Who is George Cooper, The Rouge. from In the Hand of the Goddess and what is their importance?

George Cooper, the King of Thieves, owns a tavern called the Dancing Dove and knows everything that is happening in the kingdom. He has a number of spies who are loyal to him. George is in love with Alanna and wants to marry her, and he isn't at all shy about telling her how he feels. He makes sure that Alanna's messages to her brother are delivered and rides as her escort when she goes to find Thom in the City of the Gods.