This wasn't supposedto take so longto put up but I couldn't figure out how to! Thanksto everyone who reviewed and encouraged meto put up this next chapter.I'm a bigK/N fan, so this story mightturn out fluffy in places. Yell at me if it doestoo much, k?
Eowyn
Disclaimer: See Chapter One
Kel's POV
"Come on Kel!" Nealan of Queenscove called through my door as I was readying myself for the ambassador's arrival. As always, hearing Neal's voice brought a funny feeling to my stomach. I've had a crush on him since we were pages. Now we were squires, which was why Neal and myself were having to attend this ball, instead of relaxing after lesson for a week.
Crossly, I yanked open my door, almost causing Neal to fall into my room - he had been leaning on it. After he regained his feet, Neal looked at me gathering what dignity he could
"I thought you were..." when suddenly he trailed and looked down. Was that a blush? Confused, I looked down at myself. Had I forgotten to put something on? Nope, as far as I could tell I looked perfectly all right. When I looked back up, Neal looked normal, so I dismissed my confusion, thinking it was a mistake. Turning I began to walk down the hall, with Neal trailing along behind.
When we caught up to Merric of Hollyrose, Cleon of Kennon, Esmond of Nicoline and Seaver of Tasride, I was surprised to hear them arguing loudly. Catching sight of us, they all fell silent.
"What's going on, why were you yelling?" I asked, rasing an eyebrow.
"N-Nothing" Merric stammered, turning a bright red. Disbelieving, I would have questioned further, but we had arrived at the Great Hall.
Pausing as I entered the Hall, I was taken aback by the amount of people in there. It seemed every noble in the kingdom was there for the ambassador's arrival. My friends and I walked over to where the other squires were standing. We got there not a moment too soon - or rather too late.
With a rush of colour and cold air, the ambassadors from Kenmaila arrived. There was three elegantly dressed nobles, and one slave. I felt my temper rise at the sight of her. She was bone-thin, wearing a simple, very grubby shift. What most angered me, though, was the reddish-brown stains visible on her back - blood. Exhaustion was in her movements and when someone brushed by her back, her face creased in pain. I wasn't the only one who noticed, though. Behind me I heard Neal whisper, "look at her, she's so thin. And she's obviously been beaten."
I nodded as the herald began his introductions, I didn't really pay much attention, only to the ambassador's names - Sir Calwin of Comlig, his wife, Lady Emi and his daughter, Lady Adela.
Lady Adela whispered something to the slave, who turned and headed for the exit. I wished to go after her and see what was wrong, but I couldn't leave the introductions.
After the introductions were complete, there was a ball. I was hoping to get away but Prince Roald intercepted me before I could make the doors.
"Hello, Kel" he said with a smile. I murmured an answer while at the same time looking over my shoulder at the exit. I was hoping he would get the message and leave me alone, but he seemed to be oblivious.
"So you are not enjoying yourself?" Roald asked. I was going to answer, when Lady Adela interrupted. Without even looking at me, she began to speak to Roald. As much as I hated her for her treatment of the slave, I was grateful. I slipped out the Hall and began to search for the slave.
