A/N: Thanks for all the reviews!! I'd especially like to thank all of you who have reviewed for She Will be Loved' as well as any of my other crappy stories (My Lizzie story anyone?) But whatever. I'm not gonna put all of your names down....that'd take forever. THANKS THOUGH! and thanks for the suggestions!! I hope I don't disappoint you too much....
I have also JUST finished Trickster's Queen....not as disappointed with the ending as I had thought I would be....am happy with the Queen and her council, but am slightly displeased at Aly's current situation - if anyone would like to discuss this with me further (as if any of you would...) feel free to e-mail me. )

ENJOY!

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Aly and Alan (finally) left his room and made their way down to the Royal Stables when they were stopped by none other than-

Alan coughed and quickly hugged his mother. What brings you to the Pages' wing? He eyes searched her frantically. Why was she here?

Alanna noticed his frantic eyes but decided against saying anything. I'd come to see what you were up to today, since I heard you all had the day off. But I can see your sister got to you first.

Was that anger in her mother's eyes? Aly shook the thought out of her head. Why would her mother hate her for finding Alan first?

The moment passed and Alanna looked at her children's clothes. Where are you two off to?Riding and then a visit to the city.

Alanna nodded. Well, I won't keep you. I have business with His Majesty, Raoul, Gary and your father that I need to attend to. She hesitated, but then awkwardly hugged the twins as if she hadn't in a long while.

Alanna walked off and Alan gaped at his sister. Well that was sufficiently awkward.Thanks for pointing it out. Aly started to walk off but her brother pulled her back.

Excuse me? What is your problem with her? He searched her eyes for any sign of remorse or sadness. She adjusted her Sight and he cursed her. Damn you and your Sight. No one could ever read into your eyes.

She tried to smile. Mother's been pestering me about what I'm going to do for a living again. And apparently being a Player or being a spy are not acceptable.

He scoffed, and the two continued their walk to the stables. You've been trying to convince them again, hm?I only mentioned it to Dad. He said we'd talk when I was a little older. But we all know I'd make for a terrific spy.Aye, that you would, he said, imitating his father, but you know your mother would never agree to it.

Aly grinned. Only more reason for me to be persuasive. And to go to the Dancing Dove and try to convince father that I can be a decent spy... he paused and thought for a moment. Nevermind, I don't want to know.

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Aly and Alan mounted their horses, and rode to the city of Corus, careful not to go directly to the Dancing Dove. They hitched their horses at a main post, and walked around looking at the many shops and street vendors. They decided to do their Midwinter shopping early, and bought gifts for their parents, Thom, and small ones for their numerous aunts and uncles. They strapped their packages to their mounts' saddles, and made their way to the Dancing Dove.

Alan had made sure that he wore no insignia of the crown, or the fact that he was a page at the palace. No reason to draw attention to myself, eh? Aly wore everyday breeches and a tighter-than-normal blouse with a wool shawl. No reason to freeze, eh? she asked playfully imitating her brother.

The two walked into the bar/inn, and were relieved when no one really gave them an notice. They sat down at a small table, and Alan pointed out the large wooden chair in the corner, where currently a man in his late forties sat. There's Marek. They both waved slightly, and the King Thief smiled back. Too think Father used to sit there....Hey, Alan, what if I were to sit there one day? She took off her shawl, and fidgeted with it.

Alan squeaked. he whispered in disbelief. Mother and Father would disown you! Maybe worse - have Uncle John kill you!

Aly dismissed the idea. I doubt I ever will...but it's an interesting thought.... She nodded her head in the direction of the corner, and both she and Alan bowed their heads when Marek approached. Your Majesty...

Marek raised their heads gently with his hands. Quite playing. He pulled up a chair, sat and called for a boy to bring them drinks. One ale, and two, what?Lemonades, thanks.

You heard them - lemonades. He turned his attention back to the twins. So, how's palace life?

Aly sighed. Slightly boring. I hate staying there all day.Don't you have friends there? A boy perhaps?

Aly grinned. Aye, I have friends. And friends that are boys. But none of which fancy me...none are interesting enough. She grinned, You know of any that are?

She noticed a shadow come over the table and saw Marek's eyes twinkle. One ale, and two lemonades. Anything else, Your Majesty? Aly's eyes quickly and sufficiently swept over the boy - or man really. He was quiet attractive - very tall and very tan. But what most caught her was not his dark, slightly unkempt hair or his stubborn jaw, but his piercing, yet soft grey eyes. And of course, his apparent sarcasm for when he addressed Marek.

Marek coughed, because he noticed both Aly's intent gaze on Braden, but also Braden's intent gaze on Aly. He smile at quickly at Alan, who knowingly smiled back. Perhaps he'll be interesting enough...' Alan thought to himself.

Braden's eyes left Aly quickly and returned to Marek. Would you care for anything else?

A smile played on Marek's lips. Bring us three lunch specials. Braden started to turn around when Marek asked, Aren't you going to introduce yourself to the Baron's children?

Braden faltered. Oh, please forgive me. I was unaware that you were the Baron's, children. Aly noticed that he slightly drawled - similar to Neal. I'm Braden Tyler, a poor boy who sometimes works here, sleeps upstairs and thankfully pays no rent - thanks to His Highness. He took Aly's hand, And you must be Alianne. The only daughter of the Baron. He kissed her hand lightly, his gaze never leaving her eyes. She adjusted her Sight, noticing that he possessed a very strong gift.

It's a pleasure, Braden. She blushed slightly when he did not release her hand. He was both extremely attractive, and a bit of a Player. Her heart fluttered slightly - he was a real catch.

And you of course must be her twin, Alan, a page at the palace.

Alan nodded and shook the older man's hand. That I am. It's a pleasure, Braden. He too noticed that Braden did not let go of his sister's hand, and could not help but smile slightly. Do you know my father?

Braden smiled. That I do. He looked at Marek. Three specials, coming up. He slowly let go of Aly's hand, much to her dismay.

Marek, Aly and Alan continued to talk about palace life, and how the Rogue was when Braden returned with their food. Aly offered him a chair so that he could chat with them, but he politely refused, saying that he had other work to attend to, the regret clear in his grey eyes.

When he had left, Marek leaned over. He's quiet the interesting one, Aly. And no girl yet claims his heart.

Aly bit her lip slightly - a bad habit she had picked up most likely from Lianne. Um, excuse me, I need to use the ladies' room. She got up and walked up stairs. She slowly started to open the door for the privy, when Braden leapt up the stairs. He stopped abruptly when he saw Aly.

Oh, hello.

She slightly batted her eyelashes - another bad habit, that usually worked in her advantage. She noiselessly and quickly closed the gap between them.

She noticed he gulped slightly. So, what brings you to the Dancing Dove? he asked, a look of calmness, once again present on his features.

Just passing through really to say hello to some old friends. So are you, a thief?

He grinned. Only slightly.Only slightly? she asked, highly amused.

I only steal if it highly benefits me because I need it desperately, or if it needs to be done.

She nodded. Of course.

His finger touched the hair that had fallen from behind her ear. She smiled. Before she could think another thought, he had pressed his lips to hers. Her hand reached the back of his neck (it was the highest thing she could reach), and pulled him closer to her. Almost as quickly as he kissed her, he let go.

She was befuddled. But-why? No harm will come of this...

He shook his head. Without another word, he slipped into his room and locked the door, leaving a very confused, and love-struck Aly behind.

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A/N: Hope you're not too disappointed!!!!! REVIEW!!!

-AE