Romance? Perhaps now... let it be known that I'm not going to go mushy-gushy with the romance. Kel isn't really a romantic-minded person, and she's only fourteen at this point, so it will be a while before she can feel any kind of swoony, all-consuming love. (she's so practical!)
Tortall and its inhabitants belong to Tamora Pierce, and are used with her (indirect) permission.
// - denotes thoughts
The Squire Years
Chapter Ten: In the City
After spending the morning with her parents and sisters in Corus, Kel made her way to the Temple District, where she had plans to meet the others. They were expected to be in the palace in time for supper, so they only had six hours to shop and frolic.
Merric was waiting at the fountain, reading an almanac intently.
"Am I forgetting an assignment?" Kel asked as she approached, gesturing to the book. Merric flushed and shook his head.
"The drought this past summer--my father's farmlands were affected pretty badly, so I'm trying to help out as much as I can from afar." Merric gestured for Kel to sit down next to him. "And how has your morning been?"
She shrugged. "It's always nice to talk to my parents, though they're both distracted. They have to make court appearances this week for the introduction of the Yamani delegation."
Merric closed his books and sighed. "You know, Mindelan and Hollyrose aren't that far from each other geographically, but sometimes I think we're from different countries."
Kel nodded. "Well, I've spent as much time in the Yamanis as I have here in Tortall. The only difference between us is that I'm from a diplomatic family that recently earned its rank, while yours is more of the traditional Tortallan noble family. Both commendable in different ways."
"And that's the only difference between us?" Merric smirked, looking her over skeptically. "I don't recall Cleon ever referring to me as a 'great sunrise of a girl' before."
Kel snorted. "True. I suppose the other difference is that you don't have as many people poking fun at you!"
Merric sneaked a look at her from the corner of his eye. "If you choose to see it that way."
Just then Neal approached with Esmond from the direction of the palace. They were both running, wide smiles on their faces.
"You won't believe what happened!" Esmond shouted.
Kel and Merric exchanged bewildered looks. It was odd to see Esmond so vivacious.
"He has been chosen," Neal announced ominously. "And that is why we are a good ten minutes late."
"Which knight?" Kel asked enviously.
Esmond grinned. "Your brother Conal. He says it's because my archery is appalling and a ferret could outwit me--but he could give me sixty lashes and I'd still be thrilled. I'm just glad to be chosen by a Progressive."
Kel nodded. //I'd be glad to be chosen at all.// She hoped that there would be one or two Progressives left over by the time she was considered, otherwise she'd end up as Sir Gareth's ink-fetcher. "Don't worry about Conal," she told her friend, shaking her disturbing thoughts out of her head. "He torments the people he likes, so take it as a compliment."
"Well, what do we want to do today?" Esmond asked. "We have hours to waste, and a city to entertain us."
"The bookshop?" Neal suggested. His request was met with groans.
"We should do that last, since you'll undoubtedly browse for hours," Kel sighed.
"I'd like to price a pair of new boots, if we can stop at the tanner's," Merric piped up.
"It would be nice to go to the Raven Armory," Neal said. "I might be able to afford a dagger." He pulled a handful of gold coins out of the purse hanging from his belt as they walked toward the market.
"You should put that away," Kel urged. "You're tempting pick-pockets."
Neal groaned. "You're forgetting that I was raised in the city. Besides-what would be the point of becoming a knight if a thief could get the better of me?"
Esmond shrugged. "Some thieves are clever enough to bring down kings--or have you never heard of the Coronation Day Catastrophe?"
"Of course I have," Neal snapped. "But that particular thief had the support of corrupt nobles and a nefarious sorcerer."
Kel and Merric glanced at each other, simultaneously mouthing "Nefarious?"
"And before you numbskulls ask, 'nefarious' means wicked or evil," Neal explained.
They finally agreed to go first to the tanners, then to a sweet shop, and finally to the Raven Armory.
The armory was large--one of the larger shops on the street, even without including the massive workrooms behind the main store. Swords of various lengths and styles hung on one wall, opposite the pole arms Kel was instantly drawn to. She browsed as Neal and Merric haggled over daggers and hunting knives, and Esmond asked about smithing.
"You might do better practicing the sword instead," a calm voice advised from behind.
She whirled around to see Sacherell of Wellam. He was smiling slightly, studying the staff she had been interested in.
"I mean to say," he continued," that your skill with the staff and glaive are unmatched, from what I've seen of your training. You're probably excellent with the pike, and you're clearly the best in your class when it comes to tilting and hand-to-hand combat. So you should bring up your sword skills to match the rest."
Kel listened, her hazel eyes wide. She knew her sword fighting was not as good as the rest, but it still stung to hear it from someone else. "Sire?" she asked timidly, unsure of what response a random knight's criticism warranted.
He smiled casually, pulling her toward the rack of swords. "I think this one might suit your style," he said, gesturing toward a thin, long sword. "If you ask, they'll let you try it out.
The clerk gave her permission and she did a few practice thrusts.
"Try again, this time with your elbows closer to your waist. Try to minimalize your movement.
Kel did as he said, making a few clean passes. The other squires commented on how much better it looked.
"Efficiency," Neal murmured as Kel came to a halt. "The less energy you spend on useless actions, the more you can spend on smiting your enemy."
Sacherell laughed. "I think we'll make a knight of you yet, Queenscove--though Wyldon would rather be hanged." He turned back to Kel. "How would you like to study fencing with me?"
She nodded. "As long as Lord Wyldon doesn't mind, and it doesn't keep me away from my knight-master." Kel fought to keep any shame from her face. She and Neal were the only masterless squires remaining.
Sacherell's face fell. "You mean you already have a knight-master? I was trying to ask you--"
"No!" Kel interrupted, ignoring all of Master Oakbridge's rules of etiquette. "I meant, 'should I get one anytime soon.' I didn't realize you were asking me to be your squire."
Sacherell gave an embarrassed laugh, his blue eyes sparkling. "Mithros, Raoul //did// tell me that you would keep me on my toes."
"Lord Raoul?" Kel asked. Had Lord Raoul put him up to this?
"Come with me, Kel," the knight said, placing her sword back on its mount. Together they exited the building, leaving her three bewildered friends inside.
"I have to be honest," Sacherell began as they walked. "Raoul pointed you out to e as a squire candidate, but I didn't want to be your knight-master at first. I only agreed to watch you squires train because he was so adamant--he even said that he would have taken you as his own, if it weren't for his position with the King's Own. He wanted me to take you on because it would give him an opportunity to work with you. You see, sometimes I work with the King's Own--commanding the second company when its usual leader is at court, or out of commission for whatever reasons."
Kel swallowed thickly. "So you're taking me on as a favor to Lord Raoul?" This was worse than being Sir Gareth's ink-fetcher.
Sacherell stopped short and stared hard at her. "No--that's what I'm trying to explain.
"You see," he continued, "once I saw you in training, I realized that you deserved every good word Raoul put in. He's known to exaggerate and extrapolate on occasion, if it suits his needs, but this time he got it just right. Your leadership skills could use some honing, but you're yards ahead of everyone else. In fact, the only thing you need to improve greatly is your fencing-and that's always been a strong suit of mine."
Kel nodded. "So I've heard. Only the Lioness and Lord Wyldon have consistently beaten you."
Sacherell nodded. "Well, Geoffrey, too." He smiled. "If you agree, you'll work with me primarily, but also spend time learning strategy and tactics with Raoul. Is this acceptable to you?"
She couldn't have asked for more, given her situation. As much as she had dreamed of studying with the Lioness, she had known that it would never happen. But now she had an opportunity with two knights she admired and worked well with.
"That's more than acceptable," Kel said, smiling at her new knight-master.
Sacherell looked relieved. "I would tell you to move your things into the room adjacent to mine, but things are much different than what they once were. I don't even have permanent rooms in the palace anymore." Beyond his playful pout, Kel was certain she could see a hint of genuine wistfulness in his tone.
"So I stay in the squires' wing when we're at the palace?" she asked.
Sacherell nodded. "But you _will_ be spending time in my quarters--in the study--so you'll have to prepare yourself for slanderous comments."
Kel sighed, but kept her face Yamani-smooth. Her voice, however, was low and dry. "I've been dealing with _that_ since my second year, sir."
He grimaced. "No doubt." He shook his head suddenly, as if clearing his thoughts. "Go on back to your fun, Keladry. We'll discuss more tomorrow."
*****
By suppertime that night, all of Kel's squire friends knew about her new knight-master, and as soon as she saw the pages, she told them as well. Owen and Warric congratulated her verbally while Prosper of Tamarin gave a friendly thump on the back.
Neal alone remained quiet, and Kel wondered what was on his mind. She studied him carefully as they ate, urging him to finish his vegetables. He was sulky, though, and snapped at her.
"I'm nineteen years old," he growled. "I know what I should eat."
Kel was taken aback. The only time Neal ever snapped at her was when he thought she was being stubborn. //He's driving himself crazy over his lack of a knight-master,// she realized. //He probably suspects that every one thinks he's too old.//
"You know, my dear lady Keladry, that Wellam and Mindelan border each other?" Cleon asked, oblivious to Neal's mood.
"Seeing as how I was born in Mindelan, yes, I _do_ know that," Kel responded dryly, still studying Neal carefully. "What's you're point?"
Cleon grinned. "We'll be neighbors. I can stand under your window and sing love songs until the wee hours of the morn."
Kel snorted. "Hardly. I'll be spending a lot of time with the King's Own, so you'll have to crow at someone else."
"Alas, dewdrop in my--"
"Can you please save the romantic cat-and-mouse banter for another time?" Neal scowled, standing and picking up his tray as soon as Lord Wyldon dismissed them.
Kel and Cleon stared at Neal, speechless, as he left the room.
"You know, it is rather silly for you two to go on like this," Seaver said, breaking the silence of the table. "If you want to be sweethearts, just say it."
Cleon's face burned red and he began to stammer unintelligibly.
Kel sighed. "He's just funning anyway," she protested before following Neal.
He was in his room, lying on his bed, when she finally caught up with him.
"No book?" she asked, gesturing to his empty hands.
He shook his head. "Too much to think about."
Kel sat down next to him, fighting the urge to brush his hair with her fingers. "Do you want to talk?"
He looked up at her for a long moment, studying her. "I'm sorry I snapped at you at dinner."
Kel shrugged. "Everyone does at one point or another. Snap, I mean. I yelled at Joren up on the wall that night-I lost my temper completely. But I guess you saw that."
Neal shook his head. "No--we didn't get there until you'd already started fighting." He paused. "I king of wish I'd seen it though, come to think of it."
Kel grinned. "So what's bothering you? Is it this waiting around for a knight-master?"
Neal grimaced. "Not exactly." He sat up, his eyes level with Kel's. "You see, I _have_ been approached by a knight. Before dinner I had a conference with my father about it."
Kel swallowed the lump forming in her throat. There was only one reason Neal would keep this from her. "It's the Lioness, isn't it? Sir Alanna asked you to be her squire."
Neal nodded, looking more miserable than she had ever seen him. "It seems that she's been keeping tabs on you through my father, and learned a bit about me in the process."
Kel turned away, hoping Neal hadn't seen the tears that were beginning to block her vision. She couldn't let him know how upset she was.
"She's going to teach me to heal, Kel," Neal said softly, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"You know, Neal, I always thought you'd make a better healer than a warrior, anyway." She tried to smile. "Other than fencing, you're an accident waiting to happen."
He ruffled her hair playfully. "I wouldn't be too angry."
She shrugged. "It's not like it's her fault or mine that we can't work together. And maybe by working with you, she can prove to Lord Wyldon that she _is_ interested in helping with training, and no one will think anything when she becomes the knight-master to the _next_ girl who trains."
Neal whistled lowly. "You're very optimistic. There will always be conservatives like Joren or the Stump who will fundamentally oppose the training of women."
Kel shook her head. "Lord Wyldon has changed so much, though. I think he might be bending--I've proven to him that girls can work just as hard, and do all the things everyone else can do. He's intelligent enough to know that he can't keep repeating the same argument if the evidence that can prove him wrong is lurking nearby."
"And Joren?" Neal asked. "What about people like him?"
She sighed. "People who cannot bend will eventually have to break. The more people can accept female warriors, the more people who oppose will eventually change their minds and accept something that has become so normal. I'm sure a loud minority will always remain, but I hope there will be more women around willing to show them the truth. Look at Sir Alanna--despite her hundred enemies at court, she is loved by thousands of Tortallans. And even if she is disliked for her gender, no one who sees her fight can keep from respecting her skills."
"Quite a mouthful, Kel," Neal chortled. His face then grew serious. "I hope what you say is true, if only for your sake." He quickly leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers. When he pulled away, his lips curled into a mischievous smile. "It's a travesty that someone like Joren stole your first kiss."
to be continued...
Tortall and its inhabitants belong to Tamora Pierce, and are used with her (indirect) permission.
// - denotes thoughts
The Squire Years
Chapter Ten: In the City
After spending the morning with her parents and sisters in Corus, Kel made her way to the Temple District, where she had plans to meet the others. They were expected to be in the palace in time for supper, so they only had six hours to shop and frolic.
Merric was waiting at the fountain, reading an almanac intently.
"Am I forgetting an assignment?" Kel asked as she approached, gesturing to the book. Merric flushed and shook his head.
"The drought this past summer--my father's farmlands were affected pretty badly, so I'm trying to help out as much as I can from afar." Merric gestured for Kel to sit down next to him. "And how has your morning been?"
She shrugged. "It's always nice to talk to my parents, though they're both distracted. They have to make court appearances this week for the introduction of the Yamani delegation."
Merric closed his books and sighed. "You know, Mindelan and Hollyrose aren't that far from each other geographically, but sometimes I think we're from different countries."
Kel nodded. "Well, I've spent as much time in the Yamanis as I have here in Tortall. The only difference between us is that I'm from a diplomatic family that recently earned its rank, while yours is more of the traditional Tortallan noble family. Both commendable in different ways."
"And that's the only difference between us?" Merric smirked, looking her over skeptically. "I don't recall Cleon ever referring to me as a 'great sunrise of a girl' before."
Kel snorted. "True. I suppose the other difference is that you don't have as many people poking fun at you!"
Merric sneaked a look at her from the corner of his eye. "If you choose to see it that way."
Just then Neal approached with Esmond from the direction of the palace. They were both running, wide smiles on their faces.
"You won't believe what happened!" Esmond shouted.
Kel and Merric exchanged bewildered looks. It was odd to see Esmond so vivacious.
"He has been chosen," Neal announced ominously. "And that is why we are a good ten minutes late."
"Which knight?" Kel asked enviously.
Esmond grinned. "Your brother Conal. He says it's because my archery is appalling and a ferret could outwit me--but he could give me sixty lashes and I'd still be thrilled. I'm just glad to be chosen by a Progressive."
Kel nodded. //I'd be glad to be chosen at all.// She hoped that there would be one or two Progressives left over by the time she was considered, otherwise she'd end up as Sir Gareth's ink-fetcher. "Don't worry about Conal," she told her friend, shaking her disturbing thoughts out of her head. "He torments the people he likes, so take it as a compliment."
"Well, what do we want to do today?" Esmond asked. "We have hours to waste, and a city to entertain us."
"The bookshop?" Neal suggested. His request was met with groans.
"We should do that last, since you'll undoubtedly browse for hours," Kel sighed.
"I'd like to price a pair of new boots, if we can stop at the tanner's," Merric piped up.
"It would be nice to go to the Raven Armory," Neal said. "I might be able to afford a dagger." He pulled a handful of gold coins out of the purse hanging from his belt as they walked toward the market.
"You should put that away," Kel urged. "You're tempting pick-pockets."
Neal groaned. "You're forgetting that I was raised in the city. Besides-what would be the point of becoming a knight if a thief could get the better of me?"
Esmond shrugged. "Some thieves are clever enough to bring down kings--or have you never heard of the Coronation Day Catastrophe?"
"Of course I have," Neal snapped. "But that particular thief had the support of corrupt nobles and a nefarious sorcerer."
Kel and Merric glanced at each other, simultaneously mouthing "Nefarious?"
"And before you numbskulls ask, 'nefarious' means wicked or evil," Neal explained.
They finally agreed to go first to the tanners, then to a sweet shop, and finally to the Raven Armory.
The armory was large--one of the larger shops on the street, even without including the massive workrooms behind the main store. Swords of various lengths and styles hung on one wall, opposite the pole arms Kel was instantly drawn to. She browsed as Neal and Merric haggled over daggers and hunting knives, and Esmond asked about smithing.
"You might do better practicing the sword instead," a calm voice advised from behind.
She whirled around to see Sacherell of Wellam. He was smiling slightly, studying the staff she had been interested in.
"I mean to say," he continued," that your skill with the staff and glaive are unmatched, from what I've seen of your training. You're probably excellent with the pike, and you're clearly the best in your class when it comes to tilting and hand-to-hand combat. So you should bring up your sword skills to match the rest."
Kel listened, her hazel eyes wide. She knew her sword fighting was not as good as the rest, but it still stung to hear it from someone else. "Sire?" she asked timidly, unsure of what response a random knight's criticism warranted.
He smiled casually, pulling her toward the rack of swords. "I think this one might suit your style," he said, gesturing toward a thin, long sword. "If you ask, they'll let you try it out.
The clerk gave her permission and she did a few practice thrusts.
"Try again, this time with your elbows closer to your waist. Try to minimalize your movement.
Kel did as he said, making a few clean passes. The other squires commented on how much better it looked.
"Efficiency," Neal murmured as Kel came to a halt. "The less energy you spend on useless actions, the more you can spend on smiting your enemy."
Sacherell laughed. "I think we'll make a knight of you yet, Queenscove--though Wyldon would rather be hanged." He turned back to Kel. "How would you like to study fencing with me?"
She nodded. "As long as Lord Wyldon doesn't mind, and it doesn't keep me away from my knight-master." Kel fought to keep any shame from her face. She and Neal were the only masterless squires remaining.
Sacherell's face fell. "You mean you already have a knight-master? I was trying to ask you--"
"No!" Kel interrupted, ignoring all of Master Oakbridge's rules of etiquette. "I meant, 'should I get one anytime soon.' I didn't realize you were asking me to be your squire."
Sacherell gave an embarrassed laugh, his blue eyes sparkling. "Mithros, Raoul //did// tell me that you would keep me on my toes."
"Lord Raoul?" Kel asked. Had Lord Raoul put him up to this?
"Come with me, Kel," the knight said, placing her sword back on its mount. Together they exited the building, leaving her three bewildered friends inside.
"I have to be honest," Sacherell began as they walked. "Raoul pointed you out to e as a squire candidate, but I didn't want to be your knight-master at first. I only agreed to watch you squires train because he was so adamant--he even said that he would have taken you as his own, if it weren't for his position with the King's Own. He wanted me to take you on because it would give him an opportunity to work with you. You see, sometimes I work with the King's Own--commanding the second company when its usual leader is at court, or out of commission for whatever reasons."
Kel swallowed thickly. "So you're taking me on as a favor to Lord Raoul?" This was worse than being Sir Gareth's ink-fetcher.
Sacherell stopped short and stared hard at her. "No--that's what I'm trying to explain.
"You see," he continued, "once I saw you in training, I realized that you deserved every good word Raoul put in. He's known to exaggerate and extrapolate on occasion, if it suits his needs, but this time he got it just right. Your leadership skills could use some honing, but you're yards ahead of everyone else. In fact, the only thing you need to improve greatly is your fencing-and that's always been a strong suit of mine."
Kel nodded. "So I've heard. Only the Lioness and Lord Wyldon have consistently beaten you."
Sacherell nodded. "Well, Geoffrey, too." He smiled. "If you agree, you'll work with me primarily, but also spend time learning strategy and tactics with Raoul. Is this acceptable to you?"
She couldn't have asked for more, given her situation. As much as she had dreamed of studying with the Lioness, she had known that it would never happen. But now she had an opportunity with two knights she admired and worked well with.
"That's more than acceptable," Kel said, smiling at her new knight-master.
Sacherell looked relieved. "I would tell you to move your things into the room adjacent to mine, but things are much different than what they once were. I don't even have permanent rooms in the palace anymore." Beyond his playful pout, Kel was certain she could see a hint of genuine wistfulness in his tone.
"So I stay in the squires' wing when we're at the palace?" she asked.
Sacherell nodded. "But you _will_ be spending time in my quarters--in the study--so you'll have to prepare yourself for slanderous comments."
Kel sighed, but kept her face Yamani-smooth. Her voice, however, was low and dry. "I've been dealing with _that_ since my second year, sir."
He grimaced. "No doubt." He shook his head suddenly, as if clearing his thoughts. "Go on back to your fun, Keladry. We'll discuss more tomorrow."
*****
By suppertime that night, all of Kel's squire friends knew about her new knight-master, and as soon as she saw the pages, she told them as well. Owen and Warric congratulated her verbally while Prosper of Tamarin gave a friendly thump on the back.
Neal alone remained quiet, and Kel wondered what was on his mind. She studied him carefully as they ate, urging him to finish his vegetables. He was sulky, though, and snapped at her.
"I'm nineteen years old," he growled. "I know what I should eat."
Kel was taken aback. The only time Neal ever snapped at her was when he thought she was being stubborn. //He's driving himself crazy over his lack of a knight-master,// she realized. //He probably suspects that every one thinks he's too old.//
"You know, my dear lady Keladry, that Wellam and Mindelan border each other?" Cleon asked, oblivious to Neal's mood.
"Seeing as how I was born in Mindelan, yes, I _do_ know that," Kel responded dryly, still studying Neal carefully. "What's you're point?"
Cleon grinned. "We'll be neighbors. I can stand under your window and sing love songs until the wee hours of the morn."
Kel snorted. "Hardly. I'll be spending a lot of time with the King's Own, so you'll have to crow at someone else."
"Alas, dewdrop in my--"
"Can you please save the romantic cat-and-mouse banter for another time?" Neal scowled, standing and picking up his tray as soon as Lord Wyldon dismissed them.
Kel and Cleon stared at Neal, speechless, as he left the room.
"You know, it is rather silly for you two to go on like this," Seaver said, breaking the silence of the table. "If you want to be sweethearts, just say it."
Cleon's face burned red and he began to stammer unintelligibly.
Kel sighed. "He's just funning anyway," she protested before following Neal.
He was in his room, lying on his bed, when she finally caught up with him.
"No book?" she asked, gesturing to his empty hands.
He shook his head. "Too much to think about."
Kel sat down next to him, fighting the urge to brush his hair with her fingers. "Do you want to talk?"
He looked up at her for a long moment, studying her. "I'm sorry I snapped at you at dinner."
Kel shrugged. "Everyone does at one point or another. Snap, I mean. I yelled at Joren up on the wall that night-I lost my temper completely. But I guess you saw that."
Neal shook his head. "No--we didn't get there until you'd already started fighting." He paused. "I king of wish I'd seen it though, come to think of it."
Kel grinned. "So what's bothering you? Is it this waiting around for a knight-master?"
Neal grimaced. "Not exactly." He sat up, his eyes level with Kel's. "You see, I _have_ been approached by a knight. Before dinner I had a conference with my father about it."
Kel swallowed the lump forming in her throat. There was only one reason Neal would keep this from her. "It's the Lioness, isn't it? Sir Alanna asked you to be her squire."
Neal nodded, looking more miserable than she had ever seen him. "It seems that she's been keeping tabs on you through my father, and learned a bit about me in the process."
Kel turned away, hoping Neal hadn't seen the tears that were beginning to block her vision. She couldn't let him know how upset she was.
"She's going to teach me to heal, Kel," Neal said softly, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"You know, Neal, I always thought you'd make a better healer than a warrior, anyway." She tried to smile. "Other than fencing, you're an accident waiting to happen."
He ruffled her hair playfully. "I wouldn't be too angry."
She shrugged. "It's not like it's her fault or mine that we can't work together. And maybe by working with you, she can prove to Lord Wyldon that she _is_ interested in helping with training, and no one will think anything when she becomes the knight-master to the _next_ girl who trains."
Neal whistled lowly. "You're very optimistic. There will always be conservatives like Joren or the Stump who will fundamentally oppose the training of women."
Kel shook her head. "Lord Wyldon has changed so much, though. I think he might be bending--I've proven to him that girls can work just as hard, and do all the things everyone else can do. He's intelligent enough to know that he can't keep repeating the same argument if the evidence that can prove him wrong is lurking nearby."
"And Joren?" Neal asked. "What about people like him?"
She sighed. "People who cannot bend will eventually have to break. The more people can accept female warriors, the more people who oppose will eventually change their minds and accept something that has become so normal. I'm sure a loud minority will always remain, but I hope there will be more women around willing to show them the truth. Look at Sir Alanna--despite her hundred enemies at court, she is loved by thousands of Tortallans. And even if she is disliked for her gender, no one who sees her fight can keep from respecting her skills."
"Quite a mouthful, Kel," Neal chortled. His face then grew serious. "I hope what you say is true, if only for your sake." He quickly leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers. When he pulled away, his lips curled into a mischievous smile. "It's a travesty that someone like Joren stole your first kiss."
to be continued...
