At a loss for words, Alanna could do nothing more than stare at her. She thought of Jonathan, blithely dancing with the Princess. What had Delia said? As it will always be? As it should be. She would always be Alan, and he would always wear Tortall's crown. She glanced at the rose again and clenched her teeth.

"Can you blame me? Moments ago, I was secure in the knowledge that you saw Alan. Now I don't know what to think." Alanna stood on her toes and yanked Delia's head down to her own, kissing her with all the frustration and anger she felt at her situation. But that soon changed, and Alanna gentled her punishing grip. Brushing Delia's hair back from her face, she kissed her softly and felt her senses swim. She didn't want to think anymore.