Keladry of Mindelan lay on her bed, it was early on Midwinter morning, and she thought she deserved to lie in.
She had changed a lot since she had first come to the palace. Her light brown hair now brushed her shoulders, in a style that complimented her features. Her dreamers hazel eyes still framed by thick lashes, had a look about them that made people look twice. Kel had gained some curves, and while she didn't think she needed them, she liked them.
Kel's thoughts had just turned to her long time crush Domitan of Masbolle, when she heard someone on the other side of her door.
Hoping to surprise whoever it was, Kel quietly leapt out of bed, forgetting she only wore a thin nightgown, and pulled the door open.
Kel froze. It was Dom.
He blanched, and looked down at the small package he held, then at Kel, noticed she wore a thin nightgown, and looked away again.
"Uh, hi Dom," Kel smiled weakly, trying not to stare at his handsome features.
"Hi Kel. Um, I was just going to - er, this is for you," he stammered, thrusting the package at Kel and moving to turn away.
Kel quickly grabbed Dom's arm.
"Don't leave, come in," she said, pulling him in and closing the door after him.
What am I doing? Oh gods, why did I invite him in? Why couldn't I have let him walk away? And why did he get me a gift? Kel rambled on in her mind.
Kel looked up fast, in time to catch Dom staring at her.
She smiled slightly.
"You didn't have to get me anything," she murmured.
Dom shrugged.
"Open it."
Oh no. Why couldn't I have let the servants deliver this? What if she doesn't like it? Why did I have to get it for her? It's more of a lover's gift. Oh gods, she's going to think I love her… Well I do, but what if she doesn't feel the same? There were a hundred thoughts going through Dom's mind.
Kel carefully peeled off the brown paper that the gift was wrapped in, and smiled when she saw what it had hidden.
It was a necklace. A small bronze leaf hung on a silver chain. Looking closely, Kel saw an intricate design carved into the leaf, and her name.
"It's beautiful," she whispered.
Dom smiled, he could breathe, she liked it!
"Here," Dom said as he stood behind Kel to help with the clasp.
When he was done, Kel turned and found she was looking deep into beautiful blue eyes. Dom had not moved away and they now stood mere inches apart. Her heart fluttered and she gulped.
"Dom..?" she whispered.
He didn't answer, but gently placed his hands on her waist and looked deep into her eyes, past the Yamani façade, until he saw the true Kel. He seemed to like what he found, and he smiled, any trace of nerves gone now.
"Good morning Kel. I thought I should tell you, I can't and I don't want to live without you anymore. You are the most beautiful woman in the world, and I love you with all my heart," he declared quietly.
Kel's breath caught in her throat. Her knees sagged, and she would have fallen if it wasn't for Doms hands on her waist.
"Dom. That is the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me," Kel whispered, and a tear dropped from her eye, surprising both of them, "and - I love you too..."
Dom smiled and pulled Kel closer, slowly, gently, he placed his lips on hers…