And everything comes to a head here...
As always, any recognisable dialogue doesn't belong to me. I've just borrowed and mangled it to my advantage.
I've also (as you might've noticed) borrowed the sword-fighting scene. Well, I'm not too good at writing sword-fights. But, yeah, that isn't mine either. I've just rewritten it that's all.

Enjoy :)

The light everywhere sparkled off false ice statues and crystals adorning the room. It fluttered through the room, pausing over a young woman who was gliding aimlessly through it. The light spun over her deep blue gown, and brought sparkle to the matching sapphire eardrops. Ever curious, the light slid upwards, dancing over a stubborn chin and a delicate, straight-cut nose. It slid up over her bright blue eyes to her blue-black hair, hanging down her back in a simple plait, then paused at the soft silver circlet adorning her hair. Its curiosity satisfied, the light climbed onto the circlet, using it to stretch eager fingers throughout the room.

I wandered among other nobles, pausing here and there to inspect the globes that had been spelled to magically hold the light.

"You know Your Highness, if you knew magic, you would know how those worked."

I turned at the voice. A fire-haired man regal in magnificent silver-lined black robes stood there.

"Hello, Lord Thom," I said politely.

"Your Highness," replied the man, giving me a bow. I inclined my head.

"Perhaps I don't want to learn how they work, but am simply admiring the beauty of it all," I returned.

The man shrugged. "As you will. Enjoy the feast." He bowed again, and left, finally letting me breathe. He was a bit annoying really.

I turned back to the globe, smoothing my hands over my deep blue gown as I tried to relocate the calm I got from the crystal globe. I was unsuccessful-The Lord of Trebond's hair popped up when I looked at the globe, though that might have just been because I could see it in the reflection. Nevertheless I scowled.

"I must say, cousin, you look very beautiful tonight."

I looked up and blushed. "Really?"

Gary blinked, diverted from his teasing. "Who are you? The Willow I know would get offended."

"The Willow you knew grew up," I replied. "Maybe she decided that she likes feeling pretty."

Gary raised a brow. "Feeling pretty for anyone in particular?" he teased.

"Yes," I shot back, "myself. Now stop it."

Gary chuckled, but dropped the subject, moving to take his seat. I sighed, dropping very neatly into my own chair. To my displeasure-though I tried not to show it-Roger sat next to me. "Good evening, cousin," he greeted me. "You look very nice tonight."

While Gary had only been teasing me, to hear the subject being brought up again suddenly annoyed me. I looked down at my plate, knowing that Roger wouldn't think anything of my behaviour-I always acted very distant to him. "Your Grace is too kind," I murmured, fighting my annoyance. "You also look splendid."

"You mean to say that style runs in the family, cousin," replied Roger. I heard the lightness in his voice, and silently ground my teeth. Why, after all this time, was he still trying to charm me? It was only then I realised that I wasn't just uncomfortable around him-I actually disliked him, maybe even hated him. I was so glad that I was looking at my plate.

Jon sat down on the other side of me. "I never thought you to be vain, Willow," he teased.

"I never thought you to be an idiot," I muttered so only he could hear, "but then I'm not right all the time."

Jon laughed quietly. "Check and mate," he said ruefully.

I heard a rustle of silk as Father sat down. For once, Mother also joined him, having insisted on making a rare public appearance. She smiled at me when I looked at her. I smiled back.

Roger suddenly reminded me of his presence when he began to chat with Jon. I sat in the middle, irritated. It was, obviously, rude of both men to speak over someone in the middle. What, was I not interesting or something? Ugh. Why didn't I wait until Roger sat down, so I could avoid him? To make matters worse, Lord Thom came over to sit on the other side of Roger, engaging the older man in conversation about various magics and the like. At least Roger and Jon weren't talking over me any longer. I hated being in the middle like that-it was like I wasn't there.

To my relief, before my mood could sink any further, the food began arriving.

I returned my gaze to Mother when she started coughing softly, then harder. Instantly Duke Baird was at her side. My stomach clenched-I'd noticed her gradually going pale as time wore on, and I noticed now that her forehead was beaded with sweat. I hadn't realised I was rising until Jon gripped my elbow. Gently he tugged me back down, as Father looked at me and shook his head ever so slightly. I sank back into my chair, clenching my fists under the table. What was the purpose of my training if I couldn't even use it, and on my own mother? I felt like screaming with frustration.

"Willow." The voice caught my attention. Jon nudged me lightly. "Pass me the chicken, and tell me about your day."

I felt some of the tension slide away from me. Jon was always on the look out-He himself had discovered that, though slow to anger, I had a fearsome temper. He was watching me for warning signs. I felt a burst of relief, and handed over the plate. He squeezed my hand lightly as I passed over the dish, and I smiled gratefully at him.

When the feast had wound down, Jon and I excused ourselves, heading over to speak with our friends. I was in a lively debate with Myles and Jon when Alanna interrupted to request us to join her at the king's table. Until then, I hadn't even noticed that she'd left and then returned to the feast-I had been that engrossed in the discussion. Thom, having noticed where his twin was headed, excused himself from Gary and Raoul and joined her. Together the pair walked up to the table and the two thrones, us joining them on the way. Alanna bowed low to my parents. Only when the four of us had come to a halt behind her did she begin to speak.

"Majesty, I have done a dishonourable thing." The room hushed as her clear voice rang through it. "I broke into a man's chambers tonight. I knew this was dishonourable, and I did it anyway. What I did was wrong. What I thought to find-what I did find- was far worse."

I heard Jon suck in a breath, and Mother cry out in shock. Looking at the objects on the table, I heard myself gasp.

Miniature figurines of wax, lying on a silvery silk veil. Several of them, all bearing resemblance to someone in this very room. Father, Uncle Gareth, the Lord Provost, Myles. I went pale as I continued to stare. Jon and me. But what was worst was the image of my Mother. The colours and the wax itself were worn away, almost faded. At last I understood why she'd never been getting better. I turned away, burying my face in Jon's shoulder. He put an arm around me, trembling with anger.

"Shall I tell them where I found these, Your Grace?" Alanna demanded of Roger. "Shall I tell them about the little fountain in your private workroom where the queen's image lay under running water, wasting away little by little?" At this I put my hands over my ears with a whimper. I knew it was childish, but I didn't care, even if I could still hear every word. Alanna continued. "Shall I-"

"Liar!" my cousin interrupted with rage. "Majesty, Sir Alan has long been jealous of my influence with you and my cousins Jonathan and Willow. He now seeks to dishonour me in your eyes by showing you these dolls he created and accusing me of casting such spells!"

At his slander I began to cry. How dare he accuse Alanna of such work? How dare he do such things? And when had he ever had influence with me? Jon hugged me to him harder, shushing me. He should put an emphasis on 'Alan' as well, commented an insane part of my mind. I shoved it away, trembling with fury born of horror and disbelief.

"For what reason?" Alanna asked my father, her voice softer now. "Why would I wish the queen harm? She is the mother of my prince and princess and my friend. She has been kind to me. I do not gain from harming her, just as I do not gain from veiling the sight of those who could stop me from stealing a throne that isn't mine!"

"Liar!" Roger leapt to his feet to point at her. She didn't flinch. "Do you deny that you have the skill to place such a spell? Do you deny you have the knowledge, when I taught image-magic to you myself? You planned to kill Their Majesties, so that when Jonathan became king, you would be the most powerful knight in the realm."

"That is very interesting," Myles remarked, looking at Roger with stony eyes. "Carry that thinking a few steps further, and suppose the deaths of Prince Jonathan and Princess Willow. Who would gain? I submit, Roger, that you would gain as the next King of Tortall."

"It's a plot against me! Myles tries to turn you all against me while this young man gives false evidence!" my once charming cousin cried, turning to look for aid. It was then I heard another sound-my mother, like I, was crying softly out of shock and disbelief. The sound and what it meant caused the tears to come again in a fresh flood. Jon hushed me like I was still a child, and I clung to him harder, burrowing my face into his shoulders. As I cried I heard Roger's voice again. "I demand my rights. I demand trial by combat, myself against my accuser. If I lie, Sir Alan will win by the will of the gods. But I say I will win, because I am innocent!"

You lie! Cried a part of me that wasn't weeping. You lie! Alanna would never do anything to any of us! Bolstered by that knowledge, I finally slowed my tears and looked up at the table. My father reached over to delicately pick up the figurine modelled on his image. "You may have the combat," he replied quietly, inspecting the wax doll.

"As the accused, I may choose the time." Roger said quickly. "Let it be now, before Sir Alan's lies spread and poison people's minds against me."

Too late for that. Nobody will ever trust you again.

Alanna inspected her bandaged hands. "This time or any other is of no matter to me," she replied in a bored voice. "I believe Duke Roger to be plotting against the lives of my prince and my friends. The sooner this is resolved, the sooner they will be safe."

Roald nodded and stood. "In one hour we meet in the Great Throne Room."

~oOo~

By the time we had gone to her room to help her prepare, I'd dried my tears and calmed down. Myles, Coram, and Thom were with us as we entered her room.

"I suppose you had your reasons for acting as you did," remarked Myles quietly. "I'd like to know what they were."

Alanna shook her head. She was cleaning her sword, Lightning. I remembered the first time I'd seen that blade. "It's as if I just broke free of a spell he had us all under. A lot of things began to add up: why the fog came up that night I was taken after he visited me, why the big Tusaine attack was chiefly aimed at Jonathan's forces, why the queen never got better. Thom, you must've thought I was crazy, never following up on the warnings you and George gave me."

Her twin brother shrugged. "I always figured you had your reasons." When we all looked at him, the man explained, "I've been watched by Duke Roger's men for several years, ever since you, Highness, and Alan took the Black City. And George has waylaid Roger's men following Alan a number of times."

Alanna handed her sword over to Coram and started to stretch while Coram continued the cleaning of it. Jon looked at Alanna as she reached for her toes. "But you had suspicions," he exclaimed. "Even if they were vague ones, why didn't you talk to me?"

"I did say something, at the Black City. You said it was nonsense," Alanna replied frankly. Jon winced as he remembered. Alanna held her position as she continued. "So I wanted to have real proof before I mentioned it again. And every time I made up my mind to do something about it, I-I lost interest. I know why now-because he had me in the wraps with you and Myles and the others-but I still feel ashamed that it happened. Don't you?"

Jon opened his mouth, but was interrupted by a knock on the door. Coram opened it and a heavily cloaked George entered.

Jon, Myles, and I were shocked at his presence. The Rogue, coming to the palace? "Stefan has messenger-birds," Alanna informed us. "I'm glad you came," she said to George, shooting a tiny smile in his direction before resuming her stretching.

"Do nothing foolish," replied George, ruffling her fiery hair.

"I think Alan's used up his foolishness for the day," her brother replied in an acerbic tone.

At the words, Alanna looked up. "The masquerade is over," she said, impatient. "Myles, all these men, and Willow, know, you should, too. I'm a girl."

"But I do know," replied the man quietly. "Thank you for telling me at last, but I've known for years."

My mouth, which had dropped at Alanna's straight-out admission, dropped even further. I thought it would hit the floor. Myles had known? How?

At another knock Coram opened the door to reveal Timon. "I've been sent to bring you to the Great Throne Room," said my uncle's manservant unhappily. "Squire-Sir Alan, is it true? About His Grace?"

Alanna pulled on her boots, then stood, looking Timon in the eye. "Yes. It's true."

"Alan and I will be with you in a moment," said Jon quietly. Until then I'd been leaning on Jon, still a bit dazed from the shock of it all. Quickly I stood up properly, and led the others out. We waited outside, me fidgeting.

"Are you alright?" Myles asked me gently. He knew I'd been hit hard by this recent revelation.

"I don't know," I replied helplessly. "I suspected Roger was up to something-but I never saw this."

"Nobody did," replied the man, placing an arm on my shoulder. I smiled at him wanly, feeling a little bit better.

The door opened and Alanna and Jon came out. We said nothing as we walked Alanna down the hall towards her destiny.

~oOo~

In the Great Throne Room, Roger stood before the two thrones, his sword in his hand. Alanna hugged us all one last time, then stepped up beside Roger, Lightning gripped in her fist. The rest of us moved towards my parents as the herald read the challenge.

At last, my father said, "Let the combat begin."

Both swords flew up instantly. The pair circled eachother, Roger feinting several times, but Alanna didn't fall for it. Instead, she watched, her eyes darting over her opponent as she searched for the next move.

At last Roger attacked properly. Alanna parried the strike and sidestepped his next blow. Roger moved to follow her, continuing his assault. I watched as Alanna dodged and weaved around his blade, and realised she was trying to conserve energy. I bit my lip as blood began to seep through the bandages on her hand.

"Foul!" Thom yelled suddenly, as Alanna dodged again, uncertainty showing in her eyes. "He's using an illusion!"

My mouth dropped at the dishonesty. And Roger wanted us to believe him innocent? Even so, I felt a grim triumph as I realised that he was trying to cheat his way through trial by combat. If he won like this, nobody would trust him again. Ever.

Alanna reached for the necklace, gripping the odd stone in her hand. I don't know what it did, but it seemed to work. She managed to ignore the illusion, blocking and dodging only my cousin's true blade. She blocked Roger's thrust and thrust back, coming body-to-body with him. Even I could see this was a mistake as soon as she moved-the larger man used his size and strength to push her down slowly.

Swiftly my friend rectified her mistake, breaking away and rolling. Roger struck, his blade slicing into her shoulder. I could see Alanna bite her lips to stop gasping in pain. Moving, she took advantage of a moment I couldn't see to leap in, slicing through Roger's right arm. The Duke yelled in fury, and lunged back. Alanna was too slow to recover-his sword sliced through her shirt from collarbone to waist.

It must've sliced through whatever had bound her breasts too. Both binding and breasts showed through the new gap in her shirt.

Roger dropped his sword in shock. The crowd erupted.

"Halt!" yelled my father, getting off his chair. "What is going on here?"

Thom recovered first. "You'd better do something about that thing," he said to his sister as he stepped forward. "I'll explain."

"You'll have to excuse my sister, Majesties," said Thom as Alanna ducked behind a curtain. "You see, she wanted to be a knight. I wanted to be a sorcerer. We traded places. I think I may have had the better part of the bargain; I didn't have to lie to people I liked and respected all these years. Here." He proffered some papers. "I brought our birth papers. Her name is Alanna. We're twins."

"Who knew of this? Who knew?"" I shuddered-my father was most dangerous when he was quiet. Alanna stepped out from behind the curtain, having removed her ruined bindings and tucked her shirt into her breeches.

"I knew." I started at my brother's clear voice as he said, "I've known since the Black City."

I swallowed. "I knew," I said, my voice quieter, but no less firm and clear.

"I knew," Coram admitted, shame in his face.

"I knew," Gary said, stepping forward to face down his uncle and aunt.

"And I knew," Myles finished. "I guessed when Alan-Alanna-cured Jonathan of the Sweating Sickness, Majesty."

Well, at least that explained how he'd figured it out. I'd forgotten all about that-Alanna taking power from the fire and calling to Jon in a voice, a woman's voice.

My father's gaze took us all in. At last he looked back at our friend. "What have you to say for yourself?"

My friend met his gaze, standing straight. She seemed suddenly tall, though she was the shortest in the room. "I hated lying to you." Like us, her voice was clear and rang throughout the room. "I wanted to tell; but I couldn't. Would you have let me win my shield if I had told the truth?" She waited for Father to reply, then ploughed on when it was clear he could and would not answer. "I've tried to be honest about everything else. And I can't regret what I did."

My father studied her for a long time. There was a long silence, broken only by the rustles and whispers of other nobles in attendance.

"You demon!" Roger screamed suddenly. "You lying, cheating-"

My once charming cousin leapt at Alanna, sword flashing. Alanna blacked and dodged as his sword flashed again and again.

As I watched, time seemed to slow. It was how I could pinpoint exactly when her emotions transformed from fighting for her life, to rage. It was in the set of her jaw, the way she held her sword, the sudden spark in her eyes. The spark caught alight, burning through her until she seemed to be on fire.

Alanna leapt forward, bringing Lightning around in a loop. A lock of my cousin's hair fluttered to the ground. Alanna swapped Lightning to her left hand, performing another loop, cutting through his belt this time. The next strike slashed open his tunic. I watched, grimly triumphant, as Roger retreated desperately towards us.

When he got closer, a large orange cloud suddenly erupted around his body, reaching for Alanna as well as Jon, Father, Mother, and I. Other nobles gasped and got out of the way. I heard my own cry. Jon moved to stand in front of me, sweeping me behind him. "Jon! No!" I gasped.

"The Goddess!" Alanna's cry soared through the air. I saw the girl leap forward, recklessly charging the cloud. The whole thing flared. I heard cries join my own as I clapped my hands to my eyes, shielding them from the blinding glare. Roger screamed. The light flared brighter through the gaps between my fingers, telling me that Alanna had struck again.

Slowly the light faded, and I lifted my hands, almost afraid of what I would see.

Alanna jerked Lightning free of my cousin's body. She paused, swaying, obviously exhausted, as we stared at her with a horrified silence.

Roger was dead. Alanna had killed him.

GASP. OMG. SIR ALAN IS A GIRL!

Anyway. We are now drawing to a close.

Hope you've enjoyed this chapter. :)

~ MagicalLeaves