I don't own any of the Tamora Pierce Characters


Ivy woke up early to find Matthews mouth pressed lightly to hers. Opening her eyes, she saw his smile in his eyes. He gently opened her mouth and pushed his tongue in to find hers. Instantly, Ivy wrapped her arms around his back and let him push her down on to her back. Both of them closed their eyes, enjoying the mutual feeling of warmth and comfort. When they came up for air, Ivy smiled up at him.

"You woke me up." she said.

Matthew nodded. "That was the idea!"

Ivy yawned. "Well, if I fall asleep during your joust with Dad, its your fault!"

"Maybe." he grinned. "But I'll forgive you."

Ivy looked at him for a second, then kissed his nose. Matthew smiled. He gently stroked her face with the back of his hand,then leant down to kiss her neck. Ivy sighed and let him ease his lips over her collarbone. She gasped as he gently sank his teeth in to her skin, leaving a small bruise. He pulled away and looked deep into her eyes, longing and pain filling his eyes.

"Whats wrong?" Ivy asked.

"Nothing . . . its just . . . if I lose, this could be the last time I kiss you."

Ivy looked at him for a few seconds, then shook her head. "You won't lose!" she assured him.

"You don't know that, I don't know that. I wish I hadn't been so stupid yesterday. If I hadn't admitted we were together, this wouldn't be happening." He moved off her and lay beside her, stroking her hair.

"He would have found out someday. And even if you lose, he can't stop me seeing you," she moved closer and let his arms enfold her.

"I love you." Matthew whispered in her ear.

Ivy nodded. "I love you too."


Matthew left the room at midday, heading down to the practice courts where he and Raoul would joust. After collecting his shield, lance and horse, he sat down under a tree, thinking. Raoul isn't like most people, he doesn't take the bait of having insults thrown at him, but maybe, if I use Ivy asa way to anger him, he'll lose it and give me the chance to beat him. . . then again, he might be even better when hes angry, then I'll be in big trouble. Magic butted Matthew with his nose. Looking up Matthew saw Raoul entering the practice courts, followed by several people who Matthew had not expected to come. The Prime Minister Gareth of Naxen, Daine the Wildmage, Numair, Alanna the Lioness, Keladry of Mindelan,King Jonathan, Queen Thayet and the whole of the Kings Own that were in the Palace. Matthew stood and walked Magic over, joining Ivy at the side of the court.

"What's going on?" He asked her, not taking his eyes off the party.

"I guess Dad got them all to come to make you feel nervous." shenarrowed her eyes. "Hope you beat him, and I hope you beat him bad. He acts like I'm five years old!"

Matthew sighed and let go of Magic's reins, then pulled her to him, letting her head rest against his chest. He suppressed the urge to laugh at the look of horror on Raouls face as Matthew bent to kiss her cheek. When he moved to let her go, he found her hands on the back of his head, pulling him in for a full kiss. He thought of pulling away, then decided to start angering Raoul now instead of when he got into the saddle. Closing his eyes, Matthew leant in and kissed her, opening her mouth to allow him in. The growl of fury that came from Raoul proved that he was maddened. Grinning to himself, Matthew let his tongue roam Ivys mouth for several minutes then pulled away. Looking towards Raoul, Matthew saw that King Jonathan, Gareth, Alanna, Keladry and Numair were all holding him back, whilst Buri stood in front of him, hissing something that Matthew couldn't hear. He looked at Ivy, then released her and swung himself into the saddle. As he bent to pick his staff up from where it leant against the wall, he felt a weight press on his legs. Looking up, he saw Ivy, straddling him, with a large smile upon her face.

"Ivy . . . I don't think you should do that. . . your Dads going to go spare . . ." Matthew trailed off as Ivy kissed him again, a long, lingering kiss.

"Good, because he can't fight when he goes mad," she gave him one last kiss then jumped off, grinning at the look on Matthews face. She passed him his shield, then walked over to join Buri and the others. Shaking his head, Matthew took his position at the end of the court, waiting for Raoul to complete his stretches. Finally Raoul was in the saddle. Matthew hefted his lance in his right hand and shook his left out, then put his shield in front of him. Out of the corner of his eye, Matthew saw Jonathan stand up and read out the rules of jousting. Matthew didn't listen. He knew them all off by heart, he didn't need to listen to them again. Instead he looked at Ivy, stood in between Alanna and Buri, towering over them. He grinned, then looked at Raoul, who sat shaking with frustration in his saddle, lance held in a trembling hand. Withother opponents that Matthew had faced, it hadbeen fear, either because they knewMatthewhad an unbeaten record,or becauseitwas their first joust. Niether of these applied to Raoul, but Matthew hoped that the shaking hand would help him to hit off target. Finally Jonathan finished reading the rules. Matthew leant down to Magics neck, preparing to urge him into a gallop, when he heard Raouls voice from the other end.

"Do you object to me killing him when I win sire?" he growled. Matthew sat up and looked at the King.

Jonathan sighed. "Do you object to this Sir Matthew?"

Matthew shrugged. "No sire." he inclined his head in a bow, and avoided looking at Ivy, knowing what he would see on her face.

"In that case, you both have the right to kill the other." Jonathan sat down hard on a seat.

Looking towards Raoul, Matthew saw something like glee on his face. He took in a deep breath, then prepared to run. When Jonathan spoke, both Raoul and Matthew urged their horses into a gallop. Matthew focused completely on the older mans shield, ignoring the sound of thundering hooves underneath him. Just as they were about to make contact, Matthew heard the clunk of metal, and felt Magic go unbalanced. He looked behind him, loosening his grip on the shield and not looking at Raoul, instead helooked at the horse shoe that had just been thrown. He only remembered that he was in a joust when he felt a lance slam into his left side. Thrown from the saddle, Matthew shed his shield and lance, tucking into abackwards somersault before landing on his face. Magic turned as soon as his rider was thrown and ran back to him, offering support when Matthew had landed. It had taken Matthew months to teach Magic to do it, and he had refused the help of the Wildmage, wanting to make a proper bond with his horse, not one tied by a woman who wouldn't always be around. As he leant against Magic for support, Matthew was thankful for the hours he had spent being thrown from the saddle by the training master in his last year as a Squire. Seeing Raouls grin Matthew suddenly felt angry.

"You cheating bastard!" he growled. "What the hell did you do that for?"

Ivy and the others ran over, grabbing Matthews arms to stop him striking the older man.

"You lost Tirragen!" Raoul spat. "And as far as I recall sire, it was my right to kill him!"

"It was if it was won fairly. The circumstances of winning fairly means that there are no loose horseshoes. Sir Matthew has the right to a rematch. You do not have the right to kill him now." Jonathans voice was more stern than anyone had ever heard it before.

"He should have made sure his damned horse wasn't going to shed a shoe!" Raoul shouted.

Matthew tore free of the hands that held him and went to run over to Raoul, not sure what he was going to do. "Matthew!" Ivy said. Somehow her voice made him stop. He looked at her as she ran over to him and lead him and Magic to the blacksmith. Matthew felt a surge of grim satisfaction as Magic bit hard into Raouls arm. Raoul swore at him, then dismounted to complain to Jonathan.

"He cheated." Matthew growled. "He got someone to make sure Magic shod his shoe. He knew I'd look away. I don't know how but he did. . ." he was silenced as Ivy put her hands on the side of his face.

"When did you get Magics shoes done last?" she asked calmly.

"Yesterday morning, about two hours after Raoul came to our rooms." Matthew rested his head on hers. "He was there . . . " he said quietly. "Raoul was at the other side of the smithys, talking to Barney. . . " Barney was the blacksmith that dealt with horseshoes. Ivy stared at him.

"You're sure?" Ivy said carefully.

"Yes!" Matthew snapped. He apologised instantly.

"Alright, I'll go and get Barney to do the shoes all again just in case. You go and get a drink or something." Ivy let go of him and lead Magic into the main workshop area of the blacksmiths. Matthew stared after her for several seconds, then went back to join the King and the others. Alanna and Numair approached him instantly and pulled him over to the corner.

"Are you Ok?" Numair asked carefully.

"I'm fine . .." Matthew said, looking over at Raoul with anger in his eyes.

"Raouls a twit." Alanna said to nobody in particular, but both men instantly looked at her. "He knew he'd lose. I knew there was something going on he wasn't telling us about." she looked at Matthew. "You could always try challenging him to a fencing match?" she suggested.

Matthew shook his head. "I'm not chickening out just because he made my horse shod a shoe. He can wait and face me again later, Magic'll be able to work again then."

"Fine, but just stay out of his way until then." Alanna saidquietly. "I don't think you'rehisfavourite person right now."

"Idon'tknow what you're on aboutmy lady!"Matthew drawled. "We're like best friends, exceptfor the part wherehe thinks I'm sleeping with hisdaughter when all we've done is kiss, oh and the part where hetried to kill me."

"You're not sleeping with her?"Numair said, somewhat surprised.

Matthew rolled his eyes. "What is with you people? Allofyou seem to think I'll bed her straight away, I'm not completelydishonourable."

Numair apologised. "Butyouunderstand where we get the idea from." he added."Imean, you've hardly been a committed lovernow have you? Two days must be the longest relationship you've had in your life!"

Matthew stared at him, then said quietly. "You know what she means to me Numair, you're the one that toldme in thefirst place."

Numairnodded. "I remember telling you you were soulmates, I don't remember telling you notto sleep with her though,I congratulate youfor keeping yourself in your breeches for as long as you have."

Alanna grinned. "You would always go pyrotic on him you know. I'm sure Raoul would love you for that."

Matthew gawped. "You know?"

Numair nodded. "Anyone with the Gift can tellyou have a different power now, butonly experienced mages will know you're a Pyro."

Matthewexcused himself as he saw Ivy approaching, then ran to meet her, taking her in hisarms and kissing her deeply, seton getting Raoul as annoyedas possible. "What did Barney say?" he asked when they seperated.

"He admitted it." Ivy said coldly. She stared at her father with something like disgust in her eyes. "Dad paid him. He said Magic will be ready to run again later. I made sure he won't do the same thing again." she said when she saw the look in his eyes.

Matthew nodded. "Thanks." he looked over at Raoul. "I'm going to go and sort this out." he said quietly. After kissing her once more he walked back over to Raoul and the others.

"Nice little prank Giantkiller." He said coldly, crossing his arms over his chest. "I guess its great being able to make sure a shoe gets shod, I mean Barney, just admitted you bribed him to make the shoe loose. So come on, get it off your chest and admit it."

Raoul stared. "What am I meant to admit?" he tried to cover up his obvious unease.

"Bribing Barney." Matthew said simply.

Jonathan looked at Raoul. "Explain yourself Raoul." he ordered.

Raoul gritted his teeth. "Alright, so I bribed him to make the shoe loose." He looked at Matthew. "Its nothing compared to what you've done to my daughter! Shes fourteen and you've had her in bed with you, you're four years older than her! Haven't you ever been taught about responsibility?"

Matthew smiled grimly. "Oh I have actually. And I listened to it. I haven't had your daughter in my bed, except to sleep. We haven't done anything except kiss, hug and lie down in the same bed. We haven't had any kind of intercourse like you seem to think, so you might want to get over thinking you're the only one who has Ivysbest interests at heart. If she didn't mean everything in the whole bloody world to me, then you're right, I'd probably have done what I wanted and broomed her by now. But I didn't. Contrary to what you want to believe, I'm in love with your daughter alright? And if I have to fight you to have the right to show that then fine, but Gods help you if you think you'll keep me and her apart while I'm still standing! I'll see you back here at sunset, and if you still want to fight me then fine, I'll see you then." He turned and took the hand Ivy offered, bringing it to his lips, before pulling her to his side and resting his head on hers.

"Thank you." Ivy said quietly, so that only Matthew heard.

"For what?" he murmured.

"What you said." she said, lifting her head to look at him.

Matthew smiled. "I was just telling the truth. You mean everything to me." he kissed her forehead. "And don't forget it."

Ivy shook her head. "I won't." she smiled, then kissed his cheek. "I love you."

"I love you!" Matthew said. He looked over his shoulder at Raoul and grinned. "I think your Dads a bit annoyed." he said. Ivy nodded.

"Good," she said, "it serves him right."

Matthew looked at her then sighed. "You don't mean that."

"Right now, I do!" Ivy insisted.

Matthew shook his head. "No you don't, you're just angry with him!" he walked her out of the court, then lead her to the palace gardens, sitting her down in front of one of the rose bushes and stroking her face. "You are the most beautiful woman on earth." he stated quietly, then leant in to kiss her neck. Ivy stifled a giggled, then combed her fingers through his hair, letting him move further down her neck. After stroking her collarbone with his tongue several times, he took his mouth from her soft skin and pulled her to his chest, whispering to her.She laughed and looked at him for several seconds. Matthew smiled at her, then leant closer to her and pressed his lips to hers, gently lowering her onto her back and stroking her side with a warm hand. Ivy sighed into his mouth and kissed him back, opening her mouth almost instantly. Matthew lethis other hand moveup to strokeher breasts.Neither of them heard the snapping of twigs, or the small growl of anger from somewhere nearby . . .


Raoul watched as his daughter was walked out of the courts with her Knight Master, feeling anger brew in his chest as they talked in hushed voices. He waited until they had rounded the corner, then followed them, making an excuse to Buri about needing to be alone. He follwed them to the gardens, then watched as Matthew began to kiss Ivys neck and whispering what could only have been references to sex in her ear. Raoul waited, clenching his fists. He was fighting with himself not to run over and hit him, however,when he saw Matthew begin to kiss and stroke his daughter, he lost all control. He growled in anger and began to walk to the pair of them. When he was only a metre away he stopped.

"Only kissed and hugged?" Raoul growled.


"Only kissed and hugged?" as soon as the two of them heard the words, they sprang apart. Matthew took his hand from Ivys breasts, then jumped up to his feet.

"Listen Raoul, it really isn't what it looks like!" Matthew started to explain.

"I know exactly what it looked like, and thats exactly what it was! You were bloody feeling up my daughter! If I hadn't got here, you'd probably be screwing by now!" Raoul yelled, and sent saliva flying from his mouth.

"Dad! Shut up!" Ivy yelled, getting up and straightening her shirt. "I'm not five years old any more, so stop acting like you're in charge of my life! If me and Matthew want to have sex then we will!"

"Don't talk to me like that!" Raoul roared. "You are still a child and he has no business with a girl your age. Now go and wait in my rooms and I'll talk to you later!" he turned on Matthew. "I don't know what kind of sick game you're playing mister, but if you plan on playing it with my daughter then you have another thing coming! All that crap about Ivy meaning the world to you? It was just to try and get me on side so that you could get my daughter into bed wasn't it?"

"Oh cutit Raoul, stop living in the dream world where Ivy's still a kid. I don't know whats wrong with you! Maybe you don't like seeing Ivy grow up, or maybe, you don't want to admit to yourself that you're growing old, and if you act like Ivy's still little, by some act of the Gods you'll suddenly be young again. But whatever it is you need to get over it!" Matthew turned to face Raoul and looked at him almost sympathetically. "You know, I almost feel sorry for you. In fact, I do. I'm not even going to do anything to you for going and screwing up my horses shoes, though you really deserve a proper beating for lack of chivalry."

Raoul growled. "If you're such a bigshot on the code of chivalry, then what about sleeping with your Squire, is that considered chivalrous?"

Matthew smiled slightly. "Theres nothing against it in the code I read."

"Well doesn't it say somewhere to respect women? Screwing withIvys emotions is hardly respecting her, and what about all those other women you've been with? Hardly an expert atchivalry are you?" Raoul raised an eyebrow, as if daring him to answer back.

Matthew shook his head. "What I have done with women in the past was have one night with them, we both knew it was a one night thing, so there was no disrespect caused. And I am not, as you put it 'screwing with Ivys emotions' for the first time in my life I'm in a relationship that means something, and if being completely besotted and acting just as you and Buri do is disrespecting women, then aren't we both guilty of it?"

Raoul growled once again. "Buri and I are married, you'll never come anywhere near marriage, you'll never be anything except a fighter, but what goods that when nobody loves you? Who will you be fighting for?"

"I love him!" Ivy said quietly. Raoul stared at her.

"What?" he said.

"I love him." Ivy repeated. Matthew stayed quiet as Raoul looked at him.

"You've brainwashed her!" Raoul stated. Matthew almost laughed.

"Brainwashed? I don't think so." he walked over to Ivy and kissed her forehead before looking back to Raoul. "I'll see you in our joust later." he said. "Don't be late. I'd hate to miss the look on your face when I leave with your daughter in my arms."

"She'll be leaving with you in her arms. And if I have anything to do with it, you'll be dead and cut into little pieces."

Matthew smiled. "Just remember what we're fighting for Raoul."


The sun was just going down as Ivy and Matthew headed down to the practice courts once again. Matthew stayed quiet, not noticing that his grip on Ivys hand had tightened much more than was neccesary. Ivy cast him several looks, trying to work out what he was thinking. Finally she gave up, his face was giving nothing away, and although his grip suggested he was nervous, she wasn't sure. When they finally got there, she pulled him over to the corner where someone had left Magic. After checking the horseshoes for safety, Ivy threw herself into Matthews arms. Matthew hugged her tight, then looked over to the other side of the court, where around forty people stood, waiting for Raoul and Matthews joust to start. Raoul stood alone at the end of the court, climbing into the saddle. After kissing Ivy swiftly, Matthew jumped onto Magics back and rode to his place at the opposite end, lance and shield in hand. Once more Jonathan read out the rules of the joust, and once more Raoul asked if they had the right to kill the opponent. Matthew spat the phlegm that had gathered in his throat out, then leant down to Magics neck. As soon as Jonathan gave the word, Matthew urged Magic into a gallop, setting his lance and focusing completely on Raouls shield. They thundered on towards Raoul and his mount. As soon as he was in range, Matthew slammed his lance into the shield, just as Raoul slammed his into Matthews own. Niether of them came out of the saddle, and they raced to the other end of the court. Turning at the end, Matthew saw Raoul rubbing the arm that held his shield. Grinning slightly, Matthew returned to his spot, raising an eyebrow at Raoul as he passed. Ivy met him at the other end and hopped onto his stirrup. "Try and hit him just below the shoulder on his left arm, it works for Kel." Matthew grinned at her and kissed her on the cheek. Ivy hesitated, then said, "you won't kill him will you?" Matthew opened his mouth to answer when Jonathan called him back to his position. Matthew gently kissed the corner of Ivys mouth. She jumped down as he mouthed 'sorry' to her. Ivy stared, unsure what the sorry was for. Did it mean he was apologising for killing her father if he won? Or apologising for them being interrupted? She sighed and rejoined her mother. Matthew looked down at Raoul, sat in his horses saddle, something between rage and thought on his face. Matthew sighed and walked Magic back to their position, lying flat on his neck once again. Jonathan began the joust, then Magic instantly began to gallop, Matthew grinned, then adjusted his lances position, aiming it at the spot between Raouls left arm and shoulder. As Raoul hit Matthews shield, Matthew snaked his lance to where he wanted it to go, not losing any speed or force behind the shot. He felt a jolt and in his right arm as his lance and Raouls body met. He moved to veer away, and was thrown from the saddle, just as Raoul was thrown out of his. Matthew tucked in and fell to the floor in a backwards roll, jumping to his feet instantly. Raoul was laid on his back groaning in pain. Matthew jumped over the barrier and crouched next to him. He reached out to offer support to the older man, but was shoved away.

"Don't try that mister, helping me up isn't going to stop me from fighting you!" Raoul groaned slightly as he got to his feet, the muscles in his back protesting.

"I was just trying to help . . ." Matthew started, but Raoul was already walking away. He rolled his eyes, then jumped back over the barrier to remount Magic. "You'd think the older you got, the more you'd appreciate some help, but no!" Once more he walked Magic back to their position at the end of the court. Jonathan called to begin quickly, and for the final time, Matthew and Raoul thundered towards each other. Only when he was a quarter of the way down the court did Matthew realise that his grip was all wrong. He tried to change it without making it too obvious, but he couldn't. Looking up he saw Raoul getting ever closer. Matthew swore under his breath, then felt Raouls lance meet with his body, and was thrown backwards without even aiming at the older man. He landed on his back and gasped for air, suddenly winded. The little sunlight that was left was suddenly blocked out by a towering figure. Matthew lifted his foot just in time to block the down coming lance from hitting him. He wrapped two feet around the lance and flicked it, throwing it from Raouls grip to fly out of reach. Raoul growled and his hand flew to his belt. Instinctively, Matthew kicked the man in the stomach with both booted feet. As the man leant forward, he lifted him into the air, throwing him over his head. As Raoul was in the air, Matthew got to his feet and unsheathed his own sword, still struggling for breath.

Raoul struggled to his feet and turned to Matthew with rage in his eyes. "You agreed to killing if I won, just let me kill you!"

Matthew managed a grin. "I didn't say I wouldn't . . ." he gasped for breath, "fight back . . . "

Raoul spat, then raced forwards towards the younger man. Matthew dodged to the side, then turned to face Raoul, crouching. There was a few seconds waiting, then Raoul charged again, bringing his sword down onto Matthew. Matthew blocked and pushed up at Raoul, gritting his teeth as he bore upwards. His lungsfought for air and the muscles of his arms screeched in protest at the jarring pain being forced on themby the pressure of Raouls attack. Matthew looked upand met Raouls eyes, then pushed up hard. Raoul was not expectingit and waspushed away. Despite his muscles aching and his lungs struggling to work, Matthew attacked as fast as he could, his sword darting at every part of Raoul that was left open for more than a second. Raoul blocked blow after blow hurriedly, trying to snake his sword around Matthews to flick it away, but Matthew was too quick.Whenever he attempted it, Matthew swiftly drew back. After several minutes of earnest attacking, Matthew managed to force Raouls sword from his hands and knock the older man onto his back with the base of his foot. Straight away, Matthew dropped his sword and gasped for breath, fighting to breathe. He fell onto his knees and looked at Raoul,t rying to see what he was thinking. Raouls eyes were closed in something like confusion and exhaustion. Matthew didn't question it, he struggled to his feet and walked slowly over to theside of the court. Someone in the crowd of forty people called his name, but it didn't register until he felt a sudden seering pain in his back as a blade of some kind buried itself in his back. Matthew fell to his knees and reached up to his back, his hand found something metal. He gripped it and managed to pull it out to look at a blood covered knife. Blood gushed from the wound as Matthew turned to see Raoul, lifted onto his elbow, posed as if he had thrown it. Matthew looked at him for a second, then started to speak, but he couldn't. Somebodys arms wrapped around him, but he didn't know who it was, his eyes closed and his body screamed in pain. He tried to speak, but he couldn't. Something dark came forward, hand outstretched towards him, into him. The hand sank into his chest, then Matthew couldn't see, feel or hear anything. . .


Haha! I'm so evil. And I completely refuse to update unless i get at LEAST 5 reviews, so get typing, or you will never see what happens, and if you like the story then you're going to have to review MUAHAHAHA!