Knight Keladry sighed as she stared at the castle walls. Peachblossom nudged her, tugged at her hair, and gnashed his teeth. He was tired from the long journey from New Hope to the city of Corus.

"I know Peachblossom. We'll get you to the stables soon. Stefan will care for you."

That must have calmed him, Kel mused. Of course, Stefan is great with the horses. Just as good as Daine.

She turned to Hoshi and stroked her. Unlike Peachblossom, Hoshi hadn't been burdened with Kel's belongings. She just had to endure Kel's weight. Then again, Kel probably weighed more than all her luggage. Hoshi was just more forgiving.

I hate these sorts of gatherings, Keladry thought. It has been years since I've done any duties of a real knight. Kel stopped. No, that's not right. I have an obligation to protect the people of New Hope. But from what? The fort is doing fine…prospering, even.

A strong hand clamped her shoulder, and she turned to see the smiling face of Domitan of Masbolle.

"Time to go, Kel," he said with a knowing grin. "I know you hate these meetings and parties, but you must represent New Hope."

Oh yes, thought Kel. King Jonathan needs to be reminded of the need to enforce the rights of the people as well as our borders…and I need to request that his soldiers leave.

It had been months since Fort New Hope had been in any sort of danger, and that last incident was not a result of the war. How could the Scanrans be blamed for a rampaging killer unicorn? No, the Scanrans had learned their lesson a decade ago. The only problem plaguing New Hope was the restless immortals - especially the Stormwings. Their lust for blood had driven them to ravage crops in hopes of inspiring minor wars amongst the peasants. If that was not complicated enough, the King's soldiers were growing a little too accustomed to the fort. They gorged themselves on food and would not accept the order of society. They were always causing trouble. Perhaps it was that the presence of women was stronger in New Hope. The soldiers did not mesh well with the dominant ladies. And some of them didn't take well to being put in their place by blacksmith's wives or bakers, especially given how hardened and intimidating some of the ladies could be.

Those women are tough and can be vicious if need be. But they've been through so much, Kel thought to herself.

Dom's smooth voice cut her thoughts away. "Are you going to stand there in a daze all morning? You do know Lady Alanna will be making an appearance too, right? You, Alanna, and Raoul can all sulk together in your anti-socialness."

"Oh, I'm not so bad. Or at least not as bad as Lord Raoul. Then again, when compared with you and the Meathead, I'm as social as a doorknob," Kel responded.

"Oh, come now. If you feel bitterly about it, we can give you lessons! What sayest thou, Lady Doorknob?" Nealan of Queenscove exclaimed as he emerged from the nearest bush.Of course he'd be eavesdropping…

Kel glanced at Neal. "You seem to be in a splendid mood today," she remarked.

Neal smiled and headed to his saddle, departing from the conversation as quickly and suddenly as he entered..

"The Meathead must have received word from Yuki already," Dom called to his cousin teasingly.

"You do not understand the wonders of love as I do, Dom. One day, you'll become a man like me." Neal winked at him before sticking his tongue out.

Dom raised his dark eyebrows and grimaced.

"…Does he honestly think he is a man when making such gestures?"

It was a very busy day at the palace in Corus. Arrangements for Princess Vania's marriage were being discussed, and King Jonathan and Queen Thayet were expecting the birth of yet another grandchild. Prince Roald, Princess Shinkokami, and Princess Lianokami were to arrive at noon. Yuki, of course would be there, too. That explained Neal's giddiness, although he was almost always high-spirited, so it didn't make much difference.

Keladry was looking forward to seeing her Yamani friend again. She hoped to practice her glaive skills with her. Hopefully Yuki had been improving and learning new moves since last Midwinter, but Kel doubted Yuki would lose at a contest involving the naginata, the weapon that had been her life's passion. Or at least one of her passions, though Kel as she remembered Neal's ridiculous love struck expression.