Chapter 42

Author's Note- as soon as I get my pictures developed, I'll put up pictures from sleep away camp. I had a fabulous time. I got only one chapter written for you, mostly because I made friends and, well, I hung out with them! Don't be mad at me… I may be welcoming another couple people to FF.N from camp! Speaking of FF.N, today is the first anniversary of my joining of the site! YAY!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dawn the following morning found Eliena galloping Chubby through the fields behind the palace. Her curly black hair had been tied back in a horsetail, which was flying out behind her, along with the black cloak she's thrown on over yesterday's breeches and a stained, threadbare shirt. Her violet eyes were focused on the land ahead of her, leg firmly pressed against her pony's round sides. She felt Chubby go to break, and squeezed him.

"No, baby, not yet," she whispered. Chubby flicked his ears and dropped his head to press forward. Finally, she came to the Royal Forest. She slowed Chubby to a walk. He pranced when the pony noticed where his rider was headed. "Calm down." Eliena closed her leg and felt his muscles loosen beneath her. "Good boy." She patted his neck and walked him into the forest. (AN- boy, you sure can tell I was at riding camp for THAT part!)

The princess could barely see in the early morning light. But she didn't need sight to get to where she was heading.

When she reached the clearing she's been looking for, Eliena dismounted from her pony. She tied him to a tree and pulled the note she'd received late the night before from her pocket:

Eli-

Meet me in our clearing at dawn tomorrow.

-Sam

"Their clearing" was also the same place Eli had gone with Neal and Leo that time after a ball.

"Sam?" Eliena called. "You here?" There was a crunching noise behind her. Eliena turned with a quiet gasp. When she felt in her heart a familiar warmth, a smile spread across her lovely features. "Samuel Fletcher, how did you become king of thieves?" A grinning Sam stepped out of the shadows of the trees.

"I didn't need t' be silent," Sam retorted. "How did ye know I wasn't a murdere' or something', anyhow?" Eliena grinned wickedly.

"That, my Rogue, is for me to know," she told him with a toss of her hair.

"I bet ye I could guess." With a few long strides, Sam closed to space between them. Eliena inhaled sharply as Sam caught her up in his arms. He kissed her deeply. Eliena couldn't keep track of the million thoughts swarming her brain in that instant. Eliena managed to take her mouth away and step back.

"Now, Sam. If you're going to kiss me the whole time, I'm going to have to leave," Eli told him. Her voice was calm, cool, and even, but her knees shook, before totally giving way. She landed on her rear with a loud thud. She winced. Sam chuckled and held out his hand.

"Need some 'elp there, El?" he asked, eyes dancing.

She glared at the thief king. "No." She got to her feet and brushed off her butt. "This is all your fault, you know. If you hadn't kissed me—" Sam took her back into his arms, holding her gently. Eliena looked into his eyes, which were full of tenderness.

"Is this better?" Sam asked. Unable to speak, Eliena just nodded. "What about this?" Ever so gently, he kissed her. Eliena melted into his arms. Sam pulled back and drew her against his chest, rocking her gently. Eliena put her head against him, listening to the soft beat of his heart.

The sweethearts lost track of how long they stood there, Eliena in her old friend's arms. When she opened her eyes, it was fully light. She swore and yanked away, running to untie Chubby.

"What?" asked Sam, obviously concerned. "What's wrong?" His hand was on his dagger.

"No one knows where I am," Eliena replied, swinging into the saddle, silently apologizing to Chubby for twisting his back. "I am going to be in so much trouble." Sam echoed her curse. He clasped her hand.

"I'll see ye later, then?" he wanted to know.

"I don't know," she admitted. "I hope so." Sam kissed her hand and slapped Chubby on his hindquarters, sending him off at a canter.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eliena burst into the royal dining hall. "I'm here!" she proclaimed. "Don't send a search party!"

Alanna raised a casual eyebrow. "Why would we go that? We haven't been her five minutes." Eliena's face fell.

"What are you wearing?" asked an incredulous Jonathan. "I thought I told you to get rid of that shirt months ago." Eliena blushed and pulled her cloak tighter around her body.

"I think I'll go change now," she mumbled and scurried out, swearing under her breath.

Thom watched the doorway. "Alanna?" he asked.

"Yes, brother dear?" Alanna prompted.

"I believe Eliena's your daughter now."

"What do you mean, Thom?" Alanna frowned.

"She looked like she snuck out to go riding. You used to do that." Jonathan smiled.

"I think she went to do more than ride, Thom."

Author's Note- ALL TIME FAVORITE CHAPTER. This would be it. I LOVED THIS CHAPTER. Favorite ever. I had horses, fluff, some fun Jonathan and Alanna lines, AND I included Jonathan! This is just so perfect. Sequel to "Lady Alanna and the Prince" is up if you didn't see. REVIEW.