Disclaimer: All characters and places that are familiar belong to Tamora Pierce!

AN: Sorry for the long delay, parts of this chapter have been written since maybe October, but RL got in the way :/.

Kel woke up nice and warm. A smile played across her lips as she remembered the ball the night before. After that initial problem with the Lady of Kennan, Kel had a wonderful time getting to know Cleon's wife better and dancing with her friends.

She snuggled closer to Dom, once again remembering how free they had been at the ball the night before. She had seen the glances thrown her way for being with him, but she couldn't care less. She had been surprised to see a few members of her family there, all happy to see that she had somebody to care for her.

She felt Dom's hand begin to wonder her body so she decided to finally open her eyes and look at her lover. "Morning," she whispered as her lips found his. He just moaned in response.

The lovers broke away when a booming knock rang upon the door. Dom quickly fell back into the pillows groaning. Kel giggled as he groaned again as another knock sounded. She quickly slipped out of the bed and into one of Dom's shirts. As the third knock sounded Kel quickly opened up the door and tried to control her blush.

"Keladry, fancy seeing you here." Raoul's cheery voice was the first to speak as the other men either glanced away blushing or with smiles trying to fight their way on their faces.

Kel heard a quiet curse behind her and Dom shuffling for something to put on. Before anything could be said, Dom appeared besides her still tying the strings to his breeches. "My lords, to what do we owe this honor?" He turned to Kel and winked, "Dear you might want to finish getting dressed, I may need my shirt."

Kel scowled. "These are your rooms Domitan; you have others you can wear. Excuse me, I'll get ready properly and then leave you to your business."

Just as Kel was about to disappear into the bedroom a male voice stopped her. "Lady Knight, please join us once you're done, you may be of some assistance in this matter."

Thinking better of bowing, Kel nodded her head, "Of course your majesty." And quickly disappeared before closing the door and leaning against it she took a moment to compose herself. The last thing she had thought would be behind the closed door was lord Raoul, Lord Wyldon, the other two captains from the Own and King Jonathan.

Remembering that the king was waiting for her, Kel quickly found some suitable clothes before leaving with one of Dom's shirts in hand; this was a meeting for business. Reentering the main chamber, Kel found that a few more people had joined the initial group. There did not greet her as warmly.

"It has been brought to my attention that there are some changes needed to be made within a few of our combat units." King Jonathan started before he was interrupted by one of the conservatives in the room.

"This is a military matter your majesty, why is it that we have a lady within this meeting." He sneered.

Before any of the men could say anything, a loud knock sounded before Alanna, Buri, Queen Thayet and Shinko walked in. Buri grinned when she saw Kel, "See ladies, I told you that it would be pointless to attempt to find Kel in her rooms. Now, shall we begin?"

King Jonathan glared around the room to see if anyone was going to object again, but the conservative who was brave enough to speak out within the presence of Kel, held his tongue with more females in the room. "As I was saying before I was interrupted, it has been brought to my attention that we are in need to change some of our military regulations. I have asked everyone here as they cover some important positions within this system and therefore your say is important."

There was a pause before he began again, "I know that many of you are opposed to the idea of even more changes within our country, but it has been predicted that within a few years, we would be housing only new recruits as all the older veterans will be either leaving for retirement, or they will leave for marriage and the hopes of starting families. We have also been experiencing years of war one after another, greatly depleting our numbers and the willingness of those who wish to join any band."

The conservative who had spoken before sighed loudly, "While we all know this your majesty, why reform now? Why not wait until we are on the brink of war?"

Kel snorted but it was Dom who spoke up. "Too many of the younger generation have seen what war does to their families, how they were torn apart, they won't want to join knowing of a war. They know someone who joined with no experience and died within the first squeamish. That won't encourage them to join, or allow their children to join, if the country is at war. However, if we can encourage them to join before a war, they can train well and survive better."

Kel spoke up, "The realm will always have knights. There will be the potential for even more of them now that females may join in page training. That can easily double the number of knights available. However, the largest draw back if we would have to rely on solely knights, our country would quickly fall as it takes a minimum of eight years to train. There are fewer restrictions for knights, the main one being that they must be of noble birth. However, if any commoner wishes to join, they are limited. If they have some money, they can join the Riders or the Own. Those without money can only join the army. The biggest draw back from those is that when they wish to marry, they must leave."

Kel was cut off by a scoff, "So what, your womanly heart wants us to change the law so that your bastard child can have a father? See your majesty; this is why having women fighting is a downfall for the kingdom!"

Raoul's thundering voice broke over the rambling conservative, "I can insure you of two things. One Keladry is more responsible than most of the silly court ladies who jump into be without a charm, which if I remember correctly is how you gained your lovely wife. And second, if Captain Domitan of Masbolle had asked for her head, he would not be sitting here giving helpful information as to why we need a reformation within our system." When no one spoke up spoke again, "Now I believe that Keladry was not finished." He nodded his head for her to continue.

"We lose too many men, and women, from them not being allowed to stay if they wish to marry. Especially after war as it becomes even more apparent that mortal life is short." Dom jumped in for Kel, she sent him a grateful smile, while she would have continued, and she knew that the unhappy conservative wouldn't have taken to her words.

"You can recruit all the men you want during war, but the end result is that just as many will leave once the fighting stops, leaving the country where we started." Kel stated quietly.

"Even my uncle, the Emperor of the Yamani Islands is not that big of a fool," Shinko bowed her head towards her father-in-law to show she didn't mean any disrespect. At his nod she continued, "While we have no knights, we do have an army and private guards. We need all the warriors we can get considering the fact that we are constantly being raided. Without our laws allowing those officers of rank to marry, we would constantly be needing to refill the higher positions with those men who are unfit to hold it. Which is worst my lord? Allowing a man who has the training and experience to remain in his position and take a wife? Or to fill his spot with a man of no experience, who will lead to the downfall of many men?"

The room was silent as people thought over the princess's words. Grudgingly, the conservative spat out, "Point well made, I would rather have a man I trust to know what he's doing leading me rather than some green warrior who doesn't know the tip of his sword from the handle."

It was well past noon when they were finally freed from the meeting that neither Dom nor Kel had known they were expected to attend. Food had made its way periodically into the room so none of the room's occupants had a chance to stretch their legs, so now the couple made their way into town.

Dom looked over towards Kel, he had found her to be wonderful during the meeting and only one thing about what had been discussed stuck with him. "Sweets?" When Kel looked towards him he continued, "Why didn't you accept the king's offer?"

Kel gave him a small smile. "There are several. If he were to ask me in a few years I might accept, but right now…" Dom watched as she shook her head.

"But sweets, you're brilliant at teaching those around you, especially youngsters. So why not take the offer to be training master?" He was highly curious; she had shocked the whole room when she declined.

Kel sighed, "Because I'm still too green to even consider teaching the future of our country. Look at our mission, I was the leader and I made such a stupid mistake. I know that it was a learning experience, but I still feel as if I need more experience in the field." She hesitated.

Dom grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze, silently encouraging her to speak. "I know that lady knights are still too new, I'm still the only lady knight, there are a small number of female squires who still have a few years left. The number of female pages has grown, but they are still small, they are still being hazed and almost half of them drop out before their third year. Hopefully in a few years I might agree, but first I need others to prove that I'm not just a fluke, the only lady crazy enough to be a knight."

Dom looked into her eyes and saw that she was set in her decision and upon thinking about it, he realized she was right. He then saw a mischievous look in her eyes.

"Besides, I kind of like the freedom I have right now. It might be a better option if I have more of a reason." He swallowed hard as she cast her eyes down and blushed.

Dom gave her a crooked smile, "My dearest Keladry, what could possibly hold you back? I'm pretty sure you would be causing even more havoc than Yuki when you are with child. And I've seen you with the children at Haven and New Hope, you are a natural mother." His grin grew, "After all you were nicknamed well."

Kel smacked his chest playfully, "Yes, that particular nickname. But it will be different Dom; they will be my children to look after."

Dom lifted her chin, "I hope milady, that they would be our children." He began a slow kiss with the woman he loved. Resting his forehead against hers he looked into her eyes. "But let's not worry about that yet Kel; I still want you to myself for the time being. I will not shame you be either leaving you with a bastard or forcing on you the pressure for marriage because of one."

"Dom you have the Own, Raoul needs you. You can't possibly be thinking of leaving."

Dom smiled, "Kel I love you more than my position, but you are right, Raoul does need me. And you're almost like the daughter he never had, I'm sure if we did wish to get married he would work on a way to allow me to stay until the last possible moment." He kissed her hand, wondering how she would feel when he did finally manage to purpose.

Days had passed since that random morning meeting and as of yet Dom and Kel had not been summoned back. The days had been far from lazy as both were working hard in the practice courts. It was mostly during the late afternoons that they were able to spend time by themselves. As Kel got ready for their night time date she was startled out of her thoughts by a knock on her door.

Opening the door she was surprised to see Yuki. "What my I do for you?" Kel asked her friend noticing that she was dressed for an outing.

"Neal actually agreed to let me go out into the city. Something about wanting to spend some time with his best friend who has been stolen from him. I think he misses you." Yuki giggled, "We thought that we could go on a double date."

Kel smiled, she had missed Neal, but mostly she couldn't wait to watch the two cousins interact.

The whole table was laughing hard; Dom was trying to continue his story while Neal was trying to change his smile into a scowl. "Well, I'd have to say we came to the right place." The booming voice of Lord Raoul interrupted Dom's attempts to continue.

Kel smiled at the couple that joined them. "What brings you here my Lord?" She couldn't help but ask purposely to watch him scowl.

"Lady Keladry, you know how much I dislike that 'My Lord' business. Now that aside, we came down for the same as all you young folk. Besides I did wish to talk to Dom." He got a twinkle in his eye. "Although, I'm tempted to go back on my decision to give him time off with your continued insistence to not use my name."

Dom's smile grew, "Time off?"

Raoul smiled back, "You never asked over all the years and now that you're a captain…" He shrugged, "You have from the day after tomorrow till I recall you back."

Dom's smile grew even bigger. "I can actually go home to Masbolle." He turned towards Kel, "I wish you would consider joining me. I know you'd love it."

Before Kel could say anything Raoul spoke up, "She's still assigned to work with the Own. As her commanding officer, I will willingly grant permission. This last mission seems to have taken a toll on you."

"But sir, I'm perfectly fine." Kel stated.

Raoul held up his hand, "And with that argument Lady Knight, you are going. I have on multiple occasions asked you to call me by my name. I hope your punishment of forced vacation will teach you how serious I am."

Kel let a small grin form on her lips, "I'd love to join you Dom." As soon as the words were out of her lips, she found Dom's on hers.

"My lady Keladry, please take some of these dresses with you." Lalasa begged with Kel as she helped her pack for her trip to Masbolle. "I know that Dom would like them, and you should have some gowns, his family is from the book of gold."

Kel sighed. "Fine, I'll only take four." She smiled at Lalasa's squeal of delight. "You can choose them, just nothing too over the top please. I want them to like me and see me as a knight and a lady."

"You're nervous. Don't worry Kel. I know they will love you, and even if they don't, then Dom does and that's all that matters."

"But they're his family, if they don't like me they could make our lives miserable. I don't want that coming between us, or worse, him falling out with them because of me. What if that happens? Then he might end up hating and resenting me."

"Kel, they are going to be happy to finally meet you." Dom's voice startled her from behind her. "They've been hearing about you from Neal, Uncle and myself for years." He cupped her face, looking deep into her eyes. "They'll love you because I love you." He gently kissed her lips, giving her a crooked grin. "Besides, you're the first lady I have brought to meet them."

Kel snorted. "To meet them, meaning you've snuck some in?"

Dom shook his head, "You know I won't lie to you. So trust me when I say I visited them, they never came to my home." At her raised eyebrow he laughed. "And don't worry; any maid I may have stupidly dabbled with was dismissed years ago."

"Domitan of Masbolle, shame on you, getting those poor girls dismissed." Both of them had forgotten about Lalasa still being in the room until she had suddenly slammed something down. "And why would you ever go around sleeping with the help."

Kel could tell that Lalasa was upset. "Lalasa," Dom's voice was hesitant, "I didn't get them dismissed. One left when she married her sweetheart years after our fling, and the other was dismissed when my mother caught her trying to pocket one of her heirlooms. They were the only two."

Lalasa regarded Dom shrewdly before she huffed and went back to what she had been doing with more vigor. "Lalasa, I didn't mean to offend you." Dom stopped when she looked up at him, her gaze softened.

"I'm not offended; I guess I'm just disappointed."

Dom gave her a half grin that warmed Kel's hear. "I was young and stupid." He shrugged, "Besides, they wooed me, not the other way around."

Kel giggled, "You mean you in no way flirted or initiated those situations? I find that very difficult to believe."

Dom flushed, "I was young, younger than them, and if I flirted I didn't know it." He mumbled.

Dom fidgeted in his saddle causing Kel to smile. "It's been years since I was last home." Dom confessed to Kel. "Remember when we were helping the village of Greenfield?" Kel nodded. "Lord Raoul surprised me, he told me to ride to my home fief, which is a quarter day ride from the village. He gave me two days."

Kel looked thoughtful, "I hadn't even realized you were gone."

He sent her a crooked smile, "Well you were busy. If I remember correctly, your hands were well abused from carpentry."

Kel shook her head; she pulled on Hoshi's reigns as Dom stopped at the top of a small rise. "Are we there?" Kel asked, looking around. They had been riding for almost two full days. The sun was currently beginning it's decent behind the hills. The road was slightly familiar. What had taken them nearly four days with the Own only took two days by themselves.

After riding for ten more minutes Kel could begin to see the top of a castle rise. By the time they had reached the gate, the early signs of twilight were surrounding them. It took a few moments for the gate to open. And as they urged their horses forward, Kel could not help but begin to feel nervous.

"Domitan!" A deep voice boomed around the courtyard. Looking towards the door into the main keep, stood several people. Kel could only assume that they were his family. Dismounting and standing back, she watched as Dom greeted his family. She knew she was lucky that her family often visited court, only her brother Anders was limited on his trips due to his old injuries and the need to run the fief. Kel was broken out of her thoughts when Dom turned to her and beckoned her forward.

"This is Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan." Dom told his family as he took her hand, pulling her into his side before placing his arm around her waist and a kiss on her temple. One by one Dom introduced everyone to her; all of them greeted her warmly. After introductions were finished Dom followed everyone back into the keep.

Graciously his mother showed them to the rooms they were to stay in during their stay. Kel couldn't help but notice that they were located next to each other. Before disappearing into her room to get ready for dinner she could have sworn the lady of the house winked at her son after telling him something quietly. She couldn't help but blush at the possibility of what had been said.

AN: I would love to be able to tell y'all that the next chapter will be up quickly, but I don't want to disappoint you if it's not. But just know that depending on how often I get a chance to do so I will chip away at the story. I have a feeling there may just be one more chapter, depending on how much it gets away from me, but if not then there will be two chapters if not all of the events that I want to put in can fit.