I resumed my studies, but then we went to Fief Meron—so we could learn about the Bazhir tribes since we'd probably end up fighting them someday during our lives as knights—better known as the Great Southern Desert. I knew that all of the other pages were competing to be selected as Jon, Alex, and Raoul, and Gary's squires, plus I knew Alanna would say yes when Jon picked her, but I didn't think any of them would want me as their squire—as a friend, yes, as a squire, no. Douglass of Meron asked, "Are you saying even Raoul won't pick you?" "Why would he pick me?" I demanded. Douglass said, "Raoul's been watching your training ever since he was made a squire and I wouldn't be surprised if he chooses you, Fabie." I glared at Douglass and he said, "I mean, Fabiethe." I grinned at him and he asked, "Why don't you like your nickname?" "'Cuz it's annoying." I replied, immediately.
Then Raoul told me he wanted me as his squire and I agreed. Then I told him that I was actually a girl, but he didn't believe me, and I asked, "You want me to take my shirt off?" "No! Keep your clothes on, please!" He yelled. I agreed and he said, "So how'd you keep that you're a girl a secret and who else knows?" "I cut my hair and bound my breasts. As for the second part, let's see—Thom, Maude, Alan, Coram, George and his mother—they recently found out—and Queen Lianne." "You told the Queen?" He yelled. "I had an emergency, and I didn't have time to go to anyone else. Plus I knew when she got up for her midnight snack." "Queen Lianne has a midnight snack?" "Yup." He agreed to protect my secret and then whispered, "Wanna hear another secret?" "Sure, as long as you're not gonna give a wet willy or something immature like that." I replied. "Fabiethe, you're going to be one of the best pages—squires-to-be—at Court." I hugged him and burst into tears and mumbled, "I've had a long day—a long four years—Raoul, is all." He nodded silently.