Disclaimer: As usual nothing here is mine (what a pity). It all belongs to
Tamora Pierce and I am making no profit from this.
Gee, I never suspected I'd gain so much abuse over that last chapter - but at least it was all because I ended it too soon.
Huge, massive, chocolate coated apologies for not getting more up sooner, but I'm setting out to get it all written and up tonight which is a bit of an undertaking. I'm not just lazy though - I do have several reasons for not updating. It's exams this week and has been a evil quagmire of assessments for the last few weeks. I've also been creatively drained by an original story I've been writing feverishly for the past two weeks. Anyway, I'm back now and hope to keep the updates more regular. I'm also slowly approaching the thought of writing the next chapter of Old Lovers in the near future so watch out for that too.
I'd also like to apologise for the masses of soppiness in chapter five - a little here and there is fine - but I think I went a little overboard.
Thankyou all for the reviews - I loved them - and thankyou for your continuing support.
One of the main reasons for updating this is that I desperately need a beta reader/sounding board for an original story I'm writing. I want someone who can read my drafts and pick up any grammar/spelling errors, but mainly I want help with my plot and characters, and just someone to bounce ideas off and gain perspective on my story. Hopefully someone who'll become as obsessive about it as I am. I don't want someone who'll just say 'I like it - kill off such and such cos they annoy me.' I'm looking for someone who can offer relevant constructive criticism - and doesn't mind a fair bit of reading as it looks like being quiet long. If you're interested please email me - I'm a very friendly person and look forward to hearing from you.
And without further ado:
Alanna's Baby by Blue Mariah
Chapter 6
"Well." Jonathan exhaled, when they were finally alone. He had drawn her away, ducking and weaving the avoid the glance of friends and courtiers. He lead her into a small round courtyard, closed in by a canopy of bare branches from which hung pale cream lanterns. He turned to face Alanna, surveying her lilac clad form "You look like an angel." He stepped forward and wrapped an arm around her waist. She breathed in deeply, revelling the scent of him. It was a masculine scent; a mixture of leather, soft soaps and clean clothes, which reminded her strongly of her page days. She nestled contentedly into his strong embrace.
"You don't look a thing like a knight right now, Sir Alanna." he murmured in her ear. She grinned into his shoulder, wondering how everything had turned so blessedly right.
"I'm quite enjoying being a lady, actually, your highness."
"So am I." He brought his face close to hers, staring intently into her eyes and kissed her tenderly.
She smiled up into his profound blue eyes.
"I mean it, Alanna, I'm really glad you came back, and I don't know why I was carrying on so much."
Alanna looked up in mock flirtation from under lowered lashes.
"Jealousy?" she suggested cheekily.
"Maybe, Lady Knight." Said Jon, regarding her with an intense gaze and as a small smile played around his lips. Alanna smiled, flattered by the attention he was paying her, but slightly bemused by it.
"Why all the fuss, Jon?"
"What?"
"The carriage and the roses, and the introductions that defy every point of social etiquette we ever had hammered into us?"
"Why?" he asked, toying with a strand of her hair. He looked directly into her eyes "Because I love you, Alanna the Lioness. I was a fool and I almost lost you. I took you for granted and never appreciated everything you were…are." He looked downward, as if abashed. "And I never want to risk that again."
Alanna was taken aback. Such a frank outpouring of feeling was unusual from Jon, but the serious look in his eyes convinced her he was genuine. He drew in a breath as if gathering himself for the finale of his speech.
"I know I pressed the marriage question, which was wrong of me. But, I want you to know, you're the only one I want, and I'll wait for you if I have to. I don't ever want to be without you beside me."
Alanna drew in a deep shaking breath, balancing on the verge of tears as happiness and terror battled inside her. She smiled weakly and blinked a little. Jon looked at her with all the tenderness she'd ever seen in him and wiped her eyes.
She smiled, then laughed a little, and finally clung onto Jonathan as if he were the most precious thing in the world. He clung to her almost as tightly, relieved and overjoyed. He turned her face, and kissed her, the sweetest, most loving kiss they'd ever shared, filled with relief and joy and passion and desperate fear at how close they'd come to never sharing that moment.
"Well, I'm glad to see you two have made up!" exclaimed a joking voice from behind them. Gary stood in the courtyard gateway, a startled lady in pink on his arm. The pair of lovers broke apart and both laughed at Gary and his astonished lady. They slipped guiltily around the pair and Jon patted his cousin heartily on the back as they left.
Outside they both collapsed into laughter again. It was as if no time had passed since they were carefree youths together. They composed themselves shortly, and Gary came running up behind them.
"Where's your lady friend?" asked Alanna, grinning mischievously.
"That was Lady Gloria, wasn't it Gary?" asked Jon as his cousin blushed crimson. "Head full of air and a chest like…well, saving a lady's presence." He grinned at Alanna, who punched him cheerfully.
"I didn't think that was your type, Gary." Alanna remarked pointedly, a grin threatening to burst onto her face.
The three friends laughed and walked cheerfully into the banquet.
* * *
The guests stood around, waiting for the food to be served. There was a quiet chatter amongst the courtiers, and Alanna was aware that she was attracting attention. She stared resolutely back at the courtiers who stared and whispered about her sudden reappearance.
"Well, well, look who's back." Alanna jumped and turned quickly. Alex had sauntered up behind them. He took Alanna's hand and kissed it. The gesture threw Alanna. None of her friends had reacted this smoothly, but what should she have expected from Alex?
"Alex." She smiled, feeling decidedly uncomfortable. Something in the way Alex had looked at her gave her the shivers. He had always had that ability to make her uneasy.
"I'll see you later, Sir Alanna." Said Alex quietly as he slipped away into the crowd and everyone began to take their seats for dinner. Alanna watched him with a worried feeling in her throat.
* * *
It later in the evening, after the banquet when the dancing had started. Alanna was watching, standing quietly to one side of the dance floor. Myles came to stood beside her. She smiled a radiant, happy smile. The first real smile Myles had seen since she returned. He was relieved to see it. He'd been quiet worried about his adoptive daughter, but from the look of things, the little talk he'd had with Jonathan had satisfactorily turned things around.
"Enjoying yourself?" he asked.
"Yes." She glanced around absently and suddenly someone caught her eye.
"Is that…" she began. Myles chuckled.
"I wondered when you two would run into each other." Alanna let out a rather unladylike whoop of delight and ran across the ballroom, throwing herself at her startled brother. He caught her up in his arms and they hugged tightly.
"Alanna!" he exclaimed. "I didn't' know you were back from the desert."
"Last week." She explained. "Why didn't I see you at the banquet?"
"I was…absorbed in my study and forgot the ball." Alanna sighed at her brother's scholarly preoccupation.
"Anyway" said Thom, smartly turning the subject. "It's wonderful to see you." he lowered his voice. "I understand you and his highness had a…shall we say disagreement."
"Yes." Answered Alanna vaguely. Her eye had been caught by Jonathan's gaze across the ball room, and they stood gazing at each other over the throng of people.
"But I see you've made up." Finished her brother, assessing the exchange. "When's the wedding?" he asked jokingly. Alanna looked at him with such alarm that he realised that he's unknowingly touched on something.
"Are…?" he floundered lost of words.
"Shhhhhh!" said Alanna. "No we're not, but…" she looked around her frantically, worried that someone had heard him. "Keep your voice down and your ideas to yourself." She hissed.
Thom raised his eyebrows.
"I can't explain now." she said, begging him to leave that particular subject alone. Thom shook his head in defeat, recognising when he would not gain a skerrick of information out of his secretive twin.
"Anyway, come and talk."
* * *
It was several hours later when Jon dragged Alanna away from her twin and onto the dance floor. He smiled down at her, his hand resting lightly on her waist as he looked into her smiling face.
"Having a nice evening?"
"Yes. It's better to be back than I expected." He pulled her a little closer and Alanna was aware of the spectacle they were making of themselves. Everyone was a little shocked by the closeness of the Prince and his scandalous former squire.
Jon leaned down and whispered in her ear, causing another rustle amongst the watching nobles.
"Got to give them some scandal to talk about." Alanna laughed quietly, resting her head on Jonathan's shoulder. She felt so incredibly comfortable and safe. There were still a lot of problems to be dealt with, but for tonight it was enough that Jon loved her, and that she was here with him.
* * *
They walked quietly though the palace gardens, relieved to be rid of the staring eyes for a while. Eventually they came to a familiar stone bench where they had met once before on such a night. Jon turned to Alanna and she stood on tiptoes, pulling his head close to hers and kissing him softly. His hands wrapped slowly around her, feeling her soft curves through the dress. She surrendered herself to the incredible feeling welling inside her. He kissed her fiercely, pulling her close to him. She clung to him, wanting nothing more than to be held in his arms, and wishing there were no further complications than this, but knowing they were impossible to avoid.
"Jon." She pulled away and the prince kissed and nuzzled her neck.
"Jon." She asked, trembling. "Make love to me tonight." He pulled back and looked at her, clearly surprised by her forward request.
"I don't want to be alone. I don't want to be without you. I'm so scared"
"Are you alright?" he asked, genuine concern wrinkling his brow.
"I…" she faltered and sat down. "Have you ever thought, Jon, that things might be more complicated that you think?"
"What? Is this about being queen?"
"Sort of, no, yes." Alanna felt lost, plummeting so quickly from rapturous joy to despair and confusion.
"You don't have to worry Alanna. That's not what's important, and it's not what you should think about to make that decision. I'm not asking you to be my queen. I'm asking you to be my wife." He looked at her earnestly. Everything I do is for this kingdom. You, you're the only thing...I feel like I don't have any choice in loving you. It's all I know how to do. I don't do it because I think it's best for the kingdom. I love you for you, and I need you more than anything. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Become an arrogant, snobbish royal?" she suggested. He snorted, but the heavy atmosphere didn't lift. They sat in silence for a while.
"Something I couldn't figure out…" Jon began quietly. "Why did you come back?"
"What?" asked Alanna, sharply.
"Someone," Jon blushed and she knew he probably meant Myles. "said you had a reason for coming back now, and that when the moment seemed right, I should ask you."
She swallowed hard.
"There was a reason." She began. The night was very quiet around them, and the air cold and frosty. Alanna pulled her cloak tighter around her. "I have something very important I need to tell you."
* * *
A/N Oooh - I'm cruel again. Will she won't she tell him??? You don't know and neither do I to tell the truth. Hopefully now that my life has slowed down to a reasonably paced roller-coaster I'll have more time to update. Keep hoping and it might happen - that's what I tell myself. Anyway, thankyou all again.
Please, please leave me a review, and if you're interested in being a sort of beta reader-ish person drop me an email with something to do with that in the subject,
looking forward to hearing from you,
Many thanks again to everyone,
BM
Gee, I never suspected I'd gain so much abuse over that last chapter - but at least it was all because I ended it too soon.
Huge, massive, chocolate coated apologies for not getting more up sooner, but I'm setting out to get it all written and up tonight which is a bit of an undertaking. I'm not just lazy though - I do have several reasons for not updating. It's exams this week and has been a evil quagmire of assessments for the last few weeks. I've also been creatively drained by an original story I've been writing feverishly for the past two weeks. Anyway, I'm back now and hope to keep the updates more regular. I'm also slowly approaching the thought of writing the next chapter of Old Lovers in the near future so watch out for that too.
I'd also like to apologise for the masses of soppiness in chapter five - a little here and there is fine - but I think I went a little overboard.
Thankyou all for the reviews - I loved them - and thankyou for your continuing support.
One of the main reasons for updating this is that I desperately need a beta reader/sounding board for an original story I'm writing. I want someone who can read my drafts and pick up any grammar/spelling errors, but mainly I want help with my plot and characters, and just someone to bounce ideas off and gain perspective on my story. Hopefully someone who'll become as obsessive about it as I am. I don't want someone who'll just say 'I like it - kill off such and such cos they annoy me.' I'm looking for someone who can offer relevant constructive criticism - and doesn't mind a fair bit of reading as it looks like being quiet long. If you're interested please email me - I'm a very friendly person and look forward to hearing from you.
And without further ado:
Alanna's Baby by Blue Mariah
Chapter 6
"Well." Jonathan exhaled, when they were finally alone. He had drawn her away, ducking and weaving the avoid the glance of friends and courtiers. He lead her into a small round courtyard, closed in by a canopy of bare branches from which hung pale cream lanterns. He turned to face Alanna, surveying her lilac clad form "You look like an angel." He stepped forward and wrapped an arm around her waist. She breathed in deeply, revelling the scent of him. It was a masculine scent; a mixture of leather, soft soaps and clean clothes, which reminded her strongly of her page days. She nestled contentedly into his strong embrace.
"You don't look a thing like a knight right now, Sir Alanna." he murmured in her ear. She grinned into his shoulder, wondering how everything had turned so blessedly right.
"I'm quite enjoying being a lady, actually, your highness."
"So am I." He brought his face close to hers, staring intently into her eyes and kissed her tenderly.
She smiled up into his profound blue eyes.
"I mean it, Alanna, I'm really glad you came back, and I don't know why I was carrying on so much."
Alanna looked up in mock flirtation from under lowered lashes.
"Jealousy?" she suggested cheekily.
"Maybe, Lady Knight." Said Jon, regarding her with an intense gaze and as a small smile played around his lips. Alanna smiled, flattered by the attention he was paying her, but slightly bemused by it.
"Why all the fuss, Jon?"
"What?"
"The carriage and the roses, and the introductions that defy every point of social etiquette we ever had hammered into us?"
"Why?" he asked, toying with a strand of her hair. He looked directly into her eyes "Because I love you, Alanna the Lioness. I was a fool and I almost lost you. I took you for granted and never appreciated everything you were…are." He looked downward, as if abashed. "And I never want to risk that again."
Alanna was taken aback. Such a frank outpouring of feeling was unusual from Jon, but the serious look in his eyes convinced her he was genuine. He drew in a breath as if gathering himself for the finale of his speech.
"I know I pressed the marriage question, which was wrong of me. But, I want you to know, you're the only one I want, and I'll wait for you if I have to. I don't ever want to be without you beside me."
Alanna drew in a deep shaking breath, balancing on the verge of tears as happiness and terror battled inside her. She smiled weakly and blinked a little. Jon looked at her with all the tenderness she'd ever seen in him and wiped her eyes.
She smiled, then laughed a little, and finally clung onto Jonathan as if he were the most precious thing in the world. He clung to her almost as tightly, relieved and overjoyed. He turned her face, and kissed her, the sweetest, most loving kiss they'd ever shared, filled with relief and joy and passion and desperate fear at how close they'd come to never sharing that moment.
"Well, I'm glad to see you two have made up!" exclaimed a joking voice from behind them. Gary stood in the courtyard gateway, a startled lady in pink on his arm. The pair of lovers broke apart and both laughed at Gary and his astonished lady. They slipped guiltily around the pair and Jon patted his cousin heartily on the back as they left.
Outside they both collapsed into laughter again. It was as if no time had passed since they were carefree youths together. They composed themselves shortly, and Gary came running up behind them.
"Where's your lady friend?" asked Alanna, grinning mischievously.
"That was Lady Gloria, wasn't it Gary?" asked Jon as his cousin blushed crimson. "Head full of air and a chest like…well, saving a lady's presence." He grinned at Alanna, who punched him cheerfully.
"I didn't think that was your type, Gary." Alanna remarked pointedly, a grin threatening to burst onto her face.
The three friends laughed and walked cheerfully into the banquet.
* * *
The guests stood around, waiting for the food to be served. There was a quiet chatter amongst the courtiers, and Alanna was aware that she was attracting attention. She stared resolutely back at the courtiers who stared and whispered about her sudden reappearance.
"Well, well, look who's back." Alanna jumped and turned quickly. Alex had sauntered up behind them. He took Alanna's hand and kissed it. The gesture threw Alanna. None of her friends had reacted this smoothly, but what should she have expected from Alex?
"Alex." She smiled, feeling decidedly uncomfortable. Something in the way Alex had looked at her gave her the shivers. He had always had that ability to make her uneasy.
"I'll see you later, Sir Alanna." Said Alex quietly as he slipped away into the crowd and everyone began to take their seats for dinner. Alanna watched him with a worried feeling in her throat.
* * *
It later in the evening, after the banquet when the dancing had started. Alanna was watching, standing quietly to one side of the dance floor. Myles came to stood beside her. She smiled a radiant, happy smile. The first real smile Myles had seen since she returned. He was relieved to see it. He'd been quiet worried about his adoptive daughter, but from the look of things, the little talk he'd had with Jonathan had satisfactorily turned things around.
"Enjoying yourself?" he asked.
"Yes." She glanced around absently and suddenly someone caught her eye.
"Is that…" she began. Myles chuckled.
"I wondered when you two would run into each other." Alanna let out a rather unladylike whoop of delight and ran across the ballroom, throwing herself at her startled brother. He caught her up in his arms and they hugged tightly.
"Alanna!" he exclaimed. "I didn't' know you were back from the desert."
"Last week." She explained. "Why didn't I see you at the banquet?"
"I was…absorbed in my study and forgot the ball." Alanna sighed at her brother's scholarly preoccupation.
"Anyway" said Thom, smartly turning the subject. "It's wonderful to see you." he lowered his voice. "I understand you and his highness had a…shall we say disagreement."
"Yes." Answered Alanna vaguely. Her eye had been caught by Jonathan's gaze across the ball room, and they stood gazing at each other over the throng of people.
"But I see you've made up." Finished her brother, assessing the exchange. "When's the wedding?" he asked jokingly. Alanna looked at him with such alarm that he realised that he's unknowingly touched on something.
"Are…?" he floundered lost of words.
"Shhhhhh!" said Alanna. "No we're not, but…" she looked around her frantically, worried that someone had heard him. "Keep your voice down and your ideas to yourself." She hissed.
Thom raised his eyebrows.
"I can't explain now." she said, begging him to leave that particular subject alone. Thom shook his head in defeat, recognising when he would not gain a skerrick of information out of his secretive twin.
"Anyway, come and talk."
* * *
It was several hours later when Jon dragged Alanna away from her twin and onto the dance floor. He smiled down at her, his hand resting lightly on her waist as he looked into her smiling face.
"Having a nice evening?"
"Yes. It's better to be back than I expected." He pulled her a little closer and Alanna was aware of the spectacle they were making of themselves. Everyone was a little shocked by the closeness of the Prince and his scandalous former squire.
Jon leaned down and whispered in her ear, causing another rustle amongst the watching nobles.
"Got to give them some scandal to talk about." Alanna laughed quietly, resting her head on Jonathan's shoulder. She felt so incredibly comfortable and safe. There were still a lot of problems to be dealt with, but for tonight it was enough that Jon loved her, and that she was here with him.
* * *
They walked quietly though the palace gardens, relieved to be rid of the staring eyes for a while. Eventually they came to a familiar stone bench where they had met once before on such a night. Jon turned to Alanna and she stood on tiptoes, pulling his head close to hers and kissing him softly. His hands wrapped slowly around her, feeling her soft curves through the dress. She surrendered herself to the incredible feeling welling inside her. He kissed her fiercely, pulling her close to him. She clung to him, wanting nothing more than to be held in his arms, and wishing there were no further complications than this, but knowing they were impossible to avoid.
"Jon." She pulled away and the prince kissed and nuzzled her neck.
"Jon." She asked, trembling. "Make love to me tonight." He pulled back and looked at her, clearly surprised by her forward request.
"I don't want to be alone. I don't want to be without you. I'm so scared"
"Are you alright?" he asked, genuine concern wrinkling his brow.
"I…" she faltered and sat down. "Have you ever thought, Jon, that things might be more complicated that you think?"
"What? Is this about being queen?"
"Sort of, no, yes." Alanna felt lost, plummeting so quickly from rapturous joy to despair and confusion.
"You don't have to worry Alanna. That's not what's important, and it's not what you should think about to make that decision. I'm not asking you to be my queen. I'm asking you to be my wife." He looked at her earnestly. Everything I do is for this kingdom. You, you're the only thing...I feel like I don't have any choice in loving you. It's all I know how to do. I don't do it because I think it's best for the kingdom. I love you for you, and I need you more than anything. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Become an arrogant, snobbish royal?" she suggested. He snorted, but the heavy atmosphere didn't lift. They sat in silence for a while.
"Something I couldn't figure out…" Jon began quietly. "Why did you come back?"
"What?" asked Alanna, sharply.
"Someone," Jon blushed and she knew he probably meant Myles. "said you had a reason for coming back now, and that when the moment seemed right, I should ask you."
She swallowed hard.
"There was a reason." She began. The night was very quiet around them, and the air cold and frosty. Alanna pulled her cloak tighter around her. "I have something very important I need to tell you."
* * *
A/N Oooh - I'm cruel again. Will she won't she tell him??? You don't know and neither do I to tell the truth. Hopefully now that my life has slowed down to a reasonably paced roller-coaster I'll have more time to update. Keep hoping and it might happen - that's what I tell myself. Anyway, thankyou all again.
Please, please leave me a review, and if you're interested in being a sort of beta reader-ish person drop me an email with something to do with that in the subject,
looking forward to hearing from you,
Many thanks again to everyone,
BM