Kel broke the kiss, finally.

What is is, dearest? A shiver ran down Kel's spine as Neal's breath tickled her ear.

We need to talk. she said firmly.

About what? I love you, you love me...oh. Realization struck.

Yes. Yuki. Everybody. Earlier you were engaged to her. Now you're snogging the living daylights out of me. What will people think?

Kel, I'll say it again. Since when do you care what people think?

Neal. Really. If I'm to be Commander of the King's Own it'd really help if people weren't calling me a slattern or accusing me of drugging your water. Please? Can we keep this to ourselves?

Neal rubbed his eyes wearily.
Of course, Kel. I wasn't thinking. I've-I've waited since I was a page to kiss you-



Oh, never mind. Saying this Neal pulled her to him and kissed her long and hard.



The two sprang apart.

Raoul, er, um, we, Neal and I were just, we were just... Kel stuttered. So much for keeping it between themselves.

Kissing. Yes, I noticed. Kel, if I might have a word? He bowed slightly to Neal who bowed back and left for his rooms at a jog, the back of his neck visibly red from embarrassment.

My lord? What do you need? she asked courteously.

First off, an explanation. I'm flummoxed. What...? he trailed off and sat down on the nearest bench. Kel sat next to him.
Come on, you can trust your old knight master. Isn't Neal engaged?
Well, sir. Kel proceeded to tell him the events of the day, inwardly smiling at the expression on Raoul's face.
Oh. Well, congratulations. I think. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone, he reassured her. Now the real reason I came was to tell you that you're taking command sooner than I'd hoped. Next month, to be precise. Kel, I'm sorry, but I've orders from Jon. I fought this as hard as I could.

Next month. He expects me to be prepared to command the whole gods-cursed Own by NEXT MONTH? Kel was furious. A month was no time at all, seeing as she had to familiarize herself with all of the companies, all the hand signals, more maps that she wanted to think about, get to know people in charge of supplies, learn how to work the magic-related tools...

Yes. Which is why we need to get to work right now.

She sighed.

Kel, you know you can back out of this any time you want. Raoul's voice was soothing but he had a mischievous glint in his eyes. He dodged her punch and slung his arm around her shoulders as they walked back to his quarters, already deep in conversation about logistics and supply.