Best Enemies

A/N: Wow! I updated three times in less then three days! My teachers actually did go on strike, so I can write a lot. Oh, and I know the previous chapter was really short, but I did update really quickly, so…

Tasha helped me figure out how to fix the format. Hopefully it is correct this way. Thank you Tasha!!!

Disclaimer: I am the great Tamora Pierce, worship me and praise me with your reviews-

F: You're not Tamora Pierce! I'm suing!

I: You can't sue yourself, you moron! Seriously, you are sooo stupid…

Um, just ignore that. I don't own it. Some people just don't have a sense of humor! *death glare*

~*~

The first opportunity for getting information at the Copper Isles was a ball, which were held nightly here. When Kel first heard that she would have to attend balls every night, she was less then happy. However, this was nothing compared to her reaction when the King told her that she would have to dress up like a lady.

"I'm not going to wear a stupid dress and face paint!" she had yelled. There was no way she was going to go through all of that trouble just to look like a brainless lady! She was going to the Copper Isles to spy, not to make a fool of herself!

"Why not? You have had no problem wearing a dress in the past. How is this any different?" King Jonathon responded. Kel thought about that for a second. When she had worn a dress to dinner every night as a page, she had wanted to remind everyone she was a girl. In the Copper Isles, she simply wanted to help her country by finding out some information. Her plans had not included wearing a dress and making it completely obvious that she was a girl. But isn't that the point? Kel asked herself. If I look like a harmless court lady, no one will be suspicious of me at all. She had finally surrendered to the King's wishes.

So here she was, ten minutes before the ball began, gazing at her reflection in the mirror. Her closet had been filled with dresses in the newest fashions of the Copper Isles. To Kel's disgust, the latest fashions included dresses that were even more revealing then the ones in Tortall, if that was possible. Her hair had been tied away from her face, which was now decorated with face paint. Lalasa had instructed her on how to do such things shortly after she had returned from Scanra. Kel was now grateful for her former maid's instruction. Though she felt her neckline was still much too low, she had to admit she looked beautiful that night.

Walking into the ballroom, she met Joren. He looked perfectly groomed and handsome, as usual. It's a pity he's such an asshole. Gazing at her with interest, he said, "So you are a girl, Mindelan."

"You're such a jerk Joren!" she commented. They walked over to a small table. Only a few seconds after she was seated, a brown haired man came up to her. His outfit was nice, but relatively plain compared to the others in the hall.

"Could I have this dance with such a beautiful lady as yourself?" the man questioned. Kel really didn't want to dance, but before she could make her excuses, Joren leaned over to her.

"This is the perfect opportunity. Just flirt with him and ask him some questions." He told her quietly.

"Are you free? Or were you planning to dance with your companion?" the man asked. Would I rather dance with this seemingly nice man, or with Joren?

"I would love to dance with you." Kel said sweetly. Turning around, she glared at Joren, who was smirking at her. The man led her to the dance floor, where they began a simple waltz. (Uh, I don't know much about dances, so don't expect me to get any of that stuff right.)

"What's your name?" He asked.

"Adalia. I'm visiting the Copper Isles with my friend Andrew. (I can't believe I named Joren Andrew! Can you imagine Joren as an Andrew?) I'm so glad to be here! I'm afraid I don't know much about what is going on, though. Do you think you could help me?" Myles had made them memorize fake identities to tell everyone. Kel had chosen her sister's name because it was less likely for her to forget it.

"Would I be a gentleman if I didn't? I would love to be of your assistance, Lady Adalia." He responded.

"Did the King's advisors or the King decide on these delightful decorations?" Kel questioned. I can't believe it! I sound just like those court ladies I hate so much! She thought.

"It was the King's advisors. The King is too busy with other things to bother with decorations." He responded.

"Oh! Who are the King's advisors! I would love to thank them for their wonderful job!" If she could find out who the advisors were, she could probably get closer to the king and get more information.

"Well, I am one of the advisors. The other is Lillian, the woman over there." He responded.

"Really? Well, the decorations are lovely! What is your name, by the way?"

"I am Evan. I'm so glad that you enjoy the decorations."

"Of course!" After that, Kel and Evan talked a bit more. Kel found out nothing else, for Evan only wanted to talk about Kel. That was the thing she wanted to talk of least, because she was afraid she would slip up in her story. At about 10:00, Kel claimed she was exhausted and retired to the table she had first sat at. Joren was there, flirting with yet another lady. He apologized to her and turned to Kel.

"So, did you have fun flirting with your new friend? It was only a matter of time before you found a replacement for those fools you left back at home."

"You're one to talk! You flirted with half the ladies in the Copper Isles tonight! I was getting information!" she replied angrily. She was only doing what he had told her to do!

"Don't you know anything? You have to flirt with more then one person! They only know a little bit. You'll just be wasting the rest of your time! I found that the King hired two new advisors about six months ago. Since then, the Copper Isles have been building up their army. Now what did you find out?" Now Kel was embarrassed. Joren had found out a lot more then her.

"Well, I know who the King's advisors are."

"They should have sent me on this mission by myself! I would have been better off!" he whispered.

"Sure! You are such an idiot, Joren! A conceited, chauvinistic idiot! I'm leaving now! Goodbye!" she whispered angrily. Then she walked out of the room angrily, making sure she didn't cause a scene. I hate him. How did I get myself into this?

~*~

A/N: I like this chapter! Please R&R! Oh yeah, don't tell me in your review that Kel can't flirt. She can, she just doesn't know it. Remember in Page when Cleon returns from Mindelan and Kel says something along the lines of, "Cleon of Kennan, you haven't been gone that long." Then Cleon blushes. That is definitely flirting. Right?

My friend says that we are going back to school tomorrow. Damn! I'll never go back to that prison! NEVER! *dragged away by teachers armed with picket signs* NEVER, I SAY! NEVER!

Thank you for reviewing!

The Pen Mage- It will definitely end up K/J. Thanks about telling me the Tobe thing. It always confuses me! Thanks for the review!

Queenofilangees- Thanks for the review! I guess K/J fics like this are a little bit funny, in an ironic sort of way.

Bblond07- I'm glad you like it. Thanks for the review! (BTW, 7 is one of my favorite numbers.)

Siren Porter- This chapter was a little longer. I hope you enjoyed it! Could you please update your fics! I really really really really really really want to read them! Thanks for the review!

Come on people, REVIEW! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

~ The Dark Goddess ~