Disclaimer: All things recognizable belong to Tamora Pierce!
AN: Sorry for the delay, but half way through the chapter I wasn't feeling it, so instead of either cutting it short, or forcing it and giving a poor chapter, I took my time to find the proper finish for this chapter, hopefully it's not too dry.
Kel turned her eyes from her colorful former knight master and his wife to Dom, "Captain? Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
Dom handed her a bowl then shrugged, "I was more concerned last night for you to get more sleep, and you could barely stand let alone keep your eyes open. And then this morning I was more curious as to where you had wandered off to. I figured it would come up when we explained the events of the last few days to you, and we still need to talk about what you were thinking riding out without proper gear." His voice had gotten sterner by the end of his statement.
Kel looked down and took a bite of food; she made a face before looking closer at it. She had no idea what she was eating. Dom laughed at her expression. She sighed, "I was too preoccupied to even notice that I didn't have my gear on. I had a nightmare. I was being hunted by something, when I turned around to face my attacker, my fear woke me up. All that I saw were horns; I feared it was a tauros. When the bandits came over the rise, I was frozen thinking of my dream."
She looked up to see both Raoul's and Dom's eyes on her. Both sets were thoughtful. "How much of the fighting do you remember Kel?" Raoul asked her thoughtfully.
She shook her head, "It's all a blur." She shifted as she took another bite; she was hungry, even if the food wasn't very appetizing. "I can tell you what aches, but I can't recall why. I don't even remember fainting into Dom's arms."
Qasim had come up while she talked, "Lady Kel, you took an arrow to the shoulder, that's when you started to call out orders. You didn't let it slow you down. I lost track of you after you were unhorsed. But from what I've heard you were in bad shape."
Raoul stood up, "Now Keladry, while I am saddened that you made such a stupid mistake, can I feel rest assured that that will never happen again?"
She looked down embarrassed, "Yes sir." She felt him ruffle her hair. Peeking up she saw the hint of a smile.
"Little idiot." With that he walked away. He turned back towards Dom, looking him in the eye. "I expect you to catch her up, we leave tomorrow at dawn." He then continued on his way.
The men came up to Kel to talk and joke with her, most of the teasing centered around the protective arm that Dom had around her. She couldn't help but notice that a number of them suffered signs of pranking. She planned on asking Dom about that. She was shocked to see Daine and Numair there. She then realized what Dom had said earlier, "Alanna said you were searching for something."
The men finally allowed Kel and Dom to leave once the sparrows arrived with Jump. She was washed in a flutter of feathers as they eagerly checked up on her. Jump had his tail wagging like mad and he licked everything he could. "They weren't allowed in the healer's tent, they were so worried." Dom whispered into her ear. "Want to go see Peachblossom and Hoshi?"
Kel nodded and let Dom lead her to the field the horses were being held. Kel's heart nearly soared when Hoshi let out a soft nicker and then began to gently head-butt her while lipping her hands and clothes. She was almost worried when Peachblossom hung back.
When she reached out to pat him she was shocked when he closed his teeth around her arm before applying a little pressure. He then let go, shaking his head and emitted noises that almost sounded like scolding Kel hung her head and quietly began to apologize. His lecture clearly over, Peachblossom butted her with affection. He then turned and to her shock returned the same affection to Dom.
Deciding that she should spend more time here with her animals, Kel sat down, Hoshi laid down behind her, and Peachblossom did the same for Dom. Taking his hand, Kel just allowed herself to relax.
"Dom, what happened around here? It looks like a massive prank war erupted while I was asleep. The breakfast was terrible, and Peachblossom is acting like you're his favorite person. When did Daine and Numair arrive? You hinted that Alanna was here, but I never saw her." She fixed her eyes on his, waiting patiently for him to start talking. Then remembering one last question, "Captain?" her eyebrows rose.
His hand cupped her check. He looked deep into her eyes before leaning forward and giving her a deep kiss. "All in good time sweets." He kissed her eyelids, nose then mouth once again before resting against Peachblossom, her hand still in his. "It might be easier if you hold your questions until I'm finished." She squeezed his hand to show that she understood.
"We set up camp a short ways from the fight. You were still standing when we got there." He shook his head when she tried to open her mouth to ask something. "You promised. I found you with help of the medallion. Nearly burnt through my skin with how hot it got. That night the men knew that I needed to do something to get my mind off you." He blushed, "We were drinking and gambling, I ended up stealing a bottle of brandy for our fun. If we lost, we had to perform a prank on a chosen person."
Kel watched with fascination as Dom's blush grew, "The men put me in charge of pranking Raoul, I just took it a step further and got Buri as well. I drugged them so I wouldn't get caught." Kel chuckled thinking of how much trouble he must have gotten into. "The following morning I woke up with a hangover and then remembered very little of what we had done. I woke up the men and had them begin breakfast. We realized we got about 70 men, we also messed with the food supplies." He looked so sheepish that she couldn't resist kissing him. Peachblossom's snort broke them apart; apparently he didn't enjoy the couple making out on him.
He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear before he continued "I thought I was going to be in huge trouble with Raoul. We were interrupted before he could give me my punishment. We were talking to Qasim when he informed me that I was now Captain of Third. He had already decided, but said that my actions had just confirmed what he already knew." Kel had the feeling that he was keeping something out of the story, but let it go, she promised to wait.
"Midmorning Daine and Numair found us; King Jonathan sent them in search of us, as there had been no word for too long. Later that same day Alanna and her men came; they were looking for the lot that ambushed you. She and I were talking when you came back." He brushed a light kiss on her hand, looking deep into her eyes. "There's not much more to say." He smiled.
They spent the rest of the day relaxing. Dom would occasionally help her up and they would stretch, helping her become more mobile. They would often spend time kissing. When it was time for bed, Dom led Kel back to his tent, none of the men made comment. There seemed to be full acceptance on their relationship.
The following morning to Kel's relief saw her returned her normal travel attire. They left early, and besides some slight discomfort, Kel felt more like her old self. They pushed as long as they could, setting up camp near dusk. They were all eager to reach Pearlmouth.
The next day's travel was much the same. The group looked more than relieved when Pearlmouth finally came into view late afternoon on the third day. Feeling too tired to do much else; Kel and Dom grabbed some food from the mess and then turned in for the night.
Their first day in Pearlmouth dawned and Kel woke up before Dom. She took the time to watch as he peacefully slept. She ran her hand down his exposed chest and was surprised when he opened up his eyes. "You know my lady, it's rude to stare."
Before she could answer however, he had her pinned beneath him and his lips were on hers. "But…if…it…means…that…I…am…waking…up…to…you…I…don' t…mind…one…bit." Dom told her between kisses. His hands were softly caressing her body through the shirt she wore to bed. With a deep kiss he began to remove the shirt, her hands had found the ties to his breeches. They were lost in each other.
Having missed breakfast, they decided to eat out in the town. They returned to the same restaurant they had their first date in Pearlmouth. The food was as wonderful as they remembered. As they were returning, they ran into Raoul and Buri. They told them that the first available vessel would be leaving in three days. They were free to do as they wished, all the men were given the days off.
Dom would have loved to spend the day inside with Kel, but she was stubborn. The afternoon passed with friendly sparing as Kel worked on regaining the little fitness she had lost. This time they ate with the men, trying hard to ignore their questions on the couple's location throughout the day.
That night they happily went to their room. Sleep waited for several hours as they enjoyed themselves. They had realized earlier in the day just how much time they had lost during their mission, and just how long they would have to wait until they could enjoy each other's company again. They really wished to make the most of the time they were given here in Pearlmouth.
The following two days were much the same, the young couple would not leave the room before lunch, then they would go out to eat, train and have supper with the men. Occasionally members of the army who fought with them would join them during their meal. The night would then be spent on the bed in small fits of passion.
The ships left at dawn a week after Kel had woken up. All of the men felt rested after three full days in Pearlmouth. Spirits were high, only a few of the men stayed below decks, too seasick to enjoy the day. To Kel's delight, Dom was one of them. She let him suffer half a day in his plight before she took pity on him and brewed the tea to help settle his stomach and head.
Raoul actually happily joined the men in a few games of cards. The sailors were nice and even joined in. At dusk, they would all sit around on deck and tell stories. Many of the sailors were highly interested in hearing about Kel's training, they had all heard of the Lady Knight and wished to know more about her. To her great embarrassment the men of the Own, including Dom who knew some from her page training through Neal, told them of her blunders growing up.
The four days on the ship flew past and everybody was happy when Port Caynn came into view that last evening. For Dom and Kel it once again meant that they could spend the night together.
For two days the company awoke before dawn and traveled till dusk. The last day on the road had them in Corus midafternoon. As they crested the final hill, Kel sighed at the sight of the city below. She didn't think she would ever be used to this view after long missions. It truly felt like coming home.
She felt Dom come up beside her, "Happy to be home?"
She nodded just gazing at the sprawling city. She looked at Dom with sad eyes. "I'll miss you tonight. I wish you could just join me."
She turned her head into his hand as he cupped her check, "Sweets, we talked about this, we can't share your bed until we inform Meathead and Yuki, but most importantly, the court as a whole." He got a smile belonging to a rouge, "Of course, you could always stay with me, being Captain does have the advantage of a private room, and the men already know." He squeezed her hand, "It's up to you love." She watched him ride away and sighed.
An hour later they rode into the courtyard, they found two people waiting for them, Flyn and Neal. Kel watched Neal's face as he greeted Lord Raoul and even his cousin. But when his eyes found hers, his features changed into a scowl.
"I had hoped that by sending you out with the Own I would not have to worry about you doing anything foolish. But what news did we get almost two weeks ago?" He raised his brow in question, when he didn't receive an answer he continued. "We were told my dear Keladry that you had been badly injured in a fight and in bed for days!" He turned to his cousin, "Why Domitan did you not protect her? You know just how reckless she can get!"
Dom chuckled, "Relax Meathead, she's well now, no lasting damage. And I couldn't have stopped her if I tried." He raised his hand to stop Neal before he could begin yelling. "I was not assigned in Kel's group, therefore I could do nothing." He had haunted eyes that stopped Neal from continuing.
"Well at any rate," Flyn spoke up to break the tension, "it's nice to see that most of the Own returned unharmed, Raoul, Lady Keladry, Captain." He gave a small bow to the three group leaders.
"Captain?" Neal spoke up.
"Yes Meathead, captain of Third Company at your service." He saluted Neal mockingly. "Now if you'll excuse me, I think I would like to drop off my bags bathe and have dinner. I'll see you in the mess Flyn; I think I have a few things to discuss regarding my new found position."
Kel watched as Dom and Flyn walked away, maybe she would join him tonight in his new quarters. She had a wolfish grin on her face when she turned to Neal, "So I'm glad to see that Yuki hasn't killed you yet. Learn to leave your pregnant wife alone Meathead?"
Neal scoffed, "She's not listening to what I have to say on the matter and father still has yet to see my view."
"And where is she?" Kel asked leading the way to her palace chambers. They reached her door very quickly, looking around she noticed that the area Dom had made his bed months ago was bare, her heart squeezed thinking of how long she would have to wait before he returned to her quarters. She sighed as she dropped her bags by the door. "Sorry?" She realized that Neal had been talking while she was thinking.
He scowled before frowning at her, "I said she is visiting Lalasa, getting gowns made and adjusted. She and the Princess are there." He smiled, "Have you heard? Roald and Shinko are expecting."
Kel smiled, "That's wonderful! When is she expecting?"
"Well, from what father has told me, she's a month further along than Yuki. They have waited as long as possible to announce it." He scowled, "Of course Yuki is using this against me, stating that if Shinko can still practice than she should as well." He scoffed.
Kel smiled, clasping him on the back, "Don't worry so much Meathead, pretty soon she'll slow down." Her smile grew, "And then you should be truly afraid. If she's anything like my sister-in-laws she'll be a true dragon." She chuckled at Neal's pale face. "Now if you'll excuse me, I think Dom had the right idea." She shooed him towards the door.
Neal paused before leaving, "It really is wonderful having you back Kel. You seem different after this mission. I just can't seem to place it."
Kel walked over to her friend and smiled, "I think I found myself. I was lost after that ambush. Reliving my life helped to show me that I am on the right path." She smiled making a split second decision. "And besides, the captain and I have finally came to our senses and have started to court." She smiled as she watched him frown trying to figure out what she said. Pushing him through her door, she stated, "I always thought your cousin's reputation was talk, but I can't say I'm disappointed since taking him to my bed." She closed the door before he could respond.
Dom had explored his new quarters very briefly before he enjoyed a bath in his new rooms. Being a captain of the Own truly did have perks. He sighed as he thought over how short lived his holding of this position was going to be. He was brought out of his musing by a sharp bang on his door. He sighed as he reached for a clean shirt. Opening his door he let in a very irritated Neal.
Dom sighed; he would rather be lost in his thoughts of Kel than have to deal with whatever was bothering his cousin. He plastered on a fake smile when he turned to his cousin. "So Meathead, to what do I owe this…" to Dom's surprise his question was cut off by a hard punch from his cousin landing on his jaw. He furrowed his brow, what had gotten into Neal?
He managed to block another punch, "Nealan, what has gotten into you?" He wrestled his cousin to the ground, insuring that he could do no more damage to him. He sighed as all he heard was growling. "Nealan, I usually like to know why I'm being punched outside of the practice courts, so can you please answer me. I really would like to go to dinner and I can't put your anger to rest until you stop growling at me!" He snapped.
His cousin's eyes got darker, but he at least held his breath in an attempt to calm down. "You're tumbling Kel!" He finally responded, "My best friend! How could you Domitan? She's not some court lady who you can flirt with and then throw away! You work closely with her for Mithros' sake!" He was beginning to turn purple with furry.
Dom chuckled, "She told you?" He laughed when Neal nodded. "Neal, listen, it's not what you think."
"You mean you're not bedding Kel?" Neal snapped, relaxing in his cousin's grip.
"Oh no, I am." Dom smiled, he quickly continued as he heard his cousins growl and felt him struggle against his hold once more. "What I mean Meathead, is that this isn't some court fling. I've already talked to my Lord Raoul about my resignation."
Neal froze, his face one of shock, "You're leaving the Own? But it's your life, you never planned to leave!" His look changed to one of awe. "You're leaving to marry her. Why didn't she tell me? I wouldn't have came over and made a fuss if she had."
Dom sighed getting off Neal and rubbing his tender jaw. He winced. "That is because I haven't asked her yet." He felt relief flood his aching jaw and watched as Neal removed his glowing hand. "Raoul won't accept my resignation until after I ask her. And he says that I'll most likely be acting captain until we finally take our vow."
"So who all knows?" Neal took a seat, fully relaxed.
"Raoul, Buri, Alanna, Numair, Daine, Lalasa, all of Third and the men in the army units that we worked with." He stopped a moment, "Only Raoul and Qasim know of my interest to marry her, and most likely Buri."
Neal scowled, "Only over a hundred people know about your relationship with Kel before you even tell your cousin, her best friend?"
"After her ambush, it was hard to keep the true reasons for my worry secret Neal. The men have been kind enough to look the other way at the fact that we've been sharing a tent." He chuckled, "My squad threatened me, it was fun."
Neal grinned, "So when do you plan on telling the court?" Dom didn't like the twinkle he saw in his cousin's eye as he shrugged. "How about at the ball day after tomorrow?"
Dom smiled, "That would be perfect." He clasped Neal on the back, "Come cousin, it's time for dinner, are you going to join us at the Own's mess?"
Neal shook his head, "I'm having dinner in town with my dear Yamani Blossom." He grinned, "I'll tell her about your hidden relationship then. Hopefully it will get her off of my back."
Dom laughed as they parted ways. He was glad that Yuki would go after Kel for details not him.
Dinner had passed quietly for Dom, well as quietly as it could with the Own. Kel must have decided to eat in the knight's mess to see which friends were there. This left Dom time to talk to Flyn, find out more details about his new position and organize his new living space. While feeling that everything was in place, he couldn't help but feel that there was something missing from his rooms. He sighed to himself; he knew exactly what, no who was missing as he climbed into bed.
He laid there staring at the ceiling for several minutes debating with himself if he should just go to Kel's rooms, even if they had agreed against it. Turning over he sighed he had already thought she would be here, if she joined him at all. He had not seen Kel since they had rode into Corus hours earlier, and already he missed her company. How would things be once he quite the Own and she had to ride out on missions with them, leaving him behind? Not knowing if she was injured or killed. He shivered in his dark thoughts, no he would just have to bear with it, he would love for Kel to be his wife more than him continuing to ride with the Own.
Dom was brought out of his musings by a knock on his door. Shaking his head to clear it of his thoughts, he got up and answered the door with a smile on his face.