(a/n: PLEASE if u read this, read my other story "The Final Battle"!!! PLEASE! That will be all. Oh yea, plz review and give suggestions!)

For a while the two knights rode in companionable silence, enjoying the scenery and reveling in the quiet. Whatever their appearance on the outside, however, both of their consciences were in revolt. Raoul knew he should question her about where she *was* headed, and where George was. Alanna had something different on her mind. The disguised tension finally broke when Raoul coughed meaningfully.

"I've been meaning to ask George something about…er… Baron Hrystude of Brokenpass, and--"

"Hush, Raoul. I know you too well to be fooled. George isn't home, if you must know."

He gave her a sidelong glance, unsure. She grinned recklessly at him. Raoul tried to smile, but failed. This troubled Alanna, since he was usually the first one to laugh.

"Alanna…" he began

She silenced him with a look and took a shaky breath. "Raoul, we've been fiends for a long time." He opened his mouth to speak, but she swing her horse around to bump him. Frowning, he quieted. What she was about to say must be serious. Meanwhile, Alanna scolded herself. The mood here had been relatively carefree, and she had doltishly made it tense and serious. Raoul gave her a worried look, so she continued. "I need your help. George

Left this morning, didn't say where to…He was furious at me. But…I love Jon. And---And…." she cleared her throat and wiped sweat off of her brow with the back of her hand. "Things NEVER used to be this complicated!" she laughed hoarsely.

Raoul reached over and patted her shoulder. "We'll take care of all this at the palace," he reassured her.

"You're a great friend, Raoul," she whispered. Her mare took that moment to bolt friskily, and Raoul, chuckling, pursued her.

They reached the outskirts of Corus later that day. Alanna fidgeted nervously. Raoul laughed. As they approached Palace Way, Gary joined them. The trio of friends trotted to the stables, where they un-tacked their mounts and walked to the Palace. Jon caught up with them as they were entering Alanna's Court rooms. He swept her off her feet, forgetting himself. With a jaunty smile and a nudge from Gary, he set her down.

"Will you come with me?" he asked her quietly.

She nodded. And hugged Gary. Raoul smiled at her. She smiled back and gave him a quick kiss. "Thanks," she whispered. He chuckled and tried to smooth the smile from his lips when Jon shot him a look of pure venom.

"I think Jon's jealous," Raoul whispered back to Alanna. She giggled and walked over to Jon. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately and lovingly. He placed his hands in her hips and kissed back. They wouldn't have stopped, but Gary waded in and pulled them apart. \

"Not in public!" he hissed. The King and his champion reddened. Jon grabbed Alanna by the rest, and she allowed herself to be pulled away from the sniggering Raoul and Gary.

Jon led her to his study. He opened the door, and Alanna got a glimpse of someone standing by the fire with their back to them.