A/N: I can't believe people are reviewing my story, thank you all so much! Sorry this chapter has taken so long to do :)

Chapter Five

Raoul practically ran down the corridor, throwing heated glares at anyone who got in his way. He didn't even realise where he was going until he was standing outside the main door to Lily's suite. Raoul leaned against the door frame for a moment catching his breathe, before knocking purposefully on the door.

'Come in,' Lily's soft voice answered. It sounded as though she were out of breathe too.

Raoul opened the door, finding himself alone in a large living area, similar to all the ladies rooms at the palace.

Alanna threw Lightning onto her bed, wiping the sweat from her face. It was hard to practice in such an enclosed area, and she had had to close the window which made the room hot and stuffy. Lily stepped into the living room, where she could see the back of someone's head seated on her couch. 'What's up Jon?' She asked, simply out of habit and without thinking.

Raoul gasped and spun around. Lily froze. She was wearing a pair of worn breeches and a shirt, both tight garments clearly showing the curves of her body. The blonde wig was tied in a pony-tail, with cascades of curls flowing down her back.

'Oh, Gods!' Lily cursed, folding her arms across her chest. 'I thought you were Jon.'

'Jon? Why would I be Jon? And why are you wearing men's clothes?' Raoul's voice rose and fell, a horrified expression on his face.

'What are you doing here?'

Raoul didn't even know himself. 'Answer my questions first!'

Alanna moved further into the room, seating herself in the chair opposite Raoul. 'I was practicing.'

'Practicing what?'

A million thoughts flew around Alanna's head. 'Self defence techniques. In case I am ever in trouble, it's important for a lady to be able to fend for herself.' Alanna's cheeks flushed. 'Don't you agree?'

Raoul looked startled, then he surprised her by smiling. 'I think it's great.' His gaze left her eyes to wonder out the window. 'Why did you think I was Jon? I didn't even realise you had been introduced.'

Alanna was silent for a moment while she thought up a plausible reply. 'Yes, we met in the library earlier this morning. He said he was going to lend me a book and drop it around later.'

'Oh.' Raoul contemplated this for a moment.

An awkward silence followed. 'We really shouldn't be here together without a chaperone.' Alanna said, desperate for something to say.

Raoul took it as a hint and stood, followed Alanna to the door. 'I am sorry to have disturbed you, Lily.'

Alanna realised she couldn't breathe. Her hands became sweaty and she could hear her heart beating fast in her chest. Raoul bent down and kissed her softly on the lips. 'Till next time then.'

...pppqqq...

Alanna couldn't concentrate after that and made her way back to the library. She needed something to take her mind off Raoul. Sir Myles of Olau was sitting alone at a small table, buried deep in a scroll. Alanna's eyes flicked to the clock- he was going to be late to his next class.

Alanna sat herself -not so gracefully- into the chair next to him. 'I hope I'm not interrupting you...'

Myles looked up, startled. 'Of course not.' His eyes summed her up, with the realisation of who she was.

'I think your going to be late, Sir Myles.' Alanna stated, watching as he took a quick glance around the library, noticing for the first time it was empty.

Myles looked at the clock. 'Yes, your right.' He smiled at her. 'You know I'm very fond of your brother, my lady.'

'Yes, he's... ' Alanna thought quickly what to say. 'Written about you.'

'So you do keep in contact then?'

'Not as much as I'd like...' Alanna knew it sounded weak and she could see the disbelief on Myles' face. Does he know who I am? She thought.

'Lily,' Myles leaned in closer, his breathe curling down Alanna's neck. 'Be careful; I find it very interesting that you've only been here two days and have already memorised my timetable. You also bear remarkable resemblance to your brother?, especially for someone a year older. You wont want others coming to the same thoughts with my conclusion.' He stood, gathering up the scrolls. 'If you ever need help, just come to me. I'll always be there for you.' With a gentle smile he patted her shoulder and left.

...pppqqq...

Duke Roger of Conte nodded his head in grim satisfaction. The tiny wax model of Squire Alan sat before him, perfect in every detail. The Duke had taken advantage of the squire's absence and searched his rooms, taking clothing and hair samples to make his collection of the figures barring his way to the kingdom complete. He gathered the King, Duke Gareth, Myles, the Lord Provost, Jonathan and Alan into the tightly woven bag. Finally he picked up the Queen- he had other plans for her.

But what of Lady Lily?Duke Roger pondered.How much had her brother told her about him? He thought back to their meeting in the library. Maybe the sister could be brought to his side and used against her brother. There was definitely already a rift between the two, why else would Alan have never mentioned her before?

Roger smiled to himself as he sat the Queen under the trickle of water pouring from the fountain. This needed more thought.

...pppqqq...

A/N: Phew, I've spent the past four hours working on this chapter. I forgot to say thanks to everyone who reviewed in the last one, so here's the list now :)

alianne of conte, Eridani, Macko, Queen's Own, dragon shadows, The ORIGINAL Meathead, ThessalyD, Queen's Own, Mia, Romantic with a pen, The Midnight Line, ubiquitous girl, chicken puffs, bob, JunoMagic, Mage Light, Fugitive, DestinyHunter, Fen in the Sky with Diamonds and Drama Queens rule.

That's a pretty random order and I hope I've got everyone, my deepest apologies if I missed you out! You people have all been wonderful, thank you all so much :) Without any reviews I wouldn't bother.

I'm sorry for any cliff-hangers, I don't do it on purpose it's just an easy way to copout and end the chapters. This story is A/R, so sorry again; but deal with it. Can you believe I didn't even think of calling Alanna 'Alanna'?? How stupid is that! If I could be bothered I'd go back and change every 'Lily' to 'Alanna' - but as it happens I'm too lazy. I'm also sorry for portraying the women as stupid and meaningless; I hadn't even realised I was doing it at the time! I'll try and put in something to make up for it, I promise :)

Thanks again, and don't forget to review!!!