A/N: I know that I am updating pretty fast, but I have this story in my head and I want to get it out there for you guys to read before it gets lost. So, enjoy this new chapter!

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the books written by Tamora Pierce.

*************************************************************

As soon as they reach the Royal Palace of Corus's stables, Jonathan leapt off Darkness and hurried to help Alanna off Moonlight. But by the time her reach her, in the stall next to his, she was off Moonlight and working on getting of the saddlebags. He chuckled at his thinking she would need help. Faithful was staring at a sleeping Stefan as is keeping watch. Once Jonathan and Alanna had hung up their horses' saddles, they picked up her bags and were off to Jonathan's chambers. He said nothing as they moved quickly and quietly through the sleeping palace and Alanna worried that he was mad at her. Once they were safely inside his quarters he set down her bags and turned to smile at her.

"I love you." He said as he pulled her close. He lifted up her face and kissed her tenderly. Too soon for either of their tastes, he broke the kiss. He held her hand and led her to the couch where he proceeded to sit and think. Alanna sat down next to him and leaned her head back against the couch. Soon she was fast asleep. Jon looked down at the dozing Alanna. He thought for a while more. It was only when the sun began to break over the horizon that he made his decision. Then he lifted Alanna and brought her into his bedchamber. He set her onto the bed carefully, so not to wake her. Jon undressed and pulled on a night tunic. He crawled exhaustedly into bed and fell asleep.

*************************************************************

When Alanna woke up she was confused. The room she was in was dark, but, she could see light creeping through the drapes that covered the windows. She rolled over to see if Jon was in bed with her but he wasn't. The sheets were ruffled as though someone had slept there. Faithful was curled at the foot of the bed. Under him was a note that read;

Dearest Alanna,

I have gone to work on business I have left sitting for too long. Please help yourself to the food I had brought up. I will return soon. I must ask you a favor in the meantime. Please don't leave my chambers. I have my reasons that I will tell you as soon as I return to you.

I love you.

With all my heart,

Jon

Alanna pondered on the reasons why he didn't want her to leave his chambers as she washed up. A large part of her felt it was because he was ashamed to be the father of her child. What she didn't know was that Jon was currently sitting in her father's, Sir Myles, study discussing Alanna's marriage to Jon. Sir Myles was hiding a grin the whole time. He was secretly happy that Alanna and Jon were courting again. He never liked George Cooper and not just because he was a thief. Alanna had always seemed happier when she was with Jon. Sir Myles gave his blessing to Jonathan and advised him to talk with his father soon. "The longer you wait, the harder and more complicated it gets." Myles had stated.

Alanna was finishing washing up when Jonathan came back to his chambers. He was smiling brightly. He found Alanna as she was leaving the washing room. He swiftly pulled her to him and kissed her. She kissed him back with a sense of urgency. This must be goodbye, he's going to send me to the healing wing to stay until the baby is born. She thought to herself, holding back tears. Jon pulled away and walked to his dresser still smiling hugely. He pulled out a small box from the top drawer and from there pulled out a ring.

Alanna couldn't see what he was doing but her curiosity drew the tears away. When he turned back to her, his hand was clutched around the ring, hiding it from view. "Alanna of Trebond and Olau, I love you with all my heart. When you were gone I was brought to darkness. When you came back the light began to shine again but was soon hidden by darkness once again. I don't want that darkness to return. But more than that, I don't want you to leave my side indefinitely. Will you marry me?" Jon smiled sheepishly and pulled out the ring. Alanna drew in a breath as soon as she saw the ring. He didn't want her to leave! No, much better, he wanted her to stay with him, for the rest of their lives. She looked up at him, her violet eyes shining with happiness and answered him with a strong clear yes.

"The ring was my mother's." Jon said as he slipped the ring onto Alanna's finger. "A perfect fit. Anyway, she gave it to me while she was on her deathbed. She told me that my father had given it to her and my grandfather to my grandmother before that. She also told me that I should give it to the woman I wanted to marry." Jonathan grinned. "Then she said even if the woman is really a lioness." Alanna had to smile wider at that. "Have you asked my father yet?" Alanna asked. "Yes, that's where I was this morning while you slept. He could barely hide his grin." Jon chuckled while Alanna force back a laugh so she could ask her next question which was possibly the most important. "Have you spoken to your father?"