She pushed the thought from her head. Jon didn't want to marry you. You're not proper and ladylike like other girls.
Alanna looked the Prince straight in the eye as he drew closer. Suddenly she was angry.
"What are you doing here?" she snapped.
"Since it's my kingdom I would say I have more of a right to walk here than you." He laughed at her expression. "If you really must know, I'm just getting out of the palace. Sometimes I feel trapped in there. I always have to be King Jonathan; I never get to be just Jon."
"I thought this is what you wanted. You make a great King."
"It is what I want. Just… something's missing. I don't know what yet." He grinned down at her, "So what have you been up to? I haven't heard about you saving the country recently. Getting tired of picking up everyone else's slack?" He asked.
"Not at all, there's just nothing to save." She said.
"So what are you doing then?"
"Nothing. That's the problem. I don't like not doing much for so long."
"Will you move back into the palace then?" he asked, "I miss my best friend. You'll be entertained… there's no shortage of things to do at court. George can come visit" Jonathan looked away as he said George's name.
"Speaking of George… how are you and Thayet doing? I've heard your officially courting her now." Alanna asked.
"Thayet's amazing. She's so strong. She would make a great Queen."
That comment made Alanna feel uncomfortable, but she didn't know why.
Jonathan must have seen her face, "It's too bad her country won't except her as Queen."
Oh, she thought, he didn't mean Queen of Tortall. But why would it matter if he did? You said no, he can marry whoever he wants. She kicked a pebble down the street in frustration. The thought of Jonathan marrying made her sick.
"Are you okay Alanna? You looked upset." Jonathan commented.
"I'm fine, sorry," she swallowed, "Thayet is good for you. She's your type."
The Prince frowned, "People keep saying that… what is my 'type' Alanna?"
The lady knight looked down, "Um… pretty? Good at dancing? Those seem to be the types you go for."
"You give yourself too much credit. You're very pretty, but not good at dancing."
"I wasn't counting myself."
"Why not? What I had with you was more real than what I had with Delia. Or with Josiane, who I only used to make you jealous…" Jonathan cleared his throat, and Alanna blushed and looked down.
They walked for a few minutes in silence.
"We're back." Alanna commented. They had made a full circle and arrived at The Dove.
"Alanna…" she looked up at him. He reached down and hugged her, "I'm just so glad I didn't lose you. And I'm sorry. For everything."
He didn't explain, but Alanna knew what he meant.
"Me too. I'll move back into the palace," she said.
"Good, because I'm having a meeting with my councilors tomorrow night and you have to be there as my Champion."
"Who are your councilors?" She raised an eyebrow questioningly.
"Gary and Raoul."
"Raoul?"
"He practically begged to come," Jonathan answered.
"I'll be there."
She turned and walked into The Dove.