"Alanna," Jon said to his friend. "I have a little…errand…for you. Actually, it's quite big. "

She glared at him in exasperation. "Since when do I do everything you tell me to, Jon?"

He laughed. "Since the day you came to court." He patted her on the shoulder.

"I can't do…whatever it is that you want me to do, Highness." She emphasized his title to show her annoyance. Although she wasn't really angry with him, she had plans. "I'm planning to venture down to Tyra-- I heard there's some nasty stuff down there. Then, I'm going to Port Caynn for the Skills Competition."

Jon stared at his Champion in shock. "You go looking for trouble," he muttered darkly, before opening the door. "Warren!"

The boy trotted in and bowed. His manners had improved drastically from the time Jon brought him in.

"Yes, milord?" Warren asked.

Jon gripped Alanna's shoulder and pulled her off of her chair. "Warren, Alanna is going to take you on a little trip into the desert," the King explained.

Alanna balked. "Jon, I have things to do!" she protested. Finally she gave under his firm glare. "Alright, I suppose it's time I visit the Bloody Hawk anyway, Voice."

"Thank you, Woman who rides like a man," Jon joke.

Warren smiled at the King. "She called you 'voice'!" he whispered. Jon nodded and ushered him out the door, ordering him to pack.

Once the boy had left the room and Jon had closed the door, he turned to Alanna and firmly placed his hands on her hips, meeting her eyes. "I wasn't kidding about you going looking for trouble," he said softly. "Are you trying to teach me a lesson or something, by getting yourself killed?"

She sighed and met his gaze. "Jon…"

"Fine," Jonathan said resignedly. "You can risk your life after you get back from the desert."

"It's not that I like leaving you guys," Alanna told him. "It's just… Sometimes I don't know what kind of life I'm leading."

Jon raised his eyebrows skeptically. "You have a wonderful life. You are famed everywhere, you have three loving children, and also a husband that--that loves you very much." His voice cracked at the last part. Alanna saw the regret in his eyes.

"Thank you, Jon," she said quietly. He hugged her tightly.

Suddenly, the door burst open. A winded George walked in.

"Alanna, Gary said you would be--" he stopped, seeing his wife in Jon's arms.

"George!" Alanna cried. She nudged Jonathan, who still held her.

"It's not what it seems," Jon hastily amended. "You see, she wanted to go to Tyra, but I wouldn't let her. And then we got sentimental." he cringed at his excuse, it probably even convinced George that they were doing what George was assuming, but it was mostly true.

"Uh-huh," George said numbly. Alanna walked to him.

"George, it's not what you're thinking at all. I don't love Jon. I love you."

"Yeah? Prove it," George rasped.

Alanna glanced furtively at Jon, then leaned forward to kiss George. Jonathan quickly pulled her back.

"She doesn't have to prove anything, George," he snapped. "You should trust her."

George smiled ruefully. "I've missed you," he told Alanna.

"I know, George. I'm sorry but I'm going away again."

George gripped her shoulders tightly, eyes concerned. "Where?" He leaned closer to her. "Alanna, we have had any…alone time…in quite a while," he murmured into her ear, trying to shut Jon out of the conversation.

"I'm going to the desert with Warren," she said. "For…"

"Two months," Jon piped in. George glanced at him sharply.

"You're behind this," he accused the King.

"Behind what?!" said Jon, color mounting in his cheeks. "Honestly, George, what has gotten into you today? Yes, I'm 'behind it', and I've been 'behind' almost everywhere she has one since she was my Squire…and lover," he added spitefully. Immediately, he looked embarrassed. "I'm sorry, that was uncalled for."

George tightened his grip around Alanna and nodded curtly to Jon. "Tonight, then?" he asked her. "Can I at least spend quality time with you tonight before you go roaming again?" Jon listened to this, trying to hide his scowl.

Alanna once again glanced at Jon before she nodded. "Tonight, George. Now, I'm sorry, but Jon and I still have to discuss some things."

Bitterly George eyed the sword at his wife's waist, then the sword that Jon sported, reminding his that the two in front of him were partners--inseparable. He quickly kissed Alanna and left.

Jon leaned back against the desk. "Well, that's a pity. You're already claimed tonight." He smiled.

Alanna laughed at this. "George…likes to stay involved with me."

"I can tell," Jon said dryly.

"You didn't look very happy," Alanna observed casually.

Jon gave her a look of mock-innocence. This had put them both in an awkward position, but he admitted to himself that he rather enjoyed it. "Well, I didn't like his attitude," he said carefully.

Alanna pushed him lightly. "I'm sure," he scoffed.

He raised his hands in surrender. "Fine! I admit it! I wanted to claim you for tonight."

"Sorry, my Lord," she simpered. "But I'm taken tonight. How about tomorrow night?" They both laughed.

They discussed that Alanna would bring Warren to the Bloody Hawk and get him acquainted with the Bazhir. Then, after about one month, Jon would meet them there and continue Warren's lessons. On the full moon of that month, Warren would take the Ordeal of the Voice.

Finally, as they were both leaving to retire for that night, Jon hugged her.

"I won't see you for another month," he whined. "At least kiss me goodbye."

She gave him an incredulous look. "You didn't even let me kiss George."

"You didn't want to!" Jon argued.

"Of course I do! Why else would I be leaving you right you to be with him all night?"

As she finished her last word, Jon leaned in and kissed her passionately, catching his Champion off-guard. She gasped, then shook her head with disapproval, though her smile gave away her true feeling.

"Have fun with George!" Jon called to her retreating back. She ignored him.