Author's Note: HERS, not mine. (If you don't know who SHE is, find out) New story, tell me what you think. I couldn't find any Dom/Kel that satisfied me, so I wrote one. (I know it says R, I'll get to that! *wink wink*)

She has always been attracted to him. Who wouldn't? With his handsome face, fit body, wonderful and cheery personality…. Was he interested in her? How could he be? She was overly muscular, no feminine shape to be seen, not feminine in the least….Maybe in her dreams.

He filled her dreams, whispering her name, reaching out for her, telling her she was the one he waited for, only to fade if she got too close. Is it an omen? She wondered.

Ever since he had met her, he had fallen in love. She was so strong, so self-serving, none of this dependency of the court ladies. Why would she look at him? He was just one of the people she knew, a friend. Especially those rumours of him being interested in men for love, women just for pleasure. Unfounded, he now realized.

He thought of her all the time. Most of his lovesick friends were in love, but their thoughts were of the lustful variety. His were pure…most of the time. What would she say to this?... If she were here she would make him shut up….She would have thought of the perfect retort here…. He had dreams of her, where he tried to tell her she was the one he wanted, she ignored him, and when he tried to touch her, to reason with her, she disappeared.

At one of the many dances of the Tortallan court, Kel was done with standing on the heat, watching flirtations, suggestions, love all around her. It made her heart hurt. She escaped to the garden, the one NOT frequented by lovers. As she was smelling the flowers, lost in her own mournful thoughts, someone bumped into her.

Startled, she looked up. Domitan stood there; pink, apologizing profusely for not watching where he was going. She felt her cheeks start to warm at his proximity and asked him a question to hide it.

"What were you thinking of, that made you bump into an innocent flower admirer?" She asked in an arch tone.

"Uh, well, um…" he stammered, not wanting to admit he was thinking of her.

"Yes?"

Improving, Dom said, "I was thinking of you, my lady" in an overly dramatic voice "and how I must, as a chivalrous gentleman, escort you to make sure no barbarian would advantage of your virtue…."

"Oh really?" still in an arch tone, Kel replied, "you seem to be confusing me with Rhoslyn or Jianne. I am no weak court lady, to be flirted with and left. Look at me; I look nothing like them. No barbarian would go for me."

"Oh, hang it all, Kel! I was just joking. No barbarian would touch you because you can take care of yourself! You are a welcome change from the court ladies, who are as deep as…, as paper! And you look wonderful tonight!"

"Thank you?"

"Don't hate me, understand?" and with that astonishing announcement, Dom leaned over and held her chin. Still looking her in the eyes, he kissed her softly. Then, without saying anything else, he turned and exited the garden.

Kel stood there for what seemed like eternity. WHY did he do that? Could he possibly….no. He probably does that with all the court ladies, I am just a practice, to keep his wooing skills sharp. I am just a friend, so he can…kiss me without repercussions. What am I going to do? How do act around him now? I'll never be able to look at him without thinking of that kiss.

Slowly, Kel realized she couldn't hear voices any longer, which meant that the party was over. She could go to bed, and hope that sleep would come easily tonight, so she could forget what had just happened.

Sleep did not come easily to Dom that night. He was up 'til the sun rose, agonizing about his rash action, and Kel's response.

How could he have treated her like that? She wasn't one of the court ladies; she wasn't used to flirtations. She probably had never been kissed either… No. CLEON and her….if he ever comes back to court, I'll strangle him! How could he have strung her along, knowing that he could never marry her?

I had better make sure I don't have any previous engagements….Wait. Am I REALLY sure, I want to woo and marry her? If she is interested, I think….yes.

R and R please! (Read and review…) and please be nice. And read the books first!