Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot line. All characters, settings, and anything known to have taken place in the novels or looks familiar belongs to Tamora Pierce.
Flirting With Consequence
The mess hall was quiet the next morning when Keladry of Mindelan entered alone. Looking around she located friends at the back of the room. Covering her mouth to stifle a yawn, she grabbed her breakfast from the waiting cooks just as the bell tower chimed the tenth morning hour. The handful of remaining pages hurried from the hall towards their classes.
Weaving her way between tables and benches, Kel set her tray on the wooden table with a clatter and seated herself on the bench, across from Neal and beside Owen. She offered them a slight nod before taking a spoonful of porridge. The others at the table glanced at each other with incredulous looks on their faces.
She knew it was coming and didn't even look up when Neal cleared his throat loudly to get her attention. She took another bite of porridge.
"Where were you last night?" he asked haughtily, elbows propped on the table. She stirred her porridge idly with her spoon.
"I fell asleep writing out supply lists based on the correspondence from New Hope that arrived yesterday." She sneaked a quick look across the table where Domitan of Masbolle was heavily focused on his bacon. She had rehearsed that line all morning while he pretended to critique her acting.
"You and Dom need to break out of your predictable circle" Neal said sarcastically. Kel faked a surprised look.
"Dom wasn't there, either? What was his excuse?" she asked, the picture of innocence. Dom too had practiced his lines.
"He flirted his way into some lady's bed. Typical Dom" Neal retorted. The rest of the group laughed quietly, including Kel. "For once, could you court a lady who isn't married, or betrothed or too dainty to put her own shoes on?"
Kel almost choked on her porridge. Dom offered Neal a Player's smile.
"Of course, Cousin. I promise to work on that" Dom told him with a wink. "Would Kel suffice? I'm sure the lovely Lady Knight would be delighted to escort me to whatever is planned for this evening." Neal stared.
"Do not jest about tumbling Kel. You would corrupt her" Neal told him.
"I doubt I am in danger of being corrupted. And since you will most likely force me to attend whatever function is arranged tonight, I may as well accept the Sergeant's proposal. It might help me break out of my 'predictable circle' as you put it." Kel pushed her bowl away and propped an elbow on the table, resting her chin in her hand and watching Neal process what she had said.
"We invoke his wrath when we tease like that" Dom told her pointedly, as if Neal was a small child who wasn't present. Neal glared at him.
"I know, but it's so easy. And he turns that adorable shade of red" Kel noted as her friends tried not to laugh at the scene unfolding. Neal looked murderous.
"Relax, Neal. They're teasing. It's not like he's actually tumbling her; the entire palace would know" Seaver offered, taking on the position of mediator.
Neal threw up his hands in frustration. Standing, he marched towards the exit, mumbling about 'seriousness' and 'insubordination'. Kel smiled as he left, letting her gaze wander towards Dom. If only they all knew, she thought. They would be helping Neal hide the evidence of our murders.