Chapter 7
Disclaimer: Not mine, all Tammy.
The morning was filled with official events and meetings between the royalties and diplomats. Jonathan tried to get a view of Alanna at the breakfast, but to no avail. First late in the afternoon did he have some time for himself. Most of the Tortallan delegates had gone to take a nap – the ball the day before had stretched out and they were already tired from the travel. They wanted to recharge before the night's events.
Jonathan thought of the places where he might find Alanna. He doubted she was allowed outside on such a shiny day, considering her now pale skin tone. And he was certain that she would not be found chatting or sewing with the other young ladies. So, he asked a servant to show him the lesser libraries – Alanna had always been fond of war history after all.
In the third try, third library that is, he found her, curled up in a windowsill with a book in her hands. She was wearing a pale green silk dress, with the neck cut out in a deep V-shape. White lacing covered the triangle at her chest, and pink embroidery bordered the edge where green and white met. It brought some rosy colouring to her cheeks. He noticed how her little nose still had the same shape as it had two years ago. How her cheekbones were in the same place, and how her lips were just the same as they'd once been, now that they weren't painted a dark red.
It calmed him somewhat, that he could recognize her better today. She was still miles away from looking like the girl, he and George had walked in on, all dressed up in Mistress Cooper's kitchen a few years back. But she looked more like herself today than she'd had the evening before, still beautiful, though. Like someone that could be Alanna, all grown up.
Not long after he'd entered, she looked up, cursed and started for the door.
"Are you really going to run from me again?" he asked, quirking up one eyebrow. He felt confident in teasing her, now that she looked like his Alanna again.
"I am not running! I simply do not wish to be in the same room as you!"
He reached out and grabbed her arm; "If only you'll listen for a moment – I can explain…" All arrogance and teasing was now gone from his voice, replaced by a serious look on his face.
Alanna didn't let him finish; "There is nothing that could ever justify what you did Jonathan. So, I'd rather not waist my time listening to your excuses!" With that she was out the door, before he could come up with a response.
Author's note: Hi. I just wanted to thank the ones who took the time to review, and all the people who has added my story to their favourites or story alert – you make my day =D
I promise there will be more action and Jonathan's explanation later on. All in good time. Heh.
