The next morning, rumors were flying all over the castle about what might've happened the night before. Some of the maids were saying that Alianna and Murtagh had had a huge fight and Argus tried to break it up. Even more were saying that Murtagh had caught Alianna and Argus in bed together.

As Alianna woke up, she could hear all the whispers in the hall. She tried to ignore them as best she could as she got up and got dressed. Murtagh hadn't returned to their chambers during the night. Alianna knew that she would eventually have to talk to him again, but he had already begun his training for the day, so it would have to wait.

A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door. Alianna opened it and saw that it was Mary, one of her servants.

"Good morning my lady." Mary said. "I hope I didn't wake you."

"You didn't." Alianna replied. "I've been up for a few minutes."

Mary held out a small tray. "I brought you some breakfast." She set the tray down on a small table in the corner of the room.

"Thank you." Alianna said. She saw that Mary was about to make her bed, but she stopped her. "Mary, it's alright. I can do that myself." She began pulling up the sheets.

"You shouldn't be doing such things." Mary told her. "You're a princess."

"Yes, but like I told you, there are things I can do for myself. Besides, you work hard enough as it is. I appreciate everything you do for me."

Mary smiled slightly. "Thank you."

Alianna could tell that Mary wanted to ask her something. "What is it? You know you can speak freely with me."

Mary nodded and then asked. "Are you alright my lady?"

"I'm fine." Alianna assured her. "I take it the other servants have been gossiping about me. News sure seems to travel quickly around here."

Mary looked at her sympathetically. "I'm sorry. I've asked them to stop, but they won't. It's not right what they're doing. What goes on between you, Murtagh, and Argus is your business."

"I wish more people felt that way." Alianna sighed.

"Is there anything I can do for you?" Mary asked.

At first Alianna said no, but then she asked Mary if she would find out where Argus was and how he was doing.

"Of course." Mary said. "I'll be back as soon as I can."

Mary returned awhile later and told Alianna that Argus was in his chambers resting.

"Is he alright?" Alianna asked.

"I don't know my lady." Mary replied. "All I could find out was where he was."

"It's alright." Alianna said. "Thank you Mary. You're dismissed."

Once Mary left, Alianna sat down and ate some of her breakfast. She then decided she would go and visit Argus to see how he was doing.

Alianna knew where Argus' chambers were, although she had never actually been there before. As she walked down the hall, she had to endure all the stares and whispers from everyone. She glared at a few people until they stopped, but for the most part she ignored them. When she approached Argus' chambers, Alianna made sure no one else was around before she knocked on the door.

"Just a moment." Argus said.

A minute later Argus opened the door slowly. Alianna took a step back when she first saw Argus' face. All around his nose and under his eyes were large purple bruises. His nose was also swollen. There was no doubt that it was broken.

Argus had a surprised look on his face as he spoke. "Alianna, what are you doing? You shouldn't be here."

"I had to see if you were okay." Alianna said.

"I'm fine." Argus replied. "Are you alright?"

Alianna nodded yes and then asked. "May I come in?"

"That's not a good idea. People are already talking about us."

"It can't get any worse." Alianna told him. "Please?"

"No Alianna!" Argus insisted. "It's not proper for you to come into my chambers."

"But I need to talk to you."

"I mean it. I can't risk-"

Alianna interrupted him. "Argus, please!"

Argus sighed. He knew he should stand firm and tell her no. But there Alianna stood, pleading with him with her eyes. Those big brown eyes that he swore would be the death of him one day.

Argus finally, against his better judgment, gave in. He poked his head out the door, looked both ways down the hall and then said. "Alright, come in." He looked around one more time to be sure before he slowly closed the door.

Compared to Alianna's chambers, Argus' were quite small. There wasn't much in there other than a bed, a table and chairs, and a few books. Alianna stood there awkwardly, not knowing whether to sit or to keep standing.

Finally, Argus said. "Please, sit down."

Alianna sat down in one chair at the table, while Argus sat down in the other.

"I'm a little surprised to see you." Argus said. "I thought you'd still be upset."

"I am," Alianna replied. But she had calmed down a little since last night. "Argus, how could you-"

"Wait. Before you say anything else, I need to apologize. I was angry at Murtagh for what he did to you and when I saw him, I just snapped. UI shouldn't have done that."

"You're right," Alianna agreed. "I could've handled Murtagh on my own."

"I know." Argus sighed. "I just couldn't stand seeing you so upset. I had to do something."

"Argus, I'm not a little girl anymore. I can take care of myself. I know what Murtagh did was wrong, but you can't always protect me."

"It's my job to protect you!" Argus said, sounding a little angry. "I've been doing it for the last fifteen years. Do you really expect me to stop now?"

"Argus, please. I don't want to fight with you. I've had enough of that lately."

Argus nodded. "You're right. I'm sorry."

"It's alright." Alianna said. There was a brief silence before she spoke again. "Can I ask you a question?"

Argus smiled at her. "Of course."

"When Murtagh asked you if you loved me, you took a long time to answer him. Why is that?"

Argus shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "I think you've been here long enough. You should go."

Alianna folded her arms across her chest. "I'm not going anywhere until you answer me."

Argus looked away from her. "Alianna, please don't make me answer that question. You may not want to hear it."

"I do." Alianna assured him. "Argus, I promise I won't get upset."

Argus was hesitant, but then took a deep breath and said. "Alright, I'll say it. I do love you Alianna. I lied to Murtagh when I said I didn't love you the way he thought."

"Argus, I…" Alianna didn't really know what to say.

"Please, let me explain." Argus insisted. "You know that my parents died when I was young, not that much younger than you are now."

Alianna nodded. Argus had told her a few years ago about what had happened. It made her sad to think about it. She felt sorry for Argus.

Argus continued. "What you don't know is that a few years after my parents died, I lost someone else who meant the world to me. I was devastated. I felt so lost after that. I decided to put everything into my training in the army in order to distract myself from everything. It worked to an extent and I even rose above the ranks rather quickly.

Around that time, Galbatorix hired me to be your guard. I'll never forget the first time I saw you. You were so frightened and when you looked at me, it's almost as if you were pleading with me to help you. How could I say no? Since that day I've devoted my life to protecting you.

Over the years, as you know, we've become very close. I never thought I'd be close to anyone again. But it wasn't until about a year before you married Murtagh that I realized that I love you more than just as a friend."

Alianna tried to take everything Argus had just told her in. So Murtagh had been right all along. Alianna shifted in her chair again. She realized now that coming to Argus' chambers wasn't such a good idea. She should've listened when Argus had told her no.

"I'm making you uncomfortable aren't I?" Argus asked after seeing the look on Alianna's face. "I'm sorry. I promise, I won't act on this. You're married. And even if you weren't, princesses aren't suppose to end up with their guards."

Alianna could tell just by looking into Argus' eyes that his heart was breaking as he said this. "Argus, I do love you. You know that." She did. Argus had always been there for her, even when she didn't deserve it. Perhaps a part of her did love Argus in the same way that he loved her.

"But not as much as you love Murtagh. He's the one you can't live without."

Alianna sighed. "Murtagh and I aren't exactly speaking at the moment."

"I know that." Argus said. "It was a terrible thing what Murtagh did. But I know that deep down, despite how he's acting, he really loves you."

"He's been so angry though."

"I'm sure I haven't helped the situation. Perhaps if I wasn't around…"

Alianna looked at him strangely. "What are you saying?"

"I think I should step down as your guard. Things are going to be awkward now that you know how I really feel. And it's only a matter of time before Murtagh and your father find out."

Alianna couldn't believe it. "Argus no! You can't leave. You're my friend. I need you. Besides, if you leave, who's going to keep me out of trouble?"

Argus forced a smile as she said this.

Alianna smiled back. "You're not leaving Argus. I won't let you."

"Alright, I won't." Argus said. "I should've known you'd be this stubborn."

"Friends?"

"Friends."

Alianna looked at Argus' nose again. She wasn't sure if she could heal broken bones with magic, and she was about to experiment on Argus. Alianna knew she could heal bruises and offered to heal Argus', but he refused.

"You've been sick." he said. "I don't want you using up your energy on something like that."

"Are you sure?"

Argus nodded.

Alianna stood up. "Alright. I think I'm going to go to the stables and visit Bella." It had been awhile since Alianna had seen her horse.

"I'll come with you." Argus said.

Alianna shook her head no. "Argus, you have a broken nose. You should rest."

"Yes, but you shouldn't be going alone."

"I'll ask one of the other guards to go with me."

"Are you sure?" You're not just saying all of this because of what I told you?"

Alianna assured him that that wasn't the case.

"Alright." Argus said. "Whoever the guard is, try not to give him a hard time."

Alianna smiled at him and then left the room, checking first to make sure no one was around.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

When Alianna returned from the stables later that day, she was surprised that Murtagh was there. Galbatorix apparently had to meet with some of his magicians, so Murtagh's training had ended early. Alianna talked to Murtagh, but things between them were still very tense. While he tried to apologize for what he did to her, he wouldn't apologize for breaking Argus' nose. After that, Alianna and Murtagh barely talked to each other for several days. Murtagh had returned to their chambers, but he slept on the floor. While Alianna didn't want to be anywhere near him, she knew people would get suspicious if they slept in separate chambers.

Argus returned two days after he had told Alianna that he loved her. Things were a little awkward between the two of them for awhile, but eventually things went back to the way they use to be. Argus and Murtagh were another story. They remained civil to each other when Alianna was around, but when they thought she couldn't see them, they would give each other angry looks. One time Alianna even overheard them arguing again.

Alianna's life certainly was very stressful at the moment. She didn't think she could handle much more.

Then one night Alianna woke up feeling terribly nauseous. She hadn't been feeling well for weeks, but tonight was the worst. She barely made it into her bath chambers in time before she keeled over on the floor and began to vomit. This lasted only for a minute or two, but to Alianna, it felt like and eternity. Afterward, she slowly stood up and looked into a mirror.

Alianna was taken back when she saw her reflection. Her face was extremely pale.

"What's wrong with me?" she thought as she splashed some cold water on her face.

Alianna cleaned up the vomit on the floor as best she could and then slowly made her way back to bed. Murtagh, who had been fast asleep on the floor, woke up as soon as Alianna walked by him.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"I don't feel good." Alianna answered.

Murtagh turned over and looked at her. His eyes widened. "You look horrible!"

Alianna rolled her eyes. "Thanks Murtagh."

"That's not what I meant. How long have you been sick?"

"Awhile." Before Alianna could say another word, she clamped her hand over her mouth and ran over to a nearby pot and vomited. Murtagh was immediately at Alianna's side, holding her hair back and out of her face.

Panic filled Murtagh's voice. "Alianna? What's wrong? Please be okay. You have to be. I can't…"

But Alianna wasn't able to answer him at first. The vomiting continued for awhile and she found herself gasping for breath when it finally did stop.

Murtagh helped her up. "I'm so sorry."

"Why?" Alianna asked. "It's not your fault that I'm sick."

"It is. If I hadn't been away so much lately, you wouldn't have gotten so upset to the pint that you've made yourself sick. I should've tried harder to meet up with you that night. Then none of this would've happened."

"What are you talking about?"

Murtagh then began to tell Alianna what had happened that night. Just when Murtagh thought his training was over for the day, Galbatorix wanted to keep going. Murtagh told Galbatorix of the promise he made to Alianna, but he demanded Murtagh stay. When he refused, Galbatorix told him that he would hurt Alianna if he didn't do as he said. Murtagh didn't have much of a choice then.

After hearing all of this, Alianna asked. Why didn't you tell me when you got back?"

"I tried to." Murtagh said. "But you wouldn't let me. You were too upset to listen and I don't blame you. I'm sorry about that night. I'm sorry for everything that's been going on lately. I never meant to hurt you. I love you Alianna. You know that right?"

If it were still that horrible night, Alianna wouldn't have been so sure. She remembered how angry Murtagh had been and the way he had charged at her with an almost evil look in his eyes. But now, he wasn't angry at all. His voice sounded gentle as he spoke. Alianna knew he was back to being the same Murtagh she had fallen in love with.

"I know." she told him. "I love you too."

Murtagh helped Alianna over to their bed since she was feeling a little faint. He gave her a cup of water and she drank it in small sips.

"Thank you." Alianna said as she finished the water and set the cup down on a table.

"Your welcome." Murtagh replied. "I should go get one of the healers to look at you."

Alianna grabbed Murtagh's arm to stop him. "I don't need a healer. I'm sure I'll feel better in the morning. Please, we should just go back to sleep."

"We?" Murtagh asked.

Alianna looked at him. "Do you really want to keep sleeping on the floor?"

"No." he told her.

Alianna motioned for Murtagh to join her on their bed, which he did.

"Are you sure you don't need a healer?"

"I'm sure." Alianna said. She layed down on the bed with Murtagh and snuggled into his arms. The two of them fell asleep soon after.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

When Alianna woke up in the morning, Murtagh was already gone. However, Argus was sitting in the corner of the room.

Alianna sat up, "Argus? What's going on?" Lately, Argus waited in the hall until Alianna came out to him.

"Murtagh asked me to keep a close eye on you today." Argus explained. "He says you're not feeling well again."

"Did he really? I thought the two of you weren't speaking to each other."

"Normally we're not. But he's worried about you. So am I. Are you feeling better?"

"Yes," Alianna lied. The truth was she still felt sick.

Alianna couldn't tell whether or not Argus believed her. He just nodded and had one of the servants bring up her breakfast.

As she sat down to eat, Alianna asked, "When did Murtagh leave?"

"A few hours ago."

Alianna was surprised, "A few hours ago? How long was I asleep?"

"Awhile," Argus answered, "Murtagh didn't want to wake you. He said you looked exhausted."

Alianna felt exhausted. It had certainly been a rough night. She then looked down at her breakfast and started to eat. After only a few bites, that familiar nauseous feeling came over her. Alianna stood up.

Argus looked very concerned, "Alianna, what's wrong?"

"Nothing," Alianna said, "Excuse me." She quickly made her way into her bath chambers and began vomiting. This episode was worse than the night before. It lasted off and on for several minutes and was so severe that Alianna found herself shaking afterward. It was at that moment that Alianna knew that something was seriously wrong. She had no choice now but to go and see a healer.

There were several healers in the castle, but Alianna couldn't go to any of them. If she did, she knew there would be gossip and the news would quickly get to Murtagh. Alianna didn't want him to worry- he already had enough to deal with. She had no choice but to sneak into the city and try and find a healer that wouldn't recognize her. But first, she would have to get past Argus. Alianna knew that Argus would never take her into the city if she asked.

Alianna cleaned herself up and then stepped back into her bed chambers.

Argus came over to her, but before she could say anything, Alianna spoke. "I'm alright. Really, I am. Could you give me a minute alone please? I'd like to get dressed now."

Argus nodded. "Of course."

As soon as Argus left the room, Alianna quickly changed into the most casual dress she had. After that she put on her dark cloak and grabbed a small bag with some gold coins in them. Then she opened a window and climbed down a long rope she had securely attached to her bedpost. Luckily, Alianna's chambers weren't too far up in the castle and she made it to the ground quickly. Once there, Alianna put the hood of her cloak over her head and began walking towards the city.

The streets of Uru'baen were crowded, as it usually was during this time of day. Alianna tried to make her way through the crowd, glancing all over hoping to find some sort of healer. She looked all over for about half an hour and was about to give up. Suddenly, she spotted a woman, who appeared to be around forty or so, outside a large tent. The woman was giving a mother, carrying her young son, some kind of herbs.

"Give your son some of this." the woman said. "And he should start feeling better in a few hours."

The mother thanked her profusely and once she had left, Alianna approached her.

"Excuse me. You're a healer, right?"

"Yes, I am."

"I'm not feeling very well. I don't know what's wrong with me. Please m'am, I need your help."

The woman smiled at her. "First of all, my name is Kathryn. Why don't you come inside dear and I'll take a look."

Alianna stepped into the tent and looked around. There was a table set up with all sorts of herbs and other remedies. In the corner were two small beds. Alianna removed her cloak and sat down on one of them.

"You must be new around here." Alianna said. She had never seen Kathryn around Uru'baen until this day.

"Yes," Kathryn told her. "I arrived only a few days ago."

"What brings you to Uru'baen?"

"I'm just passing through. I travel from city to city trying to help as many people as I can."

"That's very kind of you."

"Yes, but enough about me. What's your name?"

"Elizabeth." Alianna said, giving her the first name that popped into her head. Kathryn seemed very nice, but Alianna couldn't risk letting anyone know who she really was.

"Well Elizabeth, what seems to be the problem?"

As Kathryn examined her, Alianna told her how she was too sick to eat much these last few weeks and that she always felt exhausted. She then mentioned how she had been vomiting on and off since last night.

"Hmmm," Kathryn said. "When was the last time you menstruated?"

Alianna hadn't really given it much thought lately. The truth was, it had been awhile. She just assumed that it was because she had been under so much stress.

When Alianna told her all of this, Kathryn nodded and said. "I think I know what's going on."

Alianna felt a little scared. "Is it serious? What's wrong with me?"

"There's nothing wrong with you dear." Kathryn laughed.

"Then what is it?"

Kathryn looked at Alianna and smiled. "You're pregnant."