Author's Note- didn't I say at some point that I wouldn't bring Thayet, Liam, and Buri into this? Well, I lied. I think that in a few chapters, there will be yet ANOTHER twist. So, be ready for it. Nothing huge, though.

Chapter 14

"You can tell me anything your deepest darkest fears/I ain't gonna judge you baby that's not why I'm here/You can lay your burden down you can lay it down on me/And I'll take it on/I'll lift you up/I'll face you to the sun." –Hold On to Me, Bo Bice

"Jonathan? Might I present Lady Eliena of Trebond? Mother, this is my betrothed, his royal highness Prince Jonathan of Conté," Alanna introduced. Jonathan's jaw hit the floor as he took in the woman who Alanna was the spiting image of. Eliena curtsied deeply and inclined her head.

"Your highness, I am simply overjoyed at the up coming wedding between yourself and my daughter. You have gone through quite a lot together," she said. Jonathan was still gaping, blinking rapidly.

"Are you just going to stand there, Jonathan, or are you going to say something?" Alanna inquired, nudging him in the ribs. Jonathan took a moment and regained his composure.

"I am honored to be meeting the mother of my betrothed, Lady Eliena. And I welcome you back to the- I welcome you to Corus. I hope you will enjoy your… stay," Jonathan said. Alanna and Eliena smiled.

"If you will excuse me, I would like to go see some of my old friends," Eliena excused, walking away. "It was a pleasure, your highness." Jonathan turned to Alanna.

"Let me guess. Thom tapped your Gift to bring your mother back for our wedding," Jonathan ventured. Alanna beamed.

"How did you guess?" she asked.

"Oh, I have my ways," he replied vaguely. "You do understand that some of the more conservative members of Court- not to mention my parents- will all be a state of utter shock, don't you?"

"The conservatives need to know the world we live in, Jonathan. Don't tell me you disagree," Alanna remarked.

"No, I do. But… with everything that's happened…" his voice drifted off and Alanna knew that he was, once again, referring to the scandal that surrounded her. She put her hands on her hips and glared at him.

"Jonathan. I am sick of hearing about my 'scandal.' I've forgotten it. Your parents have blessed the marriage. Whether they like it or not, the people of Tortall are going to get a lady knight as their queen. They can live with it or move. Not only that, but they are getting a Bazhir shaman and Woman Who Rides Like a Man for their queen, not to mention a strong healer whose brother is a master mage. And her future husband is the Voice of the Tribes, and a survivor of the Sweating Sickness, and a powerful mage. Tortall is in for some shock if they think that your reign is going to be uneventful," Alanna said. Jonathan smiled and wrapped his arms around her. Holding her close, he kissed her nose.

"I always knew there was a reason I loved you, besides you being my best friend," he said.

"And what might that be?" she asked.

"You are probably the only woman in Court brave enough to stand up to me and tell me exactly what is on her mind," Jonathan replied.

"Oh, you know that Rose would extend the same courtesy," Alanna told him.

"Speaking of Rose, have you seen or heard from her or George since they met?" Jon asked. Alanna shook her head.

"Come to think of it, no," she replied. They locked eyes and smiled.

"I think we should make a trip to the Dancing Dove," Jonathan suggested.

"I think that might be a good idea. George has a right to know that my mother is back," Alanna replied.

"Meet me at the stables in 10 minutes," Jon said. She nodded and they kissed quickly. Jonathan went to inform his parents, while Alanna went to change and tell her mother.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

When Alanna and Jon walked into the Dancing Dove, the first thing Alanna saw was a redhead sitting on George's lap.

Alanna took a guess at the redhead's identity and called, "Rose Archer!" The redhead turned and Alanna saw that it was Rose. Rose smiled and slid off George's lap. She wore a plain, serviceable blue dress and there was an apron covering her skirts.

"Alanna! I've missed you! Sorry for not telling you where I was," Rose said as she embraced her old friend. George came over. He and Jon gave each other the "man hug." They clasped hands and pulled together, patting the other's back as they did so. Alanna and Rose shook their heads. George hugged Alanna. Alanna was happily surprised to notice the hug was an innocent, friendly hug with no undertones. When George went to stand beside Rose and put his arm around her waist, Alanna understood why.

"George, you fox," Alanna teased. "You can't have me, so you take my best friend instead?" George gave her his trademark crooked smile.

"What can I say?" he shrugged. "Rose is ye, but taller and common."

"When's the wedding?" Jon asked, only half serious.

"When's yours?" Rose retorted. Jon smiled.

"As soon as Alanna decides what she wants to do," Jon replied. "If she's going to go on one last grand adventure before she gets married or if she is going to confine her adventures to the lands on this side of the Roof of the World." Alanna smiled at him.

"And Jon is being a perfect gentleman about it," Alanna said. Rose groaned.

"They're going to get all romantic on us, George." George chuckled.

"That's all right, Rose," he said. "If they can get romantic, so can we." Rose laughed and kissed him.

"Of course," she agreed. Jon slipped his arm around Alanna and she rested her head on him.

George would be happy without her. And she would be happy without him. They would remain friends, and nothing more.

Author's Note- I hated that chapter. Simply LOATHED it. Anyone else with me there? REVIEW.