A/N: Hi! Well it's that time of year again- no social activities, endless career speeches in assembly, nervous break downs, late nights studying and all stress related illnesses; that's right, it's EXAM time. Do I need to say any more? Basically I'll apologise right now for lack of updates in the very near future- I'm very sorry. I'll get back on it as soon as I can :-)

Chapter Six

Alanna looked around Jon's room quickly, the sight not pleasing her. Squire Alan had only been absent a couple of days, yet the Princes quarters looked like they hadn't been clean in years. Laundry and fungus filled cutlery lay about everywhere, the fire had not been lit, the bed was not made, the bath had not been emptied and the room was stuffy, having not been aired out.

'What have you been doing in here?' Alanna asked, plainly annoyed.

'What do you mean?' Jon lay on his unmade bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.

'You're living in a complete pigsty.' Alanna kicked a heap of dirty clothes to the corner of the room. 'It's disgusting.'

'My dearest friend Alan isn't turning all lady-like on me now, is she?'

'Jon, I think Gary would find this gross. And that's really saying something.'

He laughed. 'I'll call a maid in later to tidy it up. Stop fussing.'

Alanna rolled her eyes. Was it too much to ask for him to pick up after himself from time to time? She walked to the window, opening the shutter to let in the breeze.

'Alanna...' Jon rolled off the bed, coming up behind her and taking her hand in his. 'There's something I've been meaning to discuss with you.'

Alanna felt butterflies swim around her stomach. She ran her spare hand over the soft green skirt Mistress Cooper had picked for her. While Eleni had been particularly fond of this outfit, Alanna felt rather self conscience with the diminishing neckline.

'What?' Alanna looked up into his captivating sapphire eyes. Slowly Jonathan lowered his face to hers, timidly kissing her mouth. Long arms sneaked around her waist, pulling her closer. Alanna pushed him away.

'Alanna?' Jonathan moaned.

'I'm sorry.' Alanna breathed hard, the corset determined to keep her ribs pinned together. 'It just... doesn't feel right. Maybe I though it would before, but things have changed now.'

'What do you mean?'

Alanna bit her lip. 'I don't want to talk about it.' She walked to the door, twisting the knob.

'You have feelings for him, don't you?'

Alanna turned around, staring at Jonathan's back. 'Who?'

'Who?' Jon repeated, shaking his head. 'Raoul. Don't you?'

Alanna opened the door a crake, taking a look along the deserted hallway. 'I don't know. Maybe.'

...pppqqq...

Alex pretended to examine the map on the back wall, but his eyes never left Delia. 'Is there anything else I can do for you, my Grace?'

Duke Roger leaned back in his chair, orange magic glittering over the walls to keep out eavesdroppers. 'I've come to a decision about the mysterious Lady Lily.'

Delia sniggered. 'Lady Lily? You should see her tapestry work- it's enough to disgrace the whole convent.' Delia frowned. 'I wonder how she ever got away with it...'

'Why don't you ask her my dear?' The Duke glanced at Delia, her brow knit deep in thought. 'I am convinced we must acquire her to our group.'

'What?' Alex swallowed the lump from his throat. 'It's too risky. What if she tells someone?'

Roger shook his head. 'We need her. Not only will she be close to Sir Raoul the Princes friend, but she is also the sister to the Princes squire. If she can be convinced, it could be a great asset to our accounts.'

'You mean to say,' Alex put together. 'That she would be able to take care of our small red-headed friend and even her future husband- if it is required.'

'Yes.'

Alex's mind was over loaded with thoughts. 'And what if we ask her and she's not interested?'

'Kill her.' The Duke leaned back once again, happy to have the matter discussed. 'You can take care of that Alex, if you have the guts for it. I'll talk to Lily this evening.'

...pppqqq...

A/N: Hi! Sorry this chapter's not very long, but I wanted to post something while I have the chance. Hopefully I'll update sometime during the week, but I can't make any promises.

I got a review saying I'm not putting disclaimers in- if you have a look at chapter one, you'll find I wrote one there meant to cover the whole story. Hope that's all cool :-) Have a good weekend.

Thanks again for all the lovely reviews- you guys truly rock. Keep them coming!