As they were dancing, Kel couldn't help but revel in being in Lachlan's arms, to drown in the depths of his enchanting eyes. She was so preoccupied that she didn't notice that the dance was over, and someone was tapping on her shoulder.
"Kel?" Dom whispered into her ear.
Lachlan looked around her at Dom and held out a hand. "Hello, I'm Lachlan of Trosedale. And you are…?"
"Sergeant Domitan of Masbolle. I'm here with Keladry, and accompanied her into Scanra." He shook Lachlan's hand, but his eyes were cold. "Kel, I was wondering if I could have another dance?"
Kel smiled at Lachlan before being led away with Dom.
"I'll see you again, Keladry!" Lachlan called after her.
Kel and Dom danced for two more songs. As the party commenced, Dom pulled her onto the balcony.
"I had a wonderful time, Kel. Er…" Without warning, he leaned in and kissed her. She stiffened, surprised. He pulled back immediately.
"Well…" he was red. "I'd like to see you tomorrow. Want to go riding?"
"I'd like that," Kel said quietly. Dom quickly strode away.
Kel remained at the balcony. Suddenly, Lachlan came to stand next to her.
"Hello, Lady Kel. I just wanted to tell you how much I admire what you did."
"Oh, umm…thank you, Lachlan."
"Please, Lac is just fine. All my friends call me Lac," he smiled disarmingly. Kel half-thought she might faint. She quickly changed the subject.
"And I'm Kel. Where did you come from?" she inquired. "I haven't really seen you around."
"Well, I'm a friend of Faleron of King's Reach. We fought together on the coast for a while, then I was called to Mastiff for the big attack. I've been looking forward to meeting you. Do you want to do something tomorrow? Like… a ride through the Royal Forest, and a picnic?"
Absently Kel nodded, entranced in his presence. She tried to think of Dom, but her thoughts were intruded by the handsome 'Lac.' Dimly she was aware of someone calling her name.
"Kel…?" Lac was waving his hand in front of her face, smiling crookedly.
She blinked, clearing her eyes.
"I'll see you tomorrow," Lachlan told her.