Chapter Eight; Treason.

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Jonathon was right; the journey to the palace was uneventful, but Alanna kept her crossbow ready all the same. The only problem the Prince and Alanna found was that it began to rain as they walked through the temple district. Laughing, together they ran the rest of the way, rain pelting down on them and feet splashing in puddles.

When they reached the gates of the palace they were waved through, with a few odd looks from the guardsmen, but they didn't question Jon's companion. They dived towards the stables; on an impulse Jon kicked water at Alanna. She shrieked slightly as the cold water hit her, but soon returned the favour. They circled each other slightly, then Alanna darted forward and kicked a spray of rainwater high into his face. As he spluttered she crept behind him and prepared to lunge and knock him down into a large pool of water. He heard her soft footfalls behind his though, and spun, catching her around the waist as she attacked. She fell slightly towards him and he steadied her,

"You do know it's treason to splash your future king?" he said softly. His tone was light and his brilliant blue eyes sparked at her. As he stared deep into her eyes her lips parted slightly as she felt her breath catch in her throat. Slowly his face lowered to hers, he was close enough to see the panic flash through her eyes as she lithely twisted out of his group.

"It's not if he started it." Alanna felt the blush creeping up her cheeks and she turned away from Jonathon to hide it. "I'm going to head back to the Dove. I'll see you soon. Not in Corus, I'll meet you when you least expect it." She smiled mysteriously, amethyst eyes laughing. She spun once more and walked down the road.

Jon didn't ask how she would get past the guards. He'd seen her at work enough to tell that she could have no problems concealing herself enough to get by them. Her rain darkened dress and hair blended her easily into the dark afternoon.

Alanna felt Jon's eyes boring into her back as she walked away, cursing herself for letting him get that close to her. She pulled her hood up over her distinctive hair, sheltering herself slightly from the rain. As she approached the guardhouse the rain began to lessen. She bent and picked up a stone. When she was near enough to get through easily she threw the stone as hard as she could away from her. All of the guards turned to look out of the opposite window to where she was standing. Quickly she vaulted over the gate and disappeared into the shadows of the trees, before any of the men could turn around and spot her.

As Jon watched Alanna go, Stephan the hostler walked out of his stables.

"I wouldn't get attached to yon, Highness. She's Rogue. Princess of t'Rogue. George's had more than one ear from men who tried to get 'er."

"Oh." Jon turned to face the short, fair man. "What do you know about her?"

"Not much majesty. She turned up at the Dove five years ago now. All we know is what we've seen. She don't trust many. It took young Gareth and Raoul few months to get her to trust 'em."

"Why haven't I met her before this?"

"George didn't want yeh to. He's protective like. She came back after curin' you. Yeh." He said, seeing the expression on Jon's face, "I know about that. She made us promise never t'tell you. She didn't come out of her room for days. It near killed her, she's never really been the same after that."

"I remember some of what happened when I was ill. But it's all so muddled," the Prince said thoughtfully, "Perhaps I can help her."

"Mebbe. Mebbe not." Stephan allowed, "But whatever you do, come in from th'rain. You're soaked."

Still deep in thought, Jon walked into the court. He didn't see Stephan's face grow more worried behind him.

"She's a wild one young Prince." He said softly, "No one's tamed her yet."

Another chapter. Wow. Let me know what you think about the accent, I'm not sure I've got it right, so constructive criticism would be nice about that. And I would really like to thank everyone who has reviewed me and asked good questions and made excellent points. But I do have one little problem; please do not moan at me for updating enough! I update every week, at least one chapter, often more. I have work, a social life (believe it or not) and chores, as well as four stories on the go. So some sympathy for a poor overworked girl please!!! Also please try and write more than 'great. Update!' because I really have nothing to reply to that, except 'Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it!'

So come on, long reviews are always good for my imagination.

HuntressDiana.

P.S. As a reward for giving me over 100 reviews, here's another….