NOW ON A COMPUTER NEAR YOU...

I had some people who had reviewed to my Trouble in Tortall series (if you haven't read it, I suggest you do) and got many people asking for more. So I have posted a continuation of sorts. So, go and check out my newest TP (don't worry, this will still get regular updates. My wonderful betta SOPROL had agreed to beta both at the same time) Whether it is a one shot or a series of random one-shots put together in a drabble is up to you, the reviewers! (I explain that in an author's note at the bottom of the story)

Now, without further ado....CHAPTER 12! Letters

Chapter Twelve:

(Trebond, three months later)

It was shortly before supper that a messenger arrived at Trebond from Corus. Aly walked past the servant delivering the letter to Alan.

"Where is that letter from?" Aly asked the servant.

"The palace, m'lady." the servant said with a curtsy. "From the royal training master."

Aly's eyes grew wide. "Just give it to me. You know how Lord Alan is always busy. I'll take care of it."

The servant curtsied, and gave her the letter.

Aly walked into her rooms that she shared with Alan, and opened the letter.

Lord Alan and Lady Alianne of Trebond,

Alan, the younger's work is satisfactory here at the palace in his training. He learns well and fast, and works hard. We are glad to have him among the pages. Alan sends his regards to both of you.

Duke Gareth, the Elder, of Naxen, Royal Training Master.

Aly looked at the servant. "Is the messenger waiting for a reply?"

"He asked if he should, m'lady."

"Invite him in." Aly said. "And prepare a guest room for him. We'll have him spend the night with us, and he can leave with a reply in the morning."

"Very good, m'lady." The servant bowed and left to welcome the messenger and then prepare a room for him.

Aly walked down to Alan's office, and knocked on the door. He told her to come in.

"I thought you might like to know we just received a progress report from the palace. Thom is doing well there."

"I am glad to hear it." Lord Alan said, not looking up from the scroll that lay on his desk.

"I have invited the messenger to stay the night, and leave with a reply for Duke Gareth in the morning."

"Alright, dear." Alan said, distractedly. "I'll write a reply when I get a chance."

"Don't worry about the reply, Alan. I'll write it. I know how busy you are."

Alan looked up, surprised. "Thank you, Alianne. That would be wonderful, if you could do that for me."

"It's no trouble." Aly said. "Supper should be ready in about an hour."

"Alright." Alan said. Aly left the room, closed the door, and leaned against it, sighing. The letter had been too close. If Aly hadn't intercepted the servant, the secret could have been ruined. While the likelihood of Alan coming out of his studious fog was low, it was still a possibility. She had to make sure such letters didn't get that close to her husband ever again. But how? That was the question running through her mind when she entered her bedroom.

After a while of thinking, Aly had an idea. She walked over to the table that lay next to her bed and opened the small drawer, pulling out a letter.

Dear Aly,

How have you been? It's been too long since we last spoke. I am not sure if you know this, but my brother, Gareth, is Training Master here at the palace, along with the duties of King's Champion. He recently came and told me your son, Alan, is here at the palace training. My son, Jonathan, also speaks of Alan. It would appear our sons are friends.

I have a question for you, and it is this: with how much you enjoyed court when we were younger, why have you not come down for a visit? I think this would be a good time to consider coming. Surely your son would enjoy having family near him. I know what you are thinking. Lord Alan is not your slave owner though, Aly, so you do not have to remain in the mountains simply because your husband does not like court. You could come to the city and stay here at the palace. Or, if you wish, you could buy housing in the city, and possibly remain here for a longer time than a short visit.

Please do not feel forced to come. I am asking you to come as my friend, not ordering you as your queen. Though, I must admit, if you don't come, I just might become so desperate to see you that I WILL order you. Please don't make it come to that. It'll be just like when we were girls, freshly presented to the court, imagine how much fun that would be! And here is a little more incentive...you are my son's godsmother, and yet you have never met him! I say that needs to be changed.

Sincerely,

Lianne, Queen of Tortall

It would be great to see Lianne again, and then Gareth would have no need to send messages to Trebond, when Alanna has a parent right in the city. She could visit the convent, and ask that they send any letters regarding Thom to the capital, and she could stay at the palace until she could buy a townhouse. Yes, the plan would work perfectly.

After supper that night, Aly sat down and wrote the reply to Duke Gareth

To your grace, Duke Gareth of Naxen,

We are pleased to hear that Alan is doing so well. We expect he will do as well in the future as his lessons progress.

Lord Alan and Lady Alianne of Trebond

Aly also wrote to Lianne

Dear Lianne,

It indeed has been too long since we last spoke. I am well, and I hope this letter finds you in good health. It appears you have won me over, and I am coming to court. My lord husband's parents claim to be getting too old for court life, which leaves the Trebond suite unused for a quite a few years. I would suggest you get palace servant to dust off and air out the room. I admit that you are right; I have missed court terribly, even if it is a snake pit full of lies and deception. I also must admit that I look forward to things being like when we were younger, and I was new to court. Won't that be fun?!?

Sincerely,

Aly

Once Alan had come to the bedroom to get ready for bed that night, Aly talked to him about her plan.

"Alan, I am going to the palace."

"Alianne, you know I don't like court." Alan said, looking at his wife.

"I know."

"Then why do you wish for us to go?"

"You don't have to go." Aly said. "I said I was going to the palace. As in just me, singular."

"I see. And where are you going to live?"

"The palace." Aly said. "That is, until I can buy housing."

"No, Alianne. Why waste the money on housing when you can stay here for free?"

"It won't be a waste of money. I plan to stay there frequently."

"You are my wife, Alianne." Alan said. "You belong here with me."

"You'll be so wrapped up in your studies that you'll hardly know I've gone."

"Alianne, I will not permit you to go."

Aly rose from her seat at the small vanity in the room. "I wasn't asking your permission, Alan." she said icily. "I was informing you of my decision."

"How will you pay for this housing you were talking about?" Alan said. "That requires money."

"I am friends with the Queen." Aly said. "I am sure she will help me."

"Alianne, you have a duty-"

"Don't you dare talk to me about duty, Alan." Aly said. "You have neglected many duties. First of all, your duty to the fief. You have been so busy with your precious studies that you have ignored the responsibility of the fief. Secondly, you have a duty to be a father to our two children, which you have ignored. If I wish to go to the palace, I will. Besides, did you ever think maybe Thom would like to have his mother with him at the palace?"

"That is probably the last place he wants you, Aly." Alan said. "You are too protective of the children, and would throw a fuss over Thom at the first sight of a bruise."

"I will not. I know they are growing up." Aly said.

"Are you going to visit Alanna?"

"Yes." Aly said. "I plan to go to the convent for a short visit, and then head to the capital."

"If you want to do that, I see there is no point in arguing with you. Is that all you want to talk about?"

"Yes." Aly said.

"Alright then, I am going to bed."

"Good night." Aly said, as she slid into bed next to her husband

Review Reply

brezzybrez: Thanks!

Kate of Carlay: Thanks!

LittleMissGiggles'94': Thanks!

The Shang Kudarung: okay... Shall I take that as a sign that you liked the chapter?

Dom Luver: I am glad you liked it! And I read your story, it was really good!

Gallan Princess: Thanks. I am glad that the ring explained why Alan was cold, but you will be getting a better, more detailed explanation a little farther along the story. Yep, Gareth had feelings for Aly, and Aly had feelings for Gareth...and Aly is coming to the palace, where Gareth lives/works...hmmm....ok, well that is all you are getting out of for what is to come.

dares to dream: Looks like your hope is happening, because Aly is going to the palace!

elf warrior princess: Thanks!

a happy camper: You are very welcome for the little bit of Gareth's POV, that was a really good suggestion.

wouldn'tyouliketoknow: thanks

Lady Light: Thanks! You just read the newest update

fluffyfoogal: I am glad you like it! And I will consider a moment when the POV switches between Alan and Aly, that is a great idea!