A/N: once again thanks to all you lovely, lovely people who reviewed it really is helpful. If you haven't reviewed yet please do, I would love to know what you think. A few more familiar faces in this chapter which will please a few of you! Again no real questions so on with the story:

Enjoy, love Alanna Wanabe

Alanna was annoyed. It had been several weeks since her duel with Gary and some narrow minded conservatives were still going on about it. Also she was wound up that she still did not know whose orders Jon's wanabe murderers were under. She was almost positive that they did not do it of their own accord, they didn't look that intelligent. Alanna had made up her mind that she was going to find them, once she had done that she wasn't sure what she would do, but she figured that would come to her at the time.

First on her agenda though, was to shut up the conservatives. Alanna had a plan. A very good plan in her opinion. She was going to challenge one of them to a duel, with swords. This way she would prove that she was just as good as any of them, without seven years of training. Jonathon had been teaching her for the last two weeks; it gave him something to do, what with all his other friends being away. Luckily Alanna seemed to have 'the knack'; it probably came from all the training she had put her body through before hand. Most men would try and use a sword with their body out of shape, Alanna knew better. The days before she started training with Jon her body had been through the most gruelling routine it had ever been through. Alanna thought it was worth it, she did not find the sword impossible to lift, which surprised Jon as she was so small.

After breakfast Jonathon stopped by her room to ask her to the ball his father was holding that evening, Alanna accepted but inside she was getting bored of the tedious routine of palace life. Everyday, she woke up, had breakfast, trained, went for a walk with Jon, got changed, had dinner, went to bed. It was boring. She enjoyed Jonathon's company; that was an understatement, she lived for his company. The only downside was that they both knew it could go no further than friendship. This didn't stop either of them flirting like mad with each other at every given opportunity. Also during some hand to hand combat practise they had found themselves in a compromising position on the floor, Jon had moved to kiss her, before remembering himself, blushing beet red and pulling her to her feet. Alanna was confused, did she love the prince? Did she even know what love was? The answer to both these questions she decided would be revealed in time.

The ball was in honour of a visiting princess, it was also the last celebration before the king and queen left on the progress. The princess had been considered as a wife for Prince Jonathon, before he decided that he wanted to choose his own bride. She was rumoured to be very beautiful. Alanna wasn't particularly bothered about her beauty as she had also heard that the princess had been taught how to fight by her mother, in Corus this was unheard of, a princess who can fight. Alanna couldn't wait to meet her. Alanna descended into the hall wearing an emerald green dress that flowed down to her ankles. For a change Alanna's hair cascaded down lower than her shoulders and had been twisted into ringlets. Jonathon had looked very impressed when she opened the door. After curtsying to Roald and Lianne, Alanna turned to Jonathon; he was staring transfixed by something. Alanna followed his gaze and her eyes landed on the most amazing looking woman of Alanna's acquaintance. She had raven black hair piled on top of her head. A ruby dress hugged her slim body. Her nose was large, on most women it would have looked hideous, but not on this one, her eyes had been illuminated by some charcoal and her skin was a deep gold. Alanna gasped, she was beautiful. Jonathon too seemed to be having these thoughts; his eyes were firmly locked with the Princess'. Alanna felt a little pang of jealousy; she wasn't in the same league as this beauty. Jonathon made his way over towards her, completely ignoring Alanna. Alanna watched as Jon introduced himself to Thayet. She curtsied low without faltering and as she came up she held Jon's gaze. Alanna had seen enough, faking a migraine, she left, Jon didn't even notice.

As Alanna made her way through the city she felt more like herself and less like a jealous court lady who thought of nothing but men. Alanna realised she was enjoying herself dressed in breeches with her hair in a ponytail. An arm around her throat set all of her senses on alert. Quicker than lightning Alanna turned and ducked out of the man's grasp. She seized his arm and twisted it around his back forcing him to the ground. She then proceeded to step on his ankle causing him to yelp out in pain. Calmly she lent down and said "Wrong girl, really, you picked on the wrong girl." The man said something unrecognisable and Alanna released him.

"Now that we are such good friends, could you introduce me to the one whose orders you take, what do you call him here, the king? The rouge? The leader? Whatever you call him, I need to speak to him"

"Why should I take you to 'is majesty?" replied the man rubbing his sore ankle,

"Ah, so it's the king here, well I will tell 'his majesty' when I see him, now show me the way" The man begrudgingly agreed and led Alanna along rows and rows of houses. Alanna didn't blame the man for being suspicious; the thieves in the city of the gods were just the same, very protective over their master. After what seemed like an eternity the man opened the door to an inn called 'the dancing dove', Alanna was impressed, she could see at least five different ways to escape the building and that was just at the front. She could imagine how many different exits there were round the back. They entered a large room filled with chatter and laughter, which soon stopped once she entered. A few men stood up, the man that had guided Alanna there pointed his finger to a table at the back.

"He's over there, wait ere I have to go and talk to 'im first" Alanna stood obediently and waited. She had started to feel a bit nervous; she should have waited till the morning and brought Thom or someone with her. The only problem was that Thom was so busy at the moment and she really did want to find out who wanted her prince dead. Although after his actions tonight she was thinking about joining them. The man returned,

"its alright, he says he will talk to you".

"Thank you very much, what is your name?"

"Lightfingers me lady"

"Well lightfingers, this is for your time." Alanna pressed a gold noble into the mans palm. He smiled thanks at her and went to sit at the bar. Alanna made her way over to the table lightfingers had indicated and said,

"Your majesty, king of the thieves of Corus, may I be allowed to sit and join you for a drink?"

"Course you can lass, names George, I see you already know my titles, however I do not know yours." Alanna sat down

"its just Alanna."

"Well Alanna it's a pleasure to meet you, I'm sure I will learn the reason for your visit, it's not normal for a beautiful young lass such as yourself to want to join an old rogue like myself for a drink." George grinned at her; he had a very disarming smile. All at once Alanna felt like she could tell this man everything, all about her feelings for Jonathon, Alex, her fighting, her concerns. This was silly, Alanna told herself, as she had only known him two minutes.

"I'm here to discuss a matter of an attack on a friend of mine; I was hoping that you could help me find the organiser."

"Talk away lass, I'm all ears," Turning to the bar he said, "Oi boys, one of you get Alanna a drink," All at once three men stood up and went to the bar. Alanna decided that she liked this charming man, he reminded her of her friends in the city of the gods.

So there thought Alanna to herself, I have something else to do now Jonathon is so busy with that, that Princess Thayet. I shall spend some time down here with George.