Chapter 30 (Epilogue)

A year after the coronation, Alanna and Jonathan sat on their throne, holding a three-month-old baby girl. She had Jonathan's hair and Alanna's eyes. They were waiting to see how she turned out otherwise.

In the throne room were their closest friends. Myles stood with his betrothed, Eleni Cooper, not far from his daughter. George and Rose, newly married, were beside Alanna. Rose was pregnant, and George was baron of Pirate's Swoop. Cythera and Gary were betrothed and standing near Jonathan. Thayet had her arm in Raoul's, and they stood by Myles. Buri and Liam weren't far from Thayet. Thom and Elizabeth, married with a baby on the way, were near the monarchs.

"One year," Jonathan remarked, taking his daughter onto his lap and kissing her head. "We've reigned for one year."

"Its hard to believe," Alanna said. "So much has changed. For the better," she smiled at Jon, "and for the worse." They remembered the events of the coronation.

"But look at you," Rose pointed out. "Married, happy, with a beautiful baby girl."

"And we'll survive another year," Raoul said. "Look. You have me as your Knight Commander of the Own, Thayet and Buri starting a group with Alanna, Myles and George as your spymasters, the Shang Dragon sworn to you, the youngest living Master in your control, the Dominion Jewel, Gary in the position he grew up knowing, and a lady knight for a queen. I'd say we're pretty safe."

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

That night, as Alanna and Jonathan prepared for bed, Alanna went over the events of the past year. Raoul was right. They were surrounded by powerful people. They were safe.

Jonathan put the baby in her crib and crawled into bed beside Alanna. She snuggled under his arm.

"Raoul's right," she said. "We're safe."

"Of course," Jonathan replied. "But he neglected to mention that I chose my bride. And I love her. The love certainly isn't new. I love you, Alanna."

"I love you, too, Jonathan. Always."

Author's Note- endless thanks to all of my reviewers: the ones who reviewed every chapter and the ones who just reviewed when they felt it was needed. The ones who were there when the story was first put up and the ones who joined later on, and read furiously to catch up, everyone has be so supportive of this story. I hope you'll all read the sequel once its up, and check out "Lady Alanna and the Prince" for AJ fluff.