Chapter 5: The Promise


The next morning Numair awoke before his love. He watched her breathe slowly, in and out, and rested his head beside her. I love her so much, he thought. Then he smoothed back her hair and ran his fingers through it. Her smoky-brown curls were long and soft. She woke up and smiled at him.
"Good morning, love," she said. "Are you ready for the treaty talks?"
He groaned. "Shush. I was actually enjoying the morning." She giggled. "Actually, perhaps it will not be completely unbearable this time, since you're coming."
"Yes." They kissed each other and then all was quiet.
"Numair?" Daine asked, sitting up in bed. He was still lying down, and gazed up at her adoringly.
"Yes, my sweet?" he replied.
She hesitated. "Do you love me?" she asked, avoiding his eyes.
"Magelet!" he exclaimed, as he sat up and took her delicate hands in his large ones. "Of course I do! And you know that! Why did you have to ask?" He searched her face.
The Wildmage burst into tears. Through them, she mumbled something he couldn't understand.
Numair pulled her into a tight embrace, resting his chin on the top of her head. "What's wrong, love?" he asked softly. "You know that I love you and I know how you feel about me." He peered down, trying to see into her face, but it was currently buried in his night shirt. "Magelet?"
She raised her head and gazed at him, as if staring from far away. "Numair, I-"
She paused. "I feel like I--almost like I don't deserve you. I mean, I come from a peasant
farm family in Galla, and you're the most powerful mage in Tortall!" She wouldn't meet his eyes.
"Daine!" he exclaimed. She still avoided his eyes, so he gripped her face firmly and kissed her. She pulled away and hid her face in his shirt again. He couldn't make out her words because they were muffled in his shirt. "I cannot understand you when you do that, Daine," he whispered.
He was so confused. Who cared about anyone's background? He only cared that they were in love. That was what mattered!
"Daine, listen to me. And please look at me." She ignored both requests. "Please?" Hesitating, she raised her head and looked at him through tear-stained eyes. He wiped away her tears gently. "I wouldn't care if you were raised by. . . . Ozorne, for goodness sake! We're in love with each other, magelet. And that's what's important. I want you to always remember that. Always. Do you understand?"
She didn't say anything, but instead wrapped her arms around his neck. "I was hoping that you'd say that," she whispered, breaking into a wide smile. He pulled her close for a passionate kiss, and then another. When they finally broke apart, they were both gasping for breath and smiling at one another.
"Come on," Numair said. "Let's get dressed."
"Wait. Will-will you promise? That it will never matter? My-my background?" she asked, staring directly into his eyes.
He took her hands again and met her gaze. "Yes, my love. I promise." She smiled and they kissed again. "Never forget that, love," he whispered.


Author's Note: Okay, should I destroy the happy couple? Or keep it fluffy? Please review!
~Lady of the Wolves