QUICK SIDE NOTE: I don't remember the name at the moment, but whoever keeps asking me to turn Jon evil, please stop. I adore Jon, as some know. I will not make Jon evil, so please stop asking.

WARNING TO AJ FANS: SLIGHT AG CONTENT

Chapter 8

Alanna burst into her room and stripped off her dress. She grabbed a pair of breeches, a shirt, and a tunic. She pulled them on and laced her riding boots. She tied her copper hair into a low horsetail, grabbed her riding gloves, and made her way to the stables.

"Where are ye goin', milady?" the hostler, Stefan, wanted to know.

"The Lower City," she snapped. "Either help me tack the golden chestnut I rose earlier or get out of my way."

"As ye wish, milady," he said with a bow.

"Alanna," she corrected harshly. Alanna could've sworn she'd heard him mutter, "As ye wish."

Alanna galloped to the Dancing Dove. Something about George had made her comfortable, and she had a feeling he would welcome her with open arms.

"Where's George?" she demanded of the man called Solom.

"In 'is rooms, mil- Alanna," Solom replied.

"Take me," Alanna commanded, uncaring of how noble she sounded. Solom wordlessly led her to a dark, quiet hall. The room all the way at the end had a small bit of light coming from under the door. "Thanks." Alanna pounded on the door.

"Who is it?" a voice asked from inside.

"Alanna." Alanna heard soft footsteps and the door opened. George looked menacing, with his large frame and the light coming from behind him.

"Alanna?" George's voice was curious.

"Thom's twin," Alanna replied. George stepped aside.

"Come in!" he welcomed. Alanna stepped in and George shut the door. "What brings ye back so soon?"

"I'd rather not talk about it," Alanna grumbled, collapsing onto George's bed.

He gulped. This certainly wasn't the first time there had been a woman in his room, or on his bed for that matter. But, he had never felt this way about the woman before. Usually, either he or the woman were drunk. Or, he noticed her in the Dove's common room, and felt a rush of heat. And then they had ended up in his bed, for one night only. But Alanna was neither drunk nor a prostitute. She was a lady- a true, full-blooded noble. She was beautiful, too. The horsetail that held her hair showed Alanna's high cheekbones and classic face. The anger in her eyes made the violet all the more noticeable. This time, George wasn't sure he wanted her in his room. He was afraid of what his emotions might lead him to do.

"What's wrong?" Alanna asked, her voice concerned. George met her eyes and saw that the anger had softened.

"Nothin'," George replied. Alanna gave him a skeptical look, and, for one moment, both George and Alanna felt as though they had known each other for years. Bother were silent, and Alanna glanced down.

"It was Jonathan," she murmured.

"What about him?" George asked softly, moving to sit next to her. He put an arm around her shoulders, telling himself it was solely a friendly, comforting gesture.

"He told me that the reason he spent so much time with my friend Lady Delia of Eldorne the other night was because he wouldn't talk to me because I'm 'the most beautiful woman in Court.'" Alanna made a face.

"Ye are beautiful," George told her. Alanna leapt to her feet.

"You too, George?" she demanded. George stood too, and Alanna almost backed down. There was hurt in his hazel eyes, which was quickly shoved away and his height advantage made Alanna feel weak.

"No, Alanna. I'm tellin' ye th' truth. Ye are beautiful." George pushed a stray chuck of her hair from Alanna's face, surprising her with the tenderness. "He may've been tellin' ye th' truth."

Alanna's eyes flashed. "It sounded like he just wanted me in his bed tonight." George shook his head.

"I've known Jonathan since he was fourteen or so. Even when he like a lady, he treated her th' same way he treated every other lady. And he'd never 'just want someone in his bed.' When Jon takes a lover- not that I think he has- he's serious about her. And th' lady can rest assured that she'll be treated well." Alanna was silent.

"I think I misjudged him," she remarked.

"Ye had a right t'. Jonathan's never been good at sayin' th' right thin' when he feels strongly." Alanna smiled up at George and hugged him.

"Thank you, George," she said. George put his arms around her, pulling her closer.

"Anytime, lass."

Author's Note- Don't say I didn't warn you! I'm not promising any strong AJ content anytime soon, though. Let's see how Alanna and George play out, shall we? Review, please.