Disclaimer × … I'm getting lazy… lol. Did I mention that I don't own any of these characters? (Apart from Erin and some others that you may not recognise… hehe) The rest belong to Tamora Pierce.

Author' Note × I've read in some other reviews about how Thom wouldn't have the same friends that Alanna would've… I think it's a good point, so I'm going to make Thom have different friends. But don't worry, Alanna will meet the Prince, Gary, Raoul and the others… promise! I just need to, uh, figure out how… =)

Oh, one other quick note: I'm prob not going to make Alex evil… besides I think he's just a bit… uh, misunderstood? Lol. So just in case you're wondering whether or not he's bad or not. When Duke Roger was choosing his squire, instead of choosing Alex, he chose Ralon instead (I don't have my books with me… did I get the name right?? Hehe. If not, just mention it in a review, thnx). There, I think that's enough reason. I think… hope…

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HIDDEN THREAT

Chapter Three ◊ Double Image

Thom found himself lying on his back, in the middle of the practise courts. At his throat was a blunt tip of a practise sword. He pouted at his grinning friend standing over him. There was an expectant pause before thom let out a sigh.

"I yield…" he mumbled, and allowed himself to be helped up by Elton, his occasional practise partner. Thom wanted to wipe the smirk off his friend's face, but knew that he'd never be able to beat him at a fair swords fight. It wasn't that Elton was that good… it was just that he was better.

"What's the matter, Thom? A little out of it, today?" Elton teased, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand. Thom shrugged. In truth, he didn't really know what was going on. He was used to being beaten on the courts, but never so quickly. The two of them made their way off the courts. They only had half a day of training and lessons, as there was a Mid-Autumn Festival to be held in the courtyards that night. It's just like another ball, but held outside instead.

"Hey Thom, wait up!" a panting voice came from behind the two friends. Thom and Elton waited until a slightly out of breath boy ran their way. He had slightly wavy brown hair and dark brpwn eyes. He was also wearing a lopsided grin.

"Where have you been, Luke?" Thom asked his friend, once he got nearer, "I don't remember seeing you at all today…?"

Luke nodded, trying to catch his breath. "Yeah, duke Gareth gave me permission to go out into the market today," he grinned, "I told him that I didn't have anything to wear for tonight's festival"

Thom laughed, "you liar. What sort of nonsense did you tell his Grace this time?"

"Well, since the squires don't actually have to serve tonight, I told him that I wanted to get something special"

"And he believed it?" Elton asked, surprised. Luke shrugged.

"I guess so. But that's not all…" he said, glancing over at Thom, as the three of them continued to walk back to their rooms, "I saw some interesting people in the market…"

"Oh?"

"Yep. But let me change that to 'one' interesting person. There's this girl who looks a bit like you…" Luke said slowly, waiting to see if this had any effect on Thom. It did. The red-haired squire stopped walking and waited for Luke to continue. He did.

"Yeah, she looked around our age. Her hair was longer than yours, obviously, but it was also slightly darker. A more reddish brown. I didn't really think much of it at first, she was pretty. But her friend…" Luke let out a low whistle, before relising that he was getting off topic, "anyway. I didn't think much of it at first, until I accidentally bumped into her. And yes, it was by accident. She looked up at me, and… Mithros… she had violet eyes!"

Thom let out a choked noise. Could it be Alanna? He thought, as the three of them started walking again. Luke was looking closely, trying to figure out what he was thinking. Thom didn't really pay any attention to his two friends. He was too busy going over his thoughts in his head.

What would Alanna be doing here? She should be in the convent, still training with the Daughters! I guess it is possible, that she was sent here early with a friend to come to the Palace, but… Thom shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. It didn't help much, the Daughters at the convent may have had her darken her hair with dye, as red hair stands out a bit. Her hair would've grown longer, yes… and how do I explain the violet eyes? It must be Alanna!

As they rounded the final corner before their rooms, Thom stopped again. He turned back to face Luke and Elton "Uh, would you two excuse me, please? I just remembered something that I need to attend to…" he said, and without waiting for a reply, he ran off down the corridor. Luke and Elton stared after him, before looking at each other and shrugging.

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Erin sighed, and brushed back her hair with her hand. "What exactly are we doing, Alanna?" she asked, in a weary voice. The two of them had arrived two day before, and had done nothing but wander around the market place. Alanna frowned and ignored her friend. She didn't actually know what they were going to do, but she didn't want to tell Erin that. She'd never hear the end of it, otherwise. The ride from the convent to the Palace had been uneventful, and Alanna didn't really have anything planned further than that. She was about to suggest going back to the inn, when she spotted a familiar face in the crowd. She froze.

"Thom?" she whispered under her breath, before her violet eyes widened, "Thom! It is you!" she gave a short laugh and ran to meet her twin brother. Erin stood behind her, confused. After giving her speechless twin a quick hug, Alanna turned back to Erin and explained.

"Erin, I'd like you to meet my twin brother, Thom. The one that I told you about, before. Thom, meet Erin, a friend of mine from the convent…"

After the greetings were done and out of the way, both Alanna and Thom went straight to the point. They moved to the side of the street where they wouldn't attract as much attention. There was a brief pause before Thom began.

"Okay, I guess the main question is: Why are you here and not at the convent?" Thom asked, glancing around the marketplace quickly. He wasn't supposed to leave the Palace, and if he was found, he would be in a lot of trouble. Alanna and Erin quickly filled him in at what happened at the convent. Thom's eyes widened.

"You were actually dancing?!" he exclaimed, before looking down breifly at their now ruined, but still beautiful dresses, "I was wondering why you were dressed up for once…"

Alanna pouted, and slapped him lightly on the arm. "Be nice," she said tartly, before frowning, "and you're missing the point! The point is-"

Thom began laughing. "Oh, I did not miss the point. Honestly, Alanna, I'm not that slow…" he trailed off, wondering what the best course of action would be, "well, the chances are that their Majesties probably won't belive you with so little evidence. You know the King, he loves his title as the Peace Keeper, and won't want to take any action if he doesn't see it necessary. Come to the Mid-Autumn Festival tonight. We can see if we can work it out then…"

"The Mid-Autumn Festival at the Palace?" Erin asked, frowning, "I don't exactly see how…"

"Leave that up to me. Several noblewomen and ladies are coming to the Palace tonight for the festival. You two could easily pass. I'll write up some fake invitations, give them to you before the festival, and then we'll try to work something out. Okay?" Thom said, thinking it over quickly in his head. Alanna looked convinced, but Erin shook her head slightly. Alanna looked at her friend's troubled expression.

"Erin? What's wrong?"

"Nothing much. But… what do we wear?"

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AN × Okay… leaving it there for now. Lol. The next chapter would probably be the Mid-Autumn Festival at the Palace, so keep checking back! Thank you so much to all the reviewers so far. ;)

Reaya - I just wanted to say that I LOVE all of your stories…! Keep going, and thanks for the review!

Charmed luver22 - I haven't had a chance to read your story yet, but I'll try to soon. Lol. I love Charmed, it used to be my favourite show when Prue was still there. I'm glad you like the story so far.

Regan - Hehe, I had no idea what to call the guys so 'Gruff and New' seemed to do just fine. ;) I kinda forgot about the fact that they'd be ruining their gowns… damn. But they'll get new ones… actually, if you didn't mention it, I probably would've forgotten all about them! So, I decided to include the fact that they were a bit ruined at the end of this chapter. =)

Keep the reviews coming, and I'll hopefully update soon!

---× Lady Kalitana ×---