Written by Angel Goddess
My Real Love
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Jon sat on his chair looking out at the icy blanket of snow that covered the palace. He had many time to relax and think about marriage and the future of Tortall … and Roger’s death. Jonathan shivered as he remembered the deadly duel between his cousin and his lover Alanna. “Jon?” a soft and familiar voice broke through his thoughts. Jon turned around; his sapphire eyes meeting Alanna’s amethyst ones.
Alanna smiled at him. “I’m leaving in about two days’ time.” She informed him.
Jon nodded soberly; he didn’t want Alanna to leave, not right after Rogers’ death. But he knew that Alanna felt bad about killing his cousin. “Alanna, you really don’t have to leave,” he protested, wanting to change her mind.
Alanna shook her head, her mind was already made up, “I’ve planned this trip months before the … incident … that took place, and I also want to spend my days out in the sun.”
Jon sighed and nodded, “I know.” He answered, taking Alanna’s hand in his. He loved Alanna dearly. Alanna stroked Jon’s coal black hair, smiling at him. “I’m glad you understand.” She told him and bent down to kiss his cheek.
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1.1 A/N I really can’t be bothered typing so much! SO I’ll take you to the part where Alanna leaves the Bazhir to go to Pirate’s Swoop, but I’ll twist it and make her need to visit the Palace
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Alanna and Coram journeyed back to Corus, Tortall’s capital, Alanna had been asked to return to the Palace, though she had no clue why. As she and Coram rode, Alanna thought about Jon, and suddenly, all the memory of hers and Jon’s argument returned.
Her anger suddenly came back, as she remembered how Jon had talked to her. How could Jon just expect her answer like that? He had no right to butt into her life and take control of it! Alanna bit her lip and shook her head. She shouldn’t be thinking of the past anymore, the past was the past.
She had to make a fresh start. She didn’t want her and Jon to become enemies just because of their horrible argument in the desert. I’ll sort this out with Jon’s help. She thought to herself, as the city of Corus slowly came into view.
~*~*~*~*~
“Alanna!” cried a deep and happy voice. Alanna was about to turn, but was swept into a tight hug.
“Gary!” cried Alanna in happiness as she saw her old friend. Another man came forward, “Raoul!” Alanna ran to hug her other friend.
“We’re so glad to see our Lioness!” said Raoul cheerily. Alanna shivered, had she grown so far from her friends that they had started to use her war- name? Alanna pushed that thought away.
“Jon will be SO glad to see you!” exclaimed Gary.
Alanna stopped in her tracks. That’s right. She thought, I also came here to sort out a little … problem. “Where is he?” she asked her two friends aloud.
“He’s in the Palace gardens.” Chorused Gary and Raoul.
~*~*~*~*~
Alanna walked to the palace gardens, her heart beating fast. Would Jon be the same person that she knew years ago? Would the conversation she was hoping to have with him turn out right? Alanna’s thoughts were raging in her head. She pushed them all away. She suddenly had butterflies in her stomach. Alanna frowned; she’d never felt like this in ages!
She caught sight of Jon, sitting down on a bench, looking at all the blooming roses of the gardens. He seemed to be thinking. Alanna looked him over, her breath seemed to have been taken away. He looked so handsome. Alanna bit her lip. How could she greet him? She unconsciously stepped on a twig, Alanna cursed at her own stupidity; Jon whirled around caught sight of red hair. His sapphire eyes widened … could it be? He stood up and walked over to the bushes where he saw red hair. Alanna stopped, her heart was racing, and her breath came out faster. What a great way to make an entrance! She thought to herself. She heard Jon’s footsteps come closer … closer …
~*~*~*~*~
Chapter Two
I’ll Think About It
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Alanna cringed; she was about to be found out. What will Jon sa-
“Jon!” a voice interrupted all of Alanna’s thoughts. Alanna heard Jonathan’s footsteps fade, as he walked away from her. Alanna nearly fainted with utmost relief. Alanna’s heart resumed its normal rhythm and she started breathing normally again. Mithros, that was close! She thought to herself, shaking her head. I have to get to Jon some other way.
Alanna quietly sneaked off, taking a quick peek at who saved her pride from being destroyed. Hm … he’s not bad looking, quite cute too … Alanna thought, as she looked the man over. Alanna pinched her arm and scolded herself for thinking such things. She tore her eyes away from the two men and left, heading for the practice courts.
~*~*~*~*~
“I yield!” cried Sacharell, laughing as the tip of Alanna’s sword, Lightning, was pointed at his forehead.
Alanna grinned at her old friend. “That was fun.” She commented as she sheathed her favourite sword. A loud clapping sound rang through the court. Both Alanna and Sacharell turned and saw Jonathan, smiling. Alanna gulped, this was it, and Jon was going to ask her to talk …
Jonathan’s eyes were twinkling as he looked at Alanna. “It’s been a while Alanna, would you come with me for a walk in the gardens?” he asked her politely. Alanna knew where this was going to lead, but she agreed.
~*~*~*~*~
“Alanna … did you come back to apologise?” asked Jon.
Alanna gaped at him, her temper slowly rising, “What makes you think I’d apologise to you?! You were the one that started the argument by thinking that I would say ‘yes’ to your proposal!” she cried at him, furious.
“Alanna, Calm down! I don’t want to start another argument.” Said Jon, his voice slowly getting quieter. Jon took Alanna’s hand, and sighed, “Alanna … I’ve been thinking a lot lately, and well, you should think about my proposal, it’s still open …” he stood, waiting for an answer.
Alanna looked into his eyes, He has such beautiful brilliant sapphire eyes. Alanna thought, she looked down, “Alright Jon, I’ll think about it.” She promised him.
Jonathan smiled at Alanna. “Come on, it’s getting little cold here I don’t want either of us to catch a cold.” He told her as he guided her back to the palace.
~*~*~*~*~
Alanna lay on her bed that night thinking. Jonathan still loves me … she realised as she thought about the nights’ events. What about George? She thought suddenly, afraid that she might hurt George, who truly did love her. Alanna heard a knock at her door and went to open it. Jonathan stood there, about to knock again. “I, uh, well, I-I couldn’t sleep.” Jon muttered when Alanna raised her eyebrows at him in a silent question.
Alanna grinned at him, “Either that or you were wondering whether you were able to crawl into bed with me, the first night I return to the palace.” She answered him, her voice hinting some amusement.
Even though it was dark, Alanna knew that Jon would’ve turned red at her comment. “I did not think that.” He told her, indignant.
Alanna chuckled, “Sure, I believe you.” She teased him. Jon gave Alanna a stern look and Alanna ignored it. “Well? Why are you here?” she asked him again.
“Well, I told you I couldn’t sleep, so I decided to come to visit you.” He answered her plainly.
Alanna was not convinced, but she let him into her room anyway. Jon made himself comfortable without being asked … or invited for that matter. He’s getting too comfortable around ladies. Thought Alanna, biting her lip to stop herself from laughing aloud.
“So, after our argument in the desert …what else did you do?” he asked, suspicious.
Alanna grinned, “I went on a few adventures …” Alanna explained everything to Jon, making sure that he got all the news from her adventures.
“… And then I came back to the palace, as you had sent for me.” Alanna finished. Alanna heard soft noises coming from Jon. Alanna frowned and lit a candle with her gift so that she could see what it was. Alanna had to struggle to stop herself from rolling on the ground with loud laughter, as she saw Jon, asleep on her bed. She smiled as she looked at him. He looks so sweet and really cute! She thought, He’s so cute when he’s there sleeping … on my bed- Wait! Hang on a minute! That’s not right! MY bed, it’s my bed! She thought suddenly and horrifyingly.
She nudged Jon, “Jon!” she hissed, blushing deep red, “Jon, get off my bed!”
Jonathan moaned, “Not yet, let me get some sleep Alanna.” He complained and moved, until his head was resting on her spare pillow, and the blanket was half covering his form.
Alanna glared at the sleeping form of Jonathan, She didn’t want to spend her first night back at the palace with Jonathan sleeping with her! She had wanted to be <I>free<I> for at least one night.
Her feelings for Jonathan seem to be rushing back, at a completely fast rate, that just sitting and looking at him made her feel so comfortable and safe. That was the reason why she didn’t want to sleep with him the first night back.
She also needed time to think about all this … romance. All Alanna wanted was to take this slowly and take her time, so that she wouldn’t make another mistake, was that too much to ask? Alanna sighed, what was she going to do now? She didn’t want to crawl in with Jonathan. Suddenly she got a brilliant idea. I’ll sleep in Jon’s room for tonight. She thought and left the room.
~*~*~*~*~
Early dawn sunlight shone in through the shutters of the windows, Alanna opened one sleepy eye and remembered what happened last night, and where she was. She moved a little to her left and felt a sleeping form. Alanna frowned, and moved into a position so that she could take a good look at whom it was.
Alanna gasped in shock and stiffened, her breath coming quick, her heart started pounding really fast again. Jon! she thought her throat tightening a little. I have to get to my room. I’ll never forgive him for this! She thought, quite furious with the prince.
Alanna was about to get out of bed when Jonathan’s arms snaked around her waist and pulled her closer to him. “Alanna, why are you getting out this early?” he yawned, hugging her tight. Alanna felt warmth envelope her body. She liked this feeling.
She shivered, “Jon! Why did you do this?” she asked him irritated at the prince’s behaviour.
Jon just shrugged and fell back asleep. Alanna let out a loud sigh and let Jon hold her tight. He wins … again. Alanna thought, a little annoyed.
~*~*~*~*~
“Alanna guess what?” asked Jon cheerfully that afternoon.
Alanna looked at him in suspicion, she didn’t like the way he arranged his face to look cheerful about something, “What?” she asked him, bored.
“There’s going to be a social ball tonight, dedicated to the Ambassador of Tyra, who will be coming.” He said giving her an evil grin.
Alanna moaned, “Great Goddess, Why me?” she asked in dismay.
Jonathan laughed heartily, “Oh, I don’t know. But I got a stunning red dress made especially for you!”
Alanna groaned even louder. She hated dresses and balls to go with it too!
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Chapter Three
A Night to Remember
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Alanna ran to her chambers, she had to get ready soon! She had forgotten all about the ball and had gone down to the city and to the Dancing Dove, even though she knew that George wouldn’t be there yet. Oh no! Thought Alanna in panic as she burst through her bedroom door. Alanna stopped in her tracks as soon as she saw a beautiful red dress. Alanna felt as if she just stopped breathing. It was a very beautiful… Alanna just couldn’t describe it with words.
It was a crimson red with hints of silver and gold threading through it. It would definitely look good with her hair, with beautiful and fine embroidery of flying birds. It had an extremely beautiful design that took Alanna’s breath away, something that was even more good about it was that the neckline wasn’t as low as other dresses, which suited Alanna perfectly.
Alanna felt hands on her shoulders, steadying her, Alanna turned her head and saw Jon, and he looked content. “Well? What do you think of it?” he asked her, smiling sweetly.
Alanna smiled back weakly, “It’s beautiful Jon, I just can’t think of any other words to describe it.”
Jonathan was pleased by her reply. “Well, I’d like you to dress already, or you’ll be late.” Jonathan turned to go them remembered something. He turned to look at Alanna, “Oh and Alanna, I assigned someone to help you with your hair.” He said chuckling as he went out the door.
Alanna scowled at Jon’s last words, she wasn’t a baby and she didn’t need anyone to help her with her hair, and she was quite fine doing it by herself.
~*~*~*~*~
Alanna looked at herself in the mirror and gasped in amazement. She was looking rather attractive and elegant! Her battle scars had some ointment put on them and they didn’t show, her usually muscular form seemed to have vanished while wearing the dress and in place of it was a delicate and ladylike look. Alanna studied her self carefully. Alanna’s hair was in an exquisite and eye-catching twist. She didn’t have much face paint on as she had refused to put on too much, and it really seemed to show more of her beauty, her short form seemed to have been altered while wearing those tight looking heeled shoes.
The servant girl was also gawking at Alanna’s form; she had never known how much the lioness looked like a lady in the proper attire and such. She’s beautiful, she servant thought in admiration. “You really will light the ball up with your beauty, Miss.” She told Alanna truthfully.
Alanna reddened at the comment, no had actually said that to her before. “Oh, um, well, thank you … I think.” She stammered, not knowing what to say at that comment. Alanna suddenly had the urge to impress all the courtiers. “Um, would you help me with some certain etiquette?” she asked the girl politely.
The servant girl had a fleeting look of surprise that passed through her face, but she quickly took her normal form. “Of course, Miss.” She said as politely as Alanna.
~*~*~*~*~
Jon wrung his hands, he was nervous. Alanna was supposed to be here already! What if something happened to her? He thought suddenly. He shook his head at that thought, Nah, She’s probably still getting ready. Suddenly a loud gasp of wonder and astonishment passed through the crowd, Nobles and merchants alike. Jon looked up, in time to see Alanna gracefully descend on the Great Stairs.
Jon’s eyes widened, never had he seen Alanna look so beautiful. She looks amazing! He thought, his head pounding with excitement. Many men seemed to sigh with lust. Jonathan took a quick peek at friends. Raoul looked extremely dumbfounded, Gary looked a little flirtatious (Jonathan was definitely sure that he didn’t like that look) and Alex, but he was hard to describe.
Alanna blushed; she avoided as much of the men’s eyes as possible and gracefully curtsied to the King and Queen, who both looked stunned at Alanna’s appearance. Jon frowned, where did Alanna learn to curtsey like a lady? He thought with glee.
Alanna gracefully walked over to him, Gary, Raoul and Alex. Her steps were even and ladylike, not her usual muscular sort of walk. Alanna grinned at her friends’ reactions; their looks … were definitely worth more than 1000 Gold Nobles. “Good Evening Gentlemen.” She said curtsying to them. Her friends took a moment to realise what was happening and they stiffly blowed. Alanna sniggered and her friends blushed.
The musicians then struck a slow waltz, and Jon took this opportunity to ask Alanna. “Lady Alanna?” he asked, knowing the reaction of Alanna’s face. Alanna flinched at the title and glared loftily at the prince, but she accepted all the same.
As they danced, Jonathan seemed to pull Alanna closer and closer, Alanna didn’t like it, she wanted to take everything slow, not just rush in. They danced in silence for a long time. Then Jon was the first to break the silence, he said something that made Alanna feel as if she was going to turn in a block of wood.
“Have you thought about your answer to my proposal yet?” he asked her, curious.
Alanna shook her head, “No, not yet, I want to take my time Jonathan, please don’t rush me.” She said evenly and carefully, making sure that she wouldn’t make the prince feel a little depressed.
Jonathan sighed, “Alright, I won’t. But please do think about it.” He told her as the dance slowly came to an end. As they went back to their circle of friends Gary moved up, gently butting his cousin out of Alanna’s view. Jonathan scowled angrily at his cousin’s back.
“Alanna, would you care to dance?” Gary asked chivalrously. Alanna grinned, and nodded.
As the both danced, Gary talked a lot about Alanna’s appearance. “Mithros, when you came I didn’t think it was you! You look extremely beautiful Alanna, I barely even recognised you, I sure hope that you wear more dresses these days, you really do look lovely in them.” His comments made Alanna blush furiously, but all the same she really appreciated him saying all these things, as she had wondered what her friends had thought of her.
Jonathan watched his cousin and his lover dance and he scowled deeply. He could tell that Gary was flattering Alanna with his flirty comments, he knew his cousin all too well. Jonathan really didn’t want to leave Alanna with his cousin.
After the dance with Gary, Alanna was asked to dance by quite a few men. She didn’t really enjoy dancing that much though. Plus there were the venomous looks that she got from certain jealous ladies. Alanna was growing a little tired from them.
Finally the night came slowly to an end. Jonathan took Alanna outside, to talk with her. “So did you enjoy tonight’s highlight?” he asked her.
Alanna nodded, “I usually hate balls, but this is the only one that seems to be okay, and up to my taste.” She told him frankly.
Jonathan laughed cheerfully, “That’s nice to hear, because if you’re my queen, you’d better get used to them a lot, as they would come a little more often.”
Alanna grimaced; she didn’t want to think about being queen yet. “I’m not your queen yet, am I?” she asked him stiffly.
Jonathan chuckled, “No.” he answered with a large grin. Not yet anyway, he thought to himself.
~*~*~*~*~
Chapter Four
Jonathan’s Plea
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Jonathan looked from his mother to his father; he knew that they were thinking about something. “Is there something you have wanted to tell me?” Jon asked his parents politely. The king and queen exchanged worried glances.
“Well actually yes, there is.” Said Queen Lianne, slowly reddening.
“Jonathan, we’d like you to think about your future wife.” King Roald carefully told his son, trying to think of the perfect words to explain what was going on.
Jonathan nodded slowly, he knew that they were up to something, and he definitely didn’t like the sound of it.
“Well, it just happens that-” Lianne cleared her throat, and continued, “-A Princess is coming here tomorrow, and I’d like you to make her feel welcome.”
Jonathan stiffened, his parents were thinking of exchanging some totally strange and foreign princess with Alanna! No way! “Um …” Jonathan didn’t know what to say.
King Roald frowned, “Jonathan, if you thinking of Alanna, you’ve got to let her go, she isn’t a proper maiden…” King Roald stopped there, remembering how Alanna had turned up at the ball last night, wearing a dress and acting like a well-raised noble lady that had been training in the convent for six years.
Jonathan looked down at the floor. “All I’m asking is that you give our young princess a chance.” Said Queen Lianne quietly. Jonathan nodded his agreement; he didn’t want to make his parents feel bad for not finding him a good bride yet.
“Alright, I will.”
~*~*~*~*~
“A Princess?” asked Alanna wearily, she didn’t feel like talking after a large amount of training that she had just done.
“Yes,” said Jonathan darkly.
“Sorry Jon, but I really don’t feel like talking about your future brides, I’m really tired.” Alanna said, covering a yawn, she slowly got up and moved past him, heading for her chambers.
Jonathan watched her go, his heart sinking. He really loved Alanna, but how would they be able to stay together if there were people, like his parents trying to separate them? Jonathan felt as if he was being pressured. Jonathan sighed and rubbed his temple wearily.
~*~*~*~*~
“Jonathan!” called Gary, gasping for breath as he caught up with the prince. Jonathan looked at his cousin, raising his eyebrows in acknowledgement. “Her Majesty requests your presence. Though I don’t know why.” Added Gary, seeing Jon open his mouth to ask a question. Jonathan frowned, what was it this time?
“Jonathan, this is Princess Josaine of Copper Isles. Josaine, this is my son, Jonathan.” Introduced Lianne.
A willowy blond girl stepped up, curtsied and looked at Jonathan, her blue eyes huge with admiration. “I am honoured to meet the brave young man who fought so bravely in the Tusaine war.” She said in a husky sort of voice. Jonathan blushed and bowed, and then he gently took the girl’s hand and brushed it lightly with his lips.
“Would you like to dance?” he asked the girl politely, he didn’t want to seem rude to the girl, who really seemed to have some interest in him.
“I’d love to,” she answered, looking happy that he had asked her to dance
~*~*~*~*~
Alanna saw everything as she was just walking past. So, Jonathan has found someone new … thought Alanna, feeling tremendously hurt. She had to talk to Jon about this. Alanna quickly walked away, not wanting to see any more of it.
~*~*~*~*~
“Hello Alanna,” greeted Jonathan cheerfully when he saw Alanna in the hall. Alanna looked at him gloomily as if she didn’t know him. Jonathan immediately knew that there was something wrong. “Is there something wrong?” he asked her.
Alanna raised her eyebrows, “Who was that girl?” she asked him suspiciously.
Great Merciful Mother! Thought Jon. “W-What girl?” he asked, trying to look innocent.
Alanna’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t play games with me Jonathan, who was the girl?” she asked again, determined to know who that willowy blond girl was.
“O-Oh, you mean that girl … well she’s the princess that my parents wanted me to meet.” He answered, blushing red.
Alanna snorted, trying to act as if she didn’t care. But she felt her heart tear apart at those very words. “You mean your future bride?” she enquired.
Jonathan now looked like a tomato. “Alanna …” his voice was faint.
Alanna sighed, “Jon, I don’t want another argument.” She said as she left the hall.
~*~*~*~*~
Princess Josaine stared at the young prince with love as he parried and lunged in the practice courts. She had grown a really strong feeling for him. She was also very determined to win him over. Josaine had also heard stories of the Lady Knight that the prince had been involved with. Josaine had chosen to ignore that. She smiled charmingly at the prince when he saw her.
Alanna (who was Jonathan’s fencing partner) saw the way that the princess smiled at Jonathan. Alanna scowled and thrust Lightning, making the prince stumble and fall when his sword flew out of his hand. “Oof!” he cried as he fell to the ground in surprise.
“Oh, are you okay?” cried the flustered Josaine. Josaine daintily ran over to Jon and bent down, crooning soft words to him.
Jon got up and said that he was fine. His sapphire eyes asking the question, ‘Why did you do that?’
Josaine looked at Alanna with a frown. “You should know better than to play so rough with the prince of Tortall!” she said in a superior way.
Alanna glared at the princess with annoyance and snorted rudely. Alanna knew that her temper was rising. “I can do what I want, as I am a knight of Tortall. What should you know about Tortallan laws?” she asked every bit as superior as the snooty princess.
“You shouldn’t talk to a guest like that! If you are a real man, you should know how to treat a princess.” Pointed out Josaine.
“For your information, I am a LADY knight.” Snapped Alanna.
Josaine’s eyes widened.
“Alanna, can you please go to Gary? I think that he needs you for something.” Jonathan told Alanna wearily, as he didn’t know how to stop the two girls from having a fight.
Alanna nodded stiffly and left.
When Alanna was out of earshot, Josaine turned to Jonathan, “How could you like her?” she asked haughtily, “She can’t be a proper woman and she can’t be a proper man, so what is she?”
Jonathan felt quite annoyed at the princess’s chatter. “She’s a lady knight.” He answered and left the princess.
~*~*~*~*~