Kel swept down the staircase that led to the ballroom. She wasn't sure how Yuki had gotten her here, but she had. Now Kel stood, watching people mill about, ans she subtly scanned the room for a certain sergeant. She caught a brief glance as Yuki descended upon her. The look on Dom's face was worth all the fuss the dress had been. It was a deep crimson, with flaring skirts. The bodice was fashioned after a kimono, with a cream obi and wide sleeves. Lalasa had said the crimson set off Kel's dark hair nicely.

"Kel!" Yuki said, "Have you seen Dom yet?"

"I've only just arrived."

"Well, go talk to him!" Yuki stopped short of pushing her forward, but Kel could tell she wanted to. As she approached, Dom's eyes grazed over her.

"I like your...dress," he said. Kel fought the blush she felt rising in her cheeks. She didn't know why she got so...well, maidenly around Dom.

"Thank you," Kel responded cooly.

"Would you care to dance?" Kel wasn't sure she wanted to, but court protocol was strict. She was very conscience of the places they touched; her skin burned even through the fabric of her dress.

"Have you been told your next assignment?" Dom chatted amiably.

"I've been given some time off. I'm thinking about visiting Mindelan." The song ended and Dom led her outside. They stood by the railing, the sole occupants fo the balcony overlooking the gardens. It was night, but there was a bright silver moon overhead and mage lights dotting the landscape.

"I've been thinking," Dom began, and stopped. He stared off into the night, thoughts elsewhere.

"Dom?" Kel asked, snapping him back to the present.

"Sorry, I was thinking."

"So you said," Kel smiled.

"Kel, I know I've screwed up, but words cannot describe how sorry I am." Kel opened her mouth to say something, but Dom silenced her, "Wait until I've finished, then you can talk all you want. You have every right to be mad at me, but I love you. I don't deserve you, but I love you. Kel you make me laugh and cry and make me feel emotions I didn't know existed. I'll understand if you never want to see me again, but Kel, will you marry me?"

Kel stared at him, mouth open in shock. Words whirled around her brain like butterflies, none staying long enough for Kel to grasp on to. After a few minutes, Dom spoke.

"I understand," he said sadly, " I won't bother you again." Dom turned to leave, but a hand stopped him.

"You can't leave after asking me a question like that!" Kel exclaimed. Hope flickered in his sapphire eyes as he faced Kel.

"You don't hate me?"

"Hate you?! Mithros, no! I don't even blame you for Ann. That wasn't your fault. She's the one to blame. I'm only worried about my sanity." Dom looked at her questioningly. Kel guided them over to a convenient bench. "There have always been women lusting after you." Dom started to speak, but Kel kept going. "Now it's your time to listen. You are incredibly good looking. And nice, and intelligent– everything a woman could ask for. Therefore, there will always be women lusting after you. I'm afraid of–well, me."

"Kel, I don't love any of those other women. Kel, I love you." He took Kel's hands in his, " I want to spend the rest of my life with you." To emphasize this point, he kissed Kel. They broke apart, and Kel asked, "But what will you do about them fawning over you?"

Dom looked deeply into her hazel eyes, "I'll let them know, politely, that none of them could hold a candle to you." Kel smiled and rested her head upon his chest; his heart beat was comforting.

"Well..." came an unmistakable drawl from the door leading to the ballroom. Neal was leaning against the door frame, arms crossed over his chest. "Isn't this nice. Would someone care to explain what's going on?"

Kel smiled, "Dom and I have made up, but we need to talk. Would you please excuse us?" Kel stood walked with Dom to the gardens below the balcony. Making sure that they were far enough from Neal's prying ears, she turned to her companion. "Dom, I love you, too. But–" Kel stopped, trying to think of the best way to phrase this.

"But?" Dom questioned, and Kel could hear the worry in his voice. He didn't want to loose her again.

"But I don't think either of us are ready for marriage. I have my career as a knight, and you know men of the own aren't allowed to marry."

"I feel the same way, I just don't want to loose you. Kel, you mean so much to me, I don't know what I would do if anything ever happened to you."

"Perhaps an indefinite betrothal?"

"That sounds good. Kel, I love you."

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That's all folks. I've realized that this story isn't really going where I want it to, so this is the end. Hopefully I'll be able to start new suff soon, I've been really busy. Sorry this took so long to get up. And many many many thanks to all my reviewers.

alannalovingwriter