The fluffy chapter. Very, very fluffy. Oh, and I can't really write how George talks, so this is my pathetic attempt.
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Chapter 9: Healing
Alanna leaned against the stone wall, eyes closed. It seemed so long ago now…. Only weeks ago. Wounds were still healing, physical and emotional.
She'd acted stupid. She'd let anger blind her, let Roger fool her, and now Thom was dead. Just like his uncle before him…
George had been away on some mission. He was coming back today, he would see her, now, for the first time since Roger had returned. Alanna opened her eyes, and faced the road. She'd have to see him sometime. There he was, his horse cantering down the dirt road towards her.
He wouldn't know yet. Not… until tonight. No one had told him, on Alanna's request. She'd had some fakes made up a while ago- and they made her feel like a slut. Like the late Josiane of the Copper isles, who constantly stuffed her bra. But without it she felt… Exposed. Though almost everyone knew already.
It's stupid, she told herself. George loves you for you, not for your body. Face it. You're afraid he'll walk off because you're not pretty enough to suit him. Alanna's cheeks burned. Yes, alright, I am. I know he loves me, but… But what? She argued again. You're only making a fool out of yourself worrying yourself to bits like this.
Alanna knew it, she'd been reciting it over in her head for the past six weeks. But…
George was right up at the fief, now, and he jumped off his mare and ran to embrace her. Alanna hugged him back, all doubts going away for the moment.
~*~
Alanna and George were in their room, sitting on the bed.
"What's troublin' you, lass?" George asked, brows furrowed. He put his arm around her.
Alanna shook his arm off and stood up, facing him. Slowly she unbuttoned her shirt, letting it, the corset and the fake breasts fall to the floor, revealing the half-healed scars on her chest, and braced herself.
George stood up and cupped her chin in his hands. "Alanna, I knew when I married you that I'd be sleepin' with a woman with a few missin' body parts some day. I think it's far better to lose your chest than lose your legs and mope about not getting' to fight anymore. And if you think I wouldn't love you because you did your duty, then I can prove how wrong you are."
And he proceeded to do just that.
~*~
Queen Kalasin, sole monarch of Tortall, sat on her throne, hands clenched in front of her to hie their shaking. I can't handle this, she thought. They're all going to hate me, I know it- because I'm female, because of what I've done- oh, gods.
Bit by bit she went through the audience, expecting an outburst of fury at any moment. But none came. I- I think I can do it. Maybe- just maybe- I can do it. I did so much to be Queen, and by the Black God and the Goddess, I'm going to stay Queen. And I'll never, ever need anyone to help me. I am Kalasin of Conté, Queen of Tortall.
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Hey, that's the end! I might, just might to a sequel. Maybe. Anyway, review! Oh, and don't say Alanna was being silly. Remember how it hurt her when Jon said she was unfeminine? It's bad enough, being a female warrior- but having your chest hacked of… whatever! Flame if you must, I REALLY don't care. And thanx to all my awesome reviewers! I was positive I'd get nothing but flames for this!