Author's Note: Tamora Pierce created the world of Tortall, and Alanna and Jonathan. I just made them get married ;)

Chapter 6: Hiding

August 439 H.E.

Alanna heard her name being called across the fencing courts. Pox, they'd found her. It was shortly after dawn; who would think to look for her here? And why at this gods-cursed hour? She wasn't needed for at least another three hours. Without glancing about to see who it was, Alanna grabbed her sword and sheath and headed away from the voice. Where should she go? She hid in the boxing ring last week—the stables! The stables were always a good place to hide! She could count on Stefan to hide her from whatever court function or fitting she was supposed to be at. She'd go back in time for them to all fuss over her in a few hours.

The glory and joy of the formal engagement had worn off. For the past three months, Alanna had been badgered by everyone. Now that she was officially a Princess Royal, a sort of schedule was supposed to be upheld. Before the wedding and the coronation, she was supposed to take tea at least once with every noble family who was in attendance at the palace, which was practically all of them because everyone wanted to know just what the queen-to-be was like. They wanted to know if the legends were true…and if the rumors were true. Alanna had been quite close to calling out a few lords when Thayet had finally stepped in and invited them all to tea, in Alanna's chambers. It was quite a feat, but it left Alanna with a bit more free time. The Council of Lords was not happy that she'd found time to practice the "manly arts" and had tried several times to limit her access to the practice courts. They had the notion that they could defeat the knight in her. It hadn't worked yet.

Alanna had thrown herself into her training. She was constantly fencing, or riding, or boxing, or practicing—anything and everything to escape. She couldn't leave on a quest, because she was tied to the palace as the prince's intended. Jon promised her that a few months after the wedding, he'd find some excuse to send her for a visit to the Bloody Hawks. They were inordinately pleased that she was to be queen, according to Jon; nothing made them happier than to think that the "Woman Who Rides like a Man" would be a ruler, alongside the Voice of the Tribes. However, Alanna suspected that Jon over-exaggerated their happiness, trying to placate her. It seemed just like another addition to the laundry list of reasons why it was best Alanna married Jon. If recalling Jon's tender words was difficult before the engagement ceremony, it was triply hard to do so now. It seemed then, that Jon would always be there to remind her that he loved her, in their kind of love, and that nothing bad would happen. He hadn't mentioned the scrutiny she'd receive as she had to face parts of her duty alone. Thank the Goddess for Thayet.

Without Thayet, Alanna would have been totally lost. Thayet, appointed First Lady-in-Waiting, was one of the only ones keeping Alanna sane. She continued to treat the red-haired lady knight the same as she always had—and that was a relief, because there were far too many people who were cozying up to her than Alanna cared for. And it was no mean task to keep Alanna from grabbing her sword and running half these people through. Plus this, Thayet was fending off suitors, men attracted by her beauty flocked around her. Among them were Gary of Naxen and Raoul of Goldenlake. Alanna liked both men as friends, but could not picture Thayet on either of their arms. It was funny, though, how often, when Raoul came to call, that he and Buri would find themselves sparing verbally. Alanna could tell that he was intrigued by the little K'mir and Buri seemed to enjoy the tongue-lashing she gave the big knight. Alanna would have tried her hand at matchmaking, but she knew tales of his family and their quest for a titled wife for Raoul. Buri would not be accepted by the Goldenlakes. Thayet, perhaps—after all, she was a princess, though a foreign one. The other obstacle to the match would be Buri's obsession with another man—George Cooper.

Alanna tried very hard to be supportive of Buri's crush on George. Really, she did. But to hear her ex-lover's name every five seconds was very telling on her nerves. George's first impression on Buri had permanently branded the tough girl. "I'm rarely that impressed…" She talked of nothing else when she felt safe talking about it. Alanna ground her teeth in frustration. She had not seen George in months, and missed him dreadfully. She told herself that it was only his friendship she missed, and the easy way he made her feel. She did not miss his flirting, his twinkling eyes, his kisses, his embraces… She always flung the thoughts away as quickly as she could. It did not do to dwell on the past when it was not possible for that past to make it to the future. She was marrying Jon now, and it seemed that George had removed himself from her life. She had seen him on occasion, but had never the chance for more than a passing 'hello.' She wasn't sure who made sure of it, herself, George, or an unknown power, but she tried to tell herself it was for the best. Best that she avoided someone that reminded her that her heart did not necessarily belong to the king she had promised it to.

Alanna shook her head as she hurried towards the stables. She needed to stop having these thoughts. Faithful was constantly scolding her, telling her that she was being foolish. She knew that already; she didn't need a constellation to remind her. She greeted Stefan in the stables and he seemed cheerful enough.

"Hidin' again, yer ladyship?" he chuckled.

Alanna grinned. "I don't know what wretched soul put that idea into your head."

"O' course, yer ladyship."

"None of that now, Stefan. I'd ruther I was still Master Alan to you."

"Well, Mistress Alanna, ye can't be Master Alan no more. 'E don't exist," Stefan winked. "Majesty say yer causin' all sort o' ruckus up in th' palace, runnin' and givin' them fusspots what-have-you, Gods bless you."

"George said that? Where's he been getting his news? I haven't seen him about," Alanna answered lightly.

"Ay, 'e's been about, but up to 'is elbows in work, 'e is. That Claw feller, well, e's plottin' sommat. What wiv th' wedding and th' ball comin' up—George's got t' be sure nothin's gonna harm th' prince an' his bride." Alanna blushed but said nothing. She wondered what Stefan's opinion of her marrying Jon was. "Well, mayhap, you could answer me a question or two. Why's the weddin' and the coronation for yerself not th' same day?"

Alanna sighed. "Jon decided that it's better for the ceremonies to be separate. I'm not entirely sure of his reasoning. Could be that we'll attract more attention—drag out the advertising Jon's doing that he's marrying a legend and breaking all the rules and what-not." She rolled her eyes. Stefan chuckled at her.

"Ay, there could be sommat o' what the prince's tryin' t' do. But that don't explain why yer here now, th' day o' yer weddin'. Isn't that princess friend of your'n got sommat fer ye t' do?"

Alanna grimaced. "I'm sure she's got plenty for me to do. But… I just needed to be alone for one last time. Before it'll be impossible for me to slip away from everything. It won't be as easy after I'm officially married to the heir to the throne." She sighed very heavily. "Queen Alanna won't have as much freedom as Lady Knight Alanna."

"Nay, yer right. Come t' see Moonlight afore that, I suppose," Stefan nodded knowingly.

"Yes. Moonlight's only one of the few reminders I've got left that I'm a knight and not some stuffed doll."

"Surely, Prince Jon's got 'em all reminded yer Champion and what-not."

Alanna shook her head. "Jon's got too much else to worry about. Once the engagement was out of the way, there was all the planning for the wedding and the coronation, especially since the dolt decided it's to be separate."

"Haven't ye anyone else then?"

"I've got Thayet and Buri and Faithful," Alanna said.

"An' yer brother?"

Alanna shook her head. "No. I tried visiting him, but he's too busy. And Roger's always there. I can't stay around him much without wanting to kill him again. And Thom doesn't want my help. He's too damn proud. Never mind he's dying." Alanna gritted her teeth at the image of her pale, deathly-hot twin. If only his damned arrogance would burn away. If only he'd let her help him.

"There's sommat unnatural about a man that walks again. An' from tales, th' Duke wasn't much natural to begin with. But I'm right sorry t' hear 'bout yer brother, Mistress Alanna. What about th' Shang Dragon? There's still tales bein' bandied about of th' two of ye."

"Liam's gone. He can't stay in places for long time without getting restless. He's off to see what he can do to help Sarain. Said he'd be back in time for the coronation, though." Funny, Alanna hadn't thought much of Liam since his departure. She missed the big man, but was not heart-sore for him. Their time together had been brief and fun, but that was all. However, Stefan's mention of Liam Ironarm had brought back words he had spoken to her, just before she had given Jon the Dominion Jewel.

When you're queen of Tortall one day, you'll thank me.

Guess I ought to thank you, you bugger, Alanna thought, surprised at the sarcastic tone in her head. She wasn't unhappy she was marrying Jon, but she wasn't happy. Not the kind of happy that brides are supposed to be. She hated reminding herself that she wasn't your typical blushingly-in-love bride. Blushing really wasn't involved in her and Jon's kind of love…except when they tried to go to bed. They had tried a few times, and sure, it had been enjoyable. But Alanna had felt a void—they may desire each other's body, but it wasn't the same; it was different from when she had been with Liam, and George, and even before with Jon. There was no emotion in it now.

"Alanna? Alanna!" She could hear them calling her. They'd noticed her missing. Goddess! She must have looked anxious because Stefan peered at her nervously. "Want ter hide up there?" he suggested, pointing to the hay loft. The idea was tempting, and Alanna sorely wished she could. But she grimly reminded herself that as a knight, she had to face her opponent head-on. And this was going to be no different, except in battle, she could grimace and didn't have to look happy about it. This required her to hide her emotions behind a smile. She turned and met the unhappy eyes of Thayet.

"Alanna of Trebond and Olau, you are in so much trouble. Today is your wedding day! I've been hunting you all over the palace! I swear, by the Four Horse Lords—" Thayet began. But at one look at Alanna's face, she stopped and her anger faded from her features. Alanna was fighting back tears. "Are you okay?" she asked kindly.

Was she alright? Alanna wondered vaguely. It registered in the back of her mind that Stefan was still there and listening. Was she alright? Was she sane? Was she okay? The answer in her mind was a resounding NO. But she could not verbalize it, so she just shook her bowed head, trying to hold back the tears threatening to course down her cheeks.

"Oh, Alanna," Thayet said simply as she wrapped her arms around Alanna. "It will be okay. Everything will be fine."

Would it? Alanna wondered as she cried into her friend's shoulder. Would everything be fine?

I will be fine...if you review ;)