Disclaimer: I don't own it. Sorry.
Author's Note- I'm just going to flat out say it: there will be OOC parts. Don't like it? Don't read it. I don't like going OOC, but I will at times. Learn to deal with it. (Sorry if that sounds so mean…) Anyway. Manicpony24 suggested I try a Terrier fic. Any other opinions? I was thinking of maybe trying an original fic…
Alanna wandered back to her room, feeling a little bit lost. She wasn't sure how she should feel. Should she be relieved that she didn't have to go behind anyone's back anymore? Should she be sad that she wasn't marrying George soon? Should she be happy that she could be with Jon again? Or should she be mad that George and Thayet couldn't just let them forget it and move on? She was confused to say the least. When she reached the door to her chambers, she looked at the plaque outside, with both her name and George's on it. Her eyes filled with tears. They would have to change the plaque once she moved into the royal wing.
Yes, she was moving to the royal wing. She was King's Champion, so there was a room there for her, but she was also going to give whatever she had with Jonathan another try, so it just made life easier. Thayet would move to another room, its location yet undecided. Alanna sighed as she opened the creaky door for the last time. The sheer white curtains flapped as a cool September breeze blew through. Alanna shut the door and started to pack her things, attempting with little success to keep her composure. She heard the door open and close.
"Hello," she greeted, hoping it was George.
"Packing already?" Thayet asked, sounding more than a little surprised. Alanna looked at her (ex?) friend.
"Yes," Alanna answered. "I may as well get it over with before George comes back." Alanna continued to put things in her bags.
"You aren't moving very far," Thayet reminded the Lioness.
"I know." An uncomfortable silence stretched between them. "I'm sorry, Thayet," Alanna murmured.
"There's nothing to be sorry for," Thayet said, moving to help Alanna. She folded breeches and placed them in the bag, avoiding Alanna's eyes. "I should be the one sorry."
"No." Alanna shooed the woman's hands away. She preferred to pack for herself. "Jonathan and I are the ones wrong here. We're the ones who hurt you and George. I don't deserve for you to come in here and be my friend."
"Yes you do!" Thayet embraced Alanna. "Gods, Alanna, you're one of my best friends. Sure, I'm hurt, but I can't say that I didn't know you might still have feelings for it. I probably would've done the same thing." Alanna raised her eyebrow. "OK, maybe not. But, Alanna, really. I'm upset, yes. But upset enough to say that I can't be friends with you anymore? Not a chance." Thayet put her hands on the shorter woman's shoulders. "You and George will be friends again, in time." Alanna shrugged.
"I don't know," she said. "I'm almost afraid to be friends with him now."
"Why?" Thayet resumed helping her friend pack.
"Because look what happened when Jon and I tried to be friends," Alanna answered, going to gather more of her clothes.
"Alanna, honestly," Thayet said, "what are the chances of that happening again?"
"I don't really think I want to find out," the Lioness told her friend, closing her packs. "Anyway. Are you going to stand there chatting or are you going to help me move?"
"Gods, no need to get short," Thayet grumbled. Alanna eyed the woman.
"Short?" she asked. "This is hardly short. And, besides, I object to the term," Alanna sniffed.
"Oh, well, excuse me, Sir Knight!" Thayet teased. Alanna glared good-naturedly. They left the room, each carrying some of Alanna's things.
"Ouch!" Alanna exclaimed as she ran into someone on the stairs and nearly fell down the flight. "Excuse you!" She looked up into George's hazel eyes. "Oh, George. Sorry." She stepped aside to let him through.
"No, it was my fault." He glanced at the bags. "Can I help with those?"
"No," Alanna replied quickly.
"Of course!" Thayet answered at the same time. The exchanged a look.
"I mean, there's no need for that, George, thank you," Alanna said. "We can handle them. Right, Thayet?" She eyed the former princess. Thayet shrugged.
"All right then." George continued on his way. Thayet glared at Alanna.
"You should've let him help!" she hissed. "You should still be friends!"
"I told you," Alanna whispered. "I don't think it's a good idea!" Thayet rolled her eyes.
"Let's finish getting you moved," she said. "I still think you're crazy."
"I've been called that before," Alanna muttered, following Thayet up the stairs.
"Love is whatever you can still betray. Betrayal can only happen if you love."—John le Carre
George entered the room that, just hours ago, he had shared with the love of his life, Alanna. The emptiness of the room hit him like a stonewall. Alanna's things were no longer strewn around. Her breeches were not lying in the middle of the floor. He opened the door to the closet and found only his clothes, not Alanna's few dresses. Looking around, he felt very, very alone. With a sigh, he closed the window. Alanna liked fresh air in the room, he couldn't have cared less. He shut the door and drew the curtains, wanting it to be as dark as possible. When the room was sufficiently dark, George sat down heavily on the bed and put his head in his hands. He felt like he should cry, but no tears rolled down his cheeks. He still loved her, and he hoped that, maybe, just maybe, she might still love him.
Author's Note- I changed the summary to include the quote above, which I think sums up the story pretty much perfectly. Thinking of a title change—suggestions?