Disclaimer: Everything is the property of

one T. Pierce. I make no profit off of this

piece of fantasy fiction.

B3B3 Lik You:

Alanna makes her court debut. Meets Jonathan and the palace gang.

George to come in later chapters.

A big thank you to reviewers.


'Either dance well or quit the ballroom'

Greek Proverb


"Look out the window, Lady Corrina," Valeria drawled, gesturing towards the carriage window, "Your new residence."

Alanna found it difficult to comfortably move in her puffy purple gown, but managed to lean forward and glimpse a monumental structure with flags flying from tall turrets. The magnificence was lost on her. It just seemed unneccessary. She leaned back in the velvet seats and tried not to fidget with her skirts.

"Remember to curtsy once you step out of the carriage," Valeria repeated last minute instructions, "And take Sir Alex's arm when he offers it."

"Yes."

"And when he introduces you to his friends, smile and curtsy. Blush if you want," Valeria went on, sitting more gracefully than Alanna did.

The Lioness merely nodded, wishing that they could sit in silence for a bit. Before an assignment, she often liked to keep quiet and think about the task at hand. It helped her both get into character and, deeper down, deal with her guilt. She liked to tell herself that everyone needed to die and how they died didn't matter so much as the fact that it was coming to them eventually.

With a gentle sway, the horses' hooves stopped clicking. Alanna released a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She heard boots clicking on stone as a servingman came around to open their door. Sunshine littered in from outside and Lady Valeria nodded for her to let the gloved hand lead her out. Alanna took it and mimicked Valeria's elegant posture. She tried a shy smile at Alex of Tirragen and he returned it, although she could not help but notice the obvious amusement in his eyes. She stepped, softly, on the ground, ignoring Valeria entirely because that was what noble ladies did.

"Sister," Alex grinned, devilishly, "It has been too long."

"You know how father gets about his children leaving the fief," Alanna replied, realizing that she couldn't even tell anyone Lord Tirragen's real name if they asked.

Alex continued to smile and offered her his arm. Remembering Valeria's orders, she took it. He circled her around to face two young men, who bowed gallantly. Alanna curtsied, feeling her leg fall asleep. She kept smiling, knowing she had been in worse predicaments.

"Corrina, I'd like to introduce you to Gareth of Naxen, my dear friend, and Geoffrey of Meron, my squire," Alex said, "And this is my beloved sister, Lady Corrina of Tirragen."

"Pleasure's ours, I'm sure," the bigger, darker haired man responded, "And please, call me Gary. I like to think of Gareth of Naxen as my father."

Alanna bobbed her head, timidly, expecting the other boy to say something. He only flushed a beet red when she looked at him. He looked barely older than she was herself and seemed to think it was better not to say anything. Alanna noticed him stealing glances at her later on; however, she decided to save him the humiliation by acting like she didn't know.

"So, Corrina," Alex started later on when they were inside the palace, "How was your journey?"

"Uncomfortable, really," Alanna faked a yawn, "Boring, definitely. I almost wished for a few bandits to liven things up."

The knights laughed, appreciatively, although she hadn't been very funny and Gary added, "Then you should've joined Jonathan and Raoul on their ride to a bandit raid just south of Corus."

At the mention of Jonathan, Alanna could not help but catch Valeria's eyes as she walked humbly behind them. She hid her eagerness and instead breathed, as if in awe, "The Prince?"

Alex snorted and Gary gave her a lopsided smile, "Don't tell you're enamoured by cousin Jon too?"

Alanna made herself blush, lightly, "Of course not. I hardly know him."

"And let's leave it at that, eh? Give all the rest of us a chance at the ball," Gary joked and Alanna could not help but warm up to him even though it was a fatal flaw when it came to being an assassin. Alanna shrugged that thought off, it wasn't like she was here to kill him. "Well, as much as I love to talk-Alex half-laughed and hid it in a cough-I must be off. And you, boy, should be off practicing your swordplay."

"Yes, Geoffrey, you may run off now," Alex ordered like a cold father might to his son. Alanna had heard knightmasters and their squires were supposed to be more like companionable brothers.

Geoffrey choked up a high, "Yes" and disappeared down one of the brightly decorated corridors, behind Gary. Alanna and Alex were alone now, not counting the servingmen and women, which unfortunately, not many nobles did. They walked down to Alanna's chambers largely quiet the rest of the way with Alex asking a few airy questions here and there. They stopped to bow at a few other men and women as they walked on by and Alanna felt her jaw go sore from the intense smiling. When they reached her makeshift chambers, she was little more than relieved.

The chambers themselves were huge and for all the guests in the world, a symbol of Tortall's hospitality. Alanna wasn't half so used to living this lavishly, but she took it in stride and soon found herself comfortable on her new bed. The servants came in and out, hauling trunks and trunks filled with her appareil. Day dresses, ball gowns, sun hats, bonnets, riding boots, party shoes, and jewels, jewels, jewels. If it wasn't for Valeria's guidance, Alanna wouldn't have a clue what to do with it all.

When the last gaggle of servingmen struggled in with the final trunk, they were dismissed. Lady Valeria shooed some of the peskier servingmaids out of the room, stating that "Her Lady needed to rest her eyes." Alanna sat on a suede chair by a window that overlooked the palace gardens. She had a feeling that she was about to be issued more orders so she kept her ears keen and her mouth shut.

As expected, Alex said, "Tonight the Master wishes you to make acquaintance with the Prince. You are fortunate enough to arrive on the day of a ball and banquet and the Master has secured you seating in proximity of the Prince."

Everything after the words ball had flown over her head, "A ball? Like a dancing ball?"

"Well, that's usually what they're meant for," Alex smirked at what could only be described as great disdain crossing Alanna's face, "I thought you'd played a noble lady before?"

"A girl. A noble girl. It's different. No one expects a young girl to dance," Alanna huffed, feeling a sea of doubt rumble in her stomach.

"Well you are certainly expected to dance, pet," Valeria cut in, eyes alight, "You are expected to be the belle of the ball, the center of attention. That is the type of girl that will win the Prince's heart."

Alanna had to admit she was becoming slightly sick of this Prince. He expected so much of his partners and the Lioness doubted he was much in contrast. Another highly strung noble. She knew the type.

She sighed, standing and straightening her gown, "Teach me. Now."

Valeria and Alex exchanged amused looks and Alex stepped forward. He bowed, silently, and offered his hand. Alanna smiled and curtsied, taking it in one smooth sweep. He led her five steps to an imaginary dance floor and brought his free hand to the small of her back. "Place your hand on my shoulder. No, move it over a little bit. Yes, yes. Just there."

Alanna steadied herself as he led her in a slow waltz. It was seemingly simple to follow and she caught on quickly. She'd been in many noble houses over the years and had seen many various dances from as far over the lands as Carthak. When she appeared muddled Alex or Lady Valeria corrected her and soon, with her apt for listening and copying, she was a swan.


Alanna stood at the top of a marble staircase that led down into an expansive ball room in the Tortallan palace. Despite her confidence in her ability, she felt her heart beat quicken. There was always a point between being yourself and being an assassin where you prayed to the gods that everyone would buy your act. And this time, Alanna felt the stakes lay heavy on her shoulders. She couldn't just be another girl, she had to be the girl.

Valeria fidgeted with her hair, making sure the pretty bun stayed in place and smoothed tiny wrinkles out of her dark green gown that Alex and Valeria had collectively picked out because it gave her cheeks color, brought out her eyes, and complimented her golden hair. Alanna bit her lip, waiting for Alex to appear by her side. They were to be announced together.

"Where is he?" Alanna inquired to no one in particular, feeling rather more impatient than she should.

"Straighten that sour face before those wrinkles set in," Valeria nagged, adjusting her lacing.

A servingman standing just beside them, welcoming people as they were announced, grinned at their bickering.

Footsteps sounded coming down the corridor. Alanna turned, disrupting Valeria as she was adjusting her hair, causing one thick strand of hair to fall out of place. Valeria squacked, "Lady Corrina! Look what you've gone and done now!"

Alanna ignored her, pleased that Alex had finally arrived. His face was uncharacteristically flushed, his hair out of place, and his tunic and jacket looking like they had been thrown on in haste. He smiled feebly at Valeria and when he saw Alanna he smirked, approvingly. His lips parted as if to say something, but instead he only bit his lip, and suddenly Alanna felt herself go hot.

"Br-brother, you're late," she stammered, trying to appear angry for the servingman's sake.

"I apologize, sister dear, but I had a last minute...engagement," he replied, linking her arm with his, "I hope you weren't waiting too long?"

"Just a few minutes, sir," Valeria mumbled, modestly, before Alanna could snap back.

"Then let us not wait any longer," Alex said, trying to flatten his hair and failing, "Ready, sister?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," Alanna agreed, squaring her shoulders and putting a fake smile on her face. They began their descent down the staircase with Lady Valeria whispering, "Eat like a bird! A bird!"

Alanna smiled, hearing the servingman announce, "Lord Alex and Lady Corrina of Tirragen."

They turned a corner in the staircase and suddenly Alanna found herself blinking away spots. The ball room was boisterously big and bright. Just looking at it, filled with all the beautifully dressed men and women, felt like staring straight at the sun. She heard people clap politely for her court debut and noticed that Alex was leading her in a droit path all the way to the King and Queen.

She spoke into his ear, while maintaining her smile, "What are we doing?"

"Each court debutante is required to officially meet with the King and Queen," Alex murmured in return, waving at a blonde knight, "Just curtsy and answer their questions."

They stopped in front of the royal monarchs and Alanna could not help but feel a touch overwhelmed. King Roald looked exactly as a king should: tall, handsome, regal and the Queen, albeit slightly pale from her weakening health, was a lovely emblem. She felt Alex release her arm and she curtsied, tidily, and stood to see the King smiling grandly at her.

"Lady Corrina, my wife and I formally welcome you to the Tortallan court," he said, squeezing the Queen's hand.

Alanna tried a beam, "Thank you, your majesties. Your hospitality honors me."

"I take it your journey was to your liking?" the King implored, his blue eyes piercing her face.

"Yes, very much. Thank you for asking, your majesty," she countered, hoping that that was the end of their questions. She felt the eyes of a very critical court prickling at the back of her neck, unknowing that they all thought she looked lovely, especially with that unexpected lock of hair shadowing her face.

"You are a pretty young lady, my dear," the Queen spoke for the first time with a smile that took hard work to create, "Enjoy your stay in Corus."

Alanna curtsied once more, relieved at her release. Alex took her arm once more and they faded into the hoards of plum feathers, milky pearls and gleaming coat buttons. Their eyes left her for the most part, although much of the court was still curious about the latest import from Tirragen.

"You did well," Alex breathed, quietly, and Alanna felt her body relax. Now she could take the ball and banquet for what it really was. A party. She smiled at a flock of squires, who were admiring her, and settled into her chair. Alex sat on her left side and a largely built man sat on her right. Alanna looked around the table for the Prince and could not find him.

"Where's the Prince?" she demanded, leaning towards Alex.

He raised an eyebrow, "At the head table, of course."

He gestured towards a table that was more luxurious than the rest, though Alanna had thought it impossible. King Roald and Queen Lianne sat there, waiting to be served. Near them sat the young knight from the painting, come to life. He was talking animatedly to Gary, a handsome man who looked like a relative to the crown, and-

"Who's that girl by the Prince?" Alanna asked, her face going red.

"Delia of Eldorne, his, ah, how do you say it? Mistress," Alex explained, his lips twitching at Alanna's obvious displeasure.

"Mistress? You didn't tell me he was half in love with someone!" Alanna whispered, furiously, though she feared the chubby man next to her had overheard.

"Don't tell me you're about to let a little thing like another woman get in the way?" Alex teased, sipping his champagne.

"I didn't say that. It's just that...," Alanna trailed off. She'd heard of the famed Delia of Eldorne from Mrs. Marie but she hadn't expected her to be quite so beautiful. She'd romanced men from their mistresses and wives before, but none of them had been belles of the court. She shook her fuddled head, forcefully, setting her mind on the task at hand. Get herself introduced to the Prince. "I thought you said the Master had arranged for me to sit close to the Prince? What are we doing here?"

Alex laughed at her which perked her annoyance, "Corrina, you have much to learn. In the Tortallan court, where you are is close to the Prince. Most girls would die for these seats."

"We're two tables away," Alanna stated, blankly.

"Exactly," Alex replied.

Dinner began.

Alanna spoke little and ate even less. Like a bird, like a bird, she kept reminding herself. Most of the time she smiled and when those around her would stop staring at her, she glared at the Prince's table. When he wasn't talking or eating, he was looking at Lady Delia.

"Are you going to finish that piece of pie, my dear?" the man next to her asked during dessert.

Alanna's eyes flew off the Prince and she stared, puzzled, at the man, "Huh?" Then she realized that she ought to turn on her charm because there was never any knowing who was important and who wasn't, "I'm sorry, sir. Forgive a silly girl enjoying her first court dinner. Please, can I hear that again?"

The man repeated, "Your pie? May I have it?"

"Oh yes!" Alanna grinned, happy to have it out of her hands, "Happy eating, Sir-?"

"Myles of Olau," he replied, eagerly forking the pie, "I apologize for my appetite but I missed my lunch, you see."

"Of course," Alanna offered, graciously, wondering where that belly came from if he was going around missing lunches.

"I'm sure you're sorry to be seated by a dull aging knight when it should've been a strapping young one," he joked, a piece of pie crust stuck on his moustache.

"No, no. I'm just happy to be here, really," she lied, feeling like all her pre-ball primping had been a waste if Myles of Olau was the only man she was going to speak more than five words to.

"Well, either way, the Queen was right when she said you were a pretty one. When the dancing begins, your card will be full," he said, finishing off his pie.

Alanna faked a blush and went quiet. Alex was talking to a fellow knight and his wife about the Copper Isles. Myles started up a conversation with a Lady sitting across from him and Alanna thought she was going to die of boredom. She glanced back at the Prince's table; he was still talking to Delia. She moved her head a soft inch and noticed the man sitting beside him. An elderly handsome cousin? He looked up, as if he realized someone was watching him and looked straight at her. Their eyes caught and her stomach turned over. He smirked, lightly, and gave her a wink. Alanna blinked, then looked away. Had that really happened? Who was he?

A moment later, the King and Queen announced that the less formal dancing part of the evening was about to begin. The first dance was opened by the Prince and, of course, Lady Delia. They made a handsome couple and moved, fluidly. Alanna noticed people sighing in admiration and many young girls hardly hiding their jealously. During the second dance, which was far more lively, more people joined them on the dance floor. Alex kissed her, harshly, on the cheek and said, "Good luck."

And he was gone, dancing with a pretty blonde lady. Alanna watched on, rather embarrassed that no one had asked her to dance yet. She sat, trying her hardest to look pretty. When the fifth dance was coming to a close, Alanna decided that if no one asked her to dance again then, so help her Mithros, she was going to ask someone to dance.

Fortunately, Gary of Naxen, who had just finished dancing with a belle who people mentioned to be Lady Cythera of Elden, requested her hand. She took it, overzealous. A dance with a slightly slower tempo started and Alanna felt relieved. Maybe this night wouldn't be a complete failure after all.

"I have to say," she began, unable to mask her disappointment, "I'm rather surprised you're the first person that asked me to dance."

Gary chuckled, staring her square in the face, "I'm not."

Alanna's eyes widened, "Are you saying I'm ugly?"

"Quite the contrary. You're stunning. But no one's asked you to dance because you-well-you just looked so menacing sitting there!" Gary clarified, grinning broadly, "Even I was scared to ask you to dance!"

"Menacing? What do you mean menacing?" she frowned, twirling as the music called for.

"You were sitting there glaring at the dance floor is what I mean," he got out, "But don't worry, you looked very pretty doing it."

"Huh," was all she could say, "I'll keep that in mind."

Over Gary's shoulder she noticed that Prince Jonathan was dancing with another girl. This one had hair as bright as Alanna's and freckles splattered across her cheeks and nose. The Prince was speaking into her ear and she was laughing in a very irate high-pitched manner. To Alanna's relish, she noticed that Lady Delia was eyeing the two of them as well.

"Corrina? Corrina? Are you listening?" Gary's voice broke into her conscious.

Her gaze broke away from the Prince, "Wha-?"

"I was saying, would you like to be introduced to some of the other knights?" he suggested, releasing her hips.

"Um, sure," Alanna tried to clear her head, "Might as well broaden my social standing."

Gary smiled and led her over to a table filled almost entirely with young men, chatting colorfully. At Alanna's arrival, they quieted. Gary ruffled one of the youngest boy's hair and introduced them, "This is Sacharell of Wellam, my squire. That's Geoffrey, you remember him? Oh, this is Sir Micah. That embarrassed little prig is young Douglass of Veldine, my friend Raoul's squire and this-this is my friend Raoul."

Alanna curtsied and gave them all a smile. Raoul commented, "So she smiles!"

She blushed, "Gary informed me of my former-how did you put it?-menacing demeanor. I beg your forgiveness for frightening you dashing knights so."

They appreciated her sarcasm and once again Raoul spoke, "So you're Alex's sister? I wouldn't have known it unless I was told. You look nothing alike."

Alanna never missed a beat, "That's right. He's rather ugly isn't he?"

With her mock tragic tone and pretty face, no one suspected a thing. She glowed at their growing respect for her, knowing that it would help the assignment in the long run. Gary pulled out a chair for her and she took it, wondering if it was alright for a lady to be seated among so many men. She shrugged, she needn't stay long.

"Where's old Thom?" Gary asked the trio of squires, "Usually he's brooding behind you with a book under his nose."

Douglass shrugged, but Geoffrey spoke the first sentence Alanna had ever heard come out of his mouth, "Duke Roger sent him to the City of Gods."

"Thom's the Duke's unofficial squire," Gary explained to Alanna but she only blanched, "Who's Duke Roger?"

The group of them laughed and Sir Micah said, "Who's the Duke! The King's infamous nephew of course! A renowned sorceror and, why, there he sweeps by now."

Alanna looked up in time to see the winking man pass her by, dancing with Lady Aenne. She turned back, "And who's Thom?"

"A friend. He's a squire too," Sacharell of Wellam cleared, fidgeting with his belt buckle.

"Oh," Alanna said.

A second later, she stiffened when she noticed Prince Jonathan and Lady Delia, in fits of giggles, heading for this table. She unconsciously lifted a hand and patted her bun, realizing that this was the oppurtune moment to make an impression on the Prince. He stopped at their table, his arm around Delia. Alanna frowned.

"What are you bunch of scallywags up to?" he joked, grinning at the bunch of them, not noticing Alanna since she was hidden behind a flower vase.

"Not nearly as much as you, evidently," Sir Micah laughed, finishing off his wine.

Alanna craned her neck around the flower vase in a vain attempt to be seen. The Prince made another joke and all the men roared. Alanna shifted her chair over and accidentally bumped her chin into Gary's shoulder. Apparently, it was the thing to do.

"Oh, Jon, have you met Alex's sister, Corrina of Tirragen yet?" Gary moved the flower vase aside so she was visible to all. She curtsied, hearing her knee crack. She tried not to cringe.

If only for a moment, the Prince looked at her and smiled. If only for that moment, Alanna knew she made Lady Delia burn. He said, casually, "My Lady. I hope you're enjoying your stay at the palace?"

Before she could reply, Raoul called out, "Hey Jonathan, where's that emerald you promised me?"

The Prince looked away from her and she cursed under her breath, "I have no clue as to what you're talking about, oh Goldenlake."

"Don't even pretend you don't owe me anything. I shot the bear, so I reap the emerald, remember?" Raoul wiggled his eyebrows for extra effect.

"No...," the Prince shook his head, clearly telling a flib. Delia giggled at his horrible acting and kissed him on the cheek. Alanna barely held in her dinner. The rowdy group continued to argue over the damned emerald, putting Alanna in a right bad mood. Catching the Prince's attention was more difficult than she'd predicted.

"My Lady."

Alanna twisted in her chair and found the winking man bowing to her. She stood and curtsied, elated when she realized the boys had stopped clamouring and were now watching this interaction. If only to give them a show, she held out her hand and the man passed it under his lips.

"Your Grace," Alanna said, remembering he was a Duke.

He smiled in a way that made women swoon, "May I have this dance?"

She obliged and he swept her away to the dance floor where a rapid melody was just commencing. Alanna couldn't breath, let alone speak as the rhythm drove her to move fast to keep up. Focusing on her lesson from earlier in the day, she worked through the intricate dance steps.

'Twirl. Twirl. Slide. Spin. Sway. Slide. Twirl. Twirl,' her mind commanded and her body followed like clockwork.

She could only keep track of the Duke's near perfect blue eyes that sent her into a state of nostalgia. She was practically drowning in sapphire blue when, with a dramatic bang of a drum, the dance ended. The Duke flung her over his arm and she let herself half-fall. He caught her and she suddenly realized she was suffocating. She gasped, letting out a breath. The Duke gave her a smile that was more a smirk and straightened her small body.

Alanna blinked away water that had been forming in her eyes and noticed that the ball room was clapping. She looked through the crowd and caught another pair of sapphire eyes-the Prince's. He was clapping too and when she looked his way, his expression changed. As Duke Roger escorted her to a seat, she asked, "What are they applauding at?"

He grinned, wolfishly, "You, my Lady. After that ravishing dance, you're a hit!"

Alanna blinked some more, not quite believing that was what the standing ovation was all about. However, her head was still too heavy to argue so she let Roger seat her and drunk the white wine he offered her. The drink helped to clear her thoughts and she realized they were sitting in an awfully secluded corner of the ball room. Sipping her drink, she stared at the Duke through suspicious eyes.

He only smiled and finished off his own goblet. He was very handsomely dressed in robes of black and was, in general, a good-looking young man. He had given her no reason to distrust him and yet Alanna couldn't deny the surreal feeling she got around him.

"Are you happy to be a belle of the ball?" he questioned, after a while.

Before she could stop herself, she snorted, then put a furious hand to her mouth, "I apologize, your grace. That was awfully impolite of me."

He shrugged, his grin only growing, "It's quite alright. After all the staring you did at my royal cousin, I think we're past impolite."

Alanna blushed and this time it was sincere, "I did not stare!"

"I'm accusing you of anything, Lady Corrina!" he laughed, his hair falling dashingly into his eyes, "I'm stating facts."

"Facts?" Alanna was incredulous.

"Yes, facts," he trumpeted and Alanna didn't know quite what to say. She could only glare at him, feeling a light dislike seizing her. He only seemed more amused by her haughtiness and pondered, "I'm wondering, when was the last time you killed someone?"

Alanna, who was halfway through drinking her wine, choked on it. She coughed, violently, for a few moments, while Duke Roger watched on, carelessly. Finally, she hacked up some of the drink and cleared her throat, "Pardon me?"

"I said when was the last time you killed someone? With that look, that is," he repeated, his eyes widening at her odd behavior, and Alanna immediately realized her mistake.

"Haha," she rolled her eyes, trying to brush off the awkward moment.

Swirling his wine glass, he stood, saying, "I believe I adore you, Corrina of Tirragen."

Alanna pursed her lips, "You tease."

He raised an eyebrow, "Do I?"

Before she could get in another jab, he left. Alanna frowned at the chair he'd been in. After comtemplating where she could've possibly met the wretched man before, she stood in efforts to find the Prince and finally make her move. She spotted him, rising from a table with Delia attached to his hip. He snaked an arm around her and they exited the ball. For a second, Alanna couldn't believe what had just happened. Had the Prince just left the ball without her saying so much as a single word to him?

Valeria's warning rang in her head, 'For an assignment of this stature, if you fail, you die. The Master will not have you traced back to his name.'


Next Chapter: Alanna may finally get in a word with Jonathan.