Description: Thayet accidentally discovers Daine and Numair's relationship and now the secret is out. Everyone knows!

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters. Everything belongs to Tamora Pierce.

Author's Note: I had a lot of fun with this chapter! It's five weeks after the pages start at the end of September when Neal and Kel come to Daine and Numair's rooms. There is nothing said about how long the relationship has been known for, so I have placed the big reveal three weeks before that exert in First Test, which could explain why Neal is so unhappy about it.

Chapter 10

Two weeks after the Fall Equinox Numair lay in bed curled around Daine when a sharp knock sounded at his outer door. Grumbling, the mage extracted himself from the young woman and then had the more difficult task of trying to get out of bed without disturbing their bedmates.

"What time is it?" Daine muttered groggily when his body heat left her.

"Still morning," the mage smiled at the sleepy Wildmage affectionately.

She sat up fast upsetting one of the cats who jumped to the floor puffing its fur up in irritation. "Don't tell me I overslept again!"

Numair grinned, "A habit I fully intend to cultivate in you, my darling."

Daine narrowed her eyes at him as the knock sounded again. "Who's that?"

"I'll find out," he said grabbing his discarded shirt from the floor. "Don't leave until I've sent them away." The mage kissed her forehead softly.

Going to bed shirtless had been a compromise she'd forced him into over the last few days. Daine liked snuggling into his bare chest and she'd slowly been undoing more buttons every night for the last several weeks until, somehow, the young woman had convinced him to come to bed without wearing a shirt at all. Numair still wasn't sure how he'd ended up agreeing to it, but Daine hadn't done anything more than nuzzle into his chest hair.

The other change in their sleeping arrangements was that the young woman now came to bed wearing a nightdress. Daine had argued that she didn't enjoy sleeping fully clothed when they weren't on the road, and pointed out very reasonably, that if she wore a nightdress and her undergarments then she was still technically clothed. Numair hadn't been able to come up with a suitable argument against that either, other than the fact her nightdress was thinner and covered a lot less of her.

Exiting his bedchamber, the mage pulled the door to block the view and tugged on his shirt. Kitten looked up from her basket and trilled a question as he passed. He scratched her head on the way to the door as he opened it to reveal the queen stood on the other side.

"Good morning, Numair," she said brightly sliding past him. "I was told Daine was with you. I need to speak with her about my horse." She looked around the empty room. "Daine?"

The mage stood there trying to convince his half-awake brain to provide a convincing lie when the door to his bedchamber swung open and two palace dogs and three cats trailed out. He paled when Thayet turned to face him with barely concealed mirth on her elegant features.

"Daine?" the queen raised her voice.

The Wildmage appeared at the door looking a little embarrassed. "Hullo."

Thayet took in the young woman's appearance and covered her mouth with her hand trying not to burst out laughing. "Well, isn't this interesting," she managed to say wryly.

"You wanted to see me?" Daine shuffled nervously.

"I did…" the queen grinned looking between the two of them. "How long has this been going on?"

Numair could barely breathe as he looked helplessly at his queen. His mouth worked but he couldn't utter a single sound let alone offer an explanation.

"A couple of months," Daine answered. "Since we got back from the Divine Realms."

"I knew something was going on between you two!" Thayet said triumphantly. "One of the soldiers mentioned seeing you kissing on the boat, but you continued to act as you always had so I wasn't sure. Then the Riders and the knights started gossiping about bats and birds leaving from a window on the teacher's floor in the mornings for the last month or so. Why didn't you say anything?"

"It's new," the Wildmage shifted uncomfortably. "We wanted – well, Numair wanted – to keep it secret for a while." Daine frowned at the mage. "Are you alright? Numair?"

He was anything but alright as his vision started to darken around the edges. The mage was worried he was about to pass out when someone took him forcibly by the arms and sat him in a chair.

"Get him a cup of water, Daine." Thayet commanded rubbing the mage on the back. "Just breathe, Numair."

The young woman returned quickly and pressed a cup of water against his lips. He was trembling so violently that Daine had to help him take small sips. When he had finally calmed down enough, Numair held his head in his hands trying to slow his breathing as the Wildmage took over rubbing his back.

"Are you living here now, Daine?" Thayet asked delicately.

"I guess so," the young woman shrugged. "I spend most nights in Numair's rooms anyway."

"I should have a plaque commissioned so people know where to find you," the queen's eyes sparkled.

"You said you wanted me?" Daine asked cautiously.

"Oh, yes – could you speak with Wildwind for me?" Thayet asked returning to the reason she had come in the first place. "She's been acting strangely this past week and I'm worried about her. I couldn't see anything physically wrong with her, but maybe you can find out what this mood is all about."

The Wildmage stood and nodded. "I'll get dressed and join you in the stables."

"Thank you." The queen smiled at her then glanced between the pair again shaking her head.

Numair was vaguely aware of Daine letting Thayet out of his rooms but couldn't make out their whispered exchange. Hearing the door close, he lifted his head looking mournfully at the young woman.

She crossed the room and perched on the arm of the chair. "Are you alright?"

The mage nodded weakly not sure if he felt more embarrassed at having their relationship discovered so shamefully or for having a panic attack and almost fainting in front of the queen.

"I know you weren't ready to tell anyone about us yet, but I think we'll have trouble keeping it a secret now," Daine grinned at him. "Especially if Thayet is making a plaque for your door."

It suddenly dawned on Numair just what had been discussed. "You're moving in with me?"

"I thought it made sense," the young woman said practically. "Unless you don't want me to…"

The mage gaped at her feeling a mixture of confusion and elation. He'd wanted to ask Daine to move in with him for weeks but had been too afraid she would reject the idea the same as his desire for matrimony. Yet, somehow, the queen had only made a mild insinuation that the Wildmage lived with him and that was it?

Numair pulled the young woman onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her. "Would you like to live with me?"

"It makes sense, doesn't it?" Daine reasoned. "I sleep here almost every night. It would save me having to return to my room to get dressed for the day if I kept my things here instead."

The mage wasn't going to argue with her logic if this was how he convinced her to move in with him. Did she even understand what she was committing herself to? He smiled tentatively stroking her cheek in wonder as he brushed his lips against hers gently.

"When did you want to move your things in?" he asked hesitantly.

"I don't have much, so it shouldn't take me too long. Later today?"

Numair's head was spinning as he tried to process the speed of this change. "I'll clear some space for you. I could ask the servants to have your clothes brought up this afternoon?"

"That would be great," she kissed him firmly before hopping off his lap. "I should get myself dressed and check on Wildwind. See you later."

The Wildmage shapeshifted into a crow and flew out the open window leaving the mage sat in stunned silence with her clothes on the floor. A mournful whine got his attention as the dogs pawed at his door asking to be let out. Numair stood in a daze and opened it for the animals as they trotted off down the corridor. Turning slowly, he found Kitten regarding him inquisitively as he picked up the dragonet and returned to the chair scratching under her chin absently.

"I think you're moving in with me, sweetheart."

Kitten chirped happily then chattered a demand.

Numair was about to offer to take the dragonet to breakfast when he paled in horror. Would the queen have gone straight to Jon to tell him what had happened? He shuddered and gave Kitten an apologetic smile. "How about I ask for a tray to be sent up? I should get dressed and start clearing some space for your mother's possessions."

The mage hid in his rooms the entire day only speaking with servants to request food or to collect Daine's clothes. It was pure cowardice, and he knew it, but Numair wasn't prepared to face the wrath of the king. Having been exiled from one court for his actions he didn't want to be thrown out from another. Not that he truly believed hiding away would make Jonathan forget about him, but until the mage could figure out how to explain himself, he preferred not to confront the man.

Daine was busy for the entire day and didn't return until the evening carrying two sacks containing her personal possessions.

"I never thought I owned so much," she sighed dropping the sacks to the floor.

"Why didn't you ask someone to help you carry your things for you?" Numair shook his head reproachfully.

"I managed. Have you been hiding up here all day?" she asked noticing the empty trays.

The mage closed his eyes pinched the bridge of his nose. "Yes."

Daine frowned. "Why?"

"How fast has the word spread?" he asked not looking at her.

"I think everyone in the palace knows," the young woman stated. "No one's said anything yet, but there's a lot of pointing and whispering."

Numair rested his head in his hands and sighed.

"We were going to get found out eventually," Daine pointed out candidly.

"I would have preferred to announce our betrothal not to have you found in my bed," the mage complained bitterly. "This will only fuel the gossip that I have been bedding you for years."

"Who cares about the gossip?" the Wildmage scowled. "They've always had nasty things to say. It never bothered you before."

It had always bothered him; he just hadn't let it show. "Because the gossip wasn't true until now!" he snapped and began to pace.

"Are you ashamed of me?" Daine asked quietly.

Numair froze and looked at her appalled. "Of course not." He crossed the room and wrapped his arms around her holding her tight. "I'm sorry. I'm just scared."

She returned the embrace resting her head on his chest. "Scared of what?"

"The king banishing me – or worse," he answered softly.

"Thayet wasn't angry. She was really happy for us," the young woman said confused. "Why would the king think any different?"

The mage held her tighter for a few moments. "Maybe he won't…"

Daine looked up at him. "Have you been worrying about this all day?"

He swallowed and nodded kissing her forehead tenderly.

"Is that why you near passed out this morning?" The young woman berated.

"Yes."

Grabbing his shirt, Daine pulled him down roughly before placing a very gentle kiss on his lips. "Come help me unpack," she released him and walked towards his rooms shooting the mage a very flirtatious look.

They spent the next couple of hours finding the proper place for all of Daine and Kitten's belongings. The Wildmage told him all about the queen's horse who had turned out to be pregnant. Numair wasn't overly talkative, and she didn't say anything when he asked to have dinner to his rooms. The pair didn't talk of anything serious until they were lying in bed together that evening.

"How long are you planning on hiding up here?" Daine asked resting her head on his shoulder.

The mage sighed and placed a kiss in her hair. "I don't know. Until I can find the courage to face all the criticism and the scandal we'll incur."

"You think it will be that bad?" she asked.

"You were my student, Daine. You were thirteen when I took you on and the gossips already had sordid imaginations," Numair said scathingly. "I had a poor enough reputation before this, now they will have me in bed with children. How many families will stop their daughters from joining the Queen's Riders or trying out to become knights because 'the black robe mage will use his magic to lure them into bed'," he shuddered involuntarily.

"Is that why you want to marry me? So, the gossips won't say bad things about you?" the Wildmage asked indignantly.

Numair closed his eyes not liking the direction this was headed. "No. I want to marry you because I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

"Do you see me as a child?" she pushed herself off his chest to glare at him.

"Daine –"

"You have to be fifteen to become a Rider," Daine hissed. "There were girls in my village who'd been wed and had their first child by then. Are they children?"

"Page training begins at ten years of age," he argued.

The young woman rolled away from him, and he released her feeling a sickening twist in his heart. She had only just moved into his rooms and already he was making a mess of things. Numair lay there for a long time staring at her back not knowing how to fix this. Sarra had been right about him putting a lot of his own fears onto her.

"Why do you love me?" he asked quietly. The mage wasn't sure if she was even awake to answer him.

"Because most days you're an intelligent man," came the grumpy reply.

Numair smiled achingly "I have my moments."

Daine rolled over to face him but didn't come any closer. "I like learning things from you. You've never treated me like I'm stupid –"

"Because you aren't," he interrupted firmly.

"You talk to me like an equal and you respect my opinions," she continued.

He reached out a tentative hand and placed it over hers squeezing gently.

Daine met his eyes seriously. "You've never been afraid of me or thought I was a monster."

"Of course not," he gripped her hand firmly, relieved she wasn't pulling away.

"You accept everything about me. You even let animals into your bed," the young woman smiled briefly.

"Our bed," Numair corrected smiling.

"Them that care about us won't turn their backs on us," Daine said earnestly.

He closed his eyes and nodded. "I hope you're right, sweetling."

"Why don't you speak to the king tomorrow?" the young woman suggested. "If you're so worried, then talk to him about it."

Bringing her hand to his lips he kissed her knuckles. "I will. I promise."

Daine huffed out a breath and wriggled back into the circle of his arms snuggling against his chest. Numair wrapped his arms around her tightly burying his face in her curls, breathing deeply.

"I love you," he whispered.

Daine tilted her head up for a kiss which Numair gladly gave her. "Go to sleep and stop worrying," she said with irritated affection.

The mage closed his eyes grinning foolishly, enjoying the feel of her warm body tucked against his. She loved him for so many of the same reasons he loved her. Kissing her head lovingly, he finally accepting that she wanted more than just a physical relationship with him.

The next morning, Numair had the pleasure of watching Daine get ready in his rooms. It was odd how peaceful it made him feel to watch her tugging on her boots and brushing her hair in his bedchamber. She gave him a quick kiss and turned to leave when he called her back, flicking his wrist he produced an orchid for her hair.

"I forgot yesterday," the mage said guiltily.

Daine grinned at him as he carefully attached the flower to her curls with a hair pin. They kissed again as she left out the door not the window, and Kitten entered the bedchamber instead. The dragonet gave a very grumpy squawk until Numair lifted her into bed with him. Neither mage nor dragon were particularly early risers and Kitten had taken to joining him in bed for a few hours before she woke him for breakfast.

The mage had only been dosing for an hour when a sparkle of purple magic appeared above him.

"You awake yet?" Alanna's voice said through the speech spell.

"Define awake," he yawned sitting up, trying not to dislodge Kitten.

"Some of us have been up for hours," the Lioness scolded.

"Some of us are granted the luxury of a lie-in," Numair said stretching his arms and scrubbing a hand through his loose mane.

"We heard the news. What I want to know is why I had to hear it from Thayet through Onua. Why didn't you tell me?" There was a dangerous edge to his friend's voice.

"I wasn't ready to tell anyone," the mage admitted quietly. "Thayet – found out."

There were two voices laughing at the other end of the spell, one distinctly male along with the female knight.

"Yes, we heard about that," the Lioness said when she could speak again.

"Hello George," Numair said impassively.

"Hello, lad. Nice to hear the good news, finally," the Baron replied cheerfully.

"How long have you been keeping it a secret for?" Alanna demanded.

"Since we returned from the Divine Realms," the mage blushed.

"I always knew you two couldn't be left alone." There was more snickering from the knight. "I'm glad you finally told her."

"I didn't exactly tell her, I – I kissed her." Numair blushed crimson while George and Alanna roared with laughter. He was very glad they were having this conversation via speaking spell and not in person. "In my defence I thought she had died."

"I look forward to hearing that story when you next visit," Alanna said amused. "When are you two coming to the tower?"

"I'm teaching the pages until summer," the mage answered. "When the king goes on progress, I'm hoping to convince Daine to join me at my tower until September."

"You'll come and stay with us at the Swoop for a few days then," the Lioness stated. "When did you finally figure it out? Please tell me it was before you kissed her!"

"At midwinter. When the barrier fell," Numair muttered while his cheeks burned.

"You did take your time. I thought you'd have figured it out before then," Alanna teased.

"What do you mean? When did you suspect I loved her?" the mage asked mortified.

"When you tried to hit the Emperor Mage of Carthak!" the Lioness laughed. "You all but announced to everyone in the palace you were in love with Daine. Then you had your jealous snit with the prince. I can't believe you didn't realise!"

"I was hoping it was just a phase," Numair mumbled.

Both Alanna and George laughed at that.

"I knew from before then," the Baron chuckled.

"You never said anything!" There was a thump, and the mage suspected Alanna may have just hit her husband.

"I thought it was obvious," George sounded amused. "I began to suspect something when Numair transformed a man into a tree to save our Wildmage. But a man doesn't walk into almost certain death for anyone other than the woman he loves, despite the preparations he thinks he's made. I heard it direct from the man himself that the only reason he was returning to Carthak was because of Daine and Kitten, the woman he was head-over-heels in love with and the dragon he dotes on like a daughter."

Numair covered his face in his hands. It had been too much to hope the second-in-command spymaster wouldn't know everything. "So – you aren't angry?"

"For not telling us? Yes, I'm angry," the Lioness said crossly. "For you finally telling Daine that you love her? Why in the Goddess' name would I be angry with you for that?"

The mage swallowed. "I'm a lot older than she is. My reputation – I've hardly acted honourably when it comes to women of the court."

"I married the King of Thieves. Since when do you think I care about a person's reputation?" Alanna asked incredulously. "As for the age difference, why should it matter?"

Numair was very glad they couldn't see him at this moment as he felt tears prick the corners of his eyes. He truly had been blessed with the greatest friends any man could ever ask for.

"Now stop hiding in your rooms! Thayet told us," the knight explained. "If any of those old-fashioned, stuffy, dung-fouled –"

"Alanna…" her husband chastised lightly.

"– gossips say anything against you and Daine then send Raoul or Buri their way. Or better yet, Sarge, he'd set them straight!"

"We'll see you in summer, lad." George said kindly.

The speech spell ended leaving Numair with a lump in his throat. Daine had been right about their friend's being supportive of them. He never would have guessed so many of them would have approved of his feelings for his young friend. Although, apparently some of them had guessed long before they'd had a chance to say anything.

The mage placed a bland expression on his face and pointedly ignored the looks and whispers as he took Kitten for a late breakfast. Once they had finished, the dragonet trotted off to get into her own mischief for the day. Numair braced himself and headed to the king's study, knocking politely on the door.

"Enter," Jon looked up from his report and grinned broadly, his blue eyes twinkling. "Numair, I wondered when you'd come and see me," the king came around his desk to shake the mage's hand enthusiastically. "No Daine with you?"

"You're – pleased?" Numair asked a little taken aback.

"Truth to tell, it would have been a lot easier had you mentioned this before the Celebration Ball," Jon grinned jovially. "Then we could have announced the pair of you. You can't have believed I'd be upset, did you?"

"I was worried you might have asked for my head." The mage was starting to feel like a complete idiot having doubted his friends so much.

"Mithos bless, Numair! Did you really think I'd be angry about this? My two most powerful mages, together!"

The mage winced and shifted uncomfortably. "Daine was my student. You asked me to teach her not to seduce her."

"If I believed for a second you had actually seduced Daine then, perhaps, I would be angry with you," the king shook his head in disbelief. "You're devoted to each other and you have likely loved her far longer than any of us realised." Numair looked up horrified. "Thayet and I do speak about things other than courtly affairs. She pointed out you've not been yourself since your return from Carthak. You have been spending a great deal of time with Daine and refusing any and all advances. Thayet hears all the gossip, and she did find you two in bed together."

Numair flushed scarlet instantly. "She did not find us in bed!"

"No, just Daine exiting your bedchamber dressed in a nightgown with animals trailing out the door behind her." The king couldn't hold it in any longer and burst out laughing. "Honestly, this is excellent news. When can we start preparations for the wedding?"

"You can't" the mage said dejectedly.

"What do you mean? You're not trying to imply this thing between you is merely a tryst?" Jon frowned.

"No. Daine didn't accept my first proposal," the king smiled sympathetically at his Chief Mage. "I intend to ask again at a more appropriate time," Numair confided softly.

"Very good," Jon smiled. "Once she accepts, we'll begin making the arrangements. The kingdom needs something to celebrate."

The mage left the king's study feeling utterly bewildered. Deciding he didn't want to spend another day cooped up in his study, Numair went to join Daine and Onua. Maybe going for a ride would clear his head from everyone's unfathomable reactions.