Chapter Thirty One, Lady Alanna of Silvereves and Trebond.

Alanna shed her cloak at the last possible moment; she wanted to avoid recognition for as long as she could make it. A page took her cloak and bowed to her as she thanked him. As the herald nodded to her, Alanna took a deep breath and laid her palm on Liam's arm.

They were both clothed in great finery, Alanna's dress was the pale lilac chosen at Mistress Tailor's and trimmed in silver. It was a simple design, with a square neckline that just skimmed the top of her breasts. The sleeves were wide, good for hiding daggers in, and the skirt was wide enough so she could kick and move around easily. She shifted uncomfortably as the herald looked her over slowly, blushing crimson. She hated moments like these, and although the dress was very pretty, she did wish it wasn't quite so tight or low.

The emerald tunic and white shirt Liam wore made his hair flame brilliantly and contrasted against the green hose.

 He gave their names to the herald, whose eyes widened slightly in surprise then, before Alanna could ask what the Dragon had said, he stepped forward into the hall and hit the floor with this wooden staff, capped with iron, three times.

"Liam Ironarm, Dragon of the Shang order of fighters." That was enough to make most of the room stare. But the herald continued after a breath, his voice carrying over the whole hall. "And Lady Alanna of Silvereves and Trebond."

Her eyes opened wide, then narrowed as she turned to glare at Liam.

"Smile Kitten, you can kill me later." he squeezed her hand in reassurance. She squeezed back, only far harder. But still she stepped out behind the Dragon, and walked out into the hall beside him.

The King and Queen stood, with a rustle of silks and fine cloth. Jonathon stood as well on the dais. A broad smile lit his face as they walked down the pathway that had been cleared for them to the thrones.

Liam bowed deeply as Alanna spread her skirts and, silently thanking Eleni and Rispah for her etiquette lessons, curtsied gracefully. As she lifted her head, the expression she saw in Jon's eyes made her breath catch in her throat.

"Lady Alanna, please rise." The King spoke quietly and she stood fully from the curtsey.

The other revellers moved away, loosing interest as the music grew louder again and they could no longer hear the conversation.

"Do you lay claim to the title and fief of Silvereves?" King Roald asked formally.

"No sire," She answered respectfully, "My companion," she shot a glare towards Liam, he should have announced her as Alex's cousin, as none of Alex's relatives where present at the ball, and his family tree was not very well known. "gave that title unknown to me."

"Your majesty," The Dragon broke in, bowing slightly in deference, "The Lady Alanna was his highness' healer."

"Jonathon?" Queen Lianne asked her son as she sank into her chair.

"It was Lady Alanna who cured me." He said simply.

"Then Lady Alanna, you have our thanks." Roald said warmly, "We shall require an audience with you tomorrow at noon."

"Yes your majesty." Alanna curtsied again at the monarchs sat down. She felt Liam release her hand at last and she rose once more. With a private smile she thanked any gods who were in hearing range that she hadn't offended the King and Queen and that she hadn't tripped over.

She backed away, followed by Liam, until Prince Jonathon bowed to her, and held out his hand.

"Would you care to dance my Lady?" Liam pushed her back towards him surreptitiously. Smiling, somewhat forcibly, she placed her hand in his. The pair bowed to each other, before Jon pulled her out onto the dance floor.

"How is everything going so far?" She asked, trying to look as if they were just exchanging court pleasantries.

"Everyone and everything is in place." He assured her, his eyes had not lost their admiring gaze. "You look beautiful Alanna."

She felt her cheeks reddening as he looked her up and down frankly before meeting he eyes once more.

Suddenly all the fittings she had been forced to endure yesterday and today seemed worth it. She followed Jon's movements in the dance as best she could, letting him lead her. His movements were smooth and practised, but absent minded. His eyes roved around the room, double checking that everything really was ready and in position. He nodded at her,

"We're as ready as we can be."

Alanna pointedly inclined her head and her gaze to the gallery above. All were full to overflowing with men and a few women, mostly cloaked. But the occasional flash of metal Jon could now see, were the hilts of swords and daggers. To anyone who was not expecting it, the glimpses of silver and copper would look like belt buckles and brooches. Swords were not that uncommon at the ball anyway, all the noble men wore one.

"We are ready too." Alanna said seriously, with a tinge of pride surfacing in her voice.

Now they were over the other side of the room to the dais and their majesties and no one was watching them with more than idle curiosity, they stopped dancing and walked to the side.

"How long before the attack Alanna?" Jon questioned.

"How should I know?" She replied archly, then softened her tone. "Around midnight possibly."

"That's another hour yet." He sighed, "The waiting is the worst part."

As she agreed, Gary swept down upon them.

"Lady Delia is looking for you Jon." The prince groaned and let himself be dragged away, glaring at Alanna who was not hiding her amusement at his expense very well.

They had not skirted around the dancers for long when a hand caught his shoulder.

"Your highness. I am Master Raquel."

"I am honoured to meet you, my Lord." Jon replied, knowing what the man was really saying. As the older man bowed, another man came from behind him.

"This is my companion, Master Thom of Trebond. We only just arrived at the ball." Jon froze at that, as the red headed man bowed stiffly at the waist.

"Of Trebond?" he queried, Gary cast him a strange look.

"Yes your highness, I am Lord Thom of Trebond."

"Wait here please." Jon requested, then pushed through the crowds until he reached Alanna's side.

"Come with me." She followed curiously, glad to be rid of the crowd of ladies and knights gathering around her.

"What is it?"

He pulled her up behind him and released her arm. Gary was talking to the two masters, filling them in on any new developments until his cousin interrupted.

"Master Thom? May I present to you your sister?"

He heard a muffled gasp from behind him, as Thom swivelled to face him,

"I beg your pardon your highness, but I have no sister."