Forget
Perhaps, once upon a time, Neal understood Kel. Maybe, once upon a time he even understood himself. But now, he wasn't so sure. He had been on duty away from Kel for four years now, and in those four years, Neal had forgotten how to smile. Yuki and his daughter had been killed by raiders, his father has a heart attack, the fief's trades diminished to nothing.
So, here stood Nealen, here by court invitation of Prince Roald, as, so he had heard, was Kel.
He jammed hands into his pocket and watched the various passer-bys going about their chores. A maid carried a sleeping infant down the hall, singing softly. Two manservants carried a large basket of linen past him, huffing up the stairs.
He looked away from their progress in time to see a young lady and Prince Roald, talking softly about the tournament to be held in a few weeks. They entered the door beside Neal, a dawning look of familiarity drawing across the woman's face as she passed him slowly, following the prince. Moments later she reappeared in the doorway to greet Neal warmly.
"Neal? My goodness, you look older." Her soft comment was soft and kind. "I heard about Yuki and Emilia. I truly am sorry for your loss."
It took him a moment to realize that the well bred lady in front of him was Keladry of Mindelan.
Gently, she tugged him into a tight hug, fighting the urge to cry for Yuki and for Neal, but she didn't. They stood there, silently for a moment, Neal's arms around Kel's waist, his cheek against the top of her head.
Gods he had missed her.
"It's been a long time." Neal amended softly, pulling back to kiss her cheek. "You look well enough." And for the first time since Yuki and his daughter had died, Nealen of Queenscove smiled.
He hadn't forgotten, he just needed a lesson, which Kel just happened to be there to teach.