A/N I actually did chapters in order this time. This one picks up just after Thayet visits Alanna in the desert. Hope you like it!
And thank you for the kind reviews. I really appreciate it!
"You can't raise taxes on our exports, it will cripple the entire industry!"
"Your fiefdom is already benefiting most from the current excise tax!"
Jonathan peered out the window, having given up on trying to pay attention. Gary always handled the complex financial squabbles anyway. He was an excellent prime minister. Jonathan was just there because the high-ranking noblemen were entitled to the king's presence.
All of a sudden he perked up as he spotted a lone figure with midnight hair riding into the courtyard.
"Forgive me, my lords, I have urgent business to attend to," Jonathan said abruptly as he strode out amid the protests of the lords.
He met her just inside the door.
She smiled and ran into his arms, kissing him, heedless of the others passing through the hallway.
"Mmmm, that's a good sign," Jonathan remarked.
"Yes," Thayet replied simply.
"Have dinner with me tonight? There's something I need to ask you."
"I would love that."
They kissed again, oblivious to the wide-eyed maids and nobles alike scurrying off to spread this most excellent gossip.
That evening, they sat cuddled by the fire in Jonathan's sitting room.
"So you, the crown prince of Tortall, really stood on a table in the middle of a tavern and sang 'The Bear and the Maiden Fair' while trying to balance a pint of ale on your head?" Thayet asked incredulously.
"The thieves didn't want to dice for money that night, so we diced for dares. I lost. I paid my debt," Jonathan responded.
"An no one recognized you?"
"People see what they expect to see. I can't believe Alanna told you that story."
"I can't believe you had a whole little double life."
"I know how it sounds, but I must admit, I'm incredibly glad for those times. How can I rule my kingdom if I don't know its people? And if I'm being completely honest, it was fun. Johnny could do a lot that Prince Jonathan couldn't."
"I can't believe Alanna let you get away with that."
"Get away with it? She's the one who introduced me to George in the first place and the one who added the bit about having the ale balanced on my head. Bet she didn't tell you that part!"
"No, she didn't."
"I have my share of embarrassing stories about her that I've been too much of gentleman to tell, but now that she's sharing all about me…"
"Oh, yes, do tell!"
"Although, on the other hand, I guess I owe her one for bringing you to me." He kissed Thayet's hand amorously. "So perhaps I'll hold off for now. I've done my best to return the favor, but George sure is taking his time."
Thayet gave him a disappointed look before asking, "George is taking his time with what?"
"Marrying Alanna, of course. Granted, I didn't bring them together the way Alanna did for us, but I've done everything in my power to smooth their way."
"Wait, George and Alanna? Are you sure?"
"Yes. You didn't know? Alanna didn't say anything?"
Thayet just shook her head.
"I could be wrong, but I don't think so. He's loved her for gods know how long. She was distracted by yours truly for a long time, but since we've parted, I've no doubt she loves him too."
Thayet sat dumbstruck for a second. "She didn't say a word about him when I was with her, just now or before she left for the desert. How is it possible that I have been so oblivious to every aspect of Alanna's love life? I didn't realize they were more than good friends. And I was so sure that she loved you. I think I'm her first real female friend, and I'm failing her miserably."
"Thayet, you were brought to a strange land with no clue what your future would look like. No one can blame you for being preoccupied," Jonathan said reasonably. "And for someone with no mind at all for court games, Alanna can be surprisingly hard to read." His earnest look turned to a self-satisfied grin, "and it's only natural that you would think any woman madly in love with me."
Thayet made a face at him and replied, "Is that so, your majesty?"
He just laughed and grinned down at her.
"If that's true, then why aren't they together now?" Thayet asked, still trying to remember if she had ever sensed anything between them.
"Alanna has a lot to sort out, and I suppose George doesn't want to act too soon. And perhaps he's concerned about the same thing you were."
"And you want them to be together?"
Jonathan nodded. "I want them to be happy, and I think they're right for each other. They're the same kind of unconventional. And if I'm honest, I'm hoping he hurries and up and fetches her back. I miss having them around, and I miss you having friends here besides Buri and me. And so many of my other childhood friendships have become so political."
"You mean you want someone to dare you to dance on tables with ale on your head again?" Thayet asked with a mischievous smile.
"Sadly, I think my ale-topped-performance days are over, but yes, I need people in my life who won't let me take myself too seriously even if I am the king...Which is one of many reasons I'm so completely in love with you, princess."
Thayet blushed slightly at the compliment, then smiled impishly at him, "I'll do my best, but that is a tall order for such a powerful king. I guess it's a good thing that now I know your embarrassing secrets."
He just laughed warmly in reply.
"I do want to be that for you though, Jonathan," Thayet said seriously.
Jonathan gave her a light squeeze then pulled back so he could better look her in the eye. "Thayet, joking aside, I am perhaps the most powerful man living, but what Alanna knew and others seem to forget is that with that power comes constant scrutiny, court politics, and suffocating etiquette. And if that wasn't enough, being with me also means having to put up with a spoiled king who I'm told can be quite moody."
Thayet returned his smile as he continued, "I considered having a thousand doves and roses and minstrels ready to greet you on your return for a storybook-worthy proposal, but then I realized that grand ceremony would fill the rest of our lives together if you consent to be my queen, so I offer you this instead.
He slid down to kneel before her and took her hands in his. "Princess Thayet Jian Wilima, you are as wise and brave and compassionate as you are beautiful. You have lived through enough to make any person hard-hearted, but instead, you have opened your heart even further. I love you with all of my being, and I can't think of anyone more worthy of being co-ruler of my kingdom."
"You have found an escape from the immense responsibility of the crown, but I ask you to take up that mantle again, and serve alongside me as my wife and my queen. I can't promise you an easy life, but I can promise you a chance to make a lasting difference for an entire kingdom, and I can promise you my undying love and admiration for as long as I live. Thayet, my love, will you marry me?"
Thayet squeezed his hands and met his eyes. "I thought all I wanted was freedom, but then I met you and experienced your kingdom. I'm not sure I'm ready for such a responsibility, but this I know: everything I have I pledge to you and to Tortall. I love you more than I can say, and I will gladly be your wife."
Jonathan kissed her softly, then harder and swifter. Abruptly he pulled away and asked, "Would you like a thousand doves and roses, because I can tota-" She rolled her eyes before cutting him off with another kiss.
"I have everything I want right here," she said when they broke apart.
She pulled him back up to the seat next to her and rested against his chest, realizing that after all she had been through, she had finally found a place that felt like home.