Chapter Sixteen; Preparation.
Before she went to the palace Alanna had several loose ends to tie up. She went, along with George's mother Eleni Cooper and Rispah, to the Great Market where she bought a set of plain dresses. Her whole intention was to blend in at the palace so she could do some sneaking around in her own time.
Before exchanging her men's gear for a dress she went down into the main rooms of the Dancing Dove and talked with George and Liam.
"I don't like it Lass. The Duke's tricky."
"But George, he won't expect an attack from a girl, much less a common one." Liam nodded at her words, although his eyes had turned a deep grey-green from worry. George shook his head, still unsure.
Alanna glanced around their table. Most of the thieves were still out, doing their business, the few remaining sat either around the fire or at the bar, minding their own business. George sat in his huge chair with Liam to his right and Alanna on his left. He ran his fingers along the grain of the wood, worn away by arms and tankards of ale. Alanna lowered her voice and leaned in towards the thief king, elbows resting on the table.
"This is regicide we're talking about here. King killers. This isn't a petty noble fight. Do you really want the Conté Duke to take the throne if King Roald and Jon die? You asked me that once."
He pushed his chair back from the table, grinning wryly.
"Caught by me own words." He stood and stroked her hair lightly.
"Be careful Alanna, and fare well." She too got up.
"Always am." She smiled gently at the two men then walked up the staircase to her room.
When she reached it, she pulled off her breeches and shirt then pulled on the loose blouse and long fawn coloured skirt. A corset went over the top and laced up tightly down the front. Rispah had altered the clothes to allow her to move easily and to conceal weapons. The skirt had strategically placed slits and dagger sheaths and been attached to the waistband. The stays of the corset concealed more blades. She ran a brush through her curls before sitting in front of her mirror. Alanna stared into the eyes of her reflection and began to chant the verses for the illusion spell, focusing her mind on how she would look with long brown hair. She felt the fire of her magic enlarging from the small ball in her chest, flowing through her body, changing her appearance swiftly.
She reopened her eyes to alight on a brunette girl with startling purple eyes. She sighed slightly, that had been the one thing she could never change.
She pulled her hair back into a knot and pulled her boots on underneath the full skirt. She armed herself and then picked up her saddlebag and left by the window. She had never been one for goodbyes, she always tried to slip away quietly. Alanna almost managed it this time. The front door of the inn opened as she mounted her golden mare. The two men standing there watched as she rode of down the narrow street.
"She'll be all right Cooper." Liam laid a hand on the other man's shoulder.
"I know Dragon."
"You trained her well, the Duke Roger doesn't suspect her at all, and she's prepared for anything."
"I know. It's just hard to see her riding off to court, even just as a maid."
"She is still a noble George, shell have to announce it someday."
"Aye. And I live in fear of that day."
"We all do my friend, we all do."