Jaina woke up and stretched.
She regretted that immediately. Her back ached as if she'd been burned. Whining she turned her face back into the pillows. "Ow."
"Good morning," Kalec said. He was sitting on his side of the bed, reading. He set the book aside and leaned down to kiss her temple.
"Time is it?"
"Later than you usually get up. But you're on vacation."
"Mmm. Sorry I fell asleep."
"Don't be."
"How'd I- You moved me here?"
"I did. And I even saved you some dessert."
"Thank you." Jaina breathed in then sighed out deeply. She sank into the bedding and stretched out a hand to Kalec, winding her fingers through his.
"When are we expected in Stormwind?" he asked.
"Sometime before dinner." She squeezed his fingers. "Don't worry about the holiday traditions. Just enjoy yourself."
Kalec kissed her temple. "I get to spend time with you. How could I not? Do you want to take the wrap off?"
"I should," Jaina said, sitting up. "And I want a shower. Help me with the bandages?"
Kalec carefully helped her remove the bandages. There was a little blood, fluid and ink from the healing wound but the bandages didn't stick. Jaina put her hair up. She conjured a hand mirror so she could look at her back in the reflection of the big standing mirror by her wardrobe.
The ink had ended up being a black color and it stood out starkly against her skin. Either because of the healing or the materials it was somewhat shiny. The skin around it was red and irritated. It was still sore but that was hardly surprising less than a day after it had been applied. Jaina hoped the shower would be soothing rather than painful.
It was huge, but it was also quite pretty. At least she thought so. She smirked to herself, heart aching just a bit. Her father had worn many tattoos, but he'd likely have minded her reasons for this one.
She sighed, setting the mirror down. He was dead and she was not. And Jaina had to move forward.
"Regrets?" Kalec asked, brow furrowed.
"No! No, not at all. I was just thinking about my father. He would not approve of the reasons, or the purpose of this. Or you." She went to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "But he's not here and I can't wait to go flying with you."
Kalec reached around to hold her but stopped, mindful of her healing back. His hands hovered uncertainly around her sides and hips. Eventually he put them on her rear with a small smirk.
Jaina laughed and hugged him tighter. "I need a shower. Help me when I'm out?"
He kissed her upturned face. "Yep."
The hot water stung when it was directly on her back but the steam when she turned her back away was very nice. The heat helped relax the last of the tension out of her body. Clean and refreshed she went into the bedroom, her long hair wrapped in a towel. Another towel was loosely wrapped around her body.
Kalec helped by taking her hair down and running a drying spell through it. She twisted it up into a bun and lay on her stomach on the freshly made bed. His gentle fingers put a thin layer of salve over the lines. Jaina shivered as his fingers stroked over the back. He kissed behind her ear.
"Hurts?"
"No. My back feels like I have a bad sunburn. The salve helps."
"Must be me then," he said, chuckling as she shivered again. "I want to follow the lines," he admitted. He kissed her ear again. "Maybe in a week when it's a bit more healed."
"This feels very nice," Jaina said, letting her head drop. His hands were warm and the salve tingled when it went on then settled into a soothing, cooling sensation. He was being very careful with her and it felt nice to be cared for. She smiled to herself and relaxed into the bedding further. She had a break now; time to herself. There were many things to do, but with so many people absent for the holidays there was very little need to worry over them. Jaina sighed and relaxed further under Kalec's gentle hands, beginning to doze off. Kalec climbing off the bed roused her.
He brought over a plate with an exceptionally large piece of cake.
"Breakfast?" she asked, arching an eyebrow at him.
He grinned gleefully as he sat on the bed. He cut a bite sized piece off with the fork then held it out for her to eat. Jaina laughed, she most certainly did not giggle like a girl with her first crush. The cake was wonderfully rich and had just a hint of spice and heat.
"Do you have class?" she asked between bites. She conjured something to drink.
"Modera cancelled it since so many said they would be gone, but we're going to hold office hours. Well, hour. What do you have to do?" He ate some of the cake.
"A very brief meeting this afternoon. We're sending out the Everbloom plan summary to Stormwind and Orgrimmar so Varian and Vol'jin can consider the proposed portal termini over the holiday." She was a bit nervous about that. If they didn't approve they had devised a few backup locations on either continent. "Later I need to pick up the new dress." He fed her the last bite of the cake.
"I'm looking forward to seeing it. You're certain I don't need something fancier?"
"You're fine," she said, patting his knee. She glanced at the time. "Hmm. I should make myself presentable before I go out."
There were flurries in Stormwind when they arrived in the mage quarter, and snow already on the ground. The coastal city didn't get as much snow as other places in the kingdom but during winter there was always some accumulation. Perhaps the early snows they were experiencing in Dalaran were a harbinger of an especially cold and snowy winter.
Winter in Boralus had always been harsh. There was more ice than snow and the winter storms could crop a sail as easily as a kodo eating grass. Theramore had experienced a milder version of the winter tempests due to it's more southern climate. Jaina pursed her lips, thinking of the new residents of the island. She'd assured they were well provisioned and warm. The remains of the stone walls were study enough they could keep away some of the wind chill off the sea and the druids and green dragons would certainly make sure the tree was well cared for. The foundation for the new inn had been laid according to her last report but, everyone was still living in cozy yurts until it was completed.
Jaina shook herself. She'd made arrangements and given support; everyone there would have a fine dinner and the children would find plenty of gifts come Winter Veil morning. She would check in later in the week and if something went awry earlier she was easy to find. Jaina returned her attention to the present and her companion.
Snow had been cleared from the streets of Stormwind and children played in the large piles, throwing snowballs at once another. Nearly every door had a wreath and most windows had candles or other lights burning on the sills. The air was rich with the smell of snow melting on wool, cinnamon and nutmeg, pine and burning fires. They passed the newly planted park. The bushes had been bundled up with burlap for the duration of the winter season and a few inches of snow rested on top making them look like very strange plants.
Kalec turned to look at everything; paying very close attention to even the smallest details. Jaina laughed and tugged on his sleeve.
"Relax," she advised.
He dipped his head. "I've seen it all but I haven't participated."
She patted his arm as they walked up the steps to the Keep. "I told you, it's mostly surprising people with thoughtful gifts and sitting by the fire playing games or eating sweets or reading. I'll probably go riding with Anduin. He mentioned that and seemed keen on it. Would you mind?"
"I'm sure I'll find something to occupy myself with for a few hours." He tugged on their joined hands. "Jaina, don't worry so much about me you don't have a fun time. You spend enough time and energy worrying about Dalaran, I refuse to add to it."
"You refuse!"
"I do!" he said, tossing his hair and lifting his chin in a magnificent pose.
Jaina snorted a laugh. "Come on," she said, tugging his hand.
Varian's staff showed them to their room with quick efficiency but they were intercepted by both Anduin and Varian halfway there.
"Jaina! Kalec! Welcome!" Anduin said, coming over to give Jaina a welcoming hug. Jaina deftly avoided the potentially painful greeting by giving him one instead and pinning his arms to his sides. She smiled and held him at arm's length by his shoulders.
"You're as tall as I am. Keep that up and you'll be taller than Varian by this time next year," she told him.
Anduin ducked his head and rolled his eyes, cheeks pinking just a bit.
She didn't account for Varian being in a friendly mood.
"Good to see you both," Varian said, clapping a hand on Kalec and Jaina's backs.
The sudden pain was searing. Jaina went ridged and stifled a small scream.
"What?" Varian backed off.
Anduin looked alarmed. "Jaina?"
Jaina felt the blousy top she wore sticking to her back. She held still so the fabric wouldn't pull away and damage anything. Every breath made the cloth shift over the sensitive, healing skin, hurting it further. Her skin was on fire.
"What happened?" Anduin asked.
"It was just a friendly greeting," Varian said, sounding bewildered as well.
"If you're hurt let me help," Anduin said, lifting a hand, gently glowing with the Light.
"No," Jaina said, lifting a warding hand and stepping away. That made the pain worse. Jaina winced.
"She'll be fine," Kalec said, trying to interpose himself between the Wrynns and Jaina.
"I can help," Anduin said, trying to duck around. "It would hardly take a second."
"I'll be fine," Jaina said.
"It's really no trouble," Anduin insisted.
"Jaina are you okay?" Varian asked.
"She'll be fine just let her have some space," Kalec said.
"It was just a friendly pat on the back. Is something wrong?" Varian asked.
"What did you do, Father?"
"I didn't do anything!"
"You had to have done something, she went white as a sheet."
Anduin reached out for her again, dodging Kalec.
Jaina put up a barrier spell. "Just a moment, please. Please."
The Wrynns fell into a pensive silence.
"Let me see," Kalec asked. Jaina dropped her barrier and Kalec's gentle hands removed her heavy overcoat.
"I got a tattoo yesterday," Jaina explained. "On my back. It's intended to be an empowered working. I can't use magic to heal it for at least a week." She winced as Kalec gently loosened the fabric of her blouse.
"Why not?" Anduin asked, scandalized or perhaps affronted there was not something he could do.
"Ah," Varian said. He put a hand on Anduin's shoulder. "Magic, even healing magic, in the first week of something like that will mess it up." He arched an inquisitive brow at Jaina.
She merely smiled back politely, but said nothing more. It was private.
Varian bowed slightly. "I'm sorry."
"You didn't know," Jaina said. The searing sensation was fading, finally.
"Are you certain I can't do anything?" Anduin asked, frowning.
Jaina smiled. "In a week I might take you up on it."
"Your rooms are this way." Varian took the lead and opened the door for them. "We'll let you get settled," he said. "I'm told dinner is in an hour if you're up to joining us."
"Of course," Jaina answered for them both.
Varian herded Anduin away. Though Varian also looked curious, he did not push the issue.
Kalec closed the door behind them. "Are you okay?"
"I think the surprise was part of the pain. I avoided Anduin but didn't expect Varian." She grimaced as she pulled off her blouse. "Varian was being friendly for once, and I hate to complain, but the man doesn't know his own strength." The soft top had taken up both ink and blood in the shape of the lines on her back. She twisted her lips and ran a cleaning spell over the fabric.
Kalec summoned their luggage then found the jar of salve she'd been using. Jaina sighed as he put more of it on her back, soothing away the last of the pain.
"Better?"
"Much. Thank you." Jaina sighed, looking around.
I think if I can just put aside some of these worries I shall be very happy while I am enjoying the winter holiday."
"Good."
She stepped back and put her top back on. Kalec made a mournful sound. She smirked back at him then turned him around and pushed him at the luggage. "Go unpack."
Dinner was held in Varian's private quarters and was a casual affair. He quietly apologized again when they arrived and she reassured him it wasn't an issue.
"We're hosting a ball tomorrow," Anduin said. "I don't know if Father has mentioned it but you're both welcome to attend."
"Varian did mention it," Jaina said. "We're planning on attending."
"Good!" Varian said, much cheered. He pointed his fork at Jaina. "When I want to throttle the Nobles I can find you and talk about Dalaran instead."
"Father you and aunt Jaina are not hiding away and leaving me to deal with the nobles," Anduin said, giving his father an impressive annoyed look.
Varian just grinned. "Would I do that?" He didn't even attempt to look innocent.
Jaina hid a snicker behind one hand at the exchange.
"Last year you did. And when Jaina left you had a 'very important meeting' with Genn Greymane." Anduin said, making quotes with his fingers. "The year before you snuck off to go drink with Genn. And the year before."
"It was a very important meeting," Varian argued as he cut his roast. "Genn had a bottle of very nice whiskey he needed to finish. It was serving the greater good of maintaining proper alliances," Varian replied loftily. He daintily stabbed a piece of meat and ate it, offering his son a placid look.
Anduin rolled his eyes. "Aunt Jaina please don't let him abandon me."
Jaina laughed. "I can't make any promises."
Anduin's sigh was very put-upon. He shook his head. "Speaking of Genn, are the Greymane's coming? Wyll and some of the staff appeared to be uncertain."
Varian's expression darkened. "He's pouting because I didn't agree with him on an issue. I don't know what he might be thinking."
"This is about me, isn't it," Jaina said.
"No, it's not about you. He expected me to be angry with Dalaran and wanted to raise a fuss about it. I didn't agree." Varain waved a hand. "Your presence here over the holiday wouldn't change his attitude either way." Looking over at Anduin he said, "Last I heard Mia wished to know what the schedule was, so they might show up or they might not."
Anduin frowned but nodded.
"Changing the topic," Varian said, "A very interesting proposal landed on my desk this afternoon for me to consider over the holiday. I know it's talking shop, but what can you tell me about the Everbloom project?
"Everbloom? What's that?" Anduin asked.
"I'd wondered if you'd get around to reading that quickly or not," Jaina said. Smiling at Anduin she said, "It's an outpost we've been planning and have just begun building on the alternate Draenor. The Kirin Tor intends for it to be a staging area close to where the Iron Horde has a massive manufacturing and production presence."
"It would supplement the outposts we've been considering building on the island of Ashran," Varian said. "Ashran gives us something close to the Portal and has the benefit of being an island off the coast."
"We are proposing that Everbloom have two greater portal installations. Several termini have been suggested," Jaina said, nodding at Varian before she looked at Anduin again. "But we intend for it to be another neutral hub."
"Why not just use Dalaran?" Anduin asked.
"Because Dalaran isn't as convenient to where anyone's army is currently," Jaina answered.
"Most of the proposed termini are close to Stormwind and Orgrimmar," Varian said. "Which is why it is something I am going to consider very, very carefully before I even begin to bring anyone else into the discussion," Varian said, fixing his son with a stern look.
"I understand," Anduin said, equally serious.
Varian smiled briefly at Anduin then turned a thoughtful gaze back to Jaina. "Creating greater portals such as the ones proposed are a significant undertaking for a single pathway. You're talking about at least two. My people planning Ahsran are already wringing their hands over that project. I'll admit I am curious about the resources you're deploying and where you might be getting them from."
Jaina smiled over her goblet of wine and sipped. "Nothing you have to worry over, Varian. We're considering it an investment in a better future."
Varian's eyes narrowed and he lifted his drink in salute with a small smirk. "Keep your secrets for now."
The talk turned to less business and more about the gossip among the lords and Nobles of Stormwind. Father and son had a lot of things to say and took the opportunity among friends and in private, to vent.
Jaina listened to Varian's belly laugh as Anduin did an apparently hilarious impression of one particularly pompous lord and sighed a little. It was nice they were doing well and that she was alive and in a mindset where she could enjoy herself.
Kalec's hand found hers under the table and she squeezed his fingers. He'd been somewhat awkward and very polite with the Wrynns, unsure of his place still. The tension he'd been carrying was gone now. She laced her fingers through his and sighed again, content with a quiet evening with those she considered to be family.
Jaina woke up slowly. Muted light outside promised a chilly overcast day. Jaina stretched out an arm. The room had become chilly in the night and Jaina pulled her arm back under the warm, heavy blankets. Stormwind Keep was quiet, the only sound was the muffled wind beyond the drapes and thick windows. Jaina judged it to be after sunrise but still early.
Kalec had rolled onto his stomach in the night, sprawling over his side of the bed. Thankfully they'd been put in a suite with a large bed so Kalec's feet didn't hang off the end as they had when he'd first moved in with her.
She didn't need to be up now. It was an odd feeling and one rarely experienced over the last year and some months. Jaina sighed and burrowed further into the bed, curling around Kalec's back and side. He was wonderfully warm.
He stirred as she kissed his shoulder. He mumbled something half in common and half in draconic. She was getting better at understanding the language but she had little hope of teasing apart what he'd said. Chuckling she settled back under the covers. The Wrynns were not as early risers as she was. Breakfast would happen when it happened and until then, she had no where she would rather be.
Breakfast became brunch. It was a simple affair later in the morning. Anduin was missing but Varian joined them for something quick before he had to attend to the last few meetings before the council of Nobles departed for their own homes for the rest of the holiday.
Jaina sipped her tea as Kalec polished off his scrambled eggs and looked mournfully at the empty plate.
"You have time to go fishing if you wanted," she suggested. "The seas here have good stock."
"I'm considering it," Kalec said, eyeing the window critically. "Weather's not too bad for flying but is it bad enough the schools have gone elsewhere, I won-" He blinked in surprise and rose just as there was a rapping on the window.
There was someone outside the window! Jaina gaped in surprise as Kalec opened the latch. A gust of chilly wind came inside along with the figure in the dark hooded overcoat. Kalec helped the person down then shut the window.
Anduin pushed back the coat's hood, his cheeks scarlet with the cold, a few flakes melting in his hair. "Thank you."
"What were you doing?" Jaina asked.
"I went for a walk. Didn't want to make a fuss."
"On the roof?" Jaina questioned.
"No! No," Anduin said, unclasping the coat and swinging over the back of an unoccupied chair to dry. "I was in the military quarter actually." He helped himself to a breakfast pastry and began to eat it as he poured some coffee.
"What were you doing coming in through the window," Jaina demanded to know.
"I saw you and Kalec were in here. Figured you'd let me in. Saved me having to get back to my rooms."
"Anduin," Jaina scolded.
"Don't tell me you never left without making a fuss before, Aunt Jaina," Anduin said, grinning impishly.
Jaina closed her eyes and let out a breath. "You could have been hurt."
"Not the way I went," he assured her. His clothes were nondescript. Well made but not so well made he would stand out.
"What were you doing?" Kalec questioned.
"Looking in on some important allies," Anduin said picking up a second pastry.
"You were with Tess Greymane."
Anduin's cheeks pinked further. "And Lorna Crowley," he protested. His blush deepened and his eyes widened as he realized how that statement could be taken. "I mean, they're allies. Lorna's at the officer academy here. She's got an apartment. I wanted to know how angry Genn really was!" He sighed and slouched in his seat. "I am not very good at this sneaky business."
"Good enough you got out and back in," Kalec pointed out.
"It's not necessarily bad that perhaps subterfuge isn't your strong point, Anduin," Jaina said.
His lips twisted in a brief grimace. "Anyway. Genn's gone back to Darnassus, so I don't think we'll be seeing him tonight. Tess thought it would be just as well if he has the holiday to cool off. Lorna's father is joining her here for the holiday so she might show up. She hates balls almost as much as father does though, so I don't know if she'll make an appearance." He shrugged. "Aunt Jaina, I was wondering if we might go riding sometime while you're here?"
Jaina took a moment to reorient her thoughts after the abrupt change of topic. "I'd like that," She said. She gave him a serious look. "We are going to talk about some of these new habits."
He grinned cheekily and rose, collecting his coat and another pastry. "Hopefully the snow won't get worse. I've got some things to do. I'll see you later." He made a somewhat hasty exit.
Jaina narrowed her eyes as she watched him go. "He's up to something."
Kalec kissed her cheek. "Yep. Mind if I go fishing?"
"I have some papers I've wanted to read for ages," Jaina said. She returned his kiss. "Be safe. Don't eat so much you miss out on dessert tonight. Varian's kitchen staff can put out an impressive holiday spread."
He chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind."
Kalec had a very nice rear. Currently that rear was naked, skin slightly pink from the heat of the shower he'd taken. The muscles of his thighs and bottom flexed as he walked towards the wardrobe, toweling his hair dry.
"Need help with the dress?" he asked.
Jaina watched him from her indolent recline on the bed. She licked her lips. "No," she said eventually.
Kalec half turned and arched a brow at her. He dropped the towel on the nearest chair and sauntered back to her, drying his hair with a quick spell. The view from the front was pretty good too. She smiled broadly as he leaned over her. The soft towel and bedding weren't bothering her back too badly as she rolled under him.
"I thought you wanted the first shower so you could get dressed?"
"I have time," she said. She was still only wearing a towel with her hair wrapped in a second. She drew open the one wrapped around her body. "We can always show up to the party fashionably late."
Kalec growled deep in his chest. He leaned down and nuzzled between her breasts. He kissed his way up her chest then her neck. "We'd have to take a shower again," he said, kissing the side of her neck. "Don't you want to wear the dress I saw you pack? It's new isn't it?"
"It is," she said.
"I was looking forward to seeing you in it," Kalec said, moving to kiss the other side of her face and neck.
"It isn't that special," she protested as his kisses became gentle rather than inflaming.
"And I was looking forward to taking it off you," he said, the heat of his words at odds with the chaste kisses.
Jaina squirmed.
"You're very tense," he said as his hand slipped down her side, caressing her skin. "Something wrong?"
"No," she said. One of her arms curled around his shoulders the other hand wound into his still slightly damp hair. Leaning on one arm, his palm trailed down her stomach then between her legs. Jaina welcomed his touch with a soft sigh.
"I'm not sure I believe you, beloved," he said, fingers lightly stroking over her center.
Jaina's eyes fluttered closed. "You have a very nice rear," she said.
He laughed, deep and throaty. Jaina shivered which only made Kalec laugh more deeply. "I like a great many of your parts," he said, slipping one finger into her, his thumb rubbing too-slow circles over the hood of her clit. "Should I stop so we can get dressed for the party?"
"Don't you dare," she said, arching her hips into his hand.
"What do you need?" He nipped on her earlobe.
"More." She rocked into his hand then winced as the fabric of the towel rubbed against her back a bit more harshly. Kalec added a second finger and pressed harder against her clit as he continued to circle it with his thumb. The feeling robbed the slight sting on her back. He kissed her gently, placing small kisses over her face and neck while his fingers went faster, harder against her body.
She whined as she gripped his shoulders, so close but not quite close enough. Jaina rocked her hips against his hand, heels digging into the bedding for more leverage.
Kalec gently nuzzled the side of her face as he fingers her faster and harder. He pressed her against the bed with his chest and shoulders, strong and unwavering as she writhed under him. He kissed under her ear, freeing her hair with his free hand.
Jaina pressed her face against his shoulder. He smelled good - shower fresh and clean. She nipped his shoulder. He responded with a little growl and worked his fingers in her faster. Her moans and whines were muffled by his shoulder. She could hear the rhythmic, slick sound of his fingers pumping into her, loud to her ears.
She came with a shudder under him, crying out against his shoulder to muffle the sound, fingers digging into his back. She writhed as his fingers drew her orgasm out until it was just at the edge of pain. He stopped his frenetic assault and pressed the palm of his hand against her center. She shivered and rocked her hips against his hand, the steady pressure welcome when her nerves were screaming for attention.
Kalec crooned, a deep rumble at the edge of the sound. He nuzzled along the side of her face as she panted, racing heart slowing. She sighed and melted into the bed, releasing him from the tight grasp.
Kalec withdrew his fingers and met her eyes as he licked them clean, one by one, slowly. He leaned over her on the bed and kissed her deeply. His lips tasted of her. Then instead of climbing onto the bed, he pressed his face into the crook of her neck.
"Going to join me?" she asked, feeling floaty and wonderful. A few minutes and she wouldn't mind having him inside her again.
"If I do that," he said, "we'll never make it to the party."
"I wouldn't mind that," she murmured.
"Why?" he asked. Kalec leaned on his crossed forearms on the bed. "Don't you want to see Anduin and Varian? You bought a new dress for it."
Jaina frowned and turned her head to look at him. "You want to go," she realized aloud.
Kalec ducked his head and shrugged a shoulder. "I haven't been to a holiday ball."
"They're like regular ones."
"Haven't been to too many of those." He reached out and curled a lock of her hair around a finger. "I thought maybe we could dance? The dress looked like it would be good for that." He sounded wistful. Jaina felt emotion tug at her heart. She reached out and caresses his cheek.
"If you really wanted to go, why not say anything? Why-?" she gestured generally to her state of sated puddle-like repose on the bed.
He shrugged a shoulder. "You wanted me and I think you needed to relax. I'm not sure why you're tense or what it is about balls, or perhaps this one in particular, you're suddenly leery of, but-" he broke off with another shrug.
Jaine rolled into a sitting position and pulled him up so she could hug him properly. She tucked her face into the crook of his shoulder. "I love you, you know. I love you and you put up with me."
"I love you."
She felt as if her heart had taken flight right out of her chest. It was hardly the first time he'd said it, but she still felt a little thrill. She tightened her grip on him.
"I don't know why I don't like balls. I did when I was little. All the lights and colors and the dancing and sweets and people." She sighed and thought back to those days. "I was innocent then. I think I stopped enjoying them so much when I discovered all the politics that could go on."
"We could skip it-"
"No! No." She squeezed him. "You want to go and have fun and this isn't my kingdom. They're Varian's politics to avoid, not mine." She drew in a breath and let it out slowly. "And maybe some dancing would be fun."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah," she said, smiling up at him. "You sure you don't want me to handle this?" she asked, sliding her hand down to his half-soft erection.
He growled, eyes narrowing. "How about after the party I peel you out of that dress and you can handle it."
"If you want to wait?" she asked, nonchalantly stroking him.
He chuckled and caught her hands, holding them away. He leaned in close to her ear, his voice low and hot. "All night I am going to be thinking of how once we are back here, I will undress you. And once I have undressed you, I will take you to bed." The unspoken promise of naughty delights to come sent a shiver down Jaina's spine. She flushed, the rush of heat extended to her chest. "And now you will be thinking of just what I will do to you once we get back."
Oh.
He stole a fierce kiss then left her swaying on her knees on the bed while he walked off to finally get dressed. The view was still nice.
The dress Jaina had purchased was long and red. Darker, wine-red lace covered the close fitted top then spilled out onto the flared skirt. The collar was high, covering her her throat. Her shoulders were left bare by dramatic cut outs. Long, close-fit sleeves in the lace extended from her upper arms down to her wrists. The sleeves and the back had been fastened by a multitude of little buttons Kalec had assisted her with. Her accessories were simple: golden studs in her ears and a drop of diamond on a thin gold chain.
The dress almost entirely covered her new tattoo; only a fraction of the whirling lines showed on her shoulders. Jaina had chosen this dress weeks ago. The excited gnome designer and proprietor of the shop had been thrilled to dress her and had gushed. Jaina wasn't one usually for such things but it had been a moment fun. The designer was quite a few years older than Kinndy would have been, but she'd had a similar dogged enthusiasm. It was a very pretty dress. The silhouette was surprisingly complementary- and the buttons were just the right amount of frustration.
Kalecgos wore a fine silk shirt in white and a very nice, very tight, pair of black leather breeches. His blue hair was artfully mussed from her fingers. His pale blue eyes were startling in their intense color. Kalec caught her looking and smiled warmly, taking her hand and kissing the back.
"I will not apologize for the buttons I will no doubt destroy later," he told her, holding her eyes with his own. The blush creeping up her cheeks deepened.
"I may banish those pants back to the closet," she replied, somehow keeping her tone even.
He grinned and tucked her arm under his, leading her down to the ball.
The music grew louder as did the sound of the crowd as they approached, but they were alone in the hall save for a few of the staff tending to guests. The other guests would be entering from near to the keep's front doors and everyone who was staying was mostly likely already at the party or waiting to enter.
Jaina's fingers worried sleeve of Kalec's shirt. Each echoing footstep seemed to make her feel warmer. The smell of burning wood, baked pies and pine wreaths was smothering.
"Jaina?"
Jaina started, stopping in place. Kalec frowned in concern. She realized he'd been calling her. Jaina looked down the hall to where she could see new arrivals handing their coats and cloaks to staff before they entered the hall proper. She smell of wet wool joined the other smothering scents. She swallowed.
"I-" Her heart was racing. Kalec stepped closer, looking down on her with concern. "I need some air."
Kalec whisked her outside onto a covered area which overlooked the Keep's small training yard. She shivered, but not from the cold.
"Sorry."
"What's going on? Talk to me?" Kalec asked, wrapping her in a close embrace.
"It's stupid." She shook her head, cheeks heating again. He smelled nice, but that somehow made her embarrassment worse. Outside the there was only the faint smell of wood burning, the chill of winter, and Kalec. He held her for a few moments as she settled down.
"What's on your mind?" he asked, rubbing her arms.
"Something I should be over now."
"Jaina," he gently chastised, tilting her head up. "Hey."
She looked away. "Arthas."
He was silent, waiting for her to elaborate. The memory of the moment came back with startling clarity she'd not experienced in years. Jaina squeezed her eyes shut, fingers wrapped around the pendant she wore.
"When we were together the first time, there was a ball for Winter Veil held in Lordaeron." She swallowed. "I was thinking about the holiday and my family and the future. Things were more or less set. I loved him and he me." She'd felt wonderful in that moment; excited for their shared future and the family they would welcome in the years to come. Even the teasing, knowing commentary hadn't bothered her for once. Jaina had reached out to embrace it, because why not? It was going to be lovely.
Jaina forced a wan smile, still unable to look up to see disgust or worse, pity. "I said our children would be blonde. And he broke things off. Right there. He said he was too young. That he wasn't ready." Childish tears fought to be free but she pushed them back, though her eyes burned. "He'd said he was ready-" Jaina broke off, swallowing. She'd asked him if he was ready to embrace their future together and all the adult pleasures and responsibilities it implied. It was frightening but they'd be together. With his promise giving her heart wings, she'd taken him to bed and have given her heart fully. "But he took it back. Said we could be friends. And then we walked inside."
Why? What was wrong with her that he'd done that? That he'd done what he went on to do? How could she have changed things? She shook. As embarrassing as this was, the unsettled pit in her stomach from not understanding was just as bad as feeling betrayed by how he'd gone back on his word. Why had she been so frightening?
Kalec drew in a breath. Jaina had the very brief, heart-stopping feeling that history would repeat. Then Kalec exhaled on a growl, low and dangerous and not at all the alluring bedroom noise.
"You made a playful comment based on how your relationship had progressed. He put an end to it right there. And then you still had to endure the ball," Kalec summarized. "That is a very poor way to treat a friend and no way to treat a loved one."
Jaina nodded, eyes squeezed against the sting of tears. This was mortifying... but she felt herself relax from the tight, full body clench; there was relief in his acknowledgement of Arthas' poor behavior. And it was poor behavior, though she'd been blamed.
"Afterwards, everyone wanted to know what I'd done," she said, her voice hardly more than a whisper over the winter wind and distant sounds of the party. "There were so many rumors. Whispers."
"You did nothing wrong," Kalec said, wrapping her in a tight embrace. He was angry, fiercely so and Jaina shivered again. "He should not have promised you he was ready for that life if he was not. His behavior was immature."
"This hasn't bothered me in years," Jaina said, voice cracking.
"Love, you've been through a lot this year," Kalec said, his voice turning far gentler. He caressed the back of her head and her sides. "You're dealing with a lot."
And, part of her thought, she'd never really dealt with these feelings before. Endured them and pushed them aside, yes. But what could one do?
Jaina's mind flashed on what she should do, but the voice was Yu-len's. What he'd done was horrible and wrong even if her family and peers had not acknowledged it. She wasn't at fault for his poor choices, but pushing aside her feelings wasn't healthy.
"It still hurts," Jaina said, tucking her face against Kalec's shoulder. "I felt betrayed by him. Then again when I was blamed. Only my father said anything to me directly but it was there. Everyone was thinking it."
Kalec growled dangerously again. As frightening as the sound was from her sweet, easy-going lover, Jaina relaxed further against him. "I think that was when I stopped liking parties like this. Especially Winter Veil balls," she said, the words coming out dull. She wiped her eyes. "They were just politics with a veneer of sparkle which somehow made it all the worse."
"We can go back to the room if you wish," Kalec said. "Or even go home?"
"No. No, I don't want to do that." She dried her eyes with the back of her sleeve. "I don't want to disappoint you or the Wrynns."
"Beloved." Kalec tilted her head up to meet his eyes. "I feel rather confident speaking on the Wrynn's behalf when I say that none of us want you to to put your happiness aside for ours, or to put aside your own health."
Jaina was tempted. She could return to their rooms, all cozy and warm. Kalec would cuddle with her on the couch as they had this afternoon when he'd returned from hunting. They could discuss the articles they'd been reading or Kalec could teach her more of the runes and language of his people. They could probably convince someone on the staff to bring them some treats from the kitchen. Just the two of them without the politics or the people. But as lovely as that would be, it would be pushing things aside again.
"The bad memories stay," she said aloud. "If I run, they'll stay. If I go with you tonight then maybe there will be something more pleasant to recall instead."
He leaned down and kissed her gently. "Say the word and we can leave."
Jaina sighed and leaned against him. "You would be okay with that?"
"Yes. You are more important than my curiosity about human customs. And there is always next year," he said, ending on a cheerful note.
He planned on being there in a year. Jaina smiled back at him."Give me a moment," she said, wiping at her face. "I must look awful."
"You're lovely," he said, resting his hands on her hips. "Do you want to go back to the rooms to freshen up before we head in?"
"No," she said, squaring her shoulders. She summoned a small pocket mirror to check how she looked. Miraculously her makeup had survived intact enough and the redness on her cheeks could easily be explained away as a result of the cold night air. She sent the mirror back from where she'd summoned it. Jaina leaned up on her toes and kissed him. "Thank you."
They were announced, which caused a few polite heads to take interest, but then everyone largely went back to their conversations. Jaina let go of a breath she'd not realized she'd been holding and let Kalec take the lead.
They stopped for some drinks and the mulled cider warmed her hands and her insides. The cold had not bothered her so much as the emotional distress, but the warmth was soothing.
"Jaina, Kalec," Varian greeted. "You look lovely," he complimented.
"Thank you. How is the evening going?"
Varian grunted with feeling. "If I have to field another thinly veiled suggestion that someone's daughter or granddaughter would be just perfect for Anduin I will not be held accountable for my actions."
Jaina covered her snicker with a hand. "Oh my. That bad?"
"It was not like this last year," Varian said, pitching his voice to a private growl. "He had to go and grow into a handsome young man." Varian waved a dismissive hand in the general direction of Anduin who was on the far side of the room. Despite his words, Varian was clearly quite proud.
"It's not up to me anyway," Varian said and smiled smugly.
"No?" Jaina asked, arching a brow.
"Nope. His choice. He's obligated to have children for the sake of the kingdom, but beyond that he gets the freedom to pick." Varian nodded in a self-satisfied way. "Tiff and I decided that before he arrived and I'll be damned before I go back on that."
"The Nobles cannot like that," Jaina said.
"When they find out I'm sure they will collectively have several fits, but I consider it a perk," Varian said, his pleasant, if smug smile growing wolfish.
Jaina laughed.
Varian addressed Kalec. "My wife and I were arranged and we hated the whole process. It ended up working out for us but we didn't like being treated like pedigree horses. There are many things I won't be able to spare him from, but this is something I can do." Varian said, falling silent for a moment with a far away look. Shaking himself Varian came back to the present. "Bah! I suppose I should continue to make the rounds," Varian allowed with a grumpy frown. He looked Jaina in the eye. "Save me in twenty minutes."
"I make no promises, Varian," Jaina said.
"Bah!" he remarked again, though a bit more playfully. He winked before moving into the crowd once more.
They sampled the treats the kitchen staff had put out then shared mugs of wassail with the dean of Stormwind's magic school. Jaina was pleased that once the conversation turned academic Kalec was welcomed as a peer.
"Dance with me?" Kalec asked as the conversation broke up. Musicians had finished their set up and the tables with finger foods and sweets had been exiled to the perimeter of the room, clearing the dance floor.
"Okay," Jaina said. She'd give him at least one dance. Maybe a second if he seemed interested.
"You don't want to dance?"
Damn perceptive dragon. "I always feel as if I am making a spectacle of myself," Jaina said. She tilted her head. "When did you learn human dancing?"
"Here and there. It's not so complicated to follow if there's music. It's just patterns of movement to a beat. Sword fighting was more difficult to grasp. The rhythm there is a bit chaotic," Kalec answered, holding out his hand. Jaina put her hand in his and followed him onto the dance floor.
The first dance was moderately paced to warm up the crowd as well as the musicians. The floor was not crowded and Kalec has plenty of room to lead her around in wide circles, her dress flowing out with the spins. He'd picked up the melody quickly and had begun to hum along.
The dance was over before Jaina expected it to be. She clapped politely with the rest as the band finished one song then struck up another. Kalec pulled her into a second dance and she went along, for once not finding the activity terrible. It helped that Kalec was actually a very fine dancer. The floor was beginning to fill up with other couples. Kalec held her closer and their steps moderated to accommodate additional people.
"You're quite good," Jaina complimented.
"It's fun," Kalec said, pulling her along, his hands on her hips and shoulder. If she were being completely honest with herself, it was very nice to be held and that override the feeling of judgemental eyes on her back.
"Do your people dance?" she asked partially to distract herself from thinking about others watching her - she was honestly curious.
"I am right now," he teased.
She swatted his arm. "You know what I mean." The music had picked up into a more lively dance and many couples retreated from the floor, yielding it to the more energetic dancers.
"Different," Kalec said, spinning her around in a little flourish. "There are some standard movements but it isn't as ordered as these dances are. Rarely do we have instruments. Just song." He easily picked her up in a lift and brought her down on the beat, his timing impeccable. "And we fly," he said, holding her close for a second before spinning her out again. "I don't mean to offend but doing this all on the ground? Rather easy when you don't need to consider speed, wind shear or altitude."
"I should have expected that," Jaina said with a laugh and he lifted her and spun them around in a flourish. "You'll teach me?" Jaina asked, breathless as they whirled with the other dancers, the music speeding to the climactic end of the song.
Kalec grinned and lifted her again taking her thought the final steps before, dipping her down as the music ended. "I look forward to it," he said, pulling her upright. Jaina laughed and could not wait.
Jaina danced more than she had in a great while. She'd also enjoyed it far more than she had expected. Poor Varian would have to suffer because she was having a wonderful time. Kalec had natural strength and stamina to draw on that she did not and though she was enjoying herself, eventually though, she needed a break.
They left the dance floor to get more to drink and to collect some of the little treats. Jaina leaned against Kalec as they watched others dance and mingle, eating the little finger foods. They ate in content silence, watching the glitter and sparkle as the band struck up another lively tune. Kalec hummed along, happy and content. Jaina smiled to herself, pleased he was enjoying himself and no longer worried about somehow ruining the holiday. The little touches and looks he'd been giving her as they danced reminded her of his words from far earlier and what he intended to do once they'd returned to their rooms. Jaina was about to suggest perhaps they retire when Anduin found them.
"Thank you for not hiding out with my father, Aunt Jaina," Anduin said by way of greeting when he made good his escape from a cluster of self-important looking men. "And thank you for keeping her otherwise occupied so she couldn't go hide," he said to Kalec.
Jaina rolled her eyes. "I'm not that bad."
Anduin gave her a flat look.
Jaina scoffed and ate a macaroon. "Where did Varian go?" She asked after the treat was washed down with some of the wassail. Looking around she didn't see Varian. The King was a tall man and often easy to spot in a crowd.
"Broll showed up," Anduin said, sighing a little. "So they're off drinking mead in one of the side rooms." He shook his head. "I like Valeera but it's probably a good thing she's not here, too."
"Oh?" Jaina questioned.
"They'd probably be outside beating on one another and having a grand time," Anduin said. He snorted a laugh. "If he and Broll keep drinking mead as they are they might end up there anyway."
"We'll have to stage an intervention before then," Jaina said conspiratorially.
Anduin chuckled. He looked around then took a closer step, expression becoming serious. "Aunt Jaina, have you noticed the nobles acting... oddly?"
"Oddly?" Jaina asked, straightening up and instantly becoming concerned. "I've not really spoken with many tonight. What's going on?"
"I don't know," Anduin said, frowning. He looked around furtively once more. "They've been..." He trailed off, his cheeks darkening. "They have been paying very close attention. Someone is always watching me. Many of them."
"Don't they usually do that?" Jaina asked.
"Yes but it feels different this time," Anduin said. "Or maybe I'm just finally aware of it."
"Do you feel unsafe?" Kalec asked.
The prince considered this for a moment. "Right now, no. That said, their behavior is... unusual."
"How so?"
Anduin let out a frustrated little huff and couldn't meet her eyes. "They're being nice."
"Nice?" Jaina and Kalec questioned.
"Forget I said anything," Anduin said. "I'm sure it's nothing. I'm just used to them treating me like a small child or outright ignoring me beyond basic politeness."
"They're being nice?" Jaina repeated, looking around the room again. There were many who were studiously not looking her way when her attention got to them. Many more who were monitoring the young prince's movements out of the corners of their thought back to what Varian had been complaining about earlier and kid a little smile behind her goblet and took a drink.
"Yes. I know I shouldn't complain, I should have a good working relationship with the nobles. But- Aunt Jaina it's kinda of... creepy."
"Mmm. Anduin how many of these nobles have brought up daughters, granddaughters or nieces in conversation?"
"Uh-" Anduin's eyes darted to the side as he thought, "-most of them? What- Oh." Anduin's eyes grew almost comically wide.
"Mmmhmmm," Jaina said, smirking.
Anduin pinched the bridge of his nose. "Light, save me."
Jaina patted his shoulder consolingly. "You've got more freedom in this than your parents had though, as I understand it. More than I did at one time, too."
He shook his head and sighed. Drawing himself up and squared his shoulders. "Well. That explains a lot."
"Less creepy?" she asked.
"Not even a little bit, but I understand their motivations."
Jaina laughed. She caught sight of someone across the room. "You can commiserate with Tess, perhaps? I imagine she'd had to deal with some of the same more recently than your father and I did."
"Tess? She was betrothed before the Cataclysm but he died as I understand it," Anduin said. "Beside's she's-"
"Standing by the door?" Jaina interjected.
The heir of Gilneas had arrived in a long, black dress which left her neck and shoulders exposed. The front panel was a smoky, translucent grey fabric that showed hints of the cream colored under-dress she wore. The silhouette was similar to Jaina's with a closely fitted top and flaring skirt. Her thick, dark hair was a mane of waves and curl. Jaina watched her take careful note of the room as she'd entered without fanfare, barely stirring the crowd closest to the door. As she walked into the room, her gait changed, going from something not unlike a stalk into the lightly floating steps that so many noble girls were required to learn as small children. Jaina noticed because she'd been watching closely, and she'd been required to take those lessons too.
"Oh! So she did come after all. I wonder if she's here in Genn's stead or if she decided to come on her own to spite him. If you excuse me, I apparently have another guest to greet." Anduin bobbed a quick bow to them and crossed the room to greet his friend.
"What is it?" Kalec prompted once the prince was gone. He'd pulled her back against his chest, encircling her waist with his arms.
"I'm trying to decide who has been training her," Jaina said. Anduin looked much relieved to be speaking with a friend. As a princess, even as one in exile, Tess outranked almost everyone else at the party and no noble would dare interrupt or claim Anduin's time when he was being a proper host to a peer.
And if she was not longer promised to someone, no doubt some of those political minds had readjusted equations to consider her and what opportunities there might be this evening. Looking around, Jaina noted that Anduin's presence had drawn all of the attention Tess had somehow managed to avoid on her own. She could already feel the wheels of politics work. Jaina sighed.
"Hmm?"
"There are some political things I don't have a taste for," she explained. "And then there are the deals to secure dynastic ambitions I care for even less." She turned in the circle of Kalec's arms. "A few more dances before we turn in?" Jaina asked.
"If that is what you'd like," he agreed. "This was far less formal and structured than I had imagined."
Jaina smirked. "Varian would be even less formal with this one if he could get away with it," she said.
"Point," he agreed.
The next dance was a slower one and the floor filled with couples holding one another close. Kalec leaned close to her ear. "I haven't forgotten about earlier," he said "but given how you were feeling before we entered, I understand if you would rather fall asleep by the fire."
"You're sweet," she said, the fingers of one hand winding into the front of his shirt. "But I will be disappointed if you don't act on them. I find my view on these balls is changing."
He laughed, low and dark, the sound racing up and down her spine. A few more dances sounded fun, but not as nice as returning to their rooms. Jaina tugged on his hand, drawing him off the dance floor.
"Shouldn't we say goodbye?" Kalec asked.
"We're hardly the first to leave and Varian knows where we're saying," she reasoned. "Or do you not want to go back?" She asked, blinking wide innocent eyes at him.
He growled at her and tucked her arm in his. Jaina laughed as they walked down the hall, leaving the party behind.