I've had a review saying the last chapter had a scene like the one in I think it was Magics Pawn, no it was Magic's Price. Well it wasn't intentional, if it were I'd have to have an incredible memory as I haven't read that particular book since the paperback came out. I do have a good memory and can remember books I've read years ago, but to replicate a scene? I think I'll have to pull out the book and look for the scene (Now I'm curious). Sort of reminds me of an old twilight zone episode I saw once, every writers nightmare really.

Chapter 11 And All Good Dreams

Van sighed, and opened his eyes slightly. He was comfortable, but as he woke up a little more he realized that he didn't recognize the bed he was in. He froze slightly before turning over on his back and propping himself up on his arms. He winced at sore muscles and sat up.

His eyes widened as he saw Charol sitting at the foot of the bed, her chin propped up on her knees watching him. He smiled uncertainly and ran a hand through his hair "What happened?"

She smiled "You fell asleep."

He rubbed his face and looked at her again, well aware that this was her room and that he wasn't exactly dressed, but where he would have been extremely uncomfortable with anyone else, this felt right, to be here with her.

Charol had watched him sleep with a warm feeling in her heart. Why him? She wondered to herself. After a time he moved restlessly and she knew he was waking up. She saw move his head, then roll over before sitting up. She swallowed hard as the throw fell to his waist, he was so beautiful she thought.

His eyes widened as he caught sight of her, then with a slight smile he asked a question. She had a hard time following what he said, but managed to answer.

He watched her, she was looking at him with a look he had dreamed of. He swallowed and leaned towards her and she sighed. He stopped with his head close to hers. He looked to see if she wanted what he did, but before he could react, she leaned forward and kissed him.

He reached for her with one hand and kissed her back, losing himself in the kiss. Her hands on his chest brought him back to himself. He pulled back slightly "Are you sure?" he asked. She nodded and reached for him, he pulled her back into his embrace.

The next time he awoke he found himself wrapped around another, her warm body held tightly in his arms, he smiled as the memory came to him. He could stay here forever.

:You'd starve: the dry mindvoice of his Companion came to him.

:Oh, Deanna, I just: he broke off.

:I know what you just. You forgot to shield last night: her amused voice ran through his mind.

He flushed in embarrassment :I'm sorry:

:Don't worry about it, I can block you out if need be, and I didn't want to disturb your fun: she said, her amusement still coloring her voice.

He shook his head, then felt Charol stiffen before relaxing.

"Good morning beautiful" he whispered into her neck.

She sighed "I'm not beautiful."

"Yes you are, inside and out. I think you are what I've been looking for..." he trailed off.

:Don't stop now, not when you are doing so well: Deannas amused comment came to him.

:Shush, I'm talking: he sent to her.

He still felt her amusement as he continued "I dreamed of you, of waking up like this with you in my arms."

He felt her shake her head "How could someone like you dream of someone like me?"she asked in a strangled voice.

"And what kind of a person am I?" he asked, his heart sinking. He had thought they had gotten beyond this.

"Beautiful, clever talented, the list could go on forever" she whispered. He was just glad she hadn't said rich and connected. But he knew those things meant little or nothing to her and that was something that appealed to him.

"As much as I enjoy complements, I must ask why wouldn't someone like me like someone like you. Clever, kind, brave, wise and... beautiful. I think the question should be why someone like you would bother with someone like me" he whispered back into her hair.

:Maybe you wouldn't starve with all the sugar being laid out: Deannas comment startled a laugh from him.

She stiffened "What?"

"Deanna, she was commenting on how sweet we are" he said, relaxing as he felt her relax.

"Oh, Garin said something similar to me" she sighed.

"What is it?" Van asked.

"I'll miss this" she said quietly.

"What?" he asked, a feeling of alarm growing in him.

"They will be giving me another assignment next week" she said wearily.

"Oh, is that all. I thought you were tossing me out on my behind now that you've had your way with me" he said.

"Not a chance" she said with a laugh. "Besides it's such a cute behind" she said, reaching back to pat said behind. He laughed and neither one said anything more for some time.

Van was leaving the baths, feeling a little guilty for taking so much time away from his duties when he felt Deannas mind brush his.

:Van:

:Yes:

:I've been told the Queen wants you:

He nodded and turned back towards the palace, still carrying his bag of old clothing. He had left the armor in Charols rooms. It would be easier than running it back and forth from the embassy, besides it gave him an excuse to visit.