Disclaimer: For the last time, it's not mine.
A/N: I know, I know, I'm late. I was going to put this up last night, but I got distracted by something else. Anyway, here you go - enjoy, and don't forget to review!

It was Midwinter about a year and a half later. Kel gripped Dom's hand under the table at one of the feasts. It was the night that they were going to announce their betrothal. Dom grinned at her and squeezed her hand, trying to help quell her nervousness. She managed a smile, not a big one, but a smile all the same. She was still hiding behind her Yamani mask most of the time, but she was getting better about it. If she was going to stay in Tortall, then she would have to work on it.

She had written the Yamani Emperor and asked for his permission to remain in Tortall permanently, as well as permission to marry. She couldn't say that she had been happy about it, but it was necessary according to the protocol of the Yamani Court. The Tortallans weren't as formal as that – all they really had to do was sign the contract and announce it to the rest of the court.

It was rather interesting how her life had changed in the last two years. Now, she found that she could talk to King Jonathan, and even Lord Wyldon, without being bitter about what had happened.

Neal and Yuki had an adorable seven-month-old daughter, and Dom had proposed to her just a few days before. For the first time since she had left Tortall when she was eleven, she was happy, truly happy.

She straightened the Tortallan style russet-colored gown she wore. Dom squeezed her hand again. "You don't need to be nervous, Kel. We're not even the ones who are announcing it. The king has to. We don't even have to stand up," he told her. She nodded, glancing at the dais where King Jonathan and Queen Thayet sat. Dinner had ended a quarter bell ago, and the king would be making his announcements at the beginning of the next bell.

"If you'll excuse me, I need some fresh air," Kel told Dom and the others at the table. She slipped from her chair and quietly disappeared from the room. She headed straight for the balcony. For a while, she watched the stars glittering in the oblivion of the night sky. Before long, she head soft, measured footsteps behind her. She glanced over her shoulder to see Dom standing at her shoulder, smiling softly at her.

"I love you, Kel." He kissed her forehead and pulled her close. Kel smiled.

"I love you, too, Dom."

He chuckled softly and turned his gaze where hers had been a moment before. "Beautiful, isn't it?" He asked. "The view of the stars is one of my favorite things about the palace."

Kel nodded. "Yes, it is beautiful…" She said. They watched the stars for a long time, while Kel contemplated the life ahead of her. It was definitely something she was looking forward to.

A/N: So, there you go, the end of Hard Spun. I hope you enjoyed the story! If you did, check out some of my other stuff! And before any of you ask, sorry, guys, but there's no sequel in the works for this one. I have an idea floating around in my head at the moment, but I won't have time for a while.

Thanks for reading!

Lioness's Heart