Chapter 1
The ride to steadfast had been one of the longest in Kel's life, she was certain her ears would start to bleed if she had to hear any more of Neal's bad poetry. Only her years of Yamani training stopped her from sighing in relief as the high walls of Steadfast came into view. She was looking forward to a hot bath, a warm meal, and hopefully a conversation with someone who didn't insist on speaking in quatrains!
The group rode steadily until they reached the gates of Steadfast, recognizing the man guarding the gates she called up "take pity on a poor knight and open the gate so I can get away from this love struck meathead!" Neal shot her a glare, but wisely chose to keep his mouth shut.
Dom called back, " Well lady Knight, incase you forgot we happen to be at war, so I don't think I'll be able to open the gates without authorization from my commanding officer". Kel tried, and failed, to stifle a groan; she always knew she would fall prey to Dom's twisted sense of humor one day. Thankfully her groan was covered by Neal's dramatics and pleas that he couldn't possibly go another minute without seeing his beloved Yamani blossom.
Thirty minutes later, Dom finally relented and let them through the gates. The reason, he said, was because he couldn't stand to see his beautiful lady suffer any longer. Raoul, Buri, Lady Alanna, Yuki, Dom and all the men of third company were on hand to welcome the party. Neal sent a quick glare towards his cousin, then dismounted and took Yuki into his arms with a players flourish and bent her back to kiss her extravagantly. The men all wolf whistled and cheered at the affection. Yuki took out her fan and hid her rapidly reddening face.
Kel dismounted Hoshi and gave her former knight master a hug. " So milord, ready to take the plunge?"
" More than", was Raoul's reply. He smiled broadly and pulled his tiny wife- to- be towards him.
Dom came up behind Kel and snaked an arm around her waist. His touch made her stomach flutter, but she hid her response behind her Yamani mask.
" Well Kel" he said with a flirtatious smile, " everyone is getting hitched, I guess it's just you and me now"
" Sure Dom, just you me and every court beauty who fancies themselves in love with you"
" Ah, yet none of them hold a candle to you my dear protector"
" hands off my former squire sergeant" Dom rolled his eyes at Sir Raoul and winked at Kel before sauntering off.
Kel chuckled as she wandered off to find her rooms and the bath that awaited her there. Dom was always joking around and flirting. She was used to his constant teasing, but she couldn't quite push down that secret desire that someday he might like at her like she has seen him look at those beautiful court ladies. She knew that Dom, often described as Tortall's most eligible bachelor, would never be attracted to her. She sighed wistfully and resigned herself to daydreams.