Disclaimer: I own everything! Muhahahahah (not!) Sorry, people, it all belongs to the great Tamora Pierce, so don't even bother trying to sue me!

Wake-Robin – Thanks!

Lady Anqelique of mystiqu – I'll try!

Goddess Usagi – I agree, Kel was always too perfect to be true!

Gwen of Helmsgrove – A bit different as you thought, but I hope you like it!

Allimba – Thanks!

Snowflake – Thanks, you do me great honour! (See the e-mail I send you!)

Dreamerdoll – I'll try to and thanks for reviewing.

DestinyHunter – Cool name, I agree Kel and Dom are perfect for each other!

Fantasizing-Lady-Knight – I'm not planning to stop for the time being! I like adjectives and verbs, especially different ones that aren't used a lot.

Cactus Queen – Thanks!

Ok, people, on with the story!

Kel blinked. That was unexpected. Dom was looking at her strangely with wide opened eyes. Kel recognised fear in their dark blue depths and something else. Quickly she turned back to the men on the other side of the hedge.

George looked at Jon expectantly. The King seemed to bite his bottom lip, but finally nodded. "Yes, that would be a wise choice. She has proven herself many times. She has a good heart, but is calm, collected and trustworthy. I think you are right."

He stood up and Pers jumped to his feet and bowed. George followed suit more slowly. "I better return to the ball. Her Majesty will be wondering were I have disappeared to. But I will make my excuses and send for Keladry straight away. She needs to prepare."

The men moved away and were soon swallowed by the darkness. Kel stood abruptly. Dom was already standing. Wordlessly they walked along the paths till they found their way out of the labyrinth.

When they reached the fountain Dom stopped Kel. "What are you going to do?" Kel shrugged, "Don't know. Probably go to my room and wait."

Dom put his hands in his pockets and shuffled his boots across the pebbly path. Kel had to smile; he looked like a little boy caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

"I'll come with you." Dom looked up and met Kel's eyes. His blue eyes sparkled with certainty and Kel knew that no matter what she said, he wouldn't change his mind. Sighing, she nodded.

They walked through the garden, past the training yards and entered the building via a side entrance. They climbed a flight of stairs and rounded a few corners till they reached Kel's suit of rooms.

Inside, Dom lighted a number of candles in the main room, while Kel slipped into her bedroom to exchange the dress for more sensible and comfortable cloths. Reappearing in brown breeches, white blouse, brown tunic and black boots, she joined Dom in the sitting area.

As she sat down in one of the soft armchairs opposite him, she noticed that he looked more tense and worried than her.

"Dom," Kel said gently, "we don't even know the full extend of this mission. Don't fret about it; it'll be fine. And anyway, till the messenger comes for me, there is nothing we can do, so please, just relax."

Dom sighed. "I'm sorry, Kel. It's just that I don't have a good feeling about this. Tyra has been restless lately and I am worried ... worried that another war is coming. I am worried about what this would mean for the kingdom and it's people. And even more do I worry about you." He stopped and blushing looked down at his hands.

Kel was stunned. What had happened to him? Where was the man that made light of any situation and no matter how unhappy she was, could make her smile and laugh?

Not knowing what to say, Kel looked at the flickering flame of the candle standing between the two on a small table. It cast eerie shadows around the room, but the actual flame burned intensely.

A low whine announced Jump as he slinked out of Kel's spare room. He seemed to feel the tension in the room because after welcoming Dom with a little lick across the face he dropped at his mistress's feet and watched the door.

Sighing, Dom leaned back in his chair and looked up. "Kel," he said quietly, "I promised myself that the next time I would see you I'd tell you and ..."

A knock at the door interrupted him. Carefully Kel rose to her feet, made her way across the room and opened the door. Outside in the corridor stood a young boy in a pages' uniform. He bowed low and said clearly, "Excuse the interruption, my lady, but his royal Majesty would like to see you straight away in his office."

Kel nodded, "Thank you, I will leave at once." The lad saluted smartly and left. Turing back to Dom she said, "I guess there isn't much point waiting for me. Why don't you go back to the ball and enjoy yourself?"

Dom gave her a look and said quietly, "You don't seriously think that after everything we just heard, that I am going to leave you alone!" Shaking his head he added, "I'll wait outside his Majesty's office for you!"

Kel had to swallow the lump in her throat before whispering, "Thank you, Dom, it means a lot to me!"

Together, they made their way to King Jonathan's study. Outside the big oaken door, Kel took a deep breath, smiled at Dom and knocked.

Ok, people ... you know the drill ... press the button below on the right and write me a nice long review with lots of constructive criticism! Thanks!

Wolfy