A/N This chapter actually takes place between Trickster's Choice and Trickster's Queen, but it focuses on Alanna, Jonathan, and George. Also, I guess I should warn you that this does have spoilers for Trickster's Choice, but seriously, if you haven't read that yet, get off of Fan Fiction and go read the real thing! ...and then come back because I'd love to hear what you think of this chapter. ;)

Jonathan entered Alanna's tent to find her and George embracing. They quickly broke their hug and bowed deeply.

Jonathan acknowledged the gesture and dismissed it with a wave of his hand. "George, it's so good to see you again. What news? Is Aly alright? Have you brought her home?"

George sighed heavily. "Yes, and no. She's physically fine, but I'm afraid she's mixed up in something rather complicated."

Jonathan raised his eyebrows as George and Alanna exchanged a look. They owed him the full story.

"If you have a few moments, Sire, let's sit down," Alanna started.

Alanna looked at the king nervously. She had full trust in his friendship, but she was still apprehensive about telling him that her daughter was involved in revolutionary espionage in the Copper Isles. And he looked so tired. This was just one more thing to worry about.

George gave her a reassuring look and repeated all Aly had told him.

"So there's about to be a coup in the Copper Isles and Aly is at the center of it? I hope - for her sake and for the rest of the country- that they're successful," Jonathan replied.

He was silent for another moment and then he let out what can best be described as a giggle.

"Sire?" Alanna questioned cautiously.

He put his hand over his mouth, but soon his small outburst quickly grew to a full belly laugh.

"Jonathan?"

"Jon!"

Alanna couldn't decide if she was more worried or offended.

"I sincerely apologize," Jonathan got out between laughs.

Finally, he mastered himself. "I am so sorry. I know this is no laughing matter. It's just that- this was bound to happen, wasn't it?"

At Alanna and George's quizzical looks he continued, "At her age, you, George, had already worked your way up to becoming king of thieves in Corus. And you, my dear Champion, had killed the Ysander, saved my life several times, and been an integral part of ending the Tusaine War, all while successfully hiding your true identity. What did you think would happen when the two of you procreated? We all really should have seen this coming."

Alanna did not look amused, so Jonathan calmed fully. "I am sorry for the anxiety this is causing you and the danger she's in. We must keep this a secret, but know that you have my full support if you find any way to help her. If there's anything you need, you have only to ask."

"Thank you. I had started thinking through plans to aid her without giving her away," George replied.

"Of course. Keep me informed. Or don't. Whatever you think is best in this case. You know you have my full trust," Jonathan said seriously.

"Thank you, Jonathan," Alanna said softly.

Jonathan strode toward them and swept Alanna into a tight hug in one arm while gripping George's hand firmly with the other. "She was born of unmatched parentage, and she's had the best teachers. She'll come out of this unscathed, and the world will be all the better for it."

When Jonathan left the tent, George couldn't keep back a small laugh himself. Alanna glared at him, but he continued to smile. "He's right you know. We should have seen this comin'. Probably serves us right for what we put our own families through."

Finally, Alanna smiled too. "If this gods-damned war ever finishes, we should do something extra nice for Coram, Myles, and Eleni."

"That we should, my Lioness. That we should."