Disclaimer: I don't own any Tamora Pierce stuff. If I did…I'd buy all my readers some Marks & Spencer's triple chocolate cookies. But I'm not, so you don't get really amazing cookies but imaginary homemade cookies made by me.

Chapter 9 - Lover's bonding

The sky was painted with rich reds, purple and pinks; the people of Pirates' Swoop retreated back to the safety of the stone walls after a day of hard work. Guards on watch rotated, villagers were returning home with their goods which they produced. Children went home with empty stomachs hoping their mothers made them their favourites. In one of the stalls of the Pirates' Swoop stables was Kel who was taking her time grooming her horse Hoshi. The stable boys left her alone for the kitchens where dinner awaits them.

Only the constant sweeping of the brush and the snorts by the horses were heard in the stables. The rustling of hay was loud as someone walked towards Kel. She turned to see it was Joren wearing a simple shirt with breeches. He held a bow in his hand and a quiver with a few arrows were slung over his shoulders. He has just finished training soldiers' archery.

"Shouldn't you be at dinner?" He asked, Kel swore that there was a hint of lust creeping over his eyes.

"You know I like grooming my horse and taking my own time." She began to put the tack and the brushes away. When she bent down to pick up a bucket, a hand slid around her waist. Instinctively she twisted herself back up and Joren's lips met hers.

Although Kel was surprised, she could not help to feel the burning sense of delightfulness which she tried to deny. It felt as if it was her first kiss; it was then she recalled the incident in Joren's bedroom. She thought about the past event but was caught up by the passionate kiss she was sharing with the blonde that she no longer desired to think.

Despite her silent protests, Joren pulled away and ran his fingers through her hair.

"I think we should go to the mess hall. They'll get worried about you."

Kel was light-headed with the blissful thought running through her head repeatedly that they had kissed. She nodded and absent-mindedly headed for the mess hall with Joren behind her.

They ate dinner as if everything was normal; except Kel could not help but give a few side glances at Joren, who seemed to act normal. She chatted to George casually about tactics which could be used for the war. Joren listened extremely attentively to all of this. All seemed pretty normal, as if nothing of the intense activity in the stables has happened. It was until Kel and Joren had retired to their rooms.

The brunette cleaned herself in the dressing room as soon as she reached the private quarters. When she returned to her room, she found Joren lounging over her bed as if it was his own. The room was dimly lit with a soft fire burning, giving off an amber glow. Kel placed her hands on her hips in a way which reminded her strongly of Lalasa in her shop.

"Did your mother teach you manners, when you were lounging over her bed?" She asked.

"She did teach me manners, but I never got near her chambers." He answered so casually, he rose swiftly and glided towards her. "But I did come into your chambers for a reason." He purred.

Kel shivered; surely Joren, who is her knight-master, companion, friend and crush, did not just ask her to join him for the rest of the night. She at first rejected such ridiculous idea, and that it's completely out of order, considering that she is a very cool level headed person and won't do such rational thing. Yet she is tempted to be rational & passionate, and completely out of her mind for one night. She could only gaze at those ice blue eyes she knew, but frowned inwardly when the rim of his eyes began to fade from the blue into a smoky grey.

Whatever happened after, Kel could only blame the stress, atmosphere and the beautiful man for the passionate things that happened during the night. Joren held her as they drifted off to sleep; they became lovers that night.

On a ship called the Dark Ambassador, somewhere in the Great Inland Sea, a genuine knight cried for not being the one beside Lady Keladry of Mindelan that night.

AN: Ok, this is a flash back to what Kimiko was describing to Joren. It was originally chapter 7 but it fits better here. Also 2 chapters within 24 hours!! passes out champagne to celebrate

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