A/N: Sorry for the long wait, the very long wait. I've had extreme writers block with this story, again. And I can't say that it's completely gone. But I decided to give a little update, in hopes that new reviews will get rid of the writers block. Ok, so I hope you like, and please R&R! Thanks.

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters. They all belong to Tamora Pierce.

Chapter 11: Homecoming:

Alanna and Jonathan rode their horses over the last hill and could now see, in the distance, Tortall in all its glory. It looked beautiful, with the castle at its center and the sun setting behind it.

"We're home," Jonathan announced grudgingly.

Alanna gave him an heartening smile and allowed her horse to trot ahead. Jonathan followed her reluctantly. He didn't have much desire to return to a home that kept him from the one thing he truly wanted. But he had to keep that to himself; he had a kingdom to run and no matter what, he couldn't be selfish.

He had to think of his people. Only why did he think that Alanna would be best for his people. Despite all her protests he maintained that she would be a remarkable queen, just like Thayet, only Alanna was better equipped at protecting the people.

As they reached the gates they saw that their approach had not gone unnoticed. There, waiting regally, were the King's Own, with Raoul at there lead.

"You missed us then?" Alanna teased Raoul, as he escorted them towards the castle.

"Me? No, I'm only here on Thayet's request. She told me to personally see that you're safe or else she'd have my head. So you see I'm only here to protect myself," Raoul answered, chuckling to himself.

Alanna threw Jonathan a 'See, I told you so look.' And Jonathan responded with a look of his own; one that said, 'we'll see.'

"I'm only joking, I did miss you," Raoul admitted, when the two remained silent. "Except about the part of Thayet wanting to see you safe."

"All right, all right, Raoul, we believe you. Now let's get home," Alanna said, patting her good friend on the back.

They rode the rest of the way to the castle, telling Raoul their story in the desert. Finally about fifteen minutes later they arrived within the castle walls.

Alanna smiled encouragingly at an apprehensive Jonathan as they stepped into the main hall and were greeted by a delighted Thayet and a relieved looking George.

"Thank the Goddess, you're safe," Thayet hailed, as she embraced Jonathan openly in front of the court.

To see that sight made Alanna feel uneasy and also unsure of all Jonathan told her. But then she saw a handsome man standing off to the side watching the King and Queen in obvious disdain, and she knew Jonathan might be right again.

"Alanna," she heard her name called and was brought back to reality.

"George!" she exclaimed genuinely happy to see him. He came to embrace her and added a passionate kiss as well.

When they released Alanna noted how quick Thayet was to push away from Jonathan.

"We hail the return of our King and of course King's Champion," Thayet announced. "But a long journey requires a long rest. We shall send the two to their rooms."


Thayet scurried around her bedchamber as Jonathan looked on. 'Where is the woman I fell in love with?' he thought to himself. Other then the brief embrace they shared when he first arrived, she'd not shown him any affection.

But he wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. He really did; but seeing Vincent, the man from Tusaine and Thayet's old acquaintance, did not help.

"So…I was thinking of spending all of tomorrow with the children and you of course," Jonathan started, taking Alanna's advice.

Thayet suddenly stopped what she was doing and turned to stare at her husband. "Oh, I am sorry Jonathan, but I have made arrangements to show Vincent around Tortall."

Jonathan could not believe his wife. "Thayet, he has been here for over a month and he has not seen all of Tortall yet?" He tried not to sound furious.

"Jonathan?" Thayet questioned, not liking his tone.

"Who is more important to you Thayet? Please ask yourself this question and get back to me when you've found the answer," Jonathan answered stiffly and then left the room.

"Jonathan!" she called out.

But he didn't stop; he needed to get as far away from her as possible. He needed so many things. But the one thing he really needed was Alanna. And it killed him to know that at that precise moment she was probably in the arms of her own husband.


"It is very nice to have you back," George commented, as he and Alanna lay lazily on the bed.

"Yes it is. I am very happy to be back too," she confessed. Being alone with Jonathan in the desert was a little too intense for her. She liked being back in George's arms where everything made sense.

In his arms she loved him and he loved her. It was simple as that. And the little voice that kept knocking in her head telling her that she also loved Jonathan was momentarily silenced.

"Tomorrow we should go back to the children," George suggested.

'Back? Away from the castle?' Alanna thought frantically. 'Away from Jonathan?'

She wasn't sure if she was ready to leave his side.

"George," Alanna suddenly spoke up. "I think I need to get some air."

She started to get off the bed as George looked on in confusion.

"All right," he started. "We'll go have a walk."

"No," she said a bit abruptly. "I need to go alone." His face fell, and the confusion did not waver. "I'm sorry George. I just need some time to think."

He gave her a small smile in understanding. Getting off the bed he came to her side and placed a kiss on her forehead. "Come back to me soon."


Well that's it. Not the greatest chapter by far, I know. But it's a little something to get me going again. So I hope you enjoyed, at least somewhat. Let me know what you think.

Thanks to every single one of my reviewers: megmae, ReadingRobyn, eridani (thanks for reading again), charlie and lola, Scarlet Mage, The Angel of Serenity, Chisato Kawahara, winky-wink, xAvenirYuinax, Dreammergurl2007, borednow, EmeraldKnight Lover, Lady Knight Maud, Lady Eros, USNA, Galadriel Hermione Potter (I read the sixth book too it was sad), bookworm44, maliaphire, Ontopofcloud9, buttons7, Chisakami Saiyuki, and FanfictionFantom. Sorry to keep you all waiting.

I'll try to update much sooner.