Disclaimer: I own nothing of Tamora Pierce

Chapter 8

The recurring scene of Evin kissing her inside her mind for the whole morning was driving Miri to distraction and it felt her head would explode if she questioned his actions one more time. What did it mean? Did he love her? Miri, fed up with her lack of concentration, shook her head in disgust. Sarge commented that her head was in the clouds since she missed the target in archery for the sixth time, which made Miri, embarrassed and began to fume against Evin for it all being his fault.

Now laughed off the practising courts with Sarge's jibs Miri was walking through the quiet halls to the library to polish up on her Tusaine's etiquette and culture as Evin had let it slip over a chat last night. Even striding down the empty corridors did not insure Miri a period without connecting her goals with Evin. Of course she was a Rider and Evin commanded the Queen's Riders so it was coincidental that she was dreaming of him. Did she just say dreaming? She meant thinking. Miri swore under her breath as the library doors loomed in front of her.

However before entering voices drifted from the reading room which brought Miri to stopping at the threshold. Not her again pleaded Miri. Lady Clara must have found out the Evin would be showing his handsome self today in the library which combined the two as a bad idea in Miri's beliefs. Turning around to tip toe back from where she came from was blocked a body belonging to a certain Commander. Miri felt herself going hot from Evin placing his hands around her waist to steady her. After a while when none of them moved to break away Miri eventual lifted her eyes to meet the blue depth of Evin's. Though his face was completely void of any emotions, Miri detected from the stare a mixture of nervousness, apprehension and a bit of amusement at the situation. Miri could not speak at that moment as it all became clear in her heart – she loved Evin Larse, Commander of Queen's Riders and best friend since the beginning. Miri was overcome with realisation that she wasn't bother who knew and even thought Lady Clara's attempts were amusing rather than harmful.

"So..." Evin spoke causal, "Mm... how was your morning?"

Miri blushed, rolled her eyes and shrugged he shoulders as an answer that gained a laugh from Evin. This simple action broke the tension between the two of them. She smiled at his response, which presented Evin with courage to step forward, closing the gap, and whispering hoarsely "I hope that you weren't disappointed".

Miri shivered with a tingling sensation overcoming her leading her to choke out quiet but firm "No".

"Good"

Evin bent his head slowly, allowing strands of blonde hair to tickle Miri's face, while he mission was to capture Miri's soft lips for rediscovery of the tenderness he experienced earlier. However the private moment was broken as a screeching giggles echoed throughout the halls. Evin registered the sound as being issued from Lady Clara.

Evin jolted out of his grasp on Miri and looked petrified scanning the halls the any signs of the Lady herself. Miri should have been angry at Evin allowing her to be dropped on the ground but the comical display of a young boy being caught doing something naughty was too much and Miri went into a hysterical fit of giggles. Evin looked down at Miri with one of his best glares, which did not last long as it quickly melted into a lopsided grin at the antics. Miri looks extremely beautiful when she is happy he thought rudely well fine start at winning her.

"I hear a noise Melissa from outside I wonder what...." Lady Clara's words trailed off as she saw the scene before her - Commander Larse, looking as charming as ever, grinning stupidly at one of his Riders who happened to be sprawling across the floor. Such behaviour was appalling in her opinion though she could not fault the Commander himself in the action. What could he do with such commoners? Lady Clara's began a cold stare of disappoint at the Rider until she realised it was the Rider called Miri and her features harder considerable. Jealously is always an ugly mask to display yet Lady Clara seem to pull it off well with one of her very captivating but false smiles.

"Commander! How delightful to meet you here" she cooed while batting her eyelashes in flirting manner.

Evin did not answer immediately inste4ad he applied himself in helping Miri off that stone floor. He pulled a bit too hard, which propelled Miri against his chest with force. At this opportunity he whispered a plea for Miri not to leave him. Though glancing straight into the emerald eyes told him that his cause was a defeat from the mischievous glint growing. She would pay later Evin thought smugly.

Unfortunately Miri disentangle herself from Evin and gained her composure as she brushed the dust off her clothes.

"If you excuse me Commander and Lady Clara I will now sought out that book and be on my way".

With a nod at both people Miri stride into the library without recognition of what had happened. Evin's eyes followed Miri till she was out of sight and gaining his surroundings once more. Luck must on his side today, as not was by chance he spotted Miri walking towards the library, it became clear that she loved him back. If only I gained another kiss he mused. Again he perceived Lady Clara and had an idea that she was annoyed at him for keeping her waiting.

"What brought you to the palaces' small library Lady Clara" said Evin in conversational tone.

"To enjoy the quietness which they offer"

"Well if I am disrupting" Evin said quickly and made a move to leave. However Clara detained him with a hand on his arm.

"However", she said sweetly, "I have had my share of tranquillity for the day. I was wondering, if it is not too bold of a lady to ask, would you care to accompany me to lunch?"

Evin cursed himself inwardly at being cornered easily. He thought Lady Clara would have stopped her persistent at gaining his attention as he dropped subtle hints and avoided her like a plague for the last fortnight. However Miri had left him in this position which was her lost, of course. Instead she will being alone in the library reading away and not have his sparkling conversation for entertainment. He would make Miri pay for disobeying an order and with that resolved in his mind, he bowed politely and led Lady Clara down the halls away from the person who occupied his mind and heart,

Lady Clara strolled with the Commander and began her mission to dazzle him with her beauty and other charms. She believed herself to be in a position that Commander Larse would submit to her ideal and consequently being the catch she wanted. She could see the jealous glances of others, particularly the court ladies who had their intimate time with him, at her being the one who snared Evin Larse. With his blonde hair and blue eyes that contrasted her colouring they soon would become a couple admired at from afar with only the King Jonathan and Queen Thayet as rivals.

Ok really do not know how this is going to end! Please review and any criticism are welcomed.