Alanna's face grew pale. She ran to the bathroom, not caring about the ball that she had to get ready for, and threw up her breakfast and lunch. Jon must have heard her, because she heard someone open the door and come and hold her copper hair back. She smiled shakily at him, and then threw up some more. I hate feeling so pathetic! Alanna thought. I am supposed to be a strong knight!

She felt cool hand press a wet towel to her forehead, and she whispered shakily, "Thank you. I hate feeling so helpless like this-"

"Shush, my Champion. You are sick, so you shall lie down on your bed"-Alanna shook her head vigorously-"No exceptions. I will have Duke Baird check up on you once you are settled. Understood? Oh, and you will not have to go to the ball…" Jon winked at her. Alanna was famous for dreading palace parties and always looking for any excuse to skip balls. But she was also famous for hating to have to sit in bed, which she skipped as often as possible.

"But Jon, I am fine. I must have just eaten something-"

"Alanna," Jon groaned. "Must we always have this argument? You have been throwing up for a week now! My strong, brave Lioness has been sick for a week, yet she did not let her beloved Jon send the healer to her!" Jon put his hand over his heart. "I am heart, Alanna, truly I am."

When Alanna only insisted that she go to the ball, King Jonathan only said, "My dear, I shall post the entire Tortallian army around your room, if that is what it takes!" And with that Jon picked his Lioness and still secret lover and held her like a fragile child in a life-death situation, which Jon always believed Alanna to be in. This simple act sent chills down Alanna's spine and she shivered. How stupid am I! He is always like this with me, yet each time he slightly touches me I go giddy like a love-sick village girl! I truly am ridiculous.

"Jon," Alanna was the one groaning this time. "I think I can walk on my own."

"Entertain me, 'Lanna."

But that wasn't Jon's voice at all. Not one bit.

A/N: sorry it's short….this is my first TP fanfiction…. I know it's a cliffy……3 reviews and I'll update!

Disclaimer: Tamora Pierce owns it all

I know it's a cliffy……3 reviews and I'll update!