Sparing you the details, everything Alanna did in the Lioness Rampant for the jewel happened in this story. I don't feel like to copy the book on here…LOL. She did not meet Thayet or Buri, but she did everything else like meeting Liam…She came back to Tortall without seeing George on the way. Enough chatting, on to the story.

Chapter 6; Alanna's return

Alanna held her head high as she rode into the courtyard of Corus. On her belt, tied a purse, and in the purse, held the famous Dominion Jewel.

With a sigh, she dismounted. She felt so thirsty, yet, her flask was empty. Alanna had spent her last strength persuading Liam to follow her, saying that Jon was expecting him. Finally, he agreed.

Walking into the court yard, not expecting Jon, she turned her heels up to her room, planning to take a shower before dinner. Unfortunately, she saw something that made her heart skipped a beat. In the far corner, she just had a glance of a green dress with a dark purple robe.

'Thom and Delia? Oh dear, had Delia been bothering my brother again? Hope not.' Alanna thought grimly as she made her ways upstairs, leaving the totally confused Liam outside.

As she was about to get into her room, Jon's door opened and he rushed out, dressing in his best robes. Alanna folded her hands across her chest and leaned on the wall, waiting for him to notice her. When Jon did, he skidded to a stop.

A welcoming smile touched his lips, but Alanna can also notice sadness in his sapphire blue eyes. Carefully, he asked. "Are you still mad at me?"

"No, to your information." Alanna replied evenly.

"Good, I can never get over that you slapped me." Jon said casually, but Alanna knew it did hurt him, a lot.

"I'm sorry," Alanna said.

"Um…Alanna, what did I do to deserve the…slap?" Jon asked.

"Oh, let me jog your memory. Let's see, I think a particular girl…no, no, a princess from Copper Isles…ummm, let me remember how did the washwomen put it, put a love spell on you, or wait, that's the maid…" Alanna tapped her chin.

Jon's face flushed red, "it's just a rumor."

"Or not," Alanna added. "Now I remembered," Puffing up her face like the chubby washwomen, she said in a false tone, "That Prince is good for nothing except attract young woman. He doesn't even realize that he is betrothed to a great lady and still, he keeps on seducing more young girls. Hurting everyone's feeling including his own…" Alanna stopped suddenly. One because she saw Jon's face, second, because the end part will hurt him even more than what she had just said.

Jon's eyes were moisture. Alanna knew his pride had been hurt. Gently, she steered him into her room. "I'm sorry." Alanna said quietly as they seated. "I should have never mentioned this, but it's true. Every servant in his palace knew you seduced Josiane."

"I know, I tried to forget it, but I couldn't. I don't know, I don't mean to cheat on you, Alanna." Jon said.

"Uh-um. Oh well, it's over isn't it?" Alanna asked.

Jon hesitated.

"Is it?" Alanna pressed.

"Y…yes, I think so." Jon replied uncertainly.

"I think so isn't good enough." Alanna said, more fiercely now.

"Yes, it's over." Jon said, looking into Alanna's purple eyes. In there, he saw hurt, confusion and things he didn't comprehend. Despite Alanna's pose, he knew he had hurt her.

Reaching out, he snaked an arm around Alanna and pulled her into a crush embrace. Under his arms, he felt Alanna tremble. Jon held Alanna even closer. Finally, he put his fingers under her chin and forced her look up to his eyes. He hoped it filled with apologies.

Their lips met, for a long while, they held that pose. They knew they had established truce once again between them and betroth between them continued.

Just another fluffy chapter. I will talk about George and Thom&Delia and Roger in the next chapter, this is going to be great story when I finished! R&R please!

Thanks

Sorceress Shadow Rain