I love you guys!!!! Thank you to everyone who reviewed, you guys are awesome!!!! I hope everyone enjoys this story as much as I enjoy writing it. and wow, that was super corny. anyway, I'm not so big on the writing fluff, because I'm mentally and physically incapable of doing it, but I hope you like this chapter!

ENJOY Chapter 10!!! (and review!!)

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The large group stopped at an inn that night. Within their first day of riding, they had already covered half the ground they needed to; they would be in Corus in record time.

The innkeeper was frazzled at the sight of so many guests; he simply had no room for two King's Own squads, 5 knights and 3 companions. I only have 4 rooms. Only one has two beds.

Raoul sighed heavily. As much as he hated to shove Kel and Dom in the same room, he had to. He knew they hadn't done anything....major...yet. Had they? He threw a key to Neal for him and Yuki, threw his and Buri's key to his wife and a key to Owen and Wyldon. You guys can have the room with two beds. Wyldon gave him a death glare, but trudged up the stairs anyway. Sorry, men, he said to the two squads. You'll have to sleep outside the rooms. Tobe, you can sleep either in Keladry room or outside in the hallway as well.

Kel coughed. Um, Raoul, where are the keys for me and Dom?

Raoul sighed again. Sorry you guys, but you'll have to share a bed. His eyes danced as he saw the shocked, horrified and yet happy faces that both Dom and Kel held. he said mischievously.

Kel turned around to ask Tobe where he wanted to sleep, but he was already camped out in the hallway.

Dom looked at Kel. he asked, slightly goofily as he held out his arm.

She held her breath. He was just as nervous as she was. But why should they be nervous?

She smiled crookedly. You're trying to get me to go to your room, aren't you, Sergeant?

He grinned, relieved, knowing that she was playing with him. He raised his eyebrows. You know me too well, milady. They both laughed and climbed the stairs together.

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By the time Kel had finished in the bathroom, Dom who already fast asleep. She silently laughed. She blew out all the candles but one and watched his sleeping figure - he looked so cute, even if he was softly snoring.

She climbed in next to him. She didn't want to wake him, so she lied still and thought.

This is so different from what I had with Cleon...' She smiled. This is much better.' She didn't feel awkward or nervous around Dom anymore, and even after being with him so much over the past few weeks, her feelings for him were as strong as ever. She was happy.

She turned on her side to face him and propped her head up on her hands. A piece of dark hair was covering his left eye; she gently brushed it away. He stirred and smiled sleepily.

he whispered. He opened an eye and touched her cheek.

She smiled. I didn't mean to wake you.

He chuckled softly and wrapped his arm around her waist and puller her closer to him. She didn't know why, but she felt at ease - almost like she was floating on the clouds. She nestled her head in the crook of his arm, and put her hand on his bicep. I love you. He yawned and lightly kissed her nose.

I love you too. She smiled inwardly. And I like just laying here with you. He nodded, half asleep. She closed her eyes and the two fell asleep instantly, feeling warm, safe and immensely happy.

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Tobe woke up at the crack of dawn, and was surprised not to see Kel at breakfast. Worriedly, he opened the door, momentarily forgetting that Dom would be there too. What he saw comforted him. He closed the door and trotted off to find Lord Raoul.

He knocked on the knight's and his wife's door. He was met by the large man himself, already in his riding clothes. Yes, Tobe?

My Lord, he bowed. Raoul couldn't help but notice the boy's large grin. I think you should see this.

Raoul followed Tobe to Kel and Dom's room. he started as Tobe slowly and softly opened the door. Raoul's eyes fell upon the still sleeping figures of Kel and Dom, exactly the same as when they had fallen asleep; except they were both smiling in their sleep. Raoul's eyes brightened. Go get Buri and Yuki, he said to the boy.

Raoul watched the two sleep: they were both his good friends, and were practically like children to him. He couldn't have been happier for them. They had both found someone extraordinary.

He heard a dry voice behind him. What is so important that we so-desperately need to see?

Raoul pointed to the bed and moved out of the way so Buri, Yuki, and the uninvited Neal could see. The women were beaming and Neal's face was unreadable. he squeaked and then coughed. Someone should wake them up. We're leaving soon.

But they're so cute! Yuki laughed at Neal's horrified expression, and playfully hit his arm. He's so protective of her....

...And he doesn't need to be! She can take care of herself! Neal blurted out.

Yuki scowled. Nealan of Queenscove, you stop that this instant and be happy for them. His face softened. He didn't want to mess with her....and they were kind of well, decent for each other....

Dom stirred at the sound of voices and slowly opened his eyes. He yelped in surprise at the picture before him. He gulped and tapped Kel on the arm. She awoke immediately. Is-it time to leave already? She saw Dom's face and followed his eyes. Oh, Gods... She scrambled out of bed, Dom close behind. She couldn't help but notice the extremely large grin on her former knight-masters face.

Good morning, Keladry, Domitan. Neal drawled from behind Raoul. Sleep alright? The very pink faces of his two best friends were a good enough answer, and so the group left.

We leave in 20, Raoul said. The two sighed. They could hear their friends' laughing down the hall, and Kel shut the door with a snap.

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The rest of the ride back to Corus was an uneventful one. The only person who was still making a big deal of Kel and Dom's courtship was Owen, but after a while, even he stopped. But only because Merric tied a sock around his mouth.

Merric rode ahead of the others once Corus was in view; he was anxious to finally see his betrothed, Lady Cessa again. Owen dropped behind. His betrothed was arriving in Corus in a few days. Kel noticed her friend's mood, and decided to help him take the sock off.

he mumbled.

Owen, you'll see her in a few days, and then you'll be with her for weeks! Kel said, trying to cheer him up.

Owen heavily sighed. Yeah, but what if she doesn't like me anymore...

Kel scoffed. Owen of Jesslaw! Stop thinking that way right now! It won't help!

Owen saw how determined and aggravated her face was, and whimpered jokingly, Yes-yes Mother! She slapped the back of his head and rode ahead to Neal and Yuki.

Raoul leaned over his horse to ask Wyldon, Do you think Jon would change one more rule for me?

Wyldon looked at the man. Depends on the rule.

Raoul sat up straight again, and started to sound diplomatic, I figured that since I'm allowed to marry, why shouldn't the captains, or sergeants of the King's Own marry as well? Or maybe even the privates.

Wyldon smiled slyly, knowing what Raoul was talking about. I wouldn't try to push the privates, but I'm sure Jon would let the captains and segeants...especially if he knew the circumstances.

Raoul beamed. I always knew you were a big softy!

The large group arrived at the palace right before dinner. Kel groomed and fed Hoshi and Peachblossom, with the help of Tobe in the King's Own stables, and dropped off her things in her room before heading to the mess hall. She sat down next to Dom who had gotten there a few minutes before.

Three guesses as to what Raoul's up to. Dom nodded in the direction where Raoul was conversing with one of the head servants. Kel eyed him suspiciously before returning to her stew.

Evening Dom. Kel. Raoul sat down across from them. Dom, the head servant is switching your room, so you can be next to Kel. He was beaming, obviously proud of himself.

Kel's mask slipped on. Raoul, we don't want special treatment just because we're courting. Dom nodded.

Alright, alright. After this, nothing else, I swear. He held up his hand, but they couldn't help but notice the evil glint in his eye. See you, then. He got up and left the mess hall, his fingers crossed behind his back.

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So? what do we think? Like it? Hate it?? PLEASE REVIEW!!! they mean SO much to me! they make me SO happy!! this chapter was completely random, I know, but I enjoyed writing it, and I hope you enjoy reading it!!!

-Atlanta!