Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot line. All characters, settings, and anything known to have taken place in the novels or looks familiar belongs to Tamora Pierce.
Flirting With Consequence
In the darkened room, two figures were intertwined beneath the sheets. A lone candle, melted almost to exhaustion, flickered on the bedside table. The window was open to the warm summer air and the heavy brocade curtains swayed slightly.
Laughter floated in on the breeze, possibly coming from anywhere on the palace grounds but most likely coming from the gardens where the Yamanis and their guests often enjoyed moonlit walks among the constructed ponds and artistically designed pathways.
The two lovers inside were oblivious to the fact that their absence was remarked upon by those within the garden enclosure. They had accepted the invitation days ago to attend the small gathering, and they had been prepared to go that afternoon when they got dressed. Then they had met on the pathway toward the fountains and stepped into a hidden grove to share a discreet kiss, where all thought of parties and conversation were forgotten.
Their relationship was a secret from their commanders, from their friends and from their families. They hid it with outrageous flirting midst their companions and they made an effort to remain distant in front of the court. They were friendly and close, but most made the assumption that it was based on the trust earned during numerous missions at the border. War forced warriors to understand one another in ways no one else could, people surmised. They weren't that far off, except for the fact that they had been courting for a year and war had ended six months ago. And they had yet to tell anyone.
Dropping a kiss on his lover's lips, the heavily muscled, dark haired soldier smiled as he looked in her hazel eyes.
"They are going to ask where we were tonight" he whispered huskily, leaving a trail of kisses across her jaw and collarbone. She grinned and pushed her tumbling dark hair off her neck.
"I don't know about you, but I fell asleep writing reports. Very important business making sure former camps have supplies" she replied as he found her lips again.
"We're going to have to tell them sometime or else we will be alone on our wedding day."
More kisses landed between her breasts and trailed down her abdomen. His sparkling blue eyes met hers when he came back to her lips. She twisted so he landed beside her and she sat on top. Drawing invisible sketches on his bare chest, she leaned forward to kiss him again. Grinning, she raised an eyebrow.
"Are you ready to deal with Meathead? Because when he finds out, we will not have a moment of peace. No more early nights where we escape social functions…" She kissed the sensitive spot above his belly button and he shivered. She moved to the underside of his jaw, whispering.
"…No more mornings where we sleep in and tell everyone we were on the courts before sunrise…" She placed a kiss beside his ear.
"…And no more rides without being interrogated." She placed another kiss on his lips, feeling him smile. Without warning he had her on her back again and he was once again on top.
"I suppose keeping Meathead in the dark is enjoyable in its own way" he told her as he kissed her stomach again. She arched her back with pleasure.
"We will tell them. Eventually. But for now, I quite enjoy having you to myself, soldier." She grinned at the look that appeared on his face.
"Than I'm all yours, Lady Knight" he whispered as he drew the covers over them and pulled her close, losing all thoughts of consequences and his cousin's wrath.