Summary: Alternative ItHotG. Before Alanna's father dies (while Alanna's at the palace disguised as a boy) he betroths her to Raoul of Golden Lake! How could Alanna have gotten out of that one? Pairing not decided yet. If you have a preference, how about review and tell me???

Disclaimer: All the characters, settings, everything belong to Tamora Pierce. This goes for any future chapters too.

Chapter One

Explanations

Alanna glanced quickly to either side of the hallway before knocking steadily on Duke Gareth's office door. She took a deep breathe contemplating whether this was a friends joke- it was highly unusual for the Duke to ask attendance of a squire this late at night. Judging by the black sky, it was a bit past midnight.

Duke Gareth opened the door, stepping aside to let Squire Alan in.

'What can I do for you tonight, your Grace?' Alanna asked, bowing quickly. A feeling in the pit of her stomach told her something was not right, as did the countenance of Duke Gareth.

'Alan, I have just received a very strange letter from your father, that I was hoping you might shed some light on.' Duke Gareth sank tiredly into his chair behind the desk, looking quizzically at Alanna's face.

A large lump formed in Alanna's throat. 'And how is that, your Grace?'

The Duke frowned. 'He has written to inform us, or shall I say "Thom", of your supposed "sisters" engagement to none other than Sir Raoul of Golden Lake.' Duke Gareth's frown deepened. 'Now how can you suppose this has come about? I did believe you only had a twin brother...'

Alanna licked her lips. She needed to think hard and fast. Looking about the office she grimaced, before turning her attention back to Duke Gareth. 'Oh, my sister?' Duke Gareth nodded. 'Yes... well, of course I have a sister.' Alanna met Duke Gareth's eyes, full of suspicion.

'Well then, I believe my congratulations are in order.' He replied.

'Thank you, your Grace.' Alanna felt her face redden, as her body filled with guilt at the lie.

'You are dismissed.'

... later ...

'Jon! What am I going to do?' Alanna sat on her night-masters bed, having just retold him the events of the evening. 'I'll bet Raoul finds out any day now and he'll want to know why I've never mentioned a sister before!'

'Oh Gods...' Prince Jonathan ran a hand through his hair, gulping down the rest of his wine. He leaned back into the armchair where he sat, stealing a glance at his friends face. She looked so vulnerable, so scared and tense. He wished so much to comfort her, hold her in his arms till everything was alright. But he couldn't do that. She wasn't ready.

'Jon?' Alanna pleaded, bringing his attention back to the matter at hand. 'What can I do?'

Jonathan looked around his room, desperate for an idea. He found none. 'I could send you away for some reason... to fetch me some Bazhir document... That would buy us two, maybe three weeks'

'And I come here in disguise instead...' Alanna leant her head against a bed-post. 'Pretend to be fresh from the convent, Squire Alan's older sister. But I cant possibly go through with a wedding!'

'You could act atrocious... Make it so Raoul would be the one to call off the engagement.'

Alanna looked at Jon horrified. 'That would bring disgrace to my whole family! Squire Alan would be a laughing stock!'

Jon looked worriedly at Alanna. He couldn't think of anything else to do! 'Do you think you could go through with this plan?'

Alanna closed her eyes. 'I suppose I might not have a choice. Lets go talk it over with George first.'

A/N: Ok, what do you think??? Please review and tell me! I realise it's a bit short, I'll try and make any more chapters longer!