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Chapter 3 – Welcomed With Open Arms?

The rest of the journey went without any major goings-on, unless you counted the occasion when Coram fell asleep and consequently fell from his shaggy gelding.

Alanna's excitement grew as they climbed the rise that divided Corus from the rest of Tortall. There, in the mid-afternoon sunlight, was the maze of the Lower City, the perfect squares where the merchants lived, the market and then, towering over the lot, was the royal palace where she had spent eight years. A hole that had been bothering her suddenly filled in her stomach. I'm home, she realised. Home at last.

Jon, seeing her face, smiled. "Welcome home, Lioness," he murmured, leaning over and giving her a light peck on the cheek.

"Glad to be here," she replied, almost falling off Moonlight as she kissed him back.

The party moved down the track to the castle. Many a time did she see a guard's messenger cut through fields or yards to announce their arrival. The crowd following them grew as neared the temple district, and even more towards the training courts. There she saw her old friends Raoul, Gary (the younger) and Alex, training pages in the art of fencing.

The group headed for the stables, where Stefan took control of the horses. Before she knew it, the castle doors loomed in front of Alanna. Not noticing her hesitation, Jon pushed open the doors and nudged her through.

Alanna look around the entrance hall that she knew so well. How good it felt to be home! She had so far managed to keep from looking straight ahead of her, but she felt that she could deny to herself where she was no longer.

As her violet eyes locked with King Roald's brown ones and Queen Lianne's icy blue, she felt relieved. Neither looked angry that she was here, nor surprised.

Alanna, remembering her manners, bowed and moved towards the thrones. Lianne smiled.

"So, it's true. Our Lioness has returned. What brings you here so soon, Alanna of Trebond, and I do believe – " She glanced at her son, who nodded. "-of Olau?"

"Your majesties, I had no intention of returning so soon until talking to the Prince – it seems he would like to tell you something." she grinned.

"Yes, mother, father. I have some joyous news! Alanna has returned as my betrothed!"

Alanna closed her eyes and waited for the explosion. When she heard none, she opened her eyes – and gasped.

Lianne had risen and was hugging her son, and moving towards Alanna. "Congratulations," she breathed. "Oh, I never thought this day would come! He spends so much time flirting with all the nobles, but never took it further. Now he stands here, telling us he is to be married!" She now flung her arms around Alanna, who found herself hugging back. Jon blushed.

Alanna must have looked as confused as she felt, for Roald was now speaking. "Don't look so surprised, dear girl! We need a Queen who can look after herself – and Tortall – while her King is away. A lady knight would be a perfect Queen, if I do say so myself. Oh, we must celebrate! A feast, perhaps? Or a ball?"

"We have not set a date, mother and father. But it will not be for at least a year," Jon spoke up.

"Why not?" Lianne replied, straightening her crown. "Why not immediately?"

"I would like time to roam, your majesty, like I planned. In a year, we shall get married."

"I don't see a problem with that," Roald replied. "But you cannot say no to celebrations!"

That night, after many hours of celebration, Jonathan and Alanna finally made their way to bed. Grinning, Alanna stripped off, leaving on only her loincloth and breastband. But as she climbed into bed, strong hands gently removed them, too. She didn't object.

She let him kiss her hungrily, and kissed him back. "Oh, I love you," she whispered. "I love you so much, Jonathan."

Down in the dining hall, Alex of Tirragen presented Delia of Eldorne with a charm. "I found it, milady," he told her. "Over on the floor near where their majesties were sitting,"

"It's very pretty," she answered. "I've never seen it before." She eyed the intricate design the gold links made, and smiled. "I shall cherish it. Thank you, Alexander. You've made my day, or night, I suppose. Thank you."

The next morning, Alanna detected a smug air around Lady Delia, but never saw the new charm around her neck. Sir Myles did, however.

"Alanna, where is your charm? The one Eleni gave you?"

"Right here," she replied, fumbling with her chain. "Behind my em – "

She stopped still. The space behind her ember-stone was empty.

Individuals:

me!!! but im legolas-lvr here!: Look, I did!

supersk8ergirl: Cool … aren't I a dudette?

anon: Believe me, this is better than the last version! But I wanted to do this story for ages, and this was the best way I could think of. Thanks anyway!

Miliko01: Sure thing!

Wake-Robin: Oh, I get it! Clever, clever! I'm glad you like the chap.