7 reviews for chapter 1, wow! Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed. It really meant a lot to me. I'll admit, I was very nervous about posting this story, but I'm glad people like it. Anyway, on to chapter 2! Not quite as long as chapter 1, but ah well.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own any of the characters from Eragon. I just own Alianna and a few random people I come up with along the way.

After taking a long bath, Alianna returned to her bed chambers. Trying to relax and take her mind off of the days events, Alianna took a scroll off the shelf and began to read. Reading was one of Alianna's favorite things to do in her free time. A couple of minutes later, Alianna heard a knock on her door.

"Come in" Alianna said.

In walked Emma, Alianna's chamber maid (Emma had also been Alianna's nanny when she was a child).

"I thought you might like some tea my lady." Emma said as she placed a tray down.

Alianna smiled, "Thank you Emma."

"Your welcome. How did your day go?" Emma asked.

"You mean you haven't heard?" Alianna said, giving Emma a strange look.

Emma nodded her head no. Alianna began to tell her what had happened that morning.

"I think it's a wonderful thing what you did." Emma said afterward.

"Really?" Alianna asked.

Emma nodded, "You're such a good person Alianna. So kind and gentle… not like Galbatorix at all." Emma gasped and quickly put her hand over her mouth, "I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have said that."

"It's okay Emma" Alianna said gently, "You know you can speak freely with me. I won't tell my father."

Emma breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank you. So… didn't you have your training with Murtagh today? Did that go well at least?"

"Hardly" Alianna said as she took a sip of her tea, "I swear Murtagh's main goal in life is to annoy me."

"You should take it easy on him my lady." Emma told her, "That boy has not had an easy life."

"I know" Alianna sighed, "In that sense, I do feel sorry for him. I know Morzan was terribly abusive and that his mother died when he was very young. But still… I wish my father wasn't making me marry him. I really don't want to. I don't love Murtagh. It's not fair! I should be able to decide for myself who I marry."

Emma gently placed her hand on Alianna's shoulder, "I understand. But give Murtagh a chance dear. Besides, I think the two of you make a lovely couple."

Alianna laughed at the idea, "I don't think so. But I'm stuck with him. Did you hear that my father has set the wedding date for a month from now? A month! I knew Murtagh and I were going to be married eventually, I just didn't think it would be that soon. What am I going to do?"

"I'm afraid there's not much you can do." Emma said, "Just try and make the best of the situation. At least, it will be fun planning your wedding. Especially the dress! Whatever you wear, I'm sure you'll look stunning. You're a beautiful girl."

Alianna turned around and looked at herself in the mirror. She had very dark red hair that flowed a few inches below her shoulders, and brown eyes. Alianna didn't look like her father at all. Galbatorix had black eyes and (while he was nearly bald now) in his younger days had black hair. Alianna figured that she looked like her mother. Suddenly, Alianna became very sad.

Emma looked at her with concern, "What is it dear? Are you ill?"

Alianna shook her head, "No, it's not that. It's just… Emma, can I ask you a question?"

"Of course"

"Did you know my mother?"

"No my lady. I didn't become your nanny until you were three years old."

"But you must have heard something about her."

"I'm sorry. I wish I did. Why do you ask?"

Alianna sighed, "I don't know. I can't help but think that things would have turned out differently if she were around."

"I think you turned out just fine."

"Thank you Emma. I just wish I had known her. I don't even know her name. Nobody ever speaks of her. Whenever I've asked Father, her gets angry and refuses to answer."

"I'm sorry" Emma repeated.

"It's alright" Alianna said, "It's not your fault. Anyway… I think I may lay down for awhile before dinner."

"Alright. Do you need any help?" Emma asked.

Alianna laughed, "Emma, I'm not a little girl anymore. I'm perfectly capable of taking a nap by myself."

Emma nodded, "In that case, I'll be on my way. If you need anything, you know where to find me."

"I know." Alianna said, "Thank you Emma."

Alianna changed into a more comfortable dress and then layed down on her bed. She thought about all the things she would have to deal with in the coming weeks as she slowly drifted off to sleep.