A Wildmage and Mage: Love at Court
Disclaimer: How many times must I say this? I. DON'T. OWN. ANYTING! Well, I think I might have made up what Daine calls Jon and Thayet, but that's it. Please don't sue me!
A/N: Well, here's the next chapter. I'm anticipating about five to six more chapters before the actual ball, but I'm not sure. Thanks for all of the wonderful reviews. I enjoy them so much and I think they really help my writing. HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY! I hope you all enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 4
"Magelet, what have you got up your sleeve? I know that look. Alanna and Thayet get it when they are planning things people won't like, but will do anyway. It's a very scary look. I think you've spent too much time with them. Sweet, must we go to this ball?" Under the moonlight, hidden away from prying eyes by the tree and the horses, Numair gathered Daine into his arms and kissed her before asking his questions. He knew very well that he wouldn't get a kiss if he made her mad, and what he was planning on saying would in all likelihood make her mad. As soon as he finished speaking, he knew he had assumed right about her anger at his questions. A scowl appeared on her face and she pulled away from him, wrapping her arms around herself and hugging herself to make up for the sudden lack of warmth he had provided.
"Yes, we must go! You know I love spending time with Alanna and Thayet, especially when there isn't a threat hanging over our heads! They're like the friends and sisters I could never have back in Snowsdale. And this ball is going to be fantastic! We've already planned most of it. Besides, even if I didn't want to go, I would for the simple fact that the 'Royally Odd Couple' invited us. And George will be there! He's like an uncle to me. They treat me like family. 'Mair, I know you don't want to go, but this will also be the perfect time to tell them about us. I know they suspect something. At least, Onua, Alanna, and Thayet suspect I have someone. I hate not telling them. It makes me feel like I'm lying to them. I know they would understand, and you want to protect me from court gossips, but I'm a big girl now. Most girls back in my village would have been married and had at least one child by the time they were fifteen! That was two years ago Numair! It's a bit different here, but still. I'll never be able to say yes to you if our friends don't know. And it wouldn't last anyway if we constantly have to fight off other members of court that don't know about us. No. We must have our relationship out in the open. It will be better for everyone," she said, reaching out to hug him again. She kissed him quickly on the lips in a sweet caress before leading him to sit under the tree in a blessedly clean patch of grass. Numair held her gently in his arms as she relaxed between his legs with her back against his chest and her hands resting on his across her stomach. Silently, they watched the horses graze and listened to the sounds of the night animals of the forest as they hunted for food. They sat like that for nearly an hour before the silence was broken by Numair.
"Sweet, what was the plan you had?" Even though she faced away from him, he knew she smiled widely and he heard that smile in her answer.
"Well, I was thinking that we could go together. Since I must have an escort, you could be it. Our names will be announced together. Rumors will start, but our friends will probably just think that I couldn't find anyone to go with so you offered. They wouldn't think anything of it. But, if we only danced with each other all night, they would have to rethink their assumptions. We can tell them, and anyone who's listening, that we've been together since the end of the war," she explained. Numair thought for a moment before turning her slightly so he could see her face.
"Brilliant Daine, absolutely brilliant. It just might work," he praised. He placed a sweet and chaste kiss on her lips before they went back to watching the horses and listening to the sounds of the night.
As the sun started to rise, they parted ways with another kiss and went their separate ways to prepare for breakfast. What they didn't notice was the pair of eyes watching them from an open window in the rider barracks.
A/N: Again, I'm sorry it's short. I really tried to combine the description and dialogue, which was a challenge. I hope you all liked it. Don't forget to review!