Chapter 4- Bob!

A/N: ok, this is up sooner than I wanted but Pip is going on holidays and because this is dedicated to her (you're great!) I said I'd get it up tonight. And don't worry about the title- it was because I couldn't think of one and whenever Pip or I can't think of a name for anything we call it Bob! That's why this chapter is dedicated to her. And I think she deserves a round of applause- she's helped me with this a bit yet she hasn't even read the PoS!!! So go and r+r her first TP ff- Tortall's Traitor!

Oh, and I'm sorry this is so short but I had to make some adjustments to the second half and I haven't finished yet but school's finished so I'll get it done and put it up soon. It's amazing how as a rule authors upload quicker when they get lots of reviews quickly…(hint hint!) Anyways, enough of my rambling- read enjoy and review!!!

Kel fastened her saddle across Hoshi's brown back. Lost in a happy daydream, she only just heard the advancing footsteps before they stopped. She swung round to come face to face with Dom.

'Good morning, Kel,' said Dom lightly.

Kel dropped her raised arm. 'Hello, Dom.' She turned back to Hoshi thinking, Gods, his uniform suits him! He looks so-

'What?' Kel jumped out of her thoughts- Dom had asked her a question and she hadn't been listening.

'I said, I hear you're joining me now. You realise you'll be under my command and will have to follow my orders?' His eyes gleamed mischievously. He had no idea of Kel's little chat with the King's Spymaster for Kel was under strict instructions not to mention her new profession to anyone.

Kel rolled her eyes, trying to ignore the warm feeling growing in her stomach. 'Whatever you say, Commander Domitan.'

He drew his breath in. 'Now I must punish you.'

Kel laughed as he leapt into Hoshi's stall. She dodged around the horse, away from her advancing friend. But somehow, he got her pressed in a corner of the stall and she was unable to pass him. His one hand was flat against the wall Kel's back was pressed up to.

Slowly, oh so slowly, Dom brought his other hand up to gently stroke her cheek; so gentle that she barely felt it at first. His face and his eyes were deadly serious.

Horrified, Kel roughly pushed past him to put her easy-going mare between herself and Dom.

Dom turned to her. He paused before saying, 'You better finish getting ready- we leave soon.' Then he walked out.

Kel slowly sunk to the ground. With a groan, she rested her forehead against her knees.

*

Kel tried to avoid Dom as much as possible on the trip down to Pirate's Swoop and he didn't seem too inclined to speak to her either. His little show of affection reminded Kel acutely of Cleon and the loving times they had spent together. She also could not, try as she might, ignore that growing feeling in her for Dom- a longing for him and for once, Kel wished there was someone she could go to to pour her heart out. This wasn't something she could discuss with her mother, or Neal for that matter who, now that he was back with his beloved Yuki, went around like a five year old every day.

So, with her new situation with Dom and an uneventful journey, Kel was quite glad when they arrived at their destination. As soon as Kel could get away, she headed to find Baron George, Alanna's husband. There and then, he began to instruct her, teaching the lady knight all manner of things such as creeping about without making any noise, lock picking, and tips on eavesdropping and disguising. Kel enjoyed these lessons- she enjoyed all practical lessons! George was impressed with her quick learning and capability. Kel did not see the lady of the castle much, for although she was in residence, she was spending much time with her family.

Every morning, the Own had a training session that everyone was obliged to attend, including Kel. One morning, Kel was late and hurried out expecting a harsh word from someone, if not Dom. But Dom had not yet started his own training; the commander was just breaking off a conversation with George.

As George left, Dom caught Kel's eyes and held them. Her stomach did flip-flops but then her heart sank as he indicated for her to join him. She had no reason not to and deep inside she could see this maybe a chance to make amends with Dom. Really she had never wanted to chase him away, it was just too much, too soon.

Their playful striking and blocking exercises soon turned into a fight: a full test between Commander of the King's Own and Lady Knight of the realm Tortall. They were equally matched and whenever one attacked, the other blocked with precise strength and accuracy. It seemed it was a no-win match but Kel had the advantage of a slightly greater endurance than her opponent and in Dom's growing weariness, he did not block an attack in time.

Griffin (Kel's sword for all of you that can't remember) slid around and snaked up to meet Dom's neck. He lifted his callused hands in surrender.

'I win,' Kel whispered, a smug smile flitting across her face. Kel looked over her shoulder to find the men watching them, grins on their faces.

'A good bout, Kel,' said Dom, hands on hips, taking in deep breaths of air. 'Are you free tonight?'

Kel's heart skipped a beat. 'Yes,' she replied before she could stop herself.

'Mmm. Maybe you can show me some of your moves?' grinned Dom.

There was a chorus of catcalls and whistles from the Own. Kel blushed slightly but said, 'Ok, but are you sure you can keep up?'

Dom blushed as his men laughed and cheered. Kel smiled and walked off the practice courts to have a warm, relaxing bath.