A/N: I am a horrible, horrible person. I kept thinking about updating, truly I did. I just never did it. weak laughter so anyway, without further ado, the next chappie in which Jon is annoying and Alanna makes the acquaintance of a very, very sexy man. ; D
Chapter Four - You Make Me Wanna Lala
Alanna was awoken from a very pleasant dream about blue eyes the next morning by an insistent rapping on the door, and the accompanying sounds of Thom's voice yelling, "'Lan, get your ass out of bed". Alanna grinned, and, yawning, made her way to the door while grabbing a sheer lavender robe on the way. "Hi there stranger," she said after opening the door fully to allow Thom entrance to her room. Immediately she blushed and slammed the door as she yelled, "You didn't tell me you had company you clout!"
"Sorry," a muffled voice came from the other side of the door. "Hurry up and get dressed, it's time for your royal tour of the palace."
Alanna rolled her eyes as she found an appropriate day dress of blue silk, and grimaced when she thought of the surprise (and interest) in Jonathon's eyes when she had opened the door wearing nothing but a nightie and a see-through robe.
An hour later, Alanna was stifling yawns, and trying to ignore her growling stomach while she feigned interest in portraits of past monarchs, and viewings of the royal china patterns. A normal girl would have been thrilled at the prospect of being escorted around by the prince, but Alanna was no ordinary girl. "This is so fascinating, Jonathon" she lied through her teeth, after he had finished explaining the Conte crest to her for what seemed like the ten millionth time. She could handle this sort of thing…barely. The highlight of the afternoon was when she and the prince strolled by a group of court ladies who whispered and pointed jealously, Thalia being one of them. She blew her a kiss, and relished at the indignant expression on her face. Maybe having Jonathon around wouldn't be so bad after all.
Alanna was sweating in the early June heat as she and her new-found friend, Cythera, were traveling into the city on their weekly trip to browse through the latest fashions and trinkets. Alanna also like to stop and drool over the swords and daggers, but Cythera didn't mind, which was one of the main reasons the girls got along so well. "Soo," the tall blonde drawled, "I suppose Jon is escorting you to tonight's ball?"
Alanna smiled at the thought of it. "Yes, I suppose he is, Cy. What about you? D'you still have your eye on Sir Raoul?" She grinned when she thought of the fight that had broken out between him and Gary only the day before over who had gotten the most amount of dances from her friend at the last ball.
The girl's green eyes danced merrily as she replied with a blush, "I don't know, Sir Gareth is very handsome as well, don't you think?"
"Oh certainly," Alanna said, giggling with mirth. "But you are going to have to choose eventually, maybe before they kill each other over who gets to court you."
Cythera's blush only deepened. She looked thoughtful for a second. "You know who I really wouldn't mind courting? Alex of Tirragen. I think he rivals even Jon in his looks."
Now it was Alanna's turn to blush. Alex was good friends with her brother, and she had enjoyed many a discussion with him over the ethics in current foreign policy and such, but he had never seemed quite interested in anything other than a friendship, which was all for the better since she and Jon had grown increasingly close over the past month. The servants already had bets on how long the relationship would last, but Alanna didn't care about all the court gossip, she was just glad she had Jon, who really was a great guy once you got past his princely façade, and metrosexual tendencies, like the fact that his nails always looked better than hers, he took at least 4 baths a day, and his legs were usually smoother than hers. She looked past all of his little annoying nuances, and saw a truly noble heart, that she was really starting to love. It was as if the nightmares had never existed - she could only remember that she had dreamed of him, but that was all.
However, she had been having interesting dreams about Jon's cousin, Duke Roger, lately. The man was positively creepy. She would never say as much to Jon, but she kept getting the feeling that he only put up with him, much like an annoying puppy. But of course, that was ridiculous. Still, after having a dream only the night before where he had been standing atop the palace holding Jon's severed head in his right hand and the crown in the other, she woke up with a queasy feeling in her stomach, that she still couldn't shake.
The girls made their way back to the palace after purchasing a few ribbons, bracelets, and a dagger for Alanna, and gossiped about the new batch of convent girls, some of which they knew. "Delia of Eldorne, the girl is a walking man-eater! She treats them so well until she gets what she wants from them and then she leaves them broken-hearted on the side of the road," Cythera said, with a hint of anger in her voice. "You know Alanna, rumor has it that she's out to get your prince," she said in a low tone, so that no passerby could overhear.
Alanna snorted and replied, "Let her try, even if she succeeded she wouldn't be gaining much! Come on, Cyth, keep up!" she yelled as she set into a spring towards the palace gates where dinner was waiting.
Later that night, Alanna stole a glance over at her friend, and saw that she was seated comfortably between Raoul and Gary on Thom's bed, flirting like crazy with both of them. The group of friends was gathered in his room, with the only notable absence being Jon, who was attending to some courtly duty or another. Thom was sprawled across his floor trying his hardest not to fall asleep while the blonde Francis of Nond sat at his desk, finishing the night's homework (he and Thom were both still squires). Meanwhile Alanna and Alex were engaged in a heated chess game. After she finally got him in checkmate, he threw up his hands in defeat, and proclaimed loudly, "Well, now that I've once again gotten my ass beaten by a girl half my size, I think I'm going to go for a stroll to the stables to check on my valiant steed, who, might I add, always lets me beat him in chess."
Alanna grinned and, ignoring the majority of his statement said, "May I accompany you? It is rather hot in here, and I do so love Sunshine," Alanna added, referring to Alex's large bay gelding, who seemed to have taken to her.
Alex, consenting reluctantly, made his way toward the door, Alanna on his heels. They stopped by the palace kitchen on their way, grabbing some apples for themselves and the horses. Alanna loved chatting with Alex because, unlike Jon, he enjoyed carrying on intellectually stimulating conversations, not just court gossip, which she did plenty of with Cythera. Tonight they were discussing the ramifications of a recent peasant revolt in Tusaine, and how it might affect the Tortallan lower classes once they got word. Alanna debated with him, stating, "It isn't as if one has to be subjected to the life of a peasant for the duration of an entire lifetime; one can always rise above what one is born in to become a wealthy merchant, tavern-owner, shopkeeper or even gaining nobility through marriage in some cases."
"While that's all the true, and even though the merchant class themselves far outnumber us, and are even approaching our monetary status, there will always be a majority that doesn't rise in their lifetime, and that is sick of "the system", and ready for rebellion. Although, I don't think we'll have any trouble, at least not while Roald is alive. Now, under Jon's rule, perhaps…"
Alanna glanced up, startled. They had already reached the stables. Alex held the door open for her and gave her an over-chivalrous bow. "Milady, if you would."
Alanna walked in after smacking him upside the head and reminding him that she was no Lady, at least not on the inside.
She then commenced to prance over to Sunshine's stall, who awakened with a snort, and gladly took the apple in her outstretched palm. "You know," Alex said, sneaking up behind her. "I daresay my horse has a better relationship with you than I do." With that said, he grabbed her waist and twirled her around so that she was facing him, and very close. A sharp intake of breath left her gasping for more air, but looking up into Alex's handsome face made breathing very hard, and she was acutely aware of every place that their bodies were now touching. "Will you dance with me?" he asked, his voice suddenly hoarse.
"But we're surrounded by horses, and there's no music," she babbled, not being able to think clearly. She had never felt like this, not even with Jon, and they had shared many a kiss. Kiss, what am I thinking? I can't kiss Alex. I can't. I'm courting Jon, JON. Not Alex. Not…Alex, with his tan skin, and his deep brown eyes, and dark hair, and…SHUT UP self. She glanced down at her feet and realized she was moving. He was leading her in a slow minuet, and her feet, so well trained by the priestesses at the convent, were automatically following along. She gave in, shutting off all contact with the rational part of her brain, and gently laid her head against his shoulder, bringing them even closer. She was thoroughly enjoying the moment when Alex took her by her chin, tilting her head up to him.
"You know, Alanna, I can't stop thinking about you. While I'm training, while I eat, while I sleep, when we're at balls I get so jealous when I see you with Jon. Thank you for giving me this dance." Alanna barely had time to register the words when he leaned in closer, inching toward her trembling lips. Somewhere, deep inside her, a voice rose up.
"No! Alex you can't - we can't…this can't happen." Where did that come from? Of course this can happen. Nooo brain stop it. "I love Jon." I do? Says who? "I'm sorry, but I do value your friendship. I hope you can understand." She backed away one step, and just in time.
"Hello dear friends!" boomed Jon's majestic voice as he stepped into the building, and spotted the two of them standing near Sunshine's stall. "Francis told me I could find you here. Seems as though Raoul, Gary, and Cythera have wandered off somewhere, and Thom was dead asleep on his floor. Quite funny really, you should go have a look-see," he said, taking her hand and kissing it, while a deep blush came to her cheeks, as she thought of the dire consequences that would have occurred if he had come in just mere minutes ago. Jon glanced at his friend. "You're not trying to steal away the may blossom of my heart now are you, Alex? Because I would be forced to inflict pain upon you." He slapped him on the arm in a friendly gesture, and then spoke to Alanna again. "Are you tired, darling? It's nearly midnight, and it would be an honor to escort you to your room." She nodded, taking Jon's arm, and following him. "Goodnight Alex, better get some sleep, we have scouting duty tomorrow."
As they walked out, Alanna stole a glance back at Alex, who was not looking at her, but stroking Sunshine's mane, and looking thoughtful. I wonder what he's thinking.
The next day, Jon glanced at his friend Alex while they were riding through the countryside surrounding Corus. "You look tired, didn't you get any rest last night like I told you?"
"Hmm? Oh…yeah I did. I just had a lot on my mind, and had some trouble going to sleep, that's all."
"How funny, Alanna said the same thing. I for one have nothing on my mind as of late. "No worries", you should follow that motto."
"Yeah, I guess I should, Jon."
A/N: 1.AHH SOMEONE - WHAT HOUSE IS CYTHERA OF? (I keep thinking Elden but I'm not sure).
2.I know they didn't have the word metrosexual in Tortall. But I don't care.
3.I remember reading another Alannaconvent fic where Cythera was also her best friend. I didn't really STEAL the idea, I just kind of…borrowed it because frankly, I didn't really feel like making up another character. Besides, it's very probable that they would befriend each other don't you think?
4.And my little Jon haters, don't worry. THIS FIC IS NOT A/J. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if it was.
5.the title is from lyrics to Lala by Ashlee Simpson. It's quite a good song, actually. meep
6.I was originally planning on including George in my fic, but now, however, I see that he is very unnecessary as I was intending to kill him off anyway. So, sorry George-lovers, he still exists, just not in the major plot-line of my story.
7. I had kind of a Georgia Nicholson thought dialogue going on there. Those of you who know who I am talking about will know WHAT I am talking about.
8. I would like to extend a thank-you to all of my persistent reviewers who egg me on to get chapters out sooner, and for all the good advice they give. I would be nowhere today without them. Here, take a cookie.