Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Tamora Pierce that is recognizable

A/N: Just did some editing thanks to some advice from a wonderful reviewer :)

Dom's POV

I was grateful Meathead had leant me his blue tunic for the ball tomorrow night. It would look far better on me than on him, and I really had no new tunics that she hadn't already seen me wearing. Draping the tunic over my arm, I began whistling quietly on my way back to my rooms from the knights' wing.

As I rounded the last corner in the wing, Kel's door came into sight. My mind scrambled for an excuse to knock as I stopped outside her door. Glancing around, my eyes lingered on the blue clothing draped across my arm. Surely it's not unreasonable to ask an opinion on what I plan to wear tomorrow. I still can't believe I'll be escorting Kel to the ball!

Hearing an exasperated cry emitting from inside, I couldn't help but grin. Hopefully she's all flushed from whatever is agitating her. She's so beautiful when she's flushed. I raised a fist and knocked loudly.

Kel's POV

My shoulders ached from trying to reach behind me. I just couldn't get the strings to unlace this dress! Lalasa had me try it on in her shop for the ball tomorrow night, and I loved it so much I decided to wear it home so I could show it off downtown for a bit. I couldn't understand how the court ladies managed it; they probably have someone help them get these gowns off. At least I'll be dressed in time for the ball, since I will still be stuck in this thing! Although Dom might not appreciate a dress that's been worn for two days.

In the hallway, someone was whistling. It was really rather annoying that some people were carefree whilst others were embarrassingly unable to dress themselves. I let out an exasperated cry as I gave up and plopped down on my bed.

There was a knock at the door. "Hold on," I grumbled, getting up to open the door. Dom stood there, smiling in awe as he looked me over.

"Wow Kel. Please tell me you are wearing that tomorrow?"

Blushing, I nodded. "I'll be wearing it the rest of my life," I mumbled.

He raised his eyebrows, looking very much like Neal. "What do you mean?"

"I can't reach the laces," I sighed, motioning towards my back.

He stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. I mistrusted the twinkle in his eyes.

My suspicions were confirmed as he grinned and said, "Let me help you with that." Before I could respond, he grabbed my shoulders and spun me around so my back was to him. With one quick movement of his hand my laces were undone and I had to grab the top of the dress to keep it from slipping down.

"There," he seemed proud of himself. "My expertise has ridden you of your distress."

Holding my dress up with one hand, I pushed him towards the door with the other. I rolled my eyes at his remark. Great. Even the men that court me can't remember that I'm a woman. "I'm not impressed by your experience Dom."

He grinned mischievously and winked at me. "Oh, you will be."

Reviews please? This is my attempt at being funny. Plus I love charming Dom...