THANKS! I've got heaps of reviews…will I get the fabled century? Oh, I don't know! And I'm really sorry the update was so late! I just got caught up with stuff…you get the point.

Thanks to:

supersk8ergirl: thanks! I guess it is shorter; my friends sometimes call me dude. Peace out!

olivia: cool sign. Are you really that crazy? I like writing cliffies but I hate reading them (go figure). I'm sorry the update is so late!

eat paper: Thanks! Yeah, she is…oh, who said that? It wasn't me!

Miliko01: Sorry it's late, but I am still writing!

Arianla: sorry the rest wasn't so hot but I'm glad you liked the last chapter!

Odango Atama: I'll try and make them a little longer. Thanks!

PointeDancer06: Thanks for adding me to author alert! I'm not on your favourite authors yet, but I'm not sure about favourite stories. I can't access that from the stats page, damnit. Oh well, thanks!

AJ 4EVA: I like talking in run on sentences too I'm glad you like it thanks!

yamaniprincessubu: yes, Alanna – I'm not going to tell you! Read the chappie and find out!

Andra: Thanks, for the advice, but see…it may already be too late for another one! I'm not sure how they work but I reckon once you're pregnant, that's it.

Wake-Robin: Hey, thanks! Sorry the update was so long!

Halo: No questions will be asked about the name. Yes, here is more, finally!

Chapter 4 – Is It True?

"Eleni! Eleni!"

Alanna raced over the threshold of the cottage, calling the Healer's name. She appeared through the kitchen doorway.

"What is the matter, dear?" she replied calmly.

"I lost my charm!"

This statement took a moment to sink in. "So, would you like another one?"

Alanna sighed. "Let me start from the beginning. At the celebrations last night, my charm fell of my chain. Apparently, Alexander of Tirragen found it, and gave it to Delia of Eldorne, who now wears it. But, that night after the feast, I slept with the Prince!"

Eleni concentrated for a moment, then relaxed. "No, I'm sorry. It's too early to tell if you are with child. I will probably be able to tell in a week or so, though."

"What should I do?" Alanna moaned.

"Tell the prince. Tell Myles. Tell – "

Alanna frowned. "Since when have you and Myles been on first-name terms?" she enquired suspiciously. To her astonishment, Eleni blushed.  "Since the Midwinter Festival," she mumbled.

Alanna grinned. "I have no objection to you two becoming involved with each other, you know that, don't you."

Eleni grew steadily redder, but remained silent. Alanna hastily changed the subject when she saw the woman's uncomfortable expression. "Um, you were saying?"

"Yes! Tell everyone who ought to know, like the prince and your father, and the King and Queen. At least, tell them when you're certain."

 "What about between now and then? Just deny it for, well, however long it takes?"

"Unless you feel you shouldn't, go right ahead."

"Thanks, Eleni, I'll come back in a week. Farewell!"

During that week, Alanna's dread grew. If she was with child, then she would have to kiss goodbye her year of roaming. They would probably get married immediately, and all her plans would be shattered.

A week later, however, Eleni was still unsure. But Alanna's monthly bleeding had not yet arrived, now two days late. She hoped it would not be more.

But as the days went by, it still did not come. And the next time they met, Eleni was sure. Alanna was with child.

"Jon?" Alanna asked timidly that night after dinner. "Can I talk to you?"

"Of, course, Lioness," he replied, sweeping her off her feet. She objected.

"Don't! I – don't – don't feel well," she faltered. She'd almost slipped up, almost given herself away. She looked around his library, making sure there was no one else around. "I was thinking, uh, maybe we should, well, get married sooner."

"Why? I thought you wanted to roam." He eyed her suspiciously. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

"I was getting to that," she replied. "Don't be so impatient." Her hand flew up to her mouth. She had never realised that pregnancy made you irritable.

"And?" Jon encouraged.

"Well, I visited Eleni – Mistress Cooper, I mean – tonight, and she told me that – that –  " she faltered, unable to say the words.

"What is it, Lioness?"

"At the banquet, my charm – my charm fell off," She left him to work out the rest.

"And that night, we – " He stopped still, realising the truth. "Oh, Alanna! Why didn't you say so? Why, congratulations! I'm so happy!"

Seeing his face, Alanna was filled with horror. Of course, he wanted a child! He wanted to get married!

"I – you – " She broke off and fled.

Men, she thought, filled with rage. They don't care about anyone but themselves.

She threw open the door to her chamber and flung herself onto the bed, sobbing. He doesn't care about me. He only cares about himself and Tortall.

~*~

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