Chap. 1: A Very Unhappy Knight

By: Midnight Maiden

(Disclaimer: Tamora Pierce owns all characters)

Keladry of Mindelan, now a knight of Tortall sat by herself under a large tree outside her rooms. She was back at Mindelan for a short time. She needed some time to herself. In a week's time her worst nightmares would be a reality. Cleon would be marrying the heiress. There was no other choice unfortunately. She had only been a knight for a few months and her dowry was very meager. She'd gone to every tournament available, but her winnings weren't enough. They didn't even begin to compare to the heiress. Lalasa had offered her money from her shop, but Kel couldn't take her money. She would just have to live with it.

Freckles landed on her shoulder, pecking her stubbornly. "What?" Kel demanded irritably, shooing the sparrow off of her. Then she noticed a shadow casting from behind her. She looked up to see Cleon. Quickly she looked away. She couldn't look at him. She would do something she hated to do. Cry.

"Kel..." he started. He seemed lost for words. She didn't say anything, just stared at her shoes. "Kel. You have to understand, I'm doing everything I can."

She couldn't keep it in anymore; she had to say something. "But it isn't enough, is it?" She knew she sounded cold, but that was how she felt.

"Please, I'll make it work somehow. I will, I promise." He sat next to her and pulled her into his arms. She wanted to pull away and run, but she found herself cuddling closer to him. She wanted to be with him so badly. But it's impossible, she reminded herself.

"Cleon, how will you make it work?" She asked. She had to know what he had in mind.

"I need some time alone with my mother. I need to speak to her in person." He stopped; she looked up at him. "With you."

Her eyes widened. He had to be kidding. "You have to be kidding." She looked at herself and back at him. "I'm a joke. She'll fall over and die laughing. The minute she sees me she'll definitely want the heiress!"

Cleon kissed her cheek. "Never. You are far more beautiful than the heiress. You're loveliness will blind her, and your kind heart will stun her."

She knew he meant to make her feel better, but nothing could. Her world was only crumbling faster now. The hole was getting deeper. The light was fading quicker. Her chances were over. There was no hope. "I can't, Cleon."

"Please, come with me. You'll have to meet her anyways." He had a point. She would have to meet his mother.

"Okay, I'll go. But I'm going to the tournament in Tirragen. I'll meet you there after." She had given in. It could be the best turn of luck, or the biggest mistake, of her life.

He kissed her quickly and picked her up, twirling her around. "I knew you would come! Thank you!"

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Cleon arrived at Kennan with the biggest knot in his stomach that he had ever had. His mother greeted him with open arms. "Hello ma," he said, hugging her tightly.

"Oh Cleon, I'm so glad you finally gave up that Mindelan girl. The heiress is waiting inside." She grabbed his arm to guide him in.

"Actually, ma, I haven't given up Keladry. I'm here to convince you that she is suitable and has a large enough dowry." He scrunched up his face and raised an eyebrow, waiting for an outburst.

She just smiled tightly and tugged his arm. "We'll see."

He got nervous as he followed her inside. What was she thinking anyway? In the parlor a very lovely girl was sitting at a table having tea with a cousin of his. She was facing away from him, so he couldn't see her face. He wondered who she was. He'd never even been told her name.

Her brown hair was pinned up in a mess of curls. She wore a gorgeous peach dress, exposing her shoulders and back. His mother cleared her throat and the girl turned around. Cleon's mouth dropped and his eyes widened. He wanted to faint right there. He had to be seeing a ghost.

"Cleon?" The girl asked. She stood over and walked up to him. He was glued to the floor.

No words came out, but he mouthed, "Ilana."

***Flashback***

Ten year-old Cleon would be leaving to become a knight! The next morning he would be going to Tortall. But something hindered his excitement. That was why he was waiting in the apple orchards. Then a pretty girl with brown curls and chocolate eyes showed up. She was wearing a pretty pink dress and matching slippers.

"Hi Lana," he said.

The young girl smiled and blushed. "Hi Cleon."

He sat down on a large root. She sat beside him. "I'm leaving tomorrow."

"I know." She took his hand in hers. "But it's okay, because I'll always remember you." She kissed him on the cheek and he blushed.

"Ah come on Lana, why are you always kissin me and stuff." He wiped his face with his hand and stuck his tongue out.

"Because I like you." She giggled and tugged a lock of his red hair.

"Yeah, I like you too, but you don't see me pulling you under tables and kissing you." She leaned up against him. He squeezed her hand tighter, not wanting to leave her behind.

"I know, but that's my job anyways. And don't worry about me. I want you to become a strong knight, so you can protect me forever."

"I will. I'll protect you forever, I promise."

***End Flashback***

So this was why his mother had been so sure. It was Lana. She looked the same, but different. More beautiful, kind of like what had happened to Kel. She was lots more beautiful now. Kel. As much as he was confused at seeing Lana now, Kel was first. She was always first. Besides he had been ten.

"Are you going to say anything?" Ilana asked.

"I...I can't believe it's you." That was all he could think to say. He ran his hands through his hair nervously. This was not good. He would have to let Lana down. He could never be with her. He didn't want to be with her.

"Come, let's have tea, shall we?" His mother suggested, trying to break the uncomfortable silence. He shot her a murderous glare and sat.

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Kel was caught up once again by the excitement of the tournament. She had a match coming up against Sir Bereck. Peachblossom was just as excited as her. He hardly stood still in his stall. She took him out and let him loose in a field. The last thing she needed was a restless horse. He could get some energy out.

In the past three days she had already won so much for her dowry. She had decided to enter in fencing as well as jousting. She could earn more. And of all her competitions she had only lost once in fencing. This would have to convince the Lady of Kennan.

Neal, who had come as her emotional support walked over. "Why are you letting him out? He'll use up all of his energy."

"No, he'll just use enough so he can concentrate and not get me killed." She swatted him on the chest playfully. "Have a little faith, huh?"

"Yeah sure. Every few hours you go out and put your life at risk and I'm supposed to have a little faith? That makes sense." That was Neal, always with the sarcasm.

"People don't die-usually. Now come on, help me get my equipment ready."

The only bad thing about this being the last day was that she would have to go to Kennan tomorrow. She was not at all ready to present herself. Her nerves were already killing her and she wasn't even there yet.

Neal elbowed her. "Take one thing at a time, okay?"

How had he known she was thinking of Kennan? It must be obvious how nervous she was. At least Neal would be the only one who would know the true source of her nerves. "Sure."

YES!!!!!!!!!!! I have conquered the writer's block! Thank you Mer, the sequel idea brought me right back! You have no idea how happy I am! Well, maybe you do. Thank x100! Tell me if I can ever help you! Okay general public, it would make me ECSTATIC if you would leave a review. Come on, humor me! Thanks so much. ^_^Midnight Maiden ^_^