(A/n: I'm sorry if you're confused at this point…let me try to clear some things up. Alanna got with Jon, because when she was sick she realized that she wanted him… the whole time. She may have thought she loved George, but a near-death experience taught her that she loved Jon. Meanwhile, when Jon saw HER, he also realized he loved her. When Thayet left (She didn't go anywhere in particular…maybe back to sarain…I'll have to think about that) Jon was a free man. That's why Alanna and Jon hooked up so fast in Corus. Next, when I said it was crucial that George saw them sleeping together, it was. Right now it may not seem like it. In fact it probably seems like the story is going nowhere. That's why I'm writing this next chapter. FINALLY, you must have realized that it was a killing-machine that attacked Alanna. She has no recollection of that day, that's why no one is aware of them. Now read)

Escera smiled at George when they entered his rooms. He grinned back and pulled off his tunic. She giggled and enticingly lay on the bed. With a sigh of longing he sat next to her and brushed a wayward strand of hair away from her riveting blue eyes.

"Where did you come to me from?" he asked her suddenly.

She frowned, her beautiful features shadowed, and coughed delicately. "Well, I used to live on the Coast of the Emerald Ocean (a/n: or was it the inland sea? I cant remember where the Copper Isles are) and then I lost a family member and came here. My brother knew you, so I thought you would give me safe harbor." She put a pouty look on her face.

George looked thoughtful. "What's yer brothers name? Shem, by chance?"

"Oh…no. His name was Tast. Yes, Tast. Tast was killed in your army."

"Tast, eh? Never heard of him."

Escera looked away. "I'm sure you have George, how else would I know to come to you? Now, come warm me. I am cold."

George frowned, deep in thought. *How did he recognize her face? And who was this Tast?* With a shake of his head, he banished all of his suspicions. Escera must not catch on about why he shared a bed with her.

The next morning, George managed to escape from Escera long enough to take a trip to the Practice Courts. He planned on exercising with one of the Squires, but hoped that some strange twist of fate brought Jon there that day. He wanted to 'practice' swords with the King again. This time he wouldn't be beaten.

To his disappointment, Jon was not practicing. However, Alanna was.

"Mornin', Lass," he said, bowing mockingly.

She scowled and turned away. "Kennan!" she called to one of the squires. "A bout?"

The redhead turned white and started babbling, trying his best to get out of a practice duel with the Lioness. George would've smiled if he weren't so vexed with her.

The squire's friends pushed him forward. Ruefully, Cleon drew his practice sword and waited for Alanna to approach him.

"Wait, Kennan," George commanded from the rail. "She'll chew you up and spit you out. Let me have a try."

Gratefully, Cleon handed over his sword and bowed out.

Alanna rolled her eyes, her famous temper taking over.

"Where's Escera?" she taunted, though she had never been in favor of insulting you opponent, she couldn't resist.

"I don't know," George said grimly, bringing his sword into 'guard' posture.

Alanna grunted and put her swordsmanship to work. George realized, not for the first time, that her reputation was well-earned.

Alanna chopped down, swung left, and cut up. Then she jabbed in, and finished the round by disarming George. Panting George held out a hand.

"Alanna--"

She turned away. George looked down at the hard-packed dirt, fighting back a wail of despair. Sure, part of his plan dictated that she be angry with him, but he wanted to gradually get back onto friendly terms. Alanna, it seemed, had other plans.