Disclaimer: You've probably figured this out by now but here it goes anyway. Anything you see on here that is vaguely familiar belongs to the one and only Tamora Pierce. The plot and any of the characters you don't recognize belong to me. Simple, huh?

Royal Struggles

Chapter 1: The Princess of Conte

"Hold still now or it will come undone."

Lianne did as she was told, dropping a ribbon of her black, silky hair and returning her hands to her lap. She gazed straight ahead into the mirror and let out a soft sigh as her maid continued tugging her hair into place. There were a million places she would rather be.

At eleven years old, Lianne had inherited her mother's beauty, with soft features and a thin build. Her maid finished her hair and backed away, nodding her approval. Lianne took advantage of the space and stood abruptly, exiting the dressing room and entering her bed chamber.

She found herself drawn once more to the open letter on the nightstand by the bed. Taking it in her hands she read it over again, trembling at her renewed disappointment.

Dearest Lianne,

My darling sister, I understand how you are feeling at this moment. Indeed, I felt much the same way when father refused me the chance to pursue my training as a knight. But what you must realize is that, as royalty, we are pressed to think of the greater good. You must feel proud to have the chance to make a difference, to secure alliances, to ensure peace. Surely one girl's wishes are less important than all of Tortall! I know this may be hard to accept, but accept it you must. I am sure you will still find happiness in life as a princess, as I have with Kaddar. I send this letter with all of my love.

Your loving sister,

Kalasin

Lianne had hoped for some words of encouragement from Kally, and this reply had crushed those hopes. Live for the better good of Tortal? Perhaps that was fine for Kally, but Lianne had her dreams somewhere else.

"My lady, you must hurry or you shall be late." Latti, Lianne's overprotective maid and caretaker had appeared in the doorway.

"I know. I'm coming."

Lianne fidgeted and continued to rearrange her gown. The dark blue fabric with stormy grey trim might have looked nice, but it was hot on that balmy autumn evening. She knew her mother would have chastised her for not sitting still had she been there. As it was, Lianne had been seated with her oldest brother, Roald, and some of his friends from his knight training. Roald and his companions were deep in conversation, leaving Lianne free to gaze about the banquet.

Her mother and father were dining with an unfamiliar young man with short copped blond hair and stunning green eyes. He was dressed richly in fine crimson silk, well offset by his pale skin. That must be the High Prince of Galla, thought Lianne. Prince Kalir. He and his escort were visiting Tortall to renegotiate trade contracts. That meant long, boring talks followed by long, boring banquets. Lianne was quickly growing tired of all the formalities.

Her eyes moved next to the seat to the left of the price. A small, wiry man with shifty eyes sat there. He was surely an advisor, sent to aid the prince during the negotiations. Because, thought Lianne bitterly, Mithros forbid royalty will make their own decisions.

Lianne's focus snapped then to King Jonathon, her father, as he rose to his feet. The guests politely followed suit, standing, and then walking behind him as he made his way into the ballroom. Although her exterior remained composed, internally Lianne beamed. She was still young enough so as her father would allow her to leave formal gatherings after the dancing began. Lianne knew this privilege would not last much longer as she grew older, but she planned to take advantage of it while she could. She got to her feet, bid goodnight to her dinner partners, and returned to her rooms.

When Lianne left her rooms later that night she was dressed plainly in a white linen shirt and brown breeches. Wandering the long corridors of the castle, she was careful to avoid being seen. This task was not so difficult, for most people were still in the ballroom dancing. Lianne exited the castle and made her way to the outdoor practice courts. Normally at this time of night the courts would be deserted, but instead lit torches around the perimeter cast light on the faces of three first year pages.

"Took your time getting here didn't you Lianne?" said one voice.

"It's not like I wanted to be spending time with the adults. I got away as soon as I could." Lianne was noticeably more relaxed among these pages, her friends.

"At least you did make it. We can't pair off evenly without you," said a second voice.

The first voice spoke up again, "Hurry up! Grab a staff – it's getting late."

Lianne was content moving through the rhythmic staff practice. Perhaps her father would not allow her to become a page, but with help of her friends she could still learn to fight. I will be more than marriage bait to secure alliances, thought Lianne. I am a warrior, and I will fight for my freedom.