Disclaimer: Go with the flow.
A/N: Please (in your reviews) tell me whom you would like to see her matched up with. I composed a list of people already. They are: Cleon, Merric, Roald, Lerant, Joren, and Prince Eitaro Noh Nakuji. I plainly refuse to place her in the hands of the King, Wyldon, the Lord Provost, or Owen. It would be like dating a brother. For the others, such as Faleron and Seaver – there's not enough information I can use without making them sound cliché.
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Note: This story is not a romance, but about the growing relationship between the two friends and the responsibilities both of them hold. I'm afraid this idea worked a whole deal better than trying to start a lover relationship between them. Sorry for any disappointments, but I think you'll see that for them at least, the power and strength of a friendship is more wonderful than a love interest in itself. ~Karr
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Prince Roald of Conte
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Keladry of Mindelan sat quietly by Horizon Lake, sinking her feet into the warm spring water. She closed her eyes as she silently thanked the gods for the silence they had granted her.
'Silence. I can't remember the last time I had time to myself, let alone silence! I haven't felt this relaxed since last summer, when I had been visiting Mindelan.'
The thought horrified her - but yet - there was nothing she could do to change it. With each passing day, Corus became her home and Mindelan just a title. After five years at the palace, she didn't expect the situation to be different, but that didn't mean it didn't hurt.
The noise had been ecstatic earlier that day; after all, her year mates had welcomed her back with a small, joyous party of their own doing. It was quite fun, for the first few hours, but Kel felt a headache approaching. When she mentioned the fact to Cleon, he found her an escape exit, gave her an unexpected kiss, and left her to her own doing.
It felt awkward having time to herself, for she had long ago lost that luxury. 'Perhaps I should have taken a desk knight.' She mused, knowing perfectly well where she belonged, and she wouldn't trade it for all the royal gold.
A small crisp chill ran across the back of Kel's neck, making her hair bristle up. The breeze was welcome, giving Kel a small, needed cool off. Kel stiffened slightly at the sound of leaves being pressed behind her. She closed her eyes and sighed, hoping it was a liked person who wasn't overly talkative.
Slowly she turned her head, relief flooding her instantly. Yes, it was a good friend. Thankfully, it wasn't Neal or Owen.
Prince Roald gave her a friendly grin, eyes flashing in amusement. Kel welcomed the smiled and gave one of her own.
"What?" She asked, seeing the comical look in his eye.
His eyes went back to their normal royal blue as he smiled again. "Looking for peace and quiet? Surely you must have all sorts of time on your hands, why pick now when you could be celebrating your return with everyone?" He asked innocently, knowing perfectly well that this was not the case.
"How'd you find me?" She asked. He was never the type to go looking for someone unless it was important.
He shrugged. "I was just walking, I suppose. My nerves have been jumping lately."
Kel smiled. She figured that was due to the fact that the Yamani Ladies and his betrothed, Princess Shinko, had finally arrived. "They're perfectly wonderful people, Roald, I'm sure you'll like her. Cricket – Shinko and I used to be best friends when I was in the Yamani Islands. She never told me of her stature, so she has never been full of herself, and she's interesting to talk to."
Roald's eyes lit up. "Mithros I hope you're right." He looked thoughtfully over at her. " It's funny how, over the years you've been like a younger sister – or older sister in the case of Owen and the like – to all of us. You were always one to give good advice."
Kel blushed, and then shrugged. "It's just inborn instincts, I guess." She said, pleased by the compliment.
"Well we need more of them like you. Have you cousins?" He asked, making Kel laugh.
"Oh, yes, many, but to train as a knight? I'm sure the instincts don't travel to the male side of the family." The thought made Kel stifle and laugh. "It's funny to imagine Lana or Mira trying to give you advice on anything but the latest fashions, friend." She said, smiling at her friend's shudder.
He looked down at her and then to the empty spot on her left. She beckoned him over, which he gladly accepted. "I still can't help being nervous, though." He admitted, blushing. "Some people can think of their betrothal as a small change in their life, but it's not, is it?"
Kel smiled. "Well, I wouldn't know for I'm not betrothed and I doubt I will be anytime in the near future, let alone ever. You're right though, it shouldn't be taken lightly, especially in a case like your own. You will have to work with her to make a tight bond like your mother and father have. When you make important decisions, you will have to count on her to be able to guide you and give her opinions. The more you both care for each other and the more things you agree on, the easier you reign will be, not to mention a great deal more positive. Just think of how the kingdom could grow, with you and her, working together in a team for the better of the country you serve. You give up many wonders by your responsibility to your people, but you gain more than I or anyone hopes to gain in a lifetime." She said, staying silent for a moment, allowing him to think over his situation. "It's alright to be nervous, Roald. You're not expected to take it lightly, and you shouldn't, no matter what others feel." She stated, easy enough.
They sat in silence for a few more moments before Roald spoke. "You know," he started. "Neal was right. You do speak with wisdom far beyond your years. I hope you don't mind if I call for you often. I'll need the assistance when I take the throne, for large decisions, and for the more personal ones." He said, smiling at her.
She smiled. "I'll be at your service, Roald. You can call on me for whatever, whenever."
"Well, I hope even if you didn't have your responsibilities to the throne, you would still take the responsibilities of a friend, for I will never forget my responsibilities to you, Kel." He told her sincerely.
"My responsibilities to you wont fade, Roald, for the throne or for our friendship. You can always count on me to be there." She said, reassuring him.
Kel could see relief fill Roald. "You didn't have to tell me, for I knew your worthiness was true and strong long before today. Thank you, Kel, for today, for yesterday, and for my future needs. You will make one wonderful knight, that even the most skeptical person can admit too."
She blushed again, thankful that Roald thought so highly of her. "Thank you, Roald. You have no idea how much that means, coming from you."
He let out a laugh. Leaning over, he kissed her on the forehead, surprising her. "Oh I think I have a small idea." He stated with a friendly smile.
Bidding Kel goodbye, Roald got up and started walking back towards the palace. Before he was out of hearing sight he turned around and smiled warmly. "Thanks again, Kel, for everything. This kingdom needs you, in more ways than one. " He said, not giving her a chance to answer back.
Kel sat, thinking silently as the time past. She smiled to herself. 'He's definitely Jonathan's son.'
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I love Roald -- need I say more? Hope you enjoyed.
~Karr
Cheers!