The Torch Still Burns

Summary: Dom’s lingering feelings for Kenna come between him and Sei.

Author’s note: This is in response to the Exes prompt from laniquelove’s April Fanfic Challenge.

The leaders of all the kingdoms had come to Stormholt. After discussing politics during the day, they gathered together to relax and enjoy a meal. The other inhabitants of Stormholt Castle joined them.

Kenna stood before the group, with Raydan by her side. “I have an announcement to make. Raydan and I have some good news to share. We’re going to have a baby.”

As their friends congratulated the couple, Dom processed the news. For so long, he had hoped that one day he and Kenna would marry and have a family. He had been devastated when she ended their relationship to be exclusive with Raydan, and then married Raydan soon afterward. Now she and Raydan were starting a family.

Finally Dom smiled weakly at them. “Congratulations, Kenna. You too, Raydan.” He quickly slipped away and downed the last of his drink, then went to get another. Some Skullcracker Ale sounded good about now.

As he poured himself a glass of ale, Sei approached him. Her eyes bore into him as she got close. “You still love her, don’t you?”

Dom froze. What was he supposed to say? He didn’t want to lie to Sei. Besides, she would probably see right through him. But how could he admit the truth? He could tell that she was upset, and confirming her suspicions wouldn’t make her feel any better.

He and Sei had been involved since the night before the battle with Azura, when they slept together for the first time. However, they had never really defined their relationship. When he was in the Blackspine Mountains, they spent time together. He didn’t think she was with anyone else when he spent time in Stormholt, but he couldn’t really be sure. They didn’t talk about it, and they hadn’t discussed the future.

Sei continued to stare at him. “Aren’t you going to answer me?”

Finally, Dom spoke. “It’s complicated.”

Her eyes blazed with anger. “Pick a hell and go there, lowlander!”

She began to walk away, but Dom moved towards her. “Sei, wait!”

“Stay away from me!” she snarled.

Dom gulped his ale as he watched Sei leave the castle. He had already lost Kenna, and now he may have lost Sei too. As he filled another glass, he heard footsteps behind him. When he turned around, he found himself face to face with Kenna.

“Are you all right, Dom?” she asked him. “I heard you and Sei arguing.”

Who hadn’t? he thought. “Not really.”

Kenna frowned. “I’m sorry. Do you want to tell me what happened?”

How was he supposed to tell her that he and Sei had fought about his feelings for her? He knew that he and Kenna couldn’t be together. He wasn’t expecting anything. But he couldn’t turn his feelings off. He couldn’t just stop loving her.

Dom shook his head. “It’s between us.”

“Well, I hope you work things out,” she told him.

As the night went on, Dom’s mood didn’t improve. Sei hadn’t returned, and he didn’t feel like being around Kenna at the moment. He needed a distraction. Maybe it would do him some good to get out of the castle for a while.

He scanned the room and spotted Jackson, then walked over to him. “Hey, you want to go down to the tavern? I could use a change of scenery.”

Jackson nodded, and soon they were on their way.

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