Break Up
A/N: I just read Lady Knight & I wanted to try and write the break up scene
but with Kel still having feelings for Cleon. Please read and review!!
Disclaimer: Tamora Pierce owns everything, and the first two paragraphs are
almost a direct quote from the book but with a few words changed.
"May I have a word with you Kel? Alone?"
She couldn't refuse. Her thoughts tumbled as she followed him outside. They
stood under the eaves that sheltered the inn's door, the wind blowing rain on
to them. She moved to kiss him but stoped herself. He hadn't tried to kiss her
and she suddenly realised what was coming.
"I've just one way to get money for grain and the live stock we lost,
Kel" he said. "The money lenders only gave mother polite regrets. I
have to marry Ermelain of Aminar or my people will starve this winter." He
turned away. "I'm sorry. I'd thought if we had more time..."
No, she thought. She had accepted that this would have to happen
eventually but a small part of her hadn't and it was the one that took control,
it wanted to fight for Cleon.
Her face filled with pain "Cleon..." she reached out to him,
searching for words. "You had lots of ideas, we could raise the money
somehow!"
"I really want to try but I have to marry Ermelain. It's that or let my
people die." He said, his back to her. Kel looked around desperately, as
if looking for an answer in the rain.
"We could ask for help from neighbouring fiefs or Minderlan. We could keep
asking the money lenders, one will surly lend you some. We could raise money
somehow! Oh please, we have to find a way!" Kel knew how ludicrous she
sounded but that little part of her was in control now and it didn't want to
give up, as much as her better judgment tried to push it down.
Cleon rubbed his eyes with his sleeve and turned to face her. It was the look
on his face that finally pushed the little part of her down. He was hurting and
what Kel was doing was making it worse.
"Kel, I really am sorry. If I could think of anything I would but..."
Kel forced her Yamani face to slid on.
"It'... OK." She took a shuddering breath "I...I understand, I
just...lost control for a second, I'm OK. You said she was nice, at lest you'll
be married to someone you could grow to love." Kel said choking on the
word love. "We can still be friends, nothing can change that." Her
full outwards calm returning.
"Yes, nothing." He said trying and failing to smile. He seemed
startled by her sudden change in attitude but didn't say anything. They went
back inside and sat down to eat, their friends thankfully didn't ask any
questions. Pleading tiredness, Kel went to bed early.
Once she was in her room she sat down to cry. Tobe was still down eating and
only the animals where there. Knowing you'll get over it and getting over it
are two different things, she thought as she sobbed.
"You know what's funny?" She asked Jump. "When I used to think
about this happening I always thought it would be the other way round. Me being
all calm and Cleon doing what I did." She started to laugh and knew she
was getting hysterical. Kel closed her eyes, sobs taking over laughter again as
she fell asleep.
A/N: So how was it? I think I was very out of character…. maybe it was
better suited to other characters…I dunno *looks puzzled*, please review!