Disclaimer: All characters and places recognized belong to the wonderful Tamora Pierce.
When I open my eyes I notice that it is still before dawn. I snuggle deeper into the warmth that surrounds me. I smile when I feel a hand starting to caress my body. I look up into dancing blue eyes and can't help but sit up and kiss Dom. I straddle him, expressing how happy I am to wake up next to him.
"I was beginning to think that you wouldn't come last night. I almost broke my promise to not go to your chambers." Dom started talking. I ran my fingers along his jaw, I noticed him flinch. Looking closer I notice a fading bruise. "Meathead paid me a visit yesterday." He shrugged.
"I couldn't help but tell him. I never expected that he would hit you." I gently kiss his jaw, his hands burry themselves into my hips keeping me in place. His lips are on my neck. "I'm sure I'm going to have a visit from Yuki today." I am distracted by Dom's movements.
Once we have finished our love making, dawn is truly upon us. I sigh as I get out of the bed and begin to get dressed. I can feel his eyes follow me. "Do you really need to get up?" I look up to see him pouting.
"I need to go to the practice courts, even if Yuki and Shinko aren't there, I can talk to mama." I giggle, "I want to tell her about you." His eyes look worried, it's not often a lady tells her mother that she has given away her virtue before marriage. "Don't worry sweets, she told me about how she and papa didn't wait till marriage, and how my position is unique." I dropped a loving kiss on his mouth before moving towards the door.
"Kel, I would like to announce our relationship at the ball tomorrow night. Is that ok with you sweets?" I watch as he gets out of bed, walking towards me. I quickly admire the view before I answer him.
"Of course Dom, I feel sorry for all the court ladies who are going to be broken hearted that they can't have the court's most wanted bachelor." I giggle.
"Good, maybe you can talk to Yuki as Lalasa finishes up a dress for you. I'm sure that's not going to be a fun conversation."
I nod before giving him one last kiss and slip out of his door, practice glaive in hand. I came prepared last night. As I walk towards the practice courts I can't help but feel excited, maybe after tomorrow Dom and I can freely explore our relationship. As I enter the practice court, I can't help but smile as I look at Yuki and Shinko. Queen Thayet is the first one to notice my presence.
"Lady Knight, it has been awhile. I heard you were injured during your last mission."
I bow my head, noticing my mama's worried look. "Yes, a stupid mistake that could have easily taken my life, luckily the Black God was feeling merciful." I hold up my hand when I notice mama will say something. "I've already been scolded several times, rest assure I am thoroughly warned."
Yuki's eyes have a gleam in them, I know what is coming. "So Keladry, besides the actual mission how have you been, anything you wish to share?" From the other's looks I know they have no idea what she's hinting at.
"There is plenty. I would have to say that this was a new experience of riding with the Own. As Raoul's squire, I was considered off limits to the means of pranking. Not anymore." I laugh, "I had to spend three weeks riding in a dress." I giggle, "Dom, that is Lady Yuki's cousin-in-law, also shared the same fate. I was able to teach him the art of wearing dresses."
All the women laughed. "Surely you did not let the men get the best of you?" The Queen asked.
I shook my head, "The pranks got so out of hand that Raoul had to ban them from this mission. Of course when I was injured he relented, else the Captain would have been in more trouble." I giggle.
"I still feel that he should have gotten more punishment!" a dry voice spoke from the other side of the yard. Kel grinned at the sight of Buri, the colorfulness of her appearance had faded, but the pranks were still evident.
Buri's longtime friend let out a laugh, "Dear gods, what happened to you? I don't think I've ever seen someone get you this bad!"
Buri smiled, showing white teeth, the only thing to have faded from the prank. "Our dear Lady Knight's captain took it upon himself to prank Raoul and myself. I must admit, it was smart of him to knock us out. I'd have to say that he is a keeper Kel."
"Your Captain? Keladry do you possibly have something else to share about this mission?" Lady Ilane's cool voice washed over her youngest daughter.
"Yes mama. Domitan of Masbolle and I have started to court. We plan to announce it at the ball tomorrow." I keep my face impassive, all these women have found the loves of their lives, and I have finally joined them.
Mama pulled me to her, "I'm so proud of you. Now," she looked me in the eye, "are you being careful? Even if you two truly love each other an unplanned babe could ruin his career, he is in the Own after all."
I sigh, "I know mama. We're being careful. I would never ask him to leave for me; I know how much the Own needs him. I have not found a better leader."
I notice a look pass between Buri and the Queen, but it is pulled out of my mind when I hear a strangled cry from the entrance of the practice court. Turning I look into the dancing eyes of Dom before I notice the furious look on Neal's face.
"Yuki, how many times have I asked you not to practice?"
Yuki rolled her eyes, "I'm being perfectly careful Nealan. Your father sees nothing wrong, only you do. Even Queen Thayet sees no problem with Shinko practicing, and she's carrying the royal grandchild."
"I have missed his Meatheadedness, haven't you?" Dom stage whispered into my ear, I giggled and nod.
As we watch the couple leave the practice court, I take Dom's hand and lead him over to mama, "Mama, this is Domitan of Masbolle, my suitor. Dom my mother Lady Ilane of Mindelan." Dom being the charmer that he is takes my mother's hand and kisses it with a small bow. I can tell by the twinkle in her eyes she is happy.
After talking a few more minutes with mama, we both excuse ourselves and head to the Own's mess. After breakfast, I leave Dom to handle Own business as I hunt for Yuki. I find her in her suite.
"Keladry, I could not believe my husband last night when he told me that you and his cousin had finally began a relationship. How long has it been going?"
"For two months." Kel stated shyly. "We actually went on our first date when you shared the news of your pregnancy." Her eyes crinkled with mirth, "That night his squad locked him out of the barracks. We nearly gave my Lord Raoul a heart attack when he arrived at my door and discovered Dom and I in our nightwear."
Yuki pulled out her fan to cover her face, "Why would he not come and stay with us? He is Neal's cousin."
Kel grinned, "He did, but what he heard persuaded him not to interrupt the activities going on in the room." Kel raised her eyebrows and had to hide a giggle as Yuki blushed lightly. She returned to her tale. "Our courtship wasn't that easy to get started. We grew closer to starting it as we plotted pranks on his men, but jealousy got in the way when I talked about previous crushes. It wasn't until I was stuck in the rain without a tent that we started our relationship. Raoul was understanding enough to allow us to share a tent."
"And did you engage in more than kissing while in the tent?"
Kel blushed, "No, we only did more in rooms while available. We did spend over a month of our courtship apart."
"Well, I am happy for you. Now shall we find you a dress for the ball? I would think you would want to look your best."
Lalasa's shop had been growing since I had last been in Corus. I knew that she had wonderful skills when she was my maid, but I am still speechless by all that I see.
"My Lady Kel! You're back." Kel felt herself being pulled into a quick hug. "I have a dress here for you, I have a feeling that you came for something for the ball tomorrow?" She beamed at my nod. "This is going to look perfect on you! And I know Sergeant Domitan is going to love you in this dress! That reminds me, I still have that flower arrangement upstairs. I didn't want to leave it in your rooms while you were gone."
Yuki had her fan out covering her face, an eyebrow raised, "Why didn't you tell me that those two were courting? You knew this whole time."
Lalasa waved her hand, "It's not my place Lady Yuki."
"Well I'm sure anything you make will be lovely Lalasa, and it's not Sergeant Domitan that I am trying to impress at the ball." I giggle a little as her face falls. "It's Captain. He received a promotion during the mission."
Lalasa looked at me sternly, "That was not a nice trick you played on me Lady Knight. Now try on this dress, I made it with the fabric that I found in Pearlmouth. I have yet to advertise that I have it." She clapped her hands, "I wanted you to be the first to wear it at court."
As I had known, the dress was perfect; there were only a few minor adjustments that needed to be made. We left Lalasa's shop with the lovely bouquet of flowers that Dom had gotten me; she promised to see me tomorrow with my finished dress and would help me get ready.
As we approached my room I could hear the unmistakable drawl of Neal before we saw him. "Where is she, I told her she's not to overdue anything that would be too strenuous for her!"
Dom chuckled, "Meathead, Yuki is only four months pregnant, not seven or eight! Besides, she's with Kel, so relax."
"Relax? You want me to relax while my pregnant wife is nowhere to be found, with a woman who can find trouble with her eyes closed. That will really help me calm down." Neal huffed.
"Thanks for your vote of confidence Nealan." Kel alerted her best friend to her presence. She looked at Dom, noticing the twinkle in his eye as he took in the sight of her carrying his flowers. "Lalasa kept them at her shop," Kel snorted, "She claimed that it was because she wasn't sure that the palace servants could care for them."
"Well, they look as lovely as they did when I gave them to you months ago my lady. I take it that you found a dress for tomorrow night?" Dom asked, ignoring his scowling cousin.
"Of course Captain." Kel handed him the flowers so she could enter her rooms.
"Nealan, why can't you get me flowers like those?" Yuki asked, her eyes crinkling around the edges with mirth.
His scowl disappeared, "You want flowers my Yamani blossom? I will get you the most beautiful flowers that I can!" He rushed off down the hall, determination in every step.
Yuki giggled, "That should keep him busy for a short while, and maybe I should have told him that yours is an enchanted arrangement." The three of them looked at each other before laughing. "I'll leave you two and return to my room, good evening."
Kel watched Yuki walk away before turning to Dom motioning him into her rooms. "How has your day been Captain?" Kel took the flowers and found a spot for them in her sitting room, listening to Dom explain the Own's business he had to attend.
All of Kel's plans seemed to have gone down in a fire blaze worthy of blazebalm after the midday meal. While she had wanted to go riding and enjoy a lazy afternoon to herself, she found herself being dragged out of the mess hall not by one, but by two pregnant Yamani ladies. When she tried to put up a fight she was treated with a royal order from Shinko.
Resigned to her fate, Kel followed meekly behind her friends and entered the royal chambers. Kel hid her grin when she saw Lalasa there calling out orders to the girls working under her control. Her small smile vanished when Lalasa's scowling face turned towards the three women. "Baths now! There's only a few hours before the ball starts, now go."
Once again, Kel followed her friends meekly into a royal bath that Kel had no idea was joined to Shinko's suite, it was smaller than those found around the palace, but much larger than her own washroom.
Kel was surprised by how much she was enjoying her time with her friends. They soaked for a good part of an hour, allowing all of their muscles to relax and wash away any cares that they may have been having. Kel could tell that both Yuki and Shinko were planning on having her enjoy her night.
Upon exiting the bath, Kel was whisked to a seat and was pounced upon by one of Shinko's many maids that had been given to her by her in-laws. In what felt like forever to Kel, her hair and makeup was done. Looking at herself in the mirror, she couldn't help but be amazed at the woman who looked back at her.
She caught the slight smiles on her friend's faces and lifted an eyebrow at them. Finding a fan, Shinko covered her face before she spoke, "Your Captain Domitan and all of your male friends will not be able to recognize you."
"You may even have a few enemies among the court ladies as well Keladry."
Kel bowed her head, "I think that I will already make a few with our announcement tonight. Although it is for nothing more than a courtship, there are bound to be a few ladies that will not be pleased."
"Lady Kel, who cares what those snobby ladies say and think all that matters is that you and your Captain are happy. Now stand up so I can make sure everything is ready with your dress, there's only an hour before Dom is here to pick you up." Lalasa's voice held a hint of authority that she was not used to.
With final approval made by Lalasa and the other ladies present, Kel waited nervously for the arrival of the men. It had been agreed upon that the ladies would be picked up from Shinko's room and as a group they would enter the ball.
When the knock sounded Kel took a deep breath as Lalasa opened the door. She was pleased to see that not only had Roald, Neal and Dom come to collect her and her friends, but that Lord Raoul, Buri, Alanna and George Cooper were also in the group.
She couldn't help but blush when George bowed to her and asked rather loudly, "And who must you be young lady? I don't think we've met." He sent her a wink before grabbing hold of his wife who had slapped his chest at his jesting.
Her smile grew when she saw the look of appreciation on Dom's face. With him, she was happy and that was all that should matter. With that thought, the group left to head to the ballroom. She felt Dom gently squeeze her hand before they entered. Having arrived later than other members of the court to the ball the crowd turned to see who the late arrivals were. "I don't think your friends recognize you my Lady." Dom's breath tickled Kel's ear, "I may just have to fight a few of them off you." Kel gasped as his lips met hers in an obvious show for all those watching.
"Ouch!" Dom was rubbing his ribs which she had elbowed, and apparently someone had smacked him on the back of his head. "Why'd you do that Meathead? You don't see me hitting you every time you do something with Yuki, no matter how nauseating it maybe."
"I never stake my claim on her like some savage." Neal was quick to retort. "Besides my dear cousin, I wanted to alert to the fact that the wolves are approaching." He waved his hands around indicating the advance of Kel's friends and various court ladies who seemed to want to find out more about the unknown lady with the much sought after court bachelor.
"Kel?" The sound of surprise from behind her made her turn to come face to face with a small group of friends, which included Owen, Merric and Cleon. She thought she caught some fleeting emotion on Cleon's face, but before she could be sure it was gone.
"That was some jolly kiss Kel. I must say we were wondering when you'd arrive, if at all. We never did think you'd be coming as a court lady." Merric slapped Owen on the back of the head, stopping his rambles.
"It's nice to see you two finally come to your senses." Merric teased, "I really was happy to be sent back with the refugees to be away from you during our Scanran adventure. You two were quite sickening." Kel couldn't help but shake her head.
"And besides, I always thought he spent too much time around you to just be a friend." Kel looked sharply at Cleon.
Before she could tell him anything Dom spoke up, "Just so you know, I never really had much interest in her when you two were courting." He flashed a winning smile towards Cleon.
Cleon huffed, "You flirted. And I know that she at least had feeling for you."
Kel gapped, "How? Not even Dom knew. And before you say it was obvious, tell me if you ever knew about the crush I had on Neal."
Kel couldn't help but chuckle at Neal who was sputtering. Dom pulled her closer to him, "Don't worry Meathead, she already knows about your crush. Pity you never did ask her, you have no idea what you missed." Kel once again elbowed Dom's ribs. He just chuckled while placing a kiss on her temple.
"Kel, can you help me with something?" Yuki came over and whispered, "We need to talk about something."
Kel smiled, "Of course, if you'd all excuse me." She followed Yuki into an empty room. "What is it Yuki?"
"The court ladies are particularly vicious tonight…And I just wanted to let you know that some might be out for blood." Kel raised her eyebrow. "Cleon's wife, she seems to be in the lead. I just didn't want you to be unaware."
Kel forced a smile, "Yuki, I've had the courts gossip about me all my life, I'm sure I can handle a few court ladies. Now, let's go back and join the men shall we?" They quickly walked back to their friends to find that trouble had moved in while they were out.
"Cleon, I really don't like that you are talking to her. You know she's just a two bit whore."
"Em…" Cleon started but was cut off.
"No you don't. You are my husband and I know you've had her, so don't play dumb, it's no secret that she's slept her way through knight training and with all the soldiers."
Kel had heard enough, before the others could defend her, hopefully without harming the court lady in front of her, she cleared her throat and smiled sweetly. "I can understand your worry milady, but please rest assured that your husband is an honorable man. Our courtship was finished before your marriage. And as far as my achievements, I can assure you that I earned everything I have. Remarks have been made in regard to my virtue, and I can tell you that all hints are false. There is only one man I have slept with, and he is my current sweetheart. Could you tell me the same? While I know that it is frowned upon, I know not all court ladies are fully chaste before the marriage bed. How many lovers have you taken before you were forced to marry? From your bitter attitude, I must assume that you were in a happy courtship before you were quickly married to a man you hardly even knew?"
Those around them were quiet, waiting for Emelian's response. "Yes." Her voice was so soft that Kel had trouble hearing it. "I did have a lover; he was from a village near my fief. He is the only other man I've been with." She looked up at Kel, remorse clear in her eyes. "I'm sorry Lady Keladry. I have let my own heartbreak bleed for too long. I just envy you and your freedom to choose whom you court."
Kel gave her a real smile. "Cleon told me how nice and kind you are, so I knew it wasn't you speaking milady." Kel's smile grew as Emelian's did.
AN: Sorry for letting 3 months go by since I last updated, I swear that was not my intent. Unfortunately by me trying to update the story every day for a a week in July (and failing) burnt me out. I have had this chapter halfway written since then, but then I had traveling, work and school start. I finally got it finished, but when I started to type it up I had to stop because my carpal tunnel started to flare up with my busy strenuous schedule, so I have finally finished, even with both hands in braces! Hope you have enjoyed, and sad to say that I don't know when the next chapter is going to be posted, but this story is almost to it's end.