A/N- thanks a bunch for all the reviews and I will do my thanks at the bottom of the page. Here's the third chapter and I hope you like it.

Chapter 3

Happy return

As Alanna returned to the palace she noticed the hostlers were busy looking after a group of newly arrived horses. Alanna looked them over quickly not thinking much of it when suddenly she spotted something that made her stomach drop. Among the horses was a sandy coloured mare with a golden mane and tail. It was Kohana, George's new mount. (A/N- Kohana means little flower.) Oh no, she thought.

Quickly she scurried back to her room. As soon as she closed the door behind her she gave a sigh of relief. That was when she noticed the other person in the room. Alanna's eyes widened as she saw her husband, Baron George Cooper of Pirate's Swoop, sitting in a chair smirking at her.

"You don't seem surprised to see me," he commented. "I guess the dozen horses gave it away." He chuckled and Alanna smiled. She knew she should explain Celeste first but she had missed her husband so much. And so many things had happened…

Alanna flung herself at him keeping Celeste safely in the crook of her elbow. George, though happy at his wife's affectionate welcome, ended the hug quickly. Alanna looked into his bright hazel-green eyes and frowned. "George what is it?"

George gave her a look mixed between love and disbelief. "Well it's not that I ain't glad to see ye. It's just when I leave my wife for two months, when she's not pregnant and I come back and she 'as a baby I begin to become… confused."

To his surprise Alanna smiled at his reaction. "I have a lot of explaining to do." She flew at him again and buried her head in his shoulder with Celeste snuggled in between. "I've missed you so much!" she sniffed. Slowly she pulled her head back. "I guess I should explain."

With that she sat on the bed and motioned for George to do the same. Then she began the whole story. Unlike when she told it to Neal she explained everything, the Goddess, how she had to give up the child, everything.

George, to Alanna's surprise smiled. "When will ye ever be normal?" he asked. Then he laughed. "It isn't enough you 'ave to be the Lioness and do all you've done, no-o, now you have to be raisin' a demi-goddess."

Alanna laughed. "Oh George I've been so lonely without you!"

"I missed ye too lass," he replied. Then he pointed towards the bundle that was Celeste. "Can I 'old her?"

Celeste, who had been happily asleep through all this, woke. She gave a large, toothless yawn. Her emerald eyes sparkled as she looked up at George. Alanna handed her over. George gave her a tickle under her chin. "She's a beauty for sure."

Alanna looked lovingly at her husband and kissed him. "I'm so glad you're back."

George pulled away from staring at his foster-daughter. He smiled. "Now we just need to think up something about this jewel…"

~*~

Alanna and George had decided if anyone asked what the jewel on Celeste's forehead was they would say it was a tubet. These were highly fashionable in Maren. They were small jewels in different shapes and colours. A person would fix it in the middle of their foreheads. It seemed likely enough.

George had said that Celeste should officially be introduced at court as their adoptive daughter, Lady Celeste of Pirate's Swoop. Celeste would not inherit any lands when she grew older but would have a rich dowry. Where she was to be sent when she was ten remained a major question. But that could be decided when she was older.

Alanna dressed Celeste in a new sky-blue dress she had bought. Celeste giggled as Alanna played with her soft golden curls. Alanna smiled and started cooing to her daughter. Celeste giggled again. Alanna then stood up and walked over to the baby supplies. Inside was a bottle with waiting milk.

Since Alanna hadn't actually been pregnant she of course could not breast feed. Alanna held up the teat to Celeste's mouth and waved it around. Alanna pushed it slowly into her mouth and tipped it slowly to allow the milk out.

Once Celeste had finished she waved her arms around happily. She never cries, thought Alanna. If only my other three had been more like her!

Alanna placed a cloth over her shoulder. Then she held Celeste up with her head looking over her shoulder. She slowly bounced her and patted Celeste's back. After a little while Celeste burped. Though Alanna didn't feel the normal wet that came after.

Alanna placed Celeste in her crib where she sat looking up with her wide emerald eyes at the world around her. As Alanna pulled the cloth from her shoulder she noticed that it was completely dry. Great merciful Mother, she thought. She's amazing!

~*~

Once Alanna had tidied up the baby things she left the room with Celeste giggling and blowing bubbles in her arms. (A/N- as in blowing bubbles with her slobber… It's cute when babies do it!) Alanna headed towards the Royal wing in search of Jon. It seemed unlikely that he would be in his room but it was the closest place to start.

As she reached Jon and Thayet's room she knocked meekly. It was going to take a lot of explaining to Jon! To her surprise the door opened to reveal a finely clothed Jon. He smiled when he spotted his small Champion. "Alanna! What brings you here?" asked Jon.

Alanna grinned. "Well I need to ask you a favour."

Jon grinned, "Well whatever it is I believe we can discuss it inside my room." Jon stood to the side so Alanna could enter and he gasped, finally noticing the bundle in her arms. "Where did that child come from?"

Alanna sat on the chair by Jon's desk, which he had recently vacated. "I'll explain once you've closed the door."

~*~

After Alanna had explained everything Jon whistled. "Well… this was unexpected to say the least."

"Oh well I sure expected it," Alanna drawled, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Jon glared at her. "But Jon the whole of court doesn't need to know about this. I'd in fact prefer if no one knew other then you, George, Thayet and me. George and I thought the jewel on her forehead could be a tubet like they have in Maren. We still need to make sure she's is properly announced though."

Jon smiled understanding. "I'll announce a ball for tomorrow. You may want to keep her hidden until then. I hate to think how many court ladies would flock to see this little sweetling." Alanna shuddered. Jon laughed. He then bent down to Celeste. Jon tickled her and cooed to her. "She's gorgeous. A true demi-goddess."

A/N- ok I hope you liked the chapter. Just tell me what you thought. Also I would like to give thanks to everyone who reviewed last time:

Jazy716: thanks for reviewing. I'm glad you liked it!

Forget-me-not: I know Alanna probably should have been a bit more shocked but… oh well! Neal cracks me up to. That's why I included him.

Rose: thanks I am really happy you liked it. Thanks for reviewing. *Blushes* It's hard to accept all this praise.

Emily of Duranan: thanks and I like to think it didn't take me too long to update.

LeopardDance: I think you have a wonderful pen name. I'm glad you think the story's cool too.

Wild Mage of Tortall: Thanks. By the way I love your stories. There really cool and you have to update Lynx soon.

StarFire: I am very happy you reviewed this time! Also it is so true! We have loads and loads of homework! It's not fair!

Anastazia Silverwind: I know it's and odd story but I'm odd so it's like me.

Lucia Dreams: I know I shouldn't ask for reviews but lots of people do and also I want to know what people think before I continue. I am glad you liked it though.

Cinereath: I am so glad you reviewed! That is how I came up with the idea for her forehead. Thanks so much and I am glad you liked it.

MIAKODA: I r&r'd your story and it is really good. Update soon! Glad you liked my story too.