Author's Note: Thanks for being so supportive throughout this whole long process. I'm thinking about a sequel, but don't get your hopes up; I'm taking a break after working so hard to finish this! Anyway, I'm sorry if it didn't turn out the way you wanted it, but hey, that's life. Actually, I wrote the last chapter differently, read all my reviews, and changed it. Didn't I say somewhere in the beginning that I'd let the readers decide? Whatever.

Epilogue: In Dreams

Alanna the Lioness rode slowly through the city streets of Corus on her golden mare, Moonlight. Her black cat Faithful sat perched in his cup attached to her horse's saddle. It was near dark and many shops had closed for the night, though many taverns and inns were just getting busy. It was to a tavern/inn she was headed: the new Dancing Dove, now also known as the Rising Phoenix.

A scene played itself in Alanna's mind: her last words with George Cooper, some weeks before. She had told him how she had to talk to Jon and straighten out everything before they could take their blossoming relationship any further. He had been supportive, but acted almost like she was leaving for Jon and not coming back to him.

Jon hadn't been as supportive, but at last she had made him understand. He did understand that what she was doing was in the best interest of Tortall, which had recently become very important to him. Alanna knew he'd find someone else to love, someone who would make a good wife and Queen. His parents had been a completely different matter; Alanna actually thought they were quite relieved, but a little angry that she had "turned down" their son.

She checked her pocket watch and smiled. At that exact moment Rispah should be handing George the letter she had written to him a day before. Everything was going according to plan.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

George Cooper sat staring into the fire silently while the rest of the Rogue carried on in celebration of the new Dancing Dove/Rising Phoenix, standing above the ashes of the old one. He didn't see any reason to celebrate; he missed his love. His cousin, Rispah, sat down beside him and handed him a rolled-up piece of parchment without saying anything. She patted him on the back and left him alone again. Curious, he unrolled the paper.

Dear George (the note read),

I'm sorry I haven't kept in touch with you these past weeks,

it's just been busy getting everything straightened out. I

hope everything's in order with the Rogue. Please tell

everyone again that they have my sincerest thanks.

George smiled, recognizing Alanna's handwriting. He was so absorbed in the letter that he didn't notice how quiet it had become; all the Rogues in the room had eyes on him.

I hope you're not angry that it took me so long to finally

realize that I love you as more than a friend. And now

that I know that you're the one, I want to spend the rest

of my life with you. I hope you still feel the same way.

George's brow furrowed in confusion. Of course he felt the same way! And what was she getting at?

This must make no sense, so why don't I just tell you

myself?

George looked up to see the doors open and Alanna enter and smile at him as their eyes met. He forced himself to tear his eyes away from her loveliness for a few more seconds as he finished the letter.

I just have one thing to ask of you, and I hope that

it's not too much. After all we've been through, and

all we'll be through together in the future, I only hope

that you'll always save the last dance…

Alanna stepped forward and wrapped her arms around George's neck as he kissed her gently and lovingly. The room erupted in loud cheers as the Rogue celebrated the happy couple…and the note drifted to the floor.

…for me.

Love,

Alanna