AN: So, I know I said I have a case of writer's block that could smash the world to smithereens, but thanks to one review, I now have a little more inspiration. This chapter is RIDICULOUSLY short, so I don't blame you if you hate me.

Disclaimer: I own the plot. I own Keith. I don't own anything else, Tammy Pierce does.

Kel came out her room all cleaned up from the forest, feeling like she was walking on a cloud. It had been so perfect! She reflected on her current situation. Who would have thought that she, the Yamani cow, would have two men fight over her? And good looking ones too. She thought absentmindedly, and then mentally slapped herself. Now she sounded like one of those giggling girls at the ball, wearing their corsets so tight, they probably would faint if they tried running. Or eating, for that matter. She snickered at the mental image of one of the girls trying to take a bit of food, and promptly fainting. "Kel?" A voice shyly asked.

She whirled around in the hallway. There was Keith, his hair freshly brushed, in his nicest tunic. In his hands, he clutched a bouquet of flowers. They were yellow, with red tips, and reminded her of flames. "Oh, hello Keith!" She said happily.

He held out the bouquet of flowers. Gently, she took them, and looked at them. They were very serene, beautiful in a quiet sense. She was touched he had picked out a flower that fit her so well. "They're lovely Keith." She said sincerely, wondering where she could find a vase to put them in.

He blushed again. Slowly, Kel was finding she liked this side of Keith. The cocky, confident actor was gone, in his place stood a young boy, vulnerable and sweet. "I picked them just for you. They signify friendship," He looked even more embarrassed. "And falling in love."

And just like that, it happened. Holding the roses in one hand, she leaned up and gave him a hug. "That has got to be the sweetest thing a person's ever done for me." She whispered to him.

As his arms encircled her, she couldn't help but notice how toned they were. Silly court girls, tight corsets, fainting. She reminded herself. But her mind kept right on admiring how muscular some men were, and even started comparing Dom and Keith.

Keith finally stepped back, and took a deep breath. "Kel, may I ask you something?"

She looked at him. "It depends on what it is."

"Uh, well I know it's sudden, but one of those little balls that lead up to the big Midwinter Ball is being hosted this Saturday. May I have the honor of accompanying you to it?" He looked so nervous, but it was so cute.

"Of course!" Kel beamed at him.

"A-and well, there's something else." Keith muttered.

"What?" Kel asked curiously, eyes sparkling.

Fast as lightning, Keith swooped down, and kissed her. Kel stiffened in shock, but soon decided that she quite liked this. Hands going to his hair, what was initially a short, sweet kiss deepened, until a cough interrupted them. Jumping away from Keith, Kel whirled around, and looked straight into the eyes of none other than Dom. His eyes were clouded with a bit of hurt, and anger. Not at her, but at Keith. Turning back to Keith, she saw that he too was glaring right back, a challenge in his eyes. Back and forth she looked, and she now stood in the middle of the two men. It was all too much. She couldn't go either way, for it could be signified as her choosing someone, and she wasn't quite sure she was ready to choose yet. Just then, the sound of footsteps announced another person. "Kel!" Numair Salmain said jovially. "I was just looking for you. Remember, you promised Daine that you would show her some of the hand-to-hand combat techniques…"

She had never been more thankful than when he dragged her away, babbling on about some trivial thing. As soon and they took a turn, he stopped chattering and turned to look at her, eyes sparkling in amusement. "Got yourself in quite a situation there." He commented.

She nodded vigorously. "Thank you so much Master Salmain."

"Oh, just call me Numair. Master Salmain sounds so old. Anyways, you need to thank my magelet. Some bird told her that it saw two male two-leggers, fighting over a mate. She put two and two together. Well, I really must be going. Have fun with whatever Daine and Alanna have concocted." He sauntered off, smiling in amusement.

She waved goodbye to him and continued on her way to the palace gardens. Sitting on a stone bench, she knew two things. First, Dom and Keith did NOT get along. Secondly… she quite liked kissing.

AN: A review (or four) a day, keeps the writer's block away. Hint, hint…