A/N: Thanks for all the reviews!! It feels like I haven't update in forever, but it was only like a week or so ago. Oh well - a week can be a long time! The last chapter was kinda a cliffie - but not really. Hope I haven't disappointed anyone with Braden, and sorry if Alan might seem OOC (or Marek) but we don't really know either....oh well. And nothing within the Rogue is going bad - everyone likes the king, and the kingdom is in pretty good times, but one can never be too sure...FYI.
Please review!! I love them!! They make me feel special and loved!!

ENJOY!!!!

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Aly walked down the stairs, her face fully composed. No one would notice - except for her twin, who could tell something was wrong. It was something with his Gift and her Sight....he wasn't sure, but he could just tell.

And there was something wrong in her eyes.

She sat down and smiled at Marek. The food was delicious, but I think if we leave any later, Mother and Dad might start to worry as to why we were in the city so long. She looked at Alan who nodded.

Yes. Thanks again, Marek. They shook hands, and Alan waved to the waitresses at the bar. Thanks, ladies! He smiled, and Aly saw the girls blush and flutter their eyelashes. She stifled a laugh, shook Marek's hand and thanked him again.

She squinted from the sudden change in light when they stepped outside. As she made her way towards their mounts, Alan grabbed her arm. Spill, now.Don't play that game with me Aly, he said almost harshly until he turned softer when he noticed the hurt in her eyes, what happened up there that got you so upset?

She sighed. I can't hide anything from you, can I?Only a little. She smiled and he let go of her arm. Now what?I really liked Braden - Marek said he was interesting, and he sure seemed it - and he was cute, and my heart did flutter a little like you said it would if I was in love, and he seemed interested in me, because he kissed me, but then he said, No' and left. She took a deep breath and looked at her brother.

He was silent for a moment, still trying to decipher what she had said so quickly. Once he had figured out what she said, he tried to buy time by pretending to still figure it out. What could he say to her? Looks like you found a good man, too bad he's weird for kissing you and then pulling away?

Damn.' Hmm...well, Aly, maybe he had a good reason for pulling away so quickly. Maybe he just had a brutal break-up or something.... he said while mounting his horse.

She absent-mindedly stroked Azure's mane from her saddle. Her lip started to curve upwards.

Oh no, Aly, please don't have some ridiculous idea where you visit the Dancing Dove to find out...Ah, brother. You know me too well!Unfortunately for the both of us.

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Aly and Alan sat down at the long table with the Royal family, their parents and their numerous aunts and uncles. It was almost like am extended family dinner - very extended.

Aly noticed that George kept giving her glances, and not friendly, fatherly ones, but almost...angry ones. She looked across the table at her mother, who was talking to Buri and Thayet about the Queen's Riders, but didn't seem to notice George's apparent anger or Aly. She nudged Alan's leg under the table and rolled her eyes to their father. Alan shrugged; he didn't notice anything.

The dinner was uneventful. No one (thankfully) asked her about her helping Dom win Kel or Owen or her love life in general. She talked to her brother and Prince Roald about the pages and squires, and Daine about the horses and stable dogs.

When everyone started to leave the hall, George tapped her arm, and whispered, My office, now.

She swallowed and nodded. It was not a good sign if he wanted her in his office - and his palace office to say the least. She waited for Alan, who's eyes searched hers frantically.

Think he knows about today?

She shook her head, How could he possibly know?

Alan nodded. Well as long as he didn't tell Mother.....He wouldn't - would he?

They both swallowed at the same time and clasped each other's hands like they used to when they were small, slowly making their way to their father's office.

George was already there, hunched over what seemed to be a stack of paperwork. He raised his head and ushered the twins in when they knocked. He inwardly smirked at their hands noticing that they were both squeezing, hard. And he made a mental note that Aly's grip seemed to be just as hard as Alan's.

They sat down and were quiet as he stared the two down. So what did you do today?

Aly spoke up first, making sure her face was composed and her voice was calm and even. She cleared her head, and adjusted her Sight so she could easily see her father's reaction and so that he couldn't see that she lied (even though his Sight was weaker than her's, she could never be too safe...). We went to the city, father. Did you finish your business with Uncle Jon and Raoul and mother or whomever?

George rolled his eyes, and Aly could tell he was perturbed - he could tell she wasn't telling the whole truth. Never mind my business with your uncles. What did you do in the city?

This time Alan spoke, his voice was just as calm and even as Aly's, but she could tell that he was nervous - thanks to her Sight. We bought Midwinter gifts.For whom?You and mother and we split gifts for Uncle Jon, Aunt Thayet, Roald and Shinko, Aunt Daine- Aly and Alan straightened their backs against their chairs. You're not telling me the entire truth. I know you went to the Dancing Dove.Don't lie Alianne Cooper of Pirate's Swoop! I have my spies there.

Aly stood up, her anger getting the better of her judgment. So what if we were at the Dancing Dove? We have the right the be there to say hello to your friends and ours!And how do you know we were there anyway? And why does it matter so much?

George sighed and sat back down. My spy told me. And it matters because I don't want you going down to the Dancing Dove.

Aly sat back down, concerned as to why her father suddenly looked so much older. she asked gently.

Because I know how much you don't think noblemen are interesting enough.... he noticed her look, except for your Uncles, and I knew you'd find an interesting thief and fall in love with them.

Aly winced at the truthfulness in this. Why is that such a bad thing? Mother did it?Yes well....And Mother's also a knight and she could get herself killed all the time, and you won't let ME be a spy!

Alan now warned his sister from touching a fragile subject. Aly....stop. Now.

Aly relaxed and kept quiet.

George nodded gratefully at his son. Aly, I told you we'll talk about this at another time....I suppose falling in love with a thief would not be horrible bad...but I'd rather it not happen.

Aly humphed' but dropped the subject. So then who was your spy?Does it really matter, Aly?Yes, it does.

He sighed again.

She jumped up. She was fuming. Is that why he wouldn't kiss me? Because he figured you'd fire him from being a spy? Is that why he's at the Dancing Dove and he only steals a little?

George put his head in his hands. Yes, Aly. Alan nudged her, and she knew she couldn't stay mad at her dad for something so stupid...

Dad, I'm sorry. She walked over and hugged her father's drooping shoulders. But does it really matter if Braden is working for you? Can't you tell him that or something?I'll see what I can do, Aly. She nodded, and kissed her father's cheek. You both can leave. I'm not angry. And I won't tell your mother. He waved them out and they walked in silence to Aly's room.

Thanks for controlling my anger. She laughed lightly and hugged her twin goodnight. I had fun, even if we did get in a little trouble.

He smiled and squeezed her back. Me too. Goodnight, dear sister. He gave a dramatic bow and walked off to the pages' wing.

Aly walked into her room and started to get ready for bed when she noticed two envelopes on her dresser. One had the Royal Seal on it, and the other was plain.

Aly -

I found out some news from Kel about her and Dom! Come to my rooms before you go to breakfast and I can tell you all about it on the way to the mess hall...without Neal. He doesn't know anything yet.

-Yuki

She laughed and picked up the other letter.

Alianne of Pirate's Swoop -

I want to talk with you before Midwinter about what you were planning on doing for a career, especially since being a Player does not seem plausible with your parents (albeit you'd make a terrific one). But do not tell your parents. This must be kept under wraps, in case we need you. Especially your mother. We might tell your father afterwards.

Meet me in The Royal Meeting Room tomorrow at the first lunch bell. You can have lunch with Sir Gary and I.

Your favorite Uncle and Godfather,
Jon

Aly reread the letter, her mouth opened in shock. What could Uncle Jon possibly have for a job for her?!?

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Did you love it? Hate it? Was it predictable? Is it predictable?? I hope not, because I'm writing it on the fly....REVIEW!!!!

-AE