A/N: So sorry for the late update! I started this story in the beginning of school for an assignment, so I had next to NO time to work……. Okay! I will stop giving excuses and just go on to chapter two! THEN, FF.N was being very mean to me and wouldn't let me put this story on.

Disclaimer: as you know, I am NOT Tamora Pierce (I wish I was, but alas! I am not…….) and I do NOT own any of the characters you recognize… I MIGHT own the cloak, but I'm not too sure about that either!

As we gracefully glide across the ballroom, I lose myself in her deep dreamy hazel eyes, the eyes of hope, happiness, and my one true love, Keladry.

Chapter 2

Parks, Walks, and Kisses

I can do this… I can do this… I can do this…. I can't do this!

"Kel…? Kel…? Oh PROTECTOR!" I have finally built up the courage to ask her…

"Don't call me that!" Kel responds automatically. Then she gasps once she realizes what she had just done, and immediately takes back what she has just said. "Oh Dom! I'm sorry… I wasn't paying attention."

"Don't about it." I flash my trademark grin and wink at her, and am rewarded by a ferocious blush. "My dear Lady Keladry, would you be so kind as to grace me with your presence in the gardens?" I inquire with a mocking, half bow.

"Why of course, kind sir," her typical response to my jest. Wait… is that a blush I see? Pushing that thought aside, I chuckle slightly as I offer the Lady Knight my arm.

As we walk through the seemingly endless maze of greenery, also known as the Royal Gardens, I notice a shiver to my right. "Kel! Your cold! Do you want to go inside? Are you all right? Are you posit-." My babbling is cut short only when I hear Kel's laugh, that earnest laugh reserved just for me.

"Dom, its alright…" she replies between peals of laughter. "I'm just a bit… cold," at the last bit, she looks down. It seems that this lovely young lady still associates herself with those of the Yamani Island, sitting in the rain without complaining.

"Well then," thankfully, I'm regaining my composure. "Here you go." Before she can protest, my cloak is resting snuggly over her shoulders. Oh how I long to hold her… although I would much rather keep the cold away by keeping her close. Only two things kept me from doing so: (1) I am not positive she likes me in that way, and (2) it would make her extremely uncomfortable. I could not bear to do such a thing to her, hurting her like that… even though I'm sure she does like me.

"So, Keladry, dear, how are you liking the end of the war?"

"Actually…." It didn't escape my notice that she is picking her words carefully. "Milord Raoul has asked me to lead the Own for a whilst he spends some 'quality time' with Buri."

I whistle softly at what was just said, then sling on lazy hand over her shoulder. "That's great! I'm afraid Raoul needs a break. Poor guy, he's been working hard." Kel looked as if she was about to say something, but hid a yawn instead.

"Long day, huh?" I'm willing to bet that sympathy is shinning bright in my eyes.

"You have no idea! Even on a 'vacation' I have to work… reports. My lord Wyldon and the King want to know what has happened at New Hope, and before you ask me why I didn't use clerks, let me tell you that they are over their heads in paperwork after the war and there was not one clerk available!"

"Wow. Well then, Milady, to bed with you."

We reached Kel's room too quickly for my pleasure.

"Thank you so much, Dom. I have not had this much fun in ages!"

As she turns to open the door to her suite, I pray to any listening God that she doesn't kill me after this…

As I near Kel, I smell an intoxicating scent of cinnamon and of the jasmine entwined in her gloriously fashioned brown hair, which now reaches her elbows. Even closer, and our lips meet. For one glorious moment, my breath catches in my chest as heat that could only be described as sweetness runs from where are lips touched to the rest of our body. I soak up the moment, noticing that Kel's arm is round around my neck as mine is around her waist. I ease away gently, refusing to make this kiss we had just shared together anything but soft, gentle and compassionate. "G'night Kel," I whisper roughly. As I saunter to my room, I see Kel's dreamer's eyes gaze at me with two fingers over her lips. When I reach my room, I collapse on my bed wondering 'What did I just do?'

A/N: Hiya! It's me again! Did you miss me? I would like to take this time to thank a few people! Firstly, to all of you who have reviewed, "I'm REALLY SORRY for waiting so long!" Next to Abiona Marchand who has inspired me to finish typing up this chapter! Next, to all my friends at my school who have teased me endlessly about this story (ahem… hiya fantasyrider-kh). Lastly, to anyone and everyone who is going to review this chapter/the one before it! I want to know how I'm doing… and I have the next chapter ready and waiting for five (six even?) reviews! As they say… R&R (you have read…which to some is as good as resting) so now review (and relax after that!) Did that even make sense?