A/n: ok this is a short chapter but i havnt had much time. thanks to all my reveiwers: lady Knight, epobbp, jules, lanni, Chalies and lola, anju and tinufuir
Chapter 8: Announcements.
The next day after breakfast, Alanna and Jon set off to the Royal study to inform Jon's parents about their engagement. Once they reached, the door Jon knocked softly, whist Alanna played with her light blue skit, nervously. The stood in silence for a few moments until a serving man ushered them inside. As the walked into the study Jon's hand managed to find its was into hers, she held it tightly. Alanna looked around, as she had never been in the royal study before. The room was carpeted with lots of paintings on the walls, each showing different people or scenes. Alanna soon found a picture she liked, it was of a battlefield, with a man on a rearing horse, sword drawn forward. In the middle stood a grand mahogany desk, with two chairs facing it. A door to side open and the King and Queen entered. Both Jon and Alanna bowed, as the king nodded his head in acknowledgment. The Queen sat down in one of the chairs, with her husband standing behind her, his ands on her shoulders. He motioned for Alanna and Jon to sit. Alanna sat down as she had been taught to in the convent, whilst like his father, Jon remind standing.
"Father, you remember how you told me a few months ago I should really start thinking about settling down, have a wife and kids?" Jon started, a small smile playing on his lips. "Well I have been thinking and I have found the perfect queen, mother and wife, and she has agreed to marry me." Roald and Lianne smiled at their son, now realising why he had asked to see them with Lady Alanna.
"And who would the lucky lady be?" Raoul asked already knowing the answer. Alanna stood up.
"That would be me you highness." Alanna said quietly. "And with your permission we would like to announce our engagement at the midwinter ball next week." Roald nodded smiling openly.
"Sure, that can be arranged. I am really happy for you both." He told Alanna and Jon. "Is there anything else you wanted to say?" Alanna and Jon looked at each other, then at Roald, shaking their heads.
"No father. May we be excused?" Jon asked. The king smiled and nodded. Alanna stood up and bowed to their majestas, took Jon's hand and with out saying another word exited the room.
The week passed quickly and Alanna was starting to dread going to the ball. It was not because she didn't want to go, no she rather liked going to balls, but she was nervous about what other people would think about her engagement to Jonathan. Both of them had decided not to tell anyone, not even Gary, Raoul or Cythera, and it was easier said than done. Gary, Raoul and Cythera knew there was something up with their two friends, but didn't say anything. On the evening of the ball, Alanna spent ages choosing a gown to wear. In the end, she picked her dark green dress, with gold and red trimmings. It was one of Alanna's favourites. Alanna headed down to the ball with Jon, but they separated when Alanna went to go talk to some of her convent friends. An hour later Alanna was talking to Gary when Jon found her.
"Alanna," he whispered in her ear. "Come, its time." Alanna nodded and followed Jon onto a small platform that the King had arranged especial for the night. Jon helped Alanna up, and then turned to face the crowd. All eyes were on them, and the room was silent.
"I would like to start by thanking you all for coming tonight," Jon said clearly. "I would also like to use this time to tell you all some good news. I'm engaged to Lady Alanna of Trebond, and that you are all invited to the wedding." A gasp when up from the crowed and some girls either fainted or started crying.
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