Kel's vision cleared, and she realised she was standing in the same palace hallway, but surrounded by a group of boys that she'd never seen before.

"Where did you come from?"

Kel jumped. She knew that voice. "My lord?" she asked, and peered at a much younger looking Raoul of Goldenlake. Her eyes widened as she realised she was looking at younger versions of her knight-master, the prime minister, the king, and –

"Lioness!"

Alanna blinked, taken aback. "I don't know you, and I don't know what you're talking about."

"Could I have a word?" Alanna reluctantly followed her a short distance away, and Kel bent down to whisper in her ear. "I know you're a girl."

Alanna gasped and shoved her away. "Go away and leave me alone! I've never even seen you before."

"No, please listen." She lowered her voice again. "The Goddess sent me here."

"Why?"

"She said I'd realise soon enough, and I think I know now. I'm your cover-up."

"My what?"

"To make your lie seem more believable." Kel smiled, and leaned down to kiss her.