The Proposal

"Yes"

Okay, in case my summary wasn't clear, this is a story about how things might have ended up if Alanna had said yes to Jon's proposal in the third book (The Woman Who Rides Like a Man). In case you've forgotten Alanna's refusal had a big impact on the story, because it meant she and George got together in Port Caynn, that Jon got together with Josianne, it lead eventually to Alanna meeting Thayet, Buri and Liam and perhaps most importantly, lead her to find the Dominion Jewel- none of which would have happened if she had said yes and became queen. Anyway, the idea occurred to me and so on a whim I thought I'd write it. And I may write some more, about if important things hadn't happened in the Immortals, Protector of the Small, Trickster or Beeka Cooper books.

I hope you like it! Please R&R.

George looked down in sadness at the letter in his hand. It had just been delivered by a young Bazhir boy. He had immediately recognized Alanna's careless script and eagerly opened the letter. George was always enthusiastic about news from his friend, and after the Jon had left with such clear intents of marriage, he was especially impatient.

When it had first been clear that Jon intended to propose to Alanna, George hadn't been sure what he had wanted the outcome to be. He loved Alanna, and was sure she would be unhappy in marriage; Alanna wanted freedom, adventure; marriage, even to Jon who would one day be king, wouldn't be able to give her that. But Jon was his friend, and it was painfully clear to him that Jon truly did love Alanna; George knew that if she refused him, it would be painful for his royal friend, and not simply because of wounded pride.

So George had sat and wondered and imagined every possibility he could conceive of how the situation would work out between his two friends. But despite this constant pondering, George had still been unprepared for when he opened Alanna's letter and finally discovered what her answer had been. He started down at the letter, unable to look past the three words that stood out against the pale page as if they were the only words written there.

I said yes.

George couldn't read anymore. He dropped the letter and instead turned his attention to his frothing pint of ale.

***

As she, Jon and Myles rode through the outskirts of Chorus, on their way back to the capital; Alanna couldn't get rid of the tight feeling in her stomach that made her unable to respond to Jon's smiles. Also making the ride uncomfortable were the thoughtful, intense and unsettling glances Myles was giving her. She refused to return his gaze, so instead Alanna tried to keep her mind off it, instead thinking of the time she had spent in the desert with the Bazhir. She smiled ironically to herself as a thought occurred to her; she had left Chorus looking for adventure and would now return, just a few months later with a father, a fiancé, as an ex-Bazhir shaman and a member of the Bazhir tribe, Bloody Hawk. She had certainly gotten adventure, though not the sort she had expected. With the happy thoughts of the friends she had made in the desert, Alanna barely noticed as their small party rode past the Dancing Dove, where George inside sat, still intent on his ale.

What did you think? I know it was short and a little strange but please review and tell me what you think!

Xxx