Disclaimer: Do I really need to do this, honestly, I'm just not smart enough to write about characters like this. Everything belongs to T.P
Yay! Exams are ova! Today was the last one, science, hmm….
Chapter 3: What wasn't expected
Gary followed after the swift pace of Jonathan's little squire. For one reason or another, Alan was extremely tense and glanced nervously from side to side when they reached the practice fields.
Suddenly, Alan stopped dead in the center of the empty space and sat down clumsily in the compacted dirt. He glared daggers at Gary and pulled the large knight down to his eye level with merciless cold strength.
"Ok, Alan, I know you don't like the idea of me and your sister but hey look on the bright side, I'll be your brother-in-law!" Gary laughed nervously while Alan smiled ironically and commented: " And that's a good thing because…?"
Gary playfully whacked the small squire on the back, but unusually Alan did not retaliate like usual.
After a moment of silence the small boy said: " Gary, I think you've had a slight misconception about my err….umm…..sister."
Gary raised his eyebrow at the slight pause and asked: "What do you mean Alan? Are you…are you not happy for your sister and me, aren't you at least going to comfort me because I am obviously in for something undeniably painful?"
Prince Jonathan's squire laughed at the comment and said sarcastically: " Oh yes, I am very happy for our betrothal, and your right you are in for something undeniably painful."
Alan looked up to see Gary's eyebrows furrowed in concentration and his cryptic speech.
Deciding not to keep Gary in the dark anymore, Alanna rushed through a short version of her story and dropped her head so she wouldn't have to see that horrified look on Gary's face.
When finally, Alanna did dare a look at her big friend. Gary was smiling; smiling gently with tears glazing his chestnut eyes.
Alanna dropped her head again and muttered: " So you see, you're not betrothed to my sister, you're sort of betrothed to me."
Gary laughed tenderly and stretched a hand to lift up Alanna's chin.
The small girl stared at him while he said: " Thank you for finally telling me Alanna of Trebond, but I have already known for some time. I am honored you have confided in me though, and despite what you might think, I am truly happy to be your future husband."
Alanna's jaw nearly dropped off it's joint, she was lost for words. Gary laughed at her expression and took a relaxed look around. Softly he muttered in her ear: "Looking forward to our future……together……my lioness." He kissed her tenderly and spun on his heels, whistling as he strolled leisurely away.
Alanna stood there, rooted to the ground, her fingers touching her lips while her mind worked sluggishly to fight the blush she could feel rising in her cheeks. Whatever had just happened definitely was not what the small girl expected.
Jonathan stared blankly at his door, wondering when Alanna would return. Curiosity on how the meeting between Gary and her went, suddenly overwhelmed him as he stood up and rushed for the door.
The door sailed open before he could reach it, it rocked against its hinges as it slammed against the back wall.
Dazedly, the object of his thoughts walked into the room, her face blank, but her eyes blazed with deep thought.
Jon followed the small form towards her room, just when he was about to open his mouth to ask the question that was bursting in his brain, Alanna slammed her door in his face for the second time that day.
Jon rested his head against the wood and sighed. I should just get rid of this door, maybe it'll make my life easier.
On the first bell of the evening exactly, Alanna emerged from her room. Jon looked around at her and opened his mouth, but Alanna had already walked out into the hallway.
Jon sighed quietly and followed his squire to the mess hall.
Down in the mess hall, Gary and Raoul argued animatedly as they leaned over their half- finished meals. Jon rapidly grabbed his tray and went over to sit with his friends, quickly he looked at Gary who returned his steady gaze unflinchingly. "So, would you care to inform me what occurred this afternoon because I can't get a word out of 'Alan'.
Gary grinned at this, so Jon didn't know, Gary started to comment on Jon's words when Alanna walked up and slid in silently beside Jon, she didn't lift her gaze as she silently devoured her food. The big knight sitting opposite her grinned at her antics and kicked her under the table.
Alanna looked up and glared daggers at him, the knight laughed at this and feigned fear dramatically, complete with flailing arms and an amusing expression. Alanna laughed at him, her spirits automatically lifted.
Jon watched his friends' silent display. Well, at least he knew it went well. Jon's stare drew Gary's attention. Gary smiled at the look on Jon's face and knew that the prince was perfectly aware of 'Alan's' little secret. Gary turned back to Alanna and sighed at his luck of having her, he swiftly reached over the table and squeezed her hand warmly. The small squire looked up and smiled shyly as she felt the heat raising in her neck and face.
As Jon and Alanna walked in silence back towards the prince's rooms. Alanna walked down the corridors deep in thought, as Jon observed her. Inside he was silently fuming, for he had seen those looks Gary gave Alanna, the way he had touched Alanna's hand.
Alanna noticed this silence and dragged Jon forcefully into the rooms. She slammed the door and bolted it.
Jon sat down gracefully on his bed and asked casually: "What's wrong?"
"No, I think the question should be what's wrong with you, Jon? Don't think I can't tell."
"What's going on between you and Gary? What happened and don't lie because there's no point, tell me." Jon glared heatedly at his squire.
"I…I…well…Gary he guessed I was a girl before I told him, and…and…and he just kissed me, he is my betrothed after all…I…I…"
"I cannot believe you cheated on me…with my friend none the less. An hour ago you were in a panic! You didn't want anything to do with this betrothal! And now your changing your mind, slightly incredulous isn't it?"
"Incredulous? Watch what you're saying Jon! Unfaithful, huh? Don't think I don't know about your midnight encounters with that whore Delia! Don't think I don't know where you are all those nights you just happen to fall asleep in the library! Or that I don't notice those mornings where you sneak in two hours before sunrise! How could you even consider our relationship a courtship?!? But of course, I don't blame you, after all you are the prince, the heir to the throne, you can have any girl you want, so why not enjoy you birth right privileges! Am I right?"
With that Alanna walked to her room and slammed the door yet again.
Jon cursed quietly under his breath, what Alanna had mentioned happened months ago, he no longer did these things, he loved Alanna and it hurt him that she still couldn't trust him, that she just did not return his feelings.
Jon fell backwards onto his bed and let his hands fall over his face. He sighed into his palms and considered his situation. There was a possibility that he would never have a chance with Alanna ever again. She was surrounded by people who wanted to protect her, people who loved her more than a friend such as George and now Gary. He felt his chest tighten as he came to the realisation that Alanna would never allow him to touch her, to hug her, to kiss her, to love her again. He could feel tears well up in his eyes. But no, he would not…could not give up. No…
Hmm….getting interesting! I'll fill you in on something k? I haven't quite decided on pairings yet, suggestions welcome but can't say I'll be able to promise anything. And keep in mind I have something up my sleeve that may just change your mind.(wink) LOL! You'll see in a few chapters. . Well, hope you enjoyed that, I loved writing the last part for some reason. Anyway I'll update soon! Please R&R!!!!
Luv C.
Oh yeah, thank you so much if you reviewed! It means the world to me! ;)
