part 2!

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Kaddar, drawing the girl closer to him, felt his heartbeat increase. What was he doing!?

Daine's eyes opened wide, though her mind was asking the same question. "Kaddar," she tried to joke. "Are you feeling alright?" Her heart beat fast, at his close proximity.

Grinning shyly, the darker boy chuckled quietly. "Daine, i have never been better in my life." Leaning in closer, slowly, he brought his lips to hers.

The sensation of his warm mouth on hers confused the young mage. What was it? Her legs nearly collapsed, but it wasn't a bad feeling. Soft, comfortable...exciting really, the tingle in her hands and cheeks was quite enticing. As if some obscure part of her mind knew what she was doing, the girl wrapped her arms around his neck and drank in his affection.

"Daine," he whispered, grateful that she hadn't slapped him. "I missed you..." She jumped at the sound of his voice, blue eyes wide.

Coming back to herself, Daine stepped back hastily. "Uh, Kaddar, I better go. Sleep, that is. Zek? C'mon Kit." She felt her cheeks heat up as she all but ran away from the prince, who was left standing confused.

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That night, she wrote letters to Onua and Numair:

Dear Onua-

I wish things were simple! The first night in Carthak, the Emperor - the ruler!- kisses me. Onua, i don't know what to do. I think I like him, I'm not sure about love...and this can get me in trouble with Tortall, right?

Please write back! I'm desperate!

Wishes, Daine

She bit her lip. Picking up a clean sheet and pen, she scribed another letter carefully. How to skirt around her situation?

Numair-

Miss the lessons. How's Cloud?

Carthak the second time is confusing. I have to talk to you later...but how would you, knowing your expertise, do a Carthakian toast? If Carthakian is a word...

Much happiness, Daine

And then, not realizing what she was doing, Daine placed the letters each in the wrong envelope, sealed them, and sent them to Tortall.

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