A/N: Yeah, I definitely did make that word up. Sorry about that. I got rid of it...so we should be good. Sorry if Kel seemed OOC/Mary-Sueish, but I mean she's going out on her first date with the man that she loves, but still can't believe that he loves her!! So yeah, she's gonna be nervous, and she's going to want her friends to help her calm down and get ready!! Hope this makes up for Kel's apparent OOCness. Forgive me!!
Hope you like this chapter!!

ENJOY!!

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Aly walked in quietly to her grandfather's office, where Braden was sitting and talking to another gentleman. Not wanting to interrupt, she silently sat down in a chair next to the door and strained her ears to listen. She wasn't that early, so where was everyone else? And who was Braden talking to? It surely wasn't her grandfather....

She stood, in disbelief. Um, (cough), what are you, um, doing here?I suppose I should be asking you the same question. Her father's brows furrowed, but she could tell he was lying.

You know, she hissed, her eyes quickly acquiring their amethyst hue. Braden took note - her eyes could change color.

Yes, Jon and Myles told me. He waved his hand, I'm assuming you know you're colleague, Braden.Yes, we've met now, what Braden? Three times?

He smiled slightly. Twice, I think.Ah, yes. Only twice. Please father, introduce us one more time.

George's eyes twinkled. No, I think twice is enough. So, Braden, you'll think on it?Yes, Baron.

George nodded, but didn't move when Myles entered with Aliya, Christopher and Ronnie. Aly looked questioning at him. I'm second-in-command, therefore I'm helping. Ladies, Chris, I think we should get started then, aye?

The five spies, George and Myles sat down around the fireplace, munching on biscuits as George told them about each Royal member they needed to keep an extra eye on while in Maren.

King Cosmo is not a threat to us, unless he has his Royal Advisor, Duke Yves of Fonte with him. The Duke is extremely vengeful, hateful and shifty. Steer clear of him, but also keep an extra eye or two on him. Whatever you do, do not get on his bad side.So Cosmo is not very intelligent?

George smiled slyly, Not nearly as intelligent as our dear King.Her Majesty, Queen Wren is a very experienced statesmen, having run her family's fief for 5 years before marrying Cosmo. She knows how to run things, and often helps her husband when Yves is unable to. She is good-spirited, and enjoys the Players almost as much as her husband, but we can never be too sure with women.

Aliya huffed and flicked her long brown hair over her shoulder. No, apparently you can't. Especially since you have 3 women spies, and 2 men on your little mission here, Baron.Aye, you're right Aliya. He smiled, I think I should now - have you seen who I married?

Aliya's eyes warmed and smiled, Suppose you're right.Princess Nalani is a very good-soul. She'll befriend anyone - that's why I want one of you girls to become close to her, or as close to her as possible. I'd ask one of you men, but her betrothed, Sir Delmore of Fonte can be very protective, and might, um, ask you to duel.

Chris gulped. Ronnie, Aly, Aliya, have fun with that one.Prince Kenton, is extremely dull and stupid, more so than his father, if that's even possible, so obviously watch him, but not as closely as the others. Lady Gwendolyn of Fonte will most likely come on to one of you men, but keep your distance. She's only trouble. Sir Ambrose, her brother, is a shifty character, but he was at the fief when our spies last reported to us. Lady Renata is no trouble at all - we're pretty sure she's still at the convent. Duchess Lily is supposedly having an affair with King Cosmo, but we are not completely sure. If there is some possible way that you could uncover this to the public without getting caught, that'd be terrific.To put a rift in between the house of Haus and the house of Fonte, considering the King can not function without his Advisor, and that their families are going to be joined in matrimony soon.Thank you, Aly. I try my hardest to impress you young ones. Myles smiled and put a hand through his gray hair. I think those are the main people we need to worry about now. Tomorrow you'll be practicing with the Players, beginning right after lunch. He thought for a second, looking at George. Oh! You may all use your real names, and Aly you'll have to be Alianne Cooper, but the Players will obviously know who you're related to. But the Maren Royal Family can not. George and I will have to inform them to keep it a secret. He smiled, So make sure none of the Players get drunk will on tour in Maren, please?

The five spies nodded, and saying goodnight to their elders, left the room together.

Well, that was informative.To say the least.

Ronnie sighed. I'm exhausted. Goodnight my new friends! She bowed and left the group.

Aliya feigned a yawn. Yes, I, um, have to say goodnight to a friend.... Aly noticed her eyes flick quickly to the hall that led to the pages' wing. Goodnight Chris, Braden, Aly. She nodded and walked away.

Braden looked meaningfully at Chris, who understood. Yes, I should be off too. Night Braden, Aly. He took Aly's hand and kissed it, who giggled like a little girl.

Goodnight, Chris! He smiled, knowing that she was joking, and walked off to his room. Aly and Braden continued to walk in the direction of her room. You have a room here, then?Yes, I quit my job at the Dancing Dove.You obviously didn't have to quit your day job?Excuse me? He took her arm and pulled her back. What did you mean by that?What were you talking to my father about before? Her eyes again took the menacing shade of a hazel-amethyst.

He ignored her question. Do your eyes always do that when you're mad?

She looked down at her feet quickly, and noticed that he was holding bother her arms. She could feel his breath on the top of her head. Why was he so close? Do what when I'm mad? She looked up again, into his stormy grey eyes.

Do they always turn amethyst like that when you're mad?

She grinned shyly. Yes, they do.

His eyes searched hers, as they turned back into their normal hazel-green. That's amazing.What were you talking to my father about? His face was now extremely close to her own...

At that moment, she didn't care. She didn't care what her father had said to him. Suddenly she was kissing this beautiful man; this man that she would be spending the next few months with. A man she hardly knew, but felt like she'd known for years.

He pulled away slowly. I-we-we can't.

Again, Aly was confused as to why they couldn't kiss.

He shook his head - her eyes were mesmerizing. We're going to be working together for the next few months... She felt far from him now. His arms were at his side, and she was no longer clutching on to his shirt.

I think we should get to know each other first....Good night, Aly.

And almost like that, he was gone again. For the second time that week.

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-AE