what are you doing here? Jonathan did not tell me that you were expected."

Alanna pressed the queen's hand in turn, executing a short bow. "That, my queen, would be because I am not expected. I decided to show up unannounced. I heard Daine and Numair have returned from their trip? How is our little wild mage?" Her eyes danced as she called the larger woman little.

Thayet held in a rather unladylike snort. "They are both fine, you can see them later. They were traveling, not fighting a war. Why do I doubt that you are merely here to check on them? You were never that close, and you hate gossip as much as you hate the palace."

"Thayet, dear, you know it is not the palace I hate. It is the people." The Lioness held up a hand to stop the words of protest. "Stop defending them, you know that you cannot convince me to like them with all that they have done. However, that is beside my point."

A thin, dark eyebrow was raised as the small red head squirmed in suppressed anxiousness. "Well, then, what is your point?"

"I heard a rumor I was hoping you could help me with. Is it true that-" Alanna scowled as he sound of a man's voice cut her off.

"My, my, Lioness. I never took you for a gossip. Has too much time spent in the company of proper ladies finally converted you to their wicked ways?" Alanna's scowl deepened as she heard her husband laugh from behind the king's large frame.

"A lady warrior in the palace and you did not think to summon me? Goddess! You knew I would want to know."

"Careful not to pout, my Champion. I have heard it can give you wrinkles." King Jon winked, laughing. Alanna continued to scowl. "However, to answer your question, I did think to summon you. I then decided against it. I wanted to fully understand the role this woman will play in my court before bringing another wild card like you into the picture."

"Well, it is a bit to late for that. We met last night." Alanna sounded almost smug. "However, I still have a few questions for you about the circumstances of her arrival." Alanna tapped her foot, impatiently awaiting answers. Jon merely sparkled his eyes at her.

"I will answer your questions in time. Did you never hear that curiosity killed the cat? This much I will tell you. She is here to guard the princess as part of the engagement agreement. She is known as the Emperor's Rose, a rank similar to your own as Champion. She is considered one of their best fighters, and I have yet to see her fight. However, she will be dueling with Wyldon in the courts any time now, and we should probably head there now if you wish to see her fight."

Alanna was out the door before Jon had finished his sentence. "Well, are you coming or not, Highness?" She did not do so much as glance back toward the king as she walked briskly toward the courts, grabbing her husband's arm.

The two royals shared a look. "Do you suppose we should warn her?"

"She will find out soon enough."

--}--}-----

Alanna did not know much about dueling with hand to hand combat and daggers, but a few minutes into the duel even she could tell that she should be rather impressed. George's low, impressed whistle beside her was another clue.

A weight fell against the fence beside Alanna. She turned her head slightly to face Jon, keeping the fight well within her peripheral vision. "Why are they not fighting with swords? Surely that is what Wyldon would have chosen."

Jon answered her, also carefully watching the pair fighting. "She specifically requested no swords. She claimed that she had never been trained in sword fighting."

A frown settled on Alanna's face. "What kind of warrior can't use a sword?"

Her attention shifted to her other side as George answered. "A damned good one, by the looks o' it."

----{--{--

Kel felt a bead of sweat drip down her face, but ignored it. She was focusing solely on the person – combatant?- no, target before her. The onlookers were thankfully quiet. She did not think she would be able to concentrate nearly as well if people were making distracting noises. As it was, her attention shifted to a group off to the side as she heard a comment criticizing why they were not fighting with swords. Feeling a prick of anger, she picked up the pace, determined to finish quickly and efficiently.

The duel was over in moments.

Everyone stared in shock at the two warriors in the ring. Kel was straddling Wyldon's waist and had a dagger to his neck. A single drop of blood slid slowly down his tanned flesh. She leaned her head down closer to his, and spoke in a soft tone. The whispered words of defeat broke the silence. Kel stood as she heard a slow clap begin behind her, and offered Wyldon a hand to assist him in rising. Eyeing the hand briefly with suspicion, he grabbed it and stood.

"Well, my lord," Kel spoke in an even tone, "It seems that I have won." She watched his eyes carefully, taking in his flushed features and barely restrained breathing. She almost rolled her eyes when she read the emotions in his eyes. He was obviously shocked and impressed, but she could see that he still doubted her severely.

Taking a deep, controlled breath with his stomach, he responded carefully. "It seems you have."

The young woman was not sure whether she would rather laugh or scream. She settled for a gentle smile as she brushed off her clothes and turned to face the royals. A mild start ran through her as she saw the group gathered around him.

The queen was clearly delighted, with a lovely smile gracing her equally lovely features. Her gloved hands were still clasped gently together from the applause a moment earlier. Noticing Kel observing her, she winked and gave a small nod.

Baron George was watching her carefully. He looked impressed, but it was difficult to say for sure. It was possible that he was bored, having seen many similar fights during his rouge days. As she watched, he muttered something to one of the people gathered around him, carefully keeping his lips unreadable. He seemed practice at it.

The famous, or perhaps infamous, Lioness stood beside him. She was staring right at Kel, and her eyes were fixed firmly on the younger warrior's face. Kel noticed that the small woman was clenching her hand on her breeches, and the woman, blushing, released her fist.

The king, at the center of it all, looked magnanimous as always.

Quickly scanning the rest of the gathered crowd, she bowed and left then arena.

A/N: I am already working on the next chapter. Unfortunately, as is always my problem, I am wretched at developing short term plot ideas. I know exactly how the story will end, if that is any consolation. Review with ideas and suggestions, please.