A/N: Do you all hate me now? I think I'd hate me if I were you. It pisses me off so much when authors just stop writing, but I can sincerely tell you I hated not having finished this fic off. Thanks to Kiki, who in nine simple, polite word made me feel guilty enough to stay up all night writing this. I'm embarrassed to say I had to re-read my own story cause I couldn't remember what was happening. So, without further ado here's the next chapter.

Chapter Seven

'I think this is getting too hard.' Alanna flung her cloak onto the peg before collapsing onto George's most comfortable armchair.

'Is a ladies life so difficult?' George struggled with a grin, pouring them both a drink.

'You'd be surprised, George.' Alanna sighed inwardly. She'd just spent the afternoon with Raoul and Alex giving her a tour of the menagerie. It was the first chance in days she'd been able to visit her friend.

'And what of Raoul? Does he appear suicidal at the prospect of marriage yet?'

Alanna frowned. 'I don't get it,' a blush began to rise on her cheeks. 'I think he might like me.'

George pondered this for a moment, again Alanna thought he was fighting a smile. 'And what exactly makes you say that?'

Alanna's blush deepened. 'Oh… he, hmm.' She cleared her throat. 'He kissed me.'

'What?' George snorted.

'Don't laugh!' Alanna threw her cushion at him. 'What can I do?'

George grabbed the cushion, throwing it back to her. 'If the original plan isn't working…' He stopped, running a hand through his hair.

'Spit it out George.'

'Maybe you should tell Raoul the truth?' George met her eyes squarely. 'The longer you put it off, the harder it'll get.'

'But he'll hate me!' Alanna stood, walking to the window so George wouldn't see the fear on her face. 'How could he ever forgive me for deceiving him like this- not only once, but twice over!

'Think this over now, Alanna.' George moved so he was in front of her, blocking her view from the window. He slowly took both her hands into his. 'You cannot go on lying to him. Raoul's not stupid, he'll figure it out himself soon enough, I'm sure. And if he really cares for you he'll want Alan back as soon as possible.' George broke his hands from hers, pulling her into a tight hug. 'Don't fret, my love. Thing's will settle back to normal when they're meant to.'

…pppqqq…

Raoul shifted his feet for the hundredth time. Alanna let him squirm in his discomfort at her sullenness, a last ditch attempt to anger him before the plan officially failed.

Bringing the wine glass up to her lips again, Alanna seemingly looked bored as kept her eyes focused on Duke Roger. Was she imagining it, or did his glance regularly turn to her direction? It was hard to tell in the crowded ballroom.

Raoul cleared his throat. 'Would you like to dance, Lily?' His big, dark eyes full of pleading.

How can I be doing this to a friend? Stringing him along like he's some stupid puppet. Bending him to my will, to please my needs. Raoul doesn't deserve this. George is right- I have to put it all straight with him, now. No more lies.

Alanna bit her lip. 'No. Come for a walk with me, there's something I need to tell you.'

Alanna headed out into the courtyard, nodding to Jonathan who was chatting with Delia when he frowned at her. Raoul trailed behind, deep in his own thoughts.

At last they reached the most secluded area of the gardens, unofficially reserved for the more intimate moments of noble's lives. Large oak trees surrounded them, flowered shrubbery forming private 'resting' areas. Thinking of the last time she'd been here with Raoul, Alanna grimaced.

She turned to face him, looking up into his eyes. Raoul smiled, misreading her expression. He leaned closer pulling her into his hold, an arm wrapping around her waist. Slowly he kissed her lips.

Alanna fought down the sobs choking her throat as she pushed him away. 'Stop it Raoul.' She struggled for air, the corset once again restricting her intake of oxygen. 'I have to talk to you.' She seated herself on the ground, inviting him to join her. Looking slightly stung, Raoul obeyed.

'I'm not who you think I am, Raoul.' Alanna bit her lip, beginning the tedious task of removing her blonde wig. 'Alan doesn't have a sister.'

Raoul raised his eyebrows. 'What?'

'He has only a twin brother, studying at the Mithran Cloisters.'

'Yes,' Raoul tried to make sense of this, his voice disbelieving. 'He's told us of Thom. So, if your not related to Alan, who are you?'

'I am related to Alan.' Alanna took a deep breath- there was no going back now. 'I am Alan.'

Raoul grinned, but he didn't look particularly humoured. 'I'm not following you Lily.'

Removing the last pin Alanna lifted the wig from her head, copper locks falling into her face. 'My names Alanna. You see, our father was going to send Thom to the palace and I to the convent. But Thom wants to be a sorcerer and I want to be a knight. Thom forged letters and I came here as Alan, disguised as a boy.'

Raoul's face was steadily growing whiter as he listened. 'I don't understand. You- your Alan?'

Alanna nodded. 'Jon knows, and George. I'm sorry Raoul.' She couldn't stop the tears building up in her eyes now. 'I'm so sorry.'

Raoul nodded, then a smile crept onto his lips. 'Did I just kiss Squire Alan?'

Alanna laughed, trying to wipe the tears away. Raoul moved closer to pat her back. 'Don't worry Lily- no, Alan. Or is it Alanna now?' He shook his head to clear it. 'I wont tell anyone, I promise.'

She couldn't bring herself to look at him. How could he be so kind after what she'd put him through the last few days?

'But one thing,' Raoul frowned. 'What are we going to do about our betrothal?'

Jonathan, Alanna and Raoul sat up late through the night discussing possible ways to end the upcoming marriage, while leaving all reputations in tact. At last, nearing two o'clock, they came to a decision.

…pppqqq…

When Alanna heard the knocking on her door early the next morning, she was already packed and ready to go. However, upon opening it she realised she might be delayed for a while longer.

Duke Roger confidently strolled in, frowning at the trunks surrounding them. 'Are you moving somewhere?' A sly smile crept across his lips. 'Into Raoul's rooms already?'

Alanna snapped the door shut, forcing tears into her eyes. 'No. I'm returning home for a while- Raoul and I have had a fight.'

'Oh dear!' Roger appeared to look genuinely concerned, placing caring hands on her shoulders.

Alanna looked over his arm, cautiously taking a step back.

'I'm so sorry to hear that,' he moved away, looking out the window to avoid her eyes. 'Is the engagement off then?'

Alanna nodded, although he was unable to see.

The Duke moved around a small table to seat himself on the couch. Alanna felt a little unnerved by this- what did Roger want with her? Had he seen through her second disguise?

'Why don't you sit down, Lily?' He appeared to be inviting, but Alanna couldn't help feeling his request was an order. 'I have something to discuss with you.'

Alanna sat in a side chair, carefully avoiding his gaze. 'Yes, your grace?'

'We're cut from the same cloth really.' Roger smiled reassuringly. 'You and I. Have you met Prince Jonathan?'

Alanna nodded.

'Did you like him?'

Alanna shrugged. 'Surely my humble opinion is of no consequence to anyone else.'

Duke Roger raised his eyebrows. 'You could be powerful, if you wanted to be.'

'What does that mean?'

Roger decided to change tactics. Flattery is the key to success, as he had been taught. 'You're young, intelligent, pretty. Any man would benefit with you at his side.'

Alanna wasn't buying it. 'I'm not following you, your grace.' Was this the same kind of talk the Duke had given Alan at the River Drell? What did this mean? She made a point of checking the large clock on the wall. 'I have many things to do this morning…'

'I wouldn't want to keep you, of course.' He smiled again. 'If I can just ask you this one thing- what do you want most in the world, Lily?'

Alanna thought about what best way to answer this. She had to be wary of what she said. 'To be happy, your grace.'

'I could give you this.' Roger looked very smug. 'I could give you many things, if you were loyal to me.'

She had to end this conversation now. Standing up Alanna walked to the door, opening it for him. 'And the ones I love?' She smiled at the irony of the question- would he see the similarity between her and her 'brother' now? 'What about them, your Grace? Would they be happy too?'

Duke Roger frowned, not answering. He took one last glance at her before leaving, thinking their discussion to have gone very well up until this point. Around the corner Alex was waiting.

His dark eyes never left Roger, but the Duke did not look at him. He stopped for a moment. 'Do it. But do it now- she's leaving.'

…pppqqq…

A/N: Albeit well delayed, I hope you liked it. There's only one more chapter left now, but I promise you wont have to wait two months for it. Thanks for reading -)