A/N-This chapter is dedicated to Erytha, who told me the meaning of Numair's name. Also, this is the second chapter today! Yay!

I think I cut myself on popcorn today at the movies. It was pretty strange….

Disclaimer- If you recognize, it's not mine. Someone else thought of it before me.

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The guard's hand still kept a firm grip on Kalasin. The way he was holding her, by her right shoulder (he was on the left) meant that she was continually sidestepping her feet, and she couldn't get a good look at her captor.

The hallway however, was illuminated orange by the sunlight coming in through the arrow slits. There was the occasional tapestry or painting, but not much. They never turned; they just kept walking in a straight line.

Finally, they arrived at wherever she was to be. The man opened the door.

It was…a room. It was about three times as big as her cell at least. It held a bed, bookcase, desk mirror, privy, nothing special.

"Stay in here. Don't go out of this room, or I will kill you."

He threw her into the room. She immediately pivoted, to see her captor.

Her soul broke into a million pieces.

It was Kaddar.

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'Kaddar' did not say anything. He simply turned and left. He closed the door behind him, and she heard bolts being locked.

She fell to her knees. How could he do something like this?

She fought back tears. Nothing was going right. Nothing.

How long was she in that cell? Who did this to her? She swam through memories, the effects of the drug wearing off…

She had been in the stables…the slave?…Lukiem…pain…

She remembered! She had been talking to Lukiem, when all of a sudden, her memories stopped.

Now that she knew who did this to her, or at least who was the leader of the people who did this, she decided to look around her room.

It was bland, with the exception of the desk. A letter, a piece of parchment and two quills were on it.

She picked up the parchment. It read:

Dear Princess,

I hope you find your quarters to your liking; you will be here for a while. You have been drugged for the past week.

Once we go to war with Tortall, I shall release you in Corus. Why, do you ask, will Tortall go to war? Because they will believe their princess in dead. When you tell everyone how you've been here (Corus) all along, and Tortall has realized their mistake, then we shall have the allies, namely Tusaine, Maren, Galla, Scanra. Tortall will be…eliminated.

If you do not go along with the plans, I have ordered Kaddar to kill you.

Also, respond to the letter. This will be the last one, so they know that you are still alive. Do not say anything that will displease me.

I hope you enjoy your stay,

Sincerely,

Lukiem Hashamr.

Kalasin was shocked. So that's what he's up to, she thought.

She sat down in the chair, and picked up the letter. It read:

Dear Kally,

I'm sorry to hear about Carthak. About the bugs-you'll get used to them. There really not that bad, they have interesting things to say in conversations. The weather is hot, I know, but dress lighter, and that should help. You'll get a nice tan that even your mother will be jealous of!

Kaddar. Well, he was really nice to me! Maybe it's just because he feels…trapped. Try talking about things he likes. He enjoys the training yards, and talking with his friends. Work on your archery-you'll gain favor from his friends if you do so.

I have to go-Numair is rambling on about how leopards can't change their spots. Write back soon!

Things will be better. Don't worry.

-Daine

Kalasin smiled. Daine always had a knack for looking on the bright side of things. Now how to get a message to them, she thought. She remembered a basic code her father had once taught her. She wrote:

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Hello, Daine.

I thank you for the letter, it was kind of you. Am I just being a prick, worrying about everything? Being here has taught me much. Held against my will is not on my mind. Captive…Kaddar is captive of my heart.

P.S. Help Numair, his titles here would be Numair the baby tiger.

-Kalasin

"This isn't right!" Daine shouted. "This letter makes no sense!"

Numair nodded. They were in their quarters, having just received the latest letter. It confused them both.

"Why would Kalasin suddenly change her mind about everything? Why is the Post Script before her name?" Numair asked.

"She wouldn't. Unless…give me the letter." Numair passed her the letter.

"Mithros bless! Numair, look! She wrote a secret code! The most basic one!"

He sat up, as he was lying down before. "What?"

"Look! It's the first word of every sentence!"

"Are you serious?"

"Yes! Look!"

HELLO, Daine.

I thank you for the letter, it was kind of you. AM I just being a prick, worrying about everything? BEING here has taught me much. HELD against my will is not on my mind. CAPTIVE…Kaddar is captive of my heart.

P.S. HELP Numair, his titles here would be Numair the baby tiger.

-KALASIN

"Hello, I am being held captive! Help Kalasin! That's the real letter! Numair, we have to tell Thayet! Who knows what's happening to her!"

They both ran out of the room. Numair simply mumbled,

"Leopards don't change their spots."

Daine hoped he was wrong.

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'Kaddar', the one who had just put Kalasin in her rooms, was quite uncomfortable. He wasn't really Kaddar, obviously. His real name was Unikum, and had been put under a spell to make him look like Kaddar. The spell however, was quickly wearing off. It needed to be re-applied.

It was all part of the plan, although it was uncomfortable, being someone your not.

He sighed. He did not know how long before he could be himself.

But for now, he was Kaddar.

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A/N-This is easily one of my favourite chapters. It took me a while on Kally's letter. Please review! Please?