A/N Sorry it's been so long since I've updated! (Really really really really sorry.)
Chapter 8: Problems and Solutions
When Kel came to, she felt strong arms wrapped around her midsection. Her first reaction was to strike him, but she soon figured out that it was Joren. Instead, she tried to ease herself out of his arms. They tightened, pulling Kel flush against Joren. "Stop moving," Joren said, his voice hoarse from sleep, "I'm still sleepy."
Kel struggled against his arms, but they held her captive. All of a sudden, Joren yelped and let her go. Kel turned and saw three of the sparrows attacking Joren's face and Jump dragging him off the bed by his ankles. "Stop now," Kel ordered. "He wasn't hurting me so stop."
The sparrows settled down and Jump let go of Joren. Joren sat up with a wince. Kel looked at him and felt a tugging sensation in her heart at the endearing picture he made first thing in the morning. "Sorry. They're kind of protective of me," Kel informed him, pulling out some bandages and a cloth to clean the bite on his ankle.
Joren gave her a sardonic smile. "Just kind of," he said dryly.
Kel shrugged a sheepish glint in her eyes as she sat down the things on the bed. Before she could do anything else, there was a knock on the door. Wary that it might be Cleon, Joren stopped Kel from answering and limped to the door himself. He swung the door open, ready for anything…Joren blinked. A big knight had Cleon by the collar of his shirt. "Is Kel here?" the knight asked politely.
"Inness?" Kel asked, firmly pulling the door from Joren's grasp when she saw he was about to slam it in her brother's face.
"I brought this low-life, bug-eating, Gods cursed, sack o' nothing to apologize to you. I apologize too. I didn't know he was up to any mischief especially concerning you," Inness said, his face troubled. He yanked on Cleon's collar with a growl.
"I'm really really sorry Kel," Cleon said, truly meaning it, "I wasn't thinking, but you're the one with him," he pointed out angrily.
"You could've been the one with her if you weren't such a pig-headed ogre's bastard," Joren said, his voice reasonable, his hard eyes anything but.
"I wasn't talking to you," Cleon snarled.
Inness nodded to his sister. "I'm truly sorry about this, Kel. We're riding out. We're going to the Scanran boarder and I'm going to work him like an ox," he said grimly.
Kel felt a twinge of pity for Cleon. "It's not your fault Inness," she assured him.
"Yeah, Inness. It's Joren of Stone Mount—mfff," Cleon couldn't talk because his lips were in a vice-like grip in a claw made purely of magic.
"Yes, Inness, it's not your fault. It's Cleon of Kennan's fault," Aly urged, "He was jealous of something that just started blooming and he's a—"
Alanna gently but firmly put a hand over Aly's mouth, knowing the next word out of her daughter's mouth would probably make her blush. "What's going on?" Alanna asked.
"We were just leaving, lady knight," Inness said, bowing properly and forcefully urging Cleon to do the same.
Cleon bowed, guilt and betrayal weighing heavily on his mind. He really wished he could pound Joren of Stone Mountain's pretty-boy face in without causing Kel physical or emotional distress. "I am truly sorry to have inflicted pain on you, Kel," Cleon said, allowing her to see his hurt and desperation.
Joren backed into the room, not liking the quick flash of guilt that flittered across Kel's face. He sat down on he bed, emotionally exhausted. It couldn't be helped though. The twins were to stay with him and Kel. How would they manage to do that? Kel's bed was enough for Kel and himself and maybe one of the twins if they were really close together. Joren wanted Kel to have a very comfortable pregnancy though. Inspiration struck him as he watched Cleon and Inness walk away. "Lady," he said. He refused to address Alanna as lady knight or Lioness.
Alanna looked at him. "Yes, Squire?" she asked.
Joren rolled his eyes. "Could we possibly get a bigger room…with two beds?" he asked carefully.
"Two beds as in one for me and Kel and one for you and Alan?" Aly asked innocently, "Or two beds as in one for you and Kel and one for me and Alan?"
"Does it matter?" Joren asked sharply, his eyes shooting daggers at the almost five-foot imp.
"Actually, it does," a voice said from the adjoining doorway to Raoul's room from Kel's.
Joren growled under his breath as he turned to face the dark haired, dark eyed miniature giant. "Why, milord?" Joren asked, his face bland.
"Kel is an impressionable young lady and I don't want you to take advantage of her," Raoul said.
"She's pregnant!" Joren said. "…with my children!"
"Not by choice," Alan pointed out, pulling a book off the bookshelf and flipping through it before putting it back.
"That's enough. I will not be sharing a bed with Joren," Kel said. Joren raised his eyebrows and wiggled them suggestively. Kel's mind automatically flashed to the kisses that they had shared the previous day and the fact that they had shared a bed. She didn't dignify Joren's silent innuendo with a response. "Besides, it will be easier on us if we share a room."
Trusting his squire, Raoul shrugged. "Okay," he said simply.
Joren huffed. "Okay?" he asked incredulously. "That's hardly fair. I suggest it and you get suspicious, but when she says it'll be easier, you say okay?"
Aly grinned at him. "When is life ever fair?"
Joren scowled. "When you were born, life was dealt a really bad hand," he said with childish scorn.
"What about you?" Aly demanded. "Poor wittle Jorwen and his sparkling reputation. He got a girl pregnant and now it's all ruined."
Alan turned around, his daily inspection complete. "Actually, he didn't get her pregnant. It was prophesized," he said smartly. A thoughtful look came over his face. "I still don't get how she got pregnant without laying with a man."
Alanna groaned and shook her head. "You are entirely too young to be talking—let alone thinking—about that."
"I was younger than he was my first time," Joren said a bit smugly.
Kel pushed down the jealousy that was rising within her. "I need to change if you will please excuse me," she said in polite dismissal. She slipped into her dressing room to wait until they left.
Taking the hint, Alanna, Aly, Alan, and Raoul left. Hearing the door shut, Kel sighed with relief and pulled her tunic over her head. She looked into the mirror and made a face. She was gaining weight. Loose tunics wouldn't be able to cover her up soon.
The door to her dressing room opened and Kel lunged for her tunic. Joren stood there and watched in amusement as Kel fumbled to cover herself up. "What's wrong? I'm the father of your children. You don't look bad without a tunic. In fact," he said, stepping closer, "why don't I help with your morning washing?"
Kel stepped back. "No thanks. I am perfectly capable of washing myself."
"I didn't say you weren't capable," Joren said, his eyes smoldering, "I said I wanted to help."
"And I said no thanks, Joren of Stone Mountain," Kel said firmly.
Joren stopped advancing with a disappointed look on his handsome face. He ran his fingers through his loose shoulder-length hair. "Alright," he said reluctantly, "I was hoping to save water and take a bath with you. I see that's out so I'll go to my own room and take a bath." He left with a knee-weakening smile.
Kel made sure he was actually gone before locking her door and taking her bath. She didn't realize she had been holding her breath until he was gone and she let it out. As she sunk into the cool bath, Kel thought about what he had said and felt like she was on fire even though her bath was cool.
Kel got out and picked a loose, white cotton tunic with comfortable black breeches. She washed her teeth and was combing her hair out when someone knocked on her door. She opened it, expecting Joren or the twins. Her mother was standing there. "Hello Mother," Kel said.
"Keladry," Ilane said, warmth in her voice if not her face.
Kel opened the door wider to allow her mother entrance. "Come in," she said politely.
"How are you, dear?" Ilane asked worriedly. "Are you okay after last night? Inness came by earlier and told me he came by with that Cleon fellow. He's leaving for the Scanran boarder."
"I know," Kel said, "He did come by. He made Cleon apologize and promised to work him like an ox. Inness seemed awfully upset."
Ilane nodded sagely. "He was. He was very upset about the way his squire treated you."
"It wasn't his fault though. I shouldn't have gotten between the two while they were fighting. Joren would've taken care of himself," Kel said.
Ilane allowed Kel to see the amusement in her eyes. "It's just like you to blame yourself. You seem sure of Joren of Stone Mountain. Cleon is taller than him."
"Size versus speed and strength," Kel said automatically. She winced. "I'm sorry moth—"
There was a pounding on her door. Kel went and answered it. "What's the matter?" Kel asked Joren.
Joren shrugged. "Why would anything be the matter? Can't I just come and see my girl for no reason at all?"
Kel looked thoughtful. "The reason I thought something was wrong was because you were beating on my door like something was the matter. And, no you can't just come see your girl because whoever she is, she doesn't live here."
Joren snorted and started to go inside, but Kel blocked his way. He raised his eyebrows. "What's going on? Let me in."
"I have company," Kel said.
Joren's eyes narrowed. "Who?" he asked.
Feeling a strange surge of anger, Kel glared at him. "Why is it any of your business?" she asked defiantly.
Joren leaned in close. "Because you're my girl," he whispered.
Kel inhaled sharply and tried to ignore the tingling on her face where his warm breath had been. His non-existent logic caused her anger to leave dessert her, and she opened her door all the way and allowed him access. "My mother," she said, answering his earlier question.
Joren walked in a bowed to Ilane. Ilane nodded in acknowledgement. She had been watching their exchange at the doorway and wondered if either of them were aware of the picture they created: a bickering married couple. "How are you after last night, Joren?" Ilane asked.
Joren stalked over to the desk and started reorganizing the already organized papers. "I want to kill Cleon," he said lightly.
Ilane nodded. "The thought did cross my mind," she said understandingly.
Kel looked at her mother, shocked. "Mother!"
Ilane looked over at her daughter. "When you get children you'll understand."
"The children should be coming along in about eight months," Joren said.
Ilane nodded and glanced outside. "I must be going. I have to meet Lady Alanna for breakfast."
Kel kissed her mother's cheek as she left. Ilane was a bit shocked by Kel's display of emotion, but she didn't let it show of course. She kissed the top of Kel's head and left.
Kel turned to Joren, almost expecting a scathing remark. Instead, he was looking at her with the oddest look on his face. "What?" Kel asked.
"Why don't you ever leave or greet me like that?" he asked.
"Like what?" Kel asked dumbly, honestly not knowing what he was talking about.
"A kiss," Joren whispered, but Kel heard it loud and clear.
Kel struggled to keep the blush that was creeping up her neck down, but she failed. "We're not together."
Puzzled, Joren sat down on the bed. "We're not? I thought we were. Those kisses weren't reserved for someone that you didn't want to kiss."
"It was an accident," Kel said. Then she inwardly winced.
As expected, Joren raised his eyebrows with a smirk. "An accident. Did you just trip and you're lips accidentally touched mine and you somehow couldn't pull back?"
"The second part is right," Kel muttered under her breath. She met Joren's eyes and sighed. "Sorry. I meant it was a mistake."
Joren stood up and, before Kel could comprehend what was happening, she was in his arms being kissed very thoroughly. Kel finally came out of her Joren-induced daze when they fell back on the bed, Joren half on top of her. In a strangled voice, she said, "Stop."
Joren instantly froze and guiltily pulled his hand away from where he was about to stick it up her tunic. He looked down at her, his unreadable eyes boring into her panicked ones. He pulled back so that he was sitting beside her. "Sorry. That went farther and faster than I meant it to."
"Why did you do that?" Kel said, her voice high pitched.
Joren looked over at her. "You can't kiss someone like that and then just say it was a mistake. You just can't," he said, his vehemence surprising both himself and Kel.
Kel sighed, her mask going into place. "You kissed me," she said, "I only kissed back on instinct." She was, of course, lying. She kissed back because she wanted to.
Joren nodded. "Your right about one thing. I did kiss you, but you were completely aware of everything. If you didn't want to kiss me, you would've immediately pushed me away," he said, sure of himself.
Kel sighed. "I'm very confused right now. I know I feel something, but I—you—"
"I was and am a horrible person who goes around pushing first-year pages around and trying to get the new lady page kicked out. I know! I locked your dog and your maid in Balor's Needle. I know!" His voice had started rising until he was yelling, but he seemed to be talking more to himself than Kel. In a calmer voice, he continued, "I know I'm unworthy of even being looked at by you, but you could at least give me a chance."
Kel was shaken by the vulnerability in his voice. "Joren…" she started. Then she sighed. "We're going to have to take this slow…"
She wasn't able to finish because he was kissing her like there was no tomorrow. "I see you two do need chaperones," a dry voice said from the doorway.
Kel tried to pull away, but Joren, having a hold of her head, eased out of the kiss slowly. When he pulled away, he smirked at Aly. "No. We're taking it slow," he promised.
"I can see that," she said sardonically. "We're s'posed to go to our new room. I'll lead the way." She started to lead the way, but she stopped and turned back to the duo. "I don't think you need to meet my parents and your parents with bruised lips."
Kel looked panicked. She glared at Joren, who, in his excitement, probably bit her lips more than once. Aly motioned for them to lean down which they did and she placed a cooling finger on their lips, which went back to normal size.
As they followed Aly to their new room, Joren questioned Aly about how she knew the healing spell for bruised lips. "Always be prepared," she replied, smiling wickedly.
Joren couldn't question her any further because they had reached their new room. It was three times the size as their current rooms and half the size of Joren's room at his fief. Joren sauntered in and claimed the bed by the window. He sat down on it. "This is my bed," he declared.
"I want that bed," Kel argued, "I have my sparrows and Jump."
Joren shook his head. "I got here first."
Kel frowned at him. "I didn't know you would just jump onto the bed and say it was yours. I want that bed."
Joren grinned wickedly. "I'll wrestle you for it," he said.
Kel got the insinuation and blushed. "Alright you two. There are other people in the room," Aly said reprovingly.
Kel's stomach growled loudly, reminding her and everyone else that she hadn't yet eaten. "Gods, Kel!" Joren said, hopping off the bed with a worried look, "You need to eat. You're eating for three now."
"So you keep reminding her," Alan and Aly chorused, knowing it was exactly what Kel had been thinking.
Joren glared at the twins and turned back to Kel. "I'll go get you something to eat," he said. He left to do just that.
Piers turned to his daughter with an unreadable face. "Do I need to ask him his intentions?" he asked.
"I thought you did that yesterday," Kel said, her face only showing her amusement. She gingerly sat down onto the bed that Joren had vacated. "I think I'll take this bed."
"Joren already called it," Alan reminded her.
"She's pregnant," Aly whispered into her brother's ear. Alan nodded, as if that explained everything.
"Do you want me to move my things right away?" Kel asked.
Alanna shook her head, already expecting the question. "We already recruited someone to do it," she said.
As if on cue, there was a loud knock on the door. Alanna opened it and Numair was standing there, all of Kel's belongings trailing behind him in a single file line. Alanna beckoned him in, hiding her grin at Kel's surprised look.
Aly sat beside Kel on their bed. "Joren has to move his own stuff," Aly informed Kel wickedly.
"That's not fair," Kel protested. "You help me and not him."
Aly shrugged. "If it will make you feel better, me an' Alan an' Neil will help him."
Alan nodded. "He needs all the help he can get," he said intelligently.
Feeling better, Kel stood up to direct Numair on where to put her things. By the time Joren got back with food, Kel, George, and Alanna were sitting back watching Aly and Alan search the room from top to bottom, only stopping to engage in conversation with Ilane and Piers. "You stole my bed," Joren accused Kel, putting the tray of food down on her lap.
"It didn't have your name on it," Alan pointed out.
"But she did see me say that I called that bed," Joren pointed out, popping a grape in his mouth.
"Again, life is not fair, Joren of Stone Mountain," Aly said.
George knocked on the door. "Alanna, lass. It's time to go."
The joy of bantering with Joren went out of Aly and Alan's faces. Everyone went to see Alanna and George off. Aly and Alan hugged their parents and stood with Joren and Kel as they watched Alanna and Neil ride off with the King's Own and George go off on his lonesome.
Aly clapped Alan on the back and whispered in his ear. He smiled at her and turned to Kel and Joren. He grabbed Kel's hand as Aly grabbed Joren's and the put Kel and Joren's hands together, chanting under their breaths. Both Kel and Joren tried to pull away from each other and both failed. Joren cursed and glared at the two children. "Undo whatever you just did," he demanded.
Aly raised her eyebrows. "You're not my father."
"But neither one of them are here and I wont hesitate to hang you from Balor's Needle," Joren threatened.
"Do it," Aly challenged.
Joren sighed in defeat. "Kel?"
"I didn't get to eat my food. Let's go back to the room," she decided.
Aly and Alan led the way as Kel and Joren followed hand in hand. As they were sitting there, still hand in hand as Kel ate her food, Joren noticed something. "How is your things already here and mine's not?" he asked.
"Numair," Alan said as Kel hurried to swallow the food that was in her mouth.
"That is not fair," Joren whined.
"I'll help you bring your things in here," Kel said.
"No. I'll do it. You stay here and rest," Joren said.
"Me an' Alan will help you," Aly said.
"I'm not a child and you are not my mother," Kel told Joren crossly.
"You're right on both accounts, but you are carrying my children," Joren reminded her.
"As if I could forget," she muttered.
"Right. Off we go as soon as you two," Joren looked at Aly and Alan, "Undo this little spell thing."
Aly smiled innocently. "Oh. We undid it when we got back to the room."
Joren and Kel pulled their hands apart easily. Joren scowled at Aly. "You did this on purpose," he growled.
Aly raised her eyebrows. "Umm…yes." She smiled easily and hooked her arm through Joren's. "Come on. Let's go get your things."
Kel watched in amusement as the three left. As soon as they were gone, she grabbed her glaive and headed to the practice courts.
When she got to the practice courts, she sighed in contentment as she started her exercises that she hadn't done in almost a month. After doing some complicated dances with her glaive, Kel went over and started doing even more complicated Shang moves. She didn't stop until she heard clapping. She looked up and immediately bowed. "Your Majesties," she murmured.
Queen Thayet grinned at her. "At ease youngling. So, is Squire Joren forbidding you to do these kinds of things? I just saw him carrying some things with the twins helping out a little."
"He is forbidding me to do things," Kel admitted. "I'm not listening to him though."
"Obviously," King Jonathan said dryly.
Queen Thayet nudged her husband. "Don't worry about Squire Joren. He's just being a worried Papa."
Kel inwardly smiled. Queen Thayet and King Jonathan looked like the epitome of happy marriage. It was inspiring really. Kel bowed. "I really must be getting back before Joren…" she trailed off as she spotted him. "Well, never mind."
"Mindelan! What do you think you're doing?" Joren demanded.
Aly looked up at him, her face showing pure mischief. "Now Joren! I do believe she was talking to the king and queen. Is that any way to act in front of them?" she scolded.
Joren checked himself. "Your Majesties, I didn't see you. I was coming to look for Kel; she wasn't in the room."
Thayet hid a smile. "I see. She just came out here to practice. That's okay as long as she doesn't do anything strenuous," she said seriously.
Joren scowled. "She could still get hurt. Then what? She'll probably hurt the babies. That is not okay," he declared.
Aly patted his shoulder. "It's okay Joren. She won't get hurt. She is pregnant after all."
"That was my point," Joren gritted out between clenched teeth.
Aly rolled her eyes. "The babies will protect her." She lunged at Kel to prove her point and was met with a solid white force field. She yelped and cursed. "See?"
Everyone was a little dumbfounded. "How did you know that, Alianne?" King Jonathan asked sternly.
Aly shrugged and looked over at Alan. Alan too shrugged. "We just knew," Alan said helpfully.
Kel put her hand to her head. "I need to go lie down or…something." She bowed and walked away, Joren and the twins not far behind her.
"Do you think they know more?" Queen Thayet asked her husband.
Jon nodded. "If I know Aly and Alan and I think I do, they know a lot more."
"Should we confront them or let them tell-all in their own time?"
Jon took his wife's hand. "We wait. I think we're going to learn a lot about the little ones in time."
Thayet had a feeling he was right. She grinned. There would be a lot of changes—changes she could already see in Joren. It would be for the best though and it sure wouldn't be boring.
Tbc…I'm sorry it's taking so long. I had writer's block and I couldn't think of anything. I'm running out of ideas! Help me?