Chapter 19

"This one love in a lifetime/Our two hearts of a kind/These three reasons you'll be mine/For there's five or six ways through/Seven days without you/Seven days without you." –Seven Days Without You, Teddy Geiger, UNDERAGE THINKING

Two weeks later…

Jonathan sat staring at the letter in his hands, growing a strange mixture of nervous and angry.

Dearest Jonathan,

Raoul, Coram, Rose, and I are safe, let me tell you that much. We've met the Shang Dragon, Liam Ironarm. He was staying in the same Inn as us in Maren, and he's very nice. No need to worry, though, Jonathan. You're still much more handsome.

Remember that map Myles gave me to get read? Well, I did. And I talked with Raoul, Rose, and Coram about it. We're not going to be in the tournament. We've decided to go after the Dominion Jewel. The map shows the way, and we decided to go and bring the Dominion Jewel home for you- for the glory and good of Tortall, just as I promised.

Please don't be angry. I promise that we'll be safe. That's why I haven't joined with the Voice; I wanted to keep it a secret. I'll join as soon as I'm sure this letter has reached you. Coram's been having trouble, but I'm sure with me we'll reach. Please, Jonathan, don't be angry. Raoul and Coram will keep us safe. And we have Liam with us as well. He's the DRAGON, Jonathan. And I'm the Lioness. We'll be perfectly fine, don't worry.

Always,

Alanna

How could she? How could she just run off like that? Didn't she know how dangerous Sarain was? The country was war-torn, by the gods! She could get hurt! He had to go after her…

But he couldn't. The queen was getting more ill with each passing hour, and Duke Baird was almost certain she wouldn't make it. Jonathan just couldn't leave her to chase after Alanna. He would just have to wait until she joined with the Voice to talk to her.

Speaking of joining with the Voice… it was almost time. Jonathan locked his door as he always did when it was time and sat on his bed. He closed his eyes, sitting up straight with his legs folded. He kept his breathing even and steady as he let the thoughts of the Bazhir flood him.

He searched for Alanna's voice as he answered other questions. Her voice should be faint. If he could find Coram's voice, he would certainly find Alanna's.

Jonathan? Jonathan? It was amazing. Alanna had such control over her voice as she spoke. It meant she had to keep her thoughts clear and only think of what she wanted to say to him.

I'm here, Alanna. Jonathan told her. I received your letter. Jonathan could tell by her thoughts that she knew there was something wrong.

And? She asked.

I'm very upset, Alanna. How could you do this? I have half a mind to call off the wedding! But, I'm also nervous. Please be smart about this, Alanna. Don't just go into those mountains alone. The Roof of the World is very cold. And what will George, your mother, and Myles think?

Its none of their business what I do. I am a full-grown adult. Alanna replied. Not to mention a knight.

How are you going to get through Sarain? Something tells me they won't be very welcoming to lady knights. Jonathan reminded her.

Don't you have anything better to be doing as the Voice than challenging my choices? I know what I'm doing, Jonathan. Don't worry about me. Alanna was serious. There were no undertones to her thoughts.

What about Liam?

What about him? He and I are friends. Nothing more. Jonathan prodded at her mind. Leave my mind alone. I'm not hiding anything. Do you want to turn into Roger? That made Jonathan shiver. Turn into his evil cousin? No, that would be terrible.

Suddenly, he felt her think something else: Thank God he doesn't know we're already in Sarain and have been caught by bandits.

Alanna! I heard that! Jonathan shouted at her.

Alanna swore. Please, Jonathan. We handled it just fine.

You're in Sarain? Are you fine? Who are you with? Are Coram, Raoul, Rose, and Liam still with you? Jonathan was nervous. He was sweating.

Yes, yes, and yes. We've company, though.

Who? Jonathan demanded.

Princess Thayet jian Wilima, Buriram Tourakom, and some children. They're on their way to a convent and we're helping.

Jonathan knew the name Thayet. She had once been considered as a possible bride for him. Queen Lianne had vetoed the idea, saying that there was "bad blood" in the Wilima line. She was supposed to be the most beautiful woman in the world. He couldn't help but wonder if she was. But, then he remembered Alanna in a temper, violet eyes blazing, and swinging Lightning. He remembered her in his tunic in the Black City, saving his life from the Sweating Sickness, and how innocent she had looked on her 17th birthday when they had made love for the first time. He remembered how out-of-place, yet lovely, she looked in a dress, and how her copper hair had brushed her shoulders and made her look beautiful at that ball before they were friends again. He recalled her laugh, her smile, and the way she easily rode Moonlight. He remembered the times he'd seen her fought, looking graceful swinging her sword. Lastly, he remembered how afraid she had been when he was going through the Rite of the Voice and fighting that Bazhir man. She had been genuinely concerned about him. And it was sweet. She was his Lioness, and his betrothed.

Jonathan sighed. I have to help other people. Keep me informed, Alanna, please. But I do trust you.

You do? Alanna was skeptical.

Yes. And I love you.

I love you too, Jon. And thank you.

Goodbye, my Lioness.

Goodbye, Jon.

Jonathan went through everyone else, being attentive to his or her needs. When he finished, he opened his eyes and fell back onto his bed.

When Alanna got home, he was going to treat her like a proper lady. She deserved it.

Author's Note- OK, how sappy did I get? Be honest. Oh. If you ever want to see what your authoress looks like, say so in your review and I'll send you where you can. Don't forget to review, my almighty reviewers!