Alanna was lying one her bed, a dreamy smile on her face. Sandry was sitting next to her, leaning back, with her arms around her knees and her eyes shining.
"The way you flicked your sword through his arms!" Sandry exclaimed. "I've never seen anything like it!"
Cythera, sitting at the desk, rolled her eyes. Sandry had been speaking like this for the last half-hour.
On the other hand, it had been pretty amazing. Alanna, of course, was denying it, but everyone knew she was ecstatic.
"And the best bit," Sandry continued, oblivious, "Is that Jon'll have to let girls become knights. He's too honourable not to. Just think what you've done, Aly!"
"She's right, you know." Commented Daja, who had seemed rather more enthusiastic then usual over the fight. "Girls from all over Tortall will sing your praises."
Alanna snorted, but she was smiling. "Just think how silly I'll look when none of them turn up."
"They will." Tris said firmly.
At that moment there was a knock on the door. Daja, who was sitting closest, rose to get it with a grunt. Tugging the door a little-it was liable to get stuck-she got it open suddenly, throwing her a little and making her stagger back. Steadying herself with her staff, she looked through the doorway…
…And stared. Jonathon was standing there, as meek as any Page. Everybody sat up abruptly, most glaring at him.
"Can I come in?" He asked quietly. "I want to talk to you."
Alanna nodded stiffly. Cythera pulled up the spare chair for him. It wasn't very comfortable.
Jon cleared his throat and looked directly at Alanna.
"Alanna, I, uh…"
"Yes?" asked Tris impatiently from behind him. Jon looked like he wanted to snap at her, but thought the better of it.
"I want to apologise." He said in a rush, almost tripping over his words." Cythera smiled smugly.
"What was that, Jon?" She enquired innocently, cupping a hand to her ear. "I didn't quite catch it." Jon took an exaggerated breath.
"I'm sorry." Looking back at Alanna, he said earnestly, "I underestimated you. You never had a chance at proper training, and you beat a knight who's been working at it every day for eight years. And I want you to know…" He swallowed-" I won't go back on my word. The moment I ascend the throne, girls will be accepted as Knights. Can you forgive me?"
For a moment, there was complete silence. Then Alanna's face broke into a wide grin.
"Of course I forgive you! Get out of here!"
Chuckling with relief, Jon got up, bowed elaborately, and swept out. Under lowered lashes, Sandry watched him go.
