Disclaimer: A few characters, major and minor are mine. Same with the plot, except the idea of Lady Catherine trying to marry Lord Alan is Tamora Pierce's. Everything else belongs to Tamora Pierce too.
Title: Ghost of the Past
Author: Winky-wink
Genre: Romance/Humor/Drama
Rating: T (Just to be safe)
Pairing: Alanna/Jonathan
Musical Affection: 'The Whisper Song' by The Ying Yang Twins.
Author's Note: epobbp: Don't worry. I promise you'll get your confusingness.
Tortall Princess: Thanks, I'm glad you like it. And you liked Delia's scene too? Way awesome.
Confusedknight: I don't know. I hope it doesn't suddenly start sucking like other stories lol. And, yeah...I'll be sure not to make them kiss. I couldn't handle that haha. Anyways, I do love the idea of Thom and Alanna together at a ball too!
FanFictionFanthom: I like your pen name. It's cool. Anyways, haha, thanks for the review. I totally agree with you that there are like few good A/J fics out there! I've read like two actually good ones. Most of them are OOC. And thanks for saying mine is one of the better ones. So, yeah, the story is a lot like Ella Enchanted in it's way. I never realized it before...
WitchyMage: I love getting people curious. It's like my fettish lol. Anyways, yeah Thom is studying in the City of Gods. I'm not really sure if he needs a very serious excuse, don't most people there, like, hate him?
okaliedokalie: Thanks for the compliments and adivse too. Hmm...you got me thinking...but I'm not hundred percent how I could change it but I'll definitely think on it.
Lutefa: Multi-tasking I see. Well, anyways, I shall continue.
Padme Amidala2121: Yeah, I know. I love the fact that Thom is slowly getting pulled into this.
Kokari: Ok, haha. I'm glad it interested you.
alana: Really? You think it fits? Thanks a lot. And I really love getting people hooked.
Reviews equal very happy author. Very author equals faster updates, at least I hope so.
'This excitement is like a forest fire-you can smell it, taste it, and see it from a mile away'-Denis Waitley
"Who're you taking to the ball?"
"Do you suppose Delia'll go with me if I ask her?"
"You think we need to get new breeches for this?"
"Any idea what this "perfomance" actually needs us to do?"
Questions shot around everywhere as everyone became more and more excited about the ball. The squires were the worst of the lot, since they were to be a part of the main attraction this year-this unknown dance they were to do in front of all the Tortallan court, a few Scanrans that came along with Lady Winfred and the Carthaks, of course. Some were nervous but most were energetic about what was to come. Alanna fell into the former category, getting twitchy and annoyed whenever anyone talked about 'Prince Ozorne's Great Ball.'
"What's so great about some stupid ball anyways?" she demanded, one day, her temper running particularly short.
"Oh, come on, Alan," Geoffery said, patting her back, "Even for someone like you, this has to be the teensiest bit exciting. We get to be the center ofattention of the entire court for a few special moments when usually we're tossed about like a dirty rag! And you've really got nothing to worry about. You've got Alanna as your escort; you'll learn the dance soon and life's good, isn't it?"
Alanna hated the fact that Geoffery was so happyand optimisticabout the upcoming ball and she was not. In fact, he was more eager than anyone else. However, even Douglass showed unusual signs of happiness.
"It is," he grinned, even now, "Did I tell you guys that Isabelle agreed to be my partner?"
"Good on you," Alanna congratulated him.
She didn't really think all this escort business was a big deal. The young noble ladies of the court were practically begging to be asked to be taken to the ball by any pathetic squire that came their way. They all wanted to be center of attention and that meant snagging a handsome squire so that they could partake in the dance with Prince Ozorne.
"I'm taking Yuna," Geoffery admitted, half-heartedly, "I wanted to try my luck with Delia but Yuna looked like she expected me to ask her or something-so I did."
"I believe Yuna is far more superior than Delia," Alanna commented, stiffly, "With or without hairy legs."
"That's easy for you to say," Geoffery grumbled, "I bet Alanna doesn't have hairy legs."
The Lioness tried to stop from blushing, "Can we not talk about Alanna's body?"
Her two squire friends gave her an odd look but let it go. So he didn't want to talk about his lover, what did that matter, really? Alan was just weird like that. Luckily, they were distracted from pondering on the subject for much longer because they noticed their Knightmasters rounding the corner. Gary, Raoul and Jon were talking, animatedly, each of their faces vivid with speech.
They saw their squires on the white stone bench in the palace gardens and waved before coming over. They were the only ones on the pathway due to the cold weather. The afternoon was warmer than that of the evening, but not much warmer.
"I'm surprised to see you three out here," Gary said, eyeing them like an elder looked down at an adolescent, "I thought you would be doing today's homework?"
"We should be doing today's homework," Geoffery corrected him, "But we're not. Even got Dougy into it."
Gary snorted, "I always did as much of my homework as I could."
"Well, grandfather, we're not you, are we?" Geoffery joked, causing the rest of them to grin.
"One of these days...," Gary started then sighed and just gave up. Geoffery was a hopeless case. He knew that because he was just like Gary himself.
Raoul settled down on the bench beside Alanna and nudged her, "So, have you already asked Alanna to the ball?"
She shook her head, "Not quite yet. Have you asked anyone?"
He wrinkled his nose, "God no. I'm not going with anyone yest I have to. My great aunt's in town...and she's always a stickler about marriage. So she may force me to court someone. No. Only people who're taking anybody are Gary and Jonathan."
Alanna felt like something was caught in her throat. The Prince was already taking someone else. He probably hadn't even thought of the last ball and when they'd danced together like she had. She would never admit to anyone that she ever thought that moment had been special to her when it was so clearly not special to him.
"Who're you all taking?" Douglass asked, digging the toe of his shoe into the stone pathway in front of him.
"Delia," Gary grinned, and ran a smug hand through his hair, "She said yes! Can you believe that?"
Geoffery looked horrified, "What's happening to this world? I swear the end is near..."
"Shut you!" Gary snapped, but then quickly returned to smiling.
"She only said yes because Jonathan refused her," Raoul pointed out, "I suggested he keep his dignity by taking Cythera to the ball instead of Jonathan's seconds."
Alanna could never have agreed with her Goldenlake friend more. She also hated Delia more than ever. How would Cythera feel about this? Her best friend going to the ball with the very man she fancied! Delia had no heart-not even for her closest confidante and it sickened Alanna to the bone.
"I choose to ignore what you've just said," Gary turned up his nose and Raoul let out a sigh as he shook his head.
"Who are you escorting to the ball?" Douglass went on, ignoring everyone else, and nodding towards Jonathan.
"Who I told you I was going to take. Alan's cousin, Helena," Jonathan replied, not looking at Alanna. If he did he expected to see her shooting daggers at him. Fortunately, not he nor anyone looked at Alanna and therefore no one noticed the pain streaked expression on her face which she didn't even realize had appear there. The most repulsive tears stung her eyes and she looked up and tried to blink them away as quickly as possible. She couldn't believe she was getting all...sensitive over a man! Just because she was in love-she stopped mid-thought and she blinked, surprised, at the choice of her words. She thought love. Did she really love Jonathan? If she did, how much longer would it take to cure this? It couldn't be very much more difficult than curing the Sweating Sickness, could it?
'Oh, it's much harder to cure than a simple Sweating Sickness,' Faithful purred, making his awake presence known to Alanna. She frowned at him, wishing he was still asleep in her book bag.
"Lucky you," Geoffery smiled, "She's fair as a rose, that one."
Alanna snorted, then hid it by turning it into a cough. Raoul slapped her back trying to be helpful but his big hands only hurt. She pulled away from the group and made an excuse about needing to go to her room to finish her homework from maths. She didn't want anyone to see lest she made another scene by crying or coughing.
Slapping her shoes against the polished floor of the palace, she began to run to her room. When she reached it she was both surprised and afraid that the door to her chambers were open. She had gowns in there! Faithful leaped off her shoulder and scurried in ahead of her. Alanna drew her sword out of it's scabbard and followed him inside. She instantly bumped into the other person inside.
"Oof! Watch where you're going, young lady! And put down that metal stick!"
Alanna stepped back from the figure, "Lady Winfred?"
"Who else?" she snapped back, shutting the door to Alanna's bedchambers, "You know, you could clean up around here once in a while."
The Lioness made a face, "Why're you here?"
Winfred pulled out an envelope from her cloak, "I've received answer from my husband concerning your bethrothal to Roger."
She stopped at the best part as usual so Alanna was forced to ask, "And?"
Sometimes Alanna suspected the old bat liked that she had to make her ask.
"And he won't drop back! He insists that Abigail's union with Roger can bring only good tidings," Winfred said, flailing her arms all around, "There's only so far we can argue...and I don't know what to do."
For the first time since Alanna'd met her, Winfred seemed truely lost. Like she hadn't a clue where to go from where she was and it scared the living daylights out of Alanna.
"Don't know what to do...," Alanna repeated, numbly, "What are you saying? That I have to marry Roger?"
"No! No, prettyness. Abigail would have to marry Roger," Winfred assured her, "I'm just not quite sure what we'll do about the difference in your looks. She's far taller than you and her hair's far thicker..."
"Thanks for that," Alanna said, bitterly.
"Do I detect a hint at jealously?" Winfred sudddely teased, "Does someone finally want to be a lady?"
Alanna snorted, "Nuh uh."
"Enough of this," the royal Aunt instantly became serious once more, "What have you arranged for Prince Ozorne's Great Ball? Who're you going with?"
"Myself," Alanna replied, as if that were the most normal response in the whole world, "Well, not exactly me. If everything falls through, I'll be escorted to the ball by my twin brother, Thom, who will be masquerading as me masquerading as Alan of Trebond whilst I masquerade as Alanna of Conte."
Lady Winfred blinked, "How did I get caught up in this circus?"
"Better yet, how did I get caught up in this circus?" Alanna asked, smiling in spite of herself.
'You're in love with Jonathan, that's why,' Faithful joked, leaping onto Alanna's bed causing her to give him a look of pure venom.
If Jonathan was the most handsome man that Alanna had ever seen, then Prince Ozorne was a close second. A very close second. He was tall, dark, and handsome. His wiry muscles were enough to make him desirable. Yet, he was even more special than that. He was outrageously glamourous and wore outfits that had never been seen on men in Tortall. He even wore face paints around his eyes, adding to his extravagant look. The first time Alanna saw him, he had been dressed in a golden shield with a gold and white cloak draped past his shoulders. Every coil of his raven hair had gold strung into it. Even his sandals shined. No noble in Tortall would dare wear sandals, which had been considered commoner's feet slippers. Until now that is.
He was greeted by the entire Tortallan court and when he shook hands with Jonathan, Alanna could see a great contrast there between them. North and South. Silver and Gold. Handsome and handsome. She suspected that it was not just one lady who's heart was feeling faint at the moment.
After Ozorne's arrival, classes to teach dance began for squires on schedule. On the first of these days, Alanna (dressed in her female form), Geoffery, Douglass, Yuna, and Isabelle made their way to a hall that was used for minor banquets. The grand tables and flower vases had been drawn away and the dance floor was practically begging for people to move, gracefully, across it.
Alanna was very, very, nervous. She had not had word from Thom yet so she had no clue if he was actually going to show up or not. She had seen no sign of him so she was sure that he'd abandoned her to her misery. Still, Lady Winfred had forced her to come along just in case.
'I was stupid to put all faith in Thom,' she mentally scolded herself, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Geoffery, have you ever tried, you know, running a comb through your hair?" Yuna frowned, looking at the squire that was to be her partner for the dance.
"Comb? What ever is that, dear Yuna?" Geoffery faked confusion.
Yuna slapped his shoulder then shot a sidelong glance to Alanna, "Where's your Alan?"
"I'm not sure," Alanna lied through her teeth, "But he'll be here soon."
She moved, uncomfortably, in her tightly woven black gown. The neckline was higher than most of her other dresses so she ought to be grateful for that. Carly and Lydia had spun her hair into a round bun yet a few strands of stubborn brown red hair had slipped away and softened the sharp edges of Alanna's face.
"Speaking of Alan, I haven't seen him since breakfast," Douglass stated, thoughtfully.
"Think less of Alan and more of me," Isabelle elbowed him on his side.
Squires and noble ladies were pouring into the hall faster than hail from the sky. Alanna hadn't realized there were so many younglings in the palace. Everyone was rumbling with talk and smiling and laughing.
'That could've been me,' Alanna sighed, thinking, 'That should've been me.'
"Order! Order!" Duke Gareth clapped his hands together, "Everyone, please, settle down."
Slowly but surely the chatter died down and soon everyone was silent, eyes on His Grace.
"Today is your first class of dance," Duke Gareth began.
"Are you to be teaching us, Your Grace?" a pert squire questioned, rudely, laughing softly.
"Actually," all eyes darted to the door and there stood Ozorne looking just as heavenly as the first time, "I'll be teaching you. Accompanied by my good friend, Ferra, head of the dance department at the University in Carthak. Oh, and I can't forget good old Arram Draper."
He added the last part with obvious humor while gesturing towards a tall, brooding man. He looked a little younger than Alanna, herself, but seemed wise beyond his years. As he swished past her with Ozorne and Ferra, Alanna felt all tingly. The young man was dripping with the Gift.
"I won't be dancing," Arram shook his head, looking at all the Tortallans more disdainfully than anything.
"Nonsense," Ozorne laughed, "Ferra'll get you dancing. Won't you?"
"Yes, Your Highness," the short dance teacher replied, his nose twitching.
"Well, since Your Highness and your friends have arrived, I believe I may make my leave," he nodded to them, respectfully. Then showing he never missed a beat he added, "As for you, Squire Jordan, you may report to me in my office, everynight after dinner for a fortnight for your cheek."
The rude squire hung his head and Alanna smirked. That was Duke Gareth for you. The Duke left the room, leaving all in charge of the Carthaks. Ozorne looked at them all, smiling, brightly. Arram checked his nails for signs of dirt and Ferra just looked apprehensive.
"Alright, I may as well say good morning to all you Tortallan squires and your beautiful ladies. I am, as you already know, Prince Ozorne. You're an impressive bunch, I must say, and if things go well I'll never have to face you on a battlefield," Ozorne laughed at his own joke and a few others joined him, "Now, let's begin. All our young ladies and lads, please pair up."
Douglass and Isabelle and Geoffery and Yuna came together and linked hands. Everyone joined with someone else until the only person left alone was Alanna. She blushed, furiously, as everyone stared at her. Arram Draper raised an eyebrow. Ferra looked even more apprehensive.
Ozorne came over to her, "Alone? Where's your escort?"
Alanna curtsied, trying to get rid of her blush, "I don't know, Your Highness."
"Don't know? Well, that is a problem, isn't it?" he grinned at her as if she were an inferior child, "And a pretty thing like you should be dancing. How about I dance with you till your Lord decides to present himself, is that alright?"
Alanna and everyone else was stunned. Prince Ozorne had just asked her to be his partner and he was only supposed to ask someone radiant and far more better at dancing and performing than her. Like Cythera or Helena or Delia. Not Alanna, for crying out loud! She didn't want to be the center of attention.
However, she knew it would be a no-no to reject him so she said, "Alright? It is an honor to be your dance partner, Your Highness."
He smiled, "Good. And what did you say your name was?"
She hadn't said her name but ignored it, "Alanna of Conte."
"Alanna of Conte?" Ozorne blanched, "Mithros, you're the cousin of the heir to the throne! And here you've been 'Your Highness-ing' me! Please, I beg you, from one royal to another, call me Ozorne."
Alanna curtsied once more, knowing it was the proper thing to do. Her eyes scanned the room and knew she'd seen the furious looks of envy on the face of every other noble lady in the room.
'I'm making so many friends,' Alanna thought, sarcastically.
Ozorne offered her his arm, but before she had a chance to take it the door to the hall opened once more. In the doorway stood Alan of Trebond or rather Thom of Trebond. His face was flushed from rushing and his squires uniform had been thrown on, haphazardly. The Carthaki Prince dropped the arm he'd offered to Alanna and stepped forward.
"Who're you?" Ozorne demanded, trying to analyze everything that Alan-or rather Thom was.
"Alan of-," Thom paused, trying to catch his breath, "-of Trebond, Your Highness."
Alanna pushed past Ozorne in her excitement and with a cry of, "Alan!" she leapt into her brother's waiting arms. He faltered as she hugged him, fiercely. She hadn't realized how much she really missed him! It had been forever since they'd seen each other. She remembered a very sober Thom at her father's funeral. This one was more cheerful but not by much. He was still Thom after all.
"Alanna?" he looked her up and down, obviously confused about why her hair and eyes were different colours.
"I'm guessing this is your escort?" Ozorne implored, smiling in amusement, "Well, since that's settled, I can help Ferra teach freely."
She pulled back from Thom and blushed. She'd shown a great deal of public affection which caused many of the other people in the room to look at her in shock. This was the niece to the King, if she didn't know proper manners than who did? Alanna looked down, embarrassed at having shamed herself in front of all these people.
"Hello Alanna. Erm-how are you?" Thom asked, moving uncomfortably in his squire's outfit.
"Great," Alanna grinned, "I thought you weren't going to show up!"
"Young lords, please take your escort by her left hand and place your left hand on her lower back," Ferra instructed as Ozorne spoke, happily, to Arram.
Thom and Alanna came together, brother keeping his hand higher than most other squires did. Thom looked over Alanna's shoulder and a blonde-haired squire winked at him and nodded towards Alanna.
"Well, how could I say no with a letter like that?" Thom demanded, giving her a rare smile, "Masquerading as a noble lady. How unlike you."
"Don't forget Aunt Catherine," Alanna interjected, moving as Thom led her in the dance they were learning. He wasn't the best dancer but he was far better at it than Alanna was herself. Half the nobles were put to one side of the room, boy, girl, boy, girl, with their escorts across from them in the same order, girl, boy, girl, boy. The music would begin and the squires would leave their end of the hall to their partner's side. Clasping hands, the whole procession would take a few melodramatic steps forward, whilst Ozorne walked in the center of it all, clearly enjoying all the attention he was getting. As the sequences got more and more complex, Alanna noticed Ferra, Ozorne and even Arram making more and more suggestions to everyone in the room. It wasn't soon before they were critisizing Alanna and Thom as well.
"I don't want your hand there, young master," Ferra instructed Thom, gesturing towards the young sorcerer's hand that was just beneath Alanna's shoulder bones, "They ought to be lower, it looks far more attractive."
Thom let his hand slide down only about half an inch. Ferra frowned, "She's such a lovely thing and you're afraid to touch her! Come on, now. Just a bit lower."
Alanna saw Douglass and Geoffery exchange amused looks, probably thinking, 'That's our Alan. Stiff around women as always.'
Thom lowered his hand even more and wouldn't bring it down anymore no matter how hard Ferra protested. Other squires snickered and even though Thom was humiliating the name of Squire Alan, it was exactly the type of thing that Squire Alan, himself,would've done.
The dance class ended and Ozorne's voice boomed across the room as they all began to leave, "I want you all here tomorrow, same time."
Thom snorted, his arm linked with Alanna's, "What a monarch. Did he ever stop to think we all might have other things to do?"
"Not all monarchs are bad," Alanna mumbled, thinking about Jonathan.
Her twin looked at her, eyebrows raised, "You're only saying that because you're half a monarch already."
"Am not," Alanna shook her head, "This is all an act, dear brother. It will be over soon."
Actually, the Lioness had no clue whether or not it would be over soon, but it wouldn't do to tell Thom that. He'd only get arrogant and all knowing on her.
"That's not what I was speaking of," Thom replied, his voice taking on a surprisingly teasing tone, "From what I hear you'll be half royal through marriage. To Prince Jonathan, that is."
Alanna's eyes widened and her mouth opened a litte bit, "Who in the world told you that?"
Thom scrunched up this face as if he was still unsure about what he was about to say, "Well, I think it was a cat. Said his name was Faithful. But I could be wrong, there was also a servingman in that hallway."
"Faithful!" Alanna spluttered, "I'll see to it that his tail gets a nice yank next time I see him."
"Alan! Alan, where do you think you're going?"
Thom and Alanna turned around, coming apart. Geoffery and Douglass ran up to them, both looking to be off somewhere else. That's when it hit her. She had swordplay, tilting, fencing, and archery this afternoon.
"Um...," Thom trailed off and looked at Alanna for help, "I'm going to-my chambers?"
Geoffery laughed, "Who are you, my good sir, and where's Alan? To your chambers? You think we're noble ladies or something where we can lounge about where ever we want whenever we want? We've got fencing class, Alan."
"Fencing?" Thom looked horrified at that very prospect.
"Yes, fool, fencing," Geoffery answered, "Now come on."
Alanna caught Thom's eye and they both shared the same feeling. Dread. Thom because he hated all those knightly things that were required of squires. Alanna because Thom was also lousy at all those knightly things and would shame her beautifully built reputation to all ends. Geoffery tugged Thom's arm and he couldn't protest yest he cause great suspicion.
Douglass bowed to Alanna, "Good day, Alanna."
'Good day indeed!' Alanna thought, darkly, 'I have to spend another whole day as Alanna of Conte. What am I going to do?'
Another stitchery session, three gossip fests, and one boring dinner later, Alanna returned to her squires chambers, dressed up as Alan of Trebond. To her great relief, Thom was in her room and was also alone. He looked up when she entered, his face pale.
"I finished your homework," he stated, pointing to her book bag which had been neatly reorganized.
Alanna laughed, "Riiight. No one actually finishes homework. You just do as much as you can."
"I finished it, I tell you. Check," Thom said, giving her a smug smile.
Not one to believe what she hadn't seen or heard by her own eyes and ears, she actually did go and check. It really was done. Alanna looked up from one of her math books, "You are...I don't know what you are. Just unbelievable. And, I'll never hear the end of this, will I?"
"Thanks," Thom mumbled, even though what she said hadn't exactly been a compliment.
"So," Alanna began, daring to ask the unaskable, "How did the afternoon go?"
Thom didn't meet her eyes and said, quietly, "I tripped over my own sword."
The Lioness pulled back with a sharp intake of breath, "You didn't."
"You think I'd lie to you about that?" Thom demanded, flushing beet red.
Alanna shook her head, slapping her forehead. She had thought this couldn't get any worse. But it had. Now her squire's reputation was devastated. Things didn't lift up when the door ajoining her room to Jon's came open. Her Knightmaster stood there, a scone in one hand, obviously a rushed dinner, and a scroll in another.
"Alanna can you take this to-," he stopped as he looked up and saw double, "What the-?"
"Jonathan meet my brother, Thom. Thom, Jon," Alanna introduced them to one another reducing the Prince's confusion, if only slightly.
Thom stood and Jonathan shook his hand, still looking at her twin, dumbfounded. He looked amazingly like Alanna but he held himself differently. He was less relaxed and more scholarly.
"Um," Jon fumbled, looking away from the magical twin, "I don't understand. Why is Thom here?"
He looked back at Thom as if to apologize for his bluntness. The sorcerer shrugged. Bluntness was no stranger to him and his behavior.
"Thom's here to be my escort to the ball. He's going as Alan of Trebond," Alanna explained, "So I can go as Alanna."
"Oh," Jonathan said, but didn't look quite satisfied, "Can I talk to you in my room for a moment, Alanna?"
The two redheaded twins shared a look and Thom nodded for her to follow Jon into his room. She went in, shut the door, and wondered what they had to talk about. She'd already explained the Thom situation and as far as she knew, there was nothing else to discuss. Unless he had some secret, rather important, squire task he wanted her to set out for. She boots practically itched in anticipation of a lengthy ride by horse back.
"Yes?" Alanna started the conversation, looking at Jon look at her with his arms crossed over his chest.
He uncrossed his arms and looked at her knees, "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Tell you what?" Alanna asked, screwing up her face, trying to think of what he was possibly talking about.
"About your brother. About Thom. Why didn't you tell me you wrote to him and asked him to come?" he detailed his earlier question.
"It slipped my mind?" Alanna made a face, rather amused that this was what their important discussion was about.
"Slipped your mind? Even when it comes to me? I thought we were best friends," Jonathan said, edgily, sounding insulted.
"We are best friends," Alanna shook her head in bewilderment at the silliness of this all, "I just forgot to tell you, alright? It was a late at night when I returned from the Dancing Dove after writing the letter. And George kept-"
"George?" Jonathan repeated, his face suddenly turning red, "You discussed this with George and not with me?"
"It's not like I did it on purpose. He was just there and you weren't," Alanna grumbled, getting angry, "And I still don't get what you're getting all worked up about! It's not like we consult each other before making decisions anymore! You sure as hell didn't consult me before asking Helena to the ball!"
Jonathan blanched, "Is this what this is all about? You're upset because I asked Helena to a stupid ball?"
"Yes!" Alanna cried to her great surprised, "I mean, no! I mean-she sighed-I haven't a clue what I mean."
She fell onto Jon's bed, her head in her hands. She'd just admitted she was jealous of him taking Helena to the ball! Even though she'd taken it back, she knew he wouldn't forget her words. Alanna felt a soft plomp as a weight settled onto the bed beside her. Jonathan wrapped an arm around her shoulders. For one, Alanna didn't fight back but still kept her distance. Everytime their thighs brushed against one another's, she fought the urge to shiver.
"Is it just me or was that argument the most idiotic one we've ever had?" Jonathan questioned a loud to the air, causing Alanna to giggle.
"No, it's just you," Alanna responded, "Our argument over red wine versus white wine was far more idiotic."
He laughed too, "I still say red wine."
Alanna smiled but looked up at him, seriously, "I'm sorry for not telling you but it really did slip my mind."
Jonathan waved his hand, "I should be saying sorry for the Helena debacle. And, anyways, I threw things way out of proportion. I guess-he breathed in deeply-I was just envious. I thought you were replacing me with George for a second back there."
Saying he was envious of George was a big blow to his pride so Alanna knew it caused him great pain to say it. She squeezed his arm and pulled it off her, "I'm not replacing you with George yet he is my friend. A very good friend.But don't worry. You're still my best friend."
"I'm still number one?" he wanted to know, grinning at her.
She nodded, laughing,cheery herself, "You're still number one."
From the next room they heard a crash, followed by a groan.
"Alanna!" Thom shouted through the door, his voice strained as if were yelling from underneath a great weight, "I need your help! I tried to practice swordplay and...the results were not good."
Author's Note: Hopefully next chapter will be 'Prince Ozorne's Great Ball.' Oh and definitely more from Arram Draper a.k.a. our beloved Numair. Anyways, hope you enjoyed this chapter and please review. It makes my world go round haha.
winky-wink