Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, Tamora Pierce does.
Roger, Duke of Conte, nephew of King Roald, and cousin of his son Jonathan, the heir to the throne, was pleased with himself. Even before he came to Corus, he knew he would have to get some of Jon's friends to become close friends with him. But when he was planning everything for his coronation he did not give his future squire and spy a big role. A foolish boy who would tell him everything that happened to Jon out of sheer adoration for the famous Duke and who could be used as a puppet when necessary. Unfortunately, his cousin did not surround himself with fools, which in the end turned out for the better. Because a fool would not be able to do much, not as much as a jealous, but brilliant, sly and talented squire could. Who wanted nothing more in return for his help that to be the best. And who was willing to do anything to reach his goal. Such as Alexander of Tirragen.
Alex glanced up Roger. At first he had been thrilled when he was picked to be his squire. He was glad of it even now, but now fear was added to his delight. No, it wasn't even fear; it was that indescribable feeling of doing something wrong which will lead to have punishment, but which is done anyways. And what can be more wrong to do in Tortall then to try to kill the King and his heir in order to get the throne? Roger probably didn't know that his squire has figured out his plans. He wouldn't figure out by himself, for Alex was always good at hiding his feelings. Something that came along with being raised in Tirragen. How stupid does the duke of Conte think Alexander is? Not to notice the constant inquiry towards Jonathan and his friends, not to notice him searching out the easiest spells in the books, not to read the letters addressed from different mages referring to the Sweating Fever and how it almost killed the heir?
It was still a question what Alex should do with what he knew. All codes of honor, chivalry, friendship, screamed for him to tell the King. But then, who would believe him? Who could he trust? Roger was a powerful mage, and it seemed like many have almost been spellbound by him. And so Alex waited to see someone who could be trusted. Waited and watched as his place as the best swordfighter, the only thing he really was good at, the only thing he was respected for was replaced by Alan. Waited and watched as his friends grew distant, as he became closer and closer with Roger, as he became relying on Roger more and more.