Disclaimer: Wish away, but it ain't happening.

A/N: This chapter feels so old! I'm going back and fixing things that are all messed up with the first few chapters. They needed a serious revising because my writing has (cough) gotten (cough) pretty good (cough) compared to all this (cough) old stuff. I want to thank all my reviewers and especially Stacey and Kenta. You guys rock!

    Keladry woke a few moments before sunrise. For the past nine years Kel had been up for practice before dawn. 'At least it paid off.' Thought Kel as she stretched.

Kel was walking down to breakfast when she ran into someone. She looked startled and felt idiotic for her clumsiness. " Excuse me sir—." Her voice trailed away as she looked at a pair of bright blue eyes. " Oh hello Dom, didn't mean to run into you," she said, smiling wickedly. He returned the smile. Kel could see the love in his eyes. 'This is going to be hard for him.'

"That's okay Kel, I was actually on my way to come and get you. I wanted to ask you a favor." Replied Dom.

"Of course, anything."

"Well I need someone to help me teach a class of new recruits. Could you possibly help me? It would give them an edge on different styles and it would gain you their respect first thing." Said Dom, giving Kel a pleading look.

"I'd be honored to help you Dom!" Kel replied. She had not been lying when she said she was honored. It would be a great deal of fun if she earned their respect.

"Thank you so much Kel! The first session is at noon. See you there?"

"Yup." Answered Kel, glad that she could help her friend.

Dom escorted Kel down to breakfast. It only took a few moments, so a conversation wasn't necessary, though Kel felt a strange urge to start one.

~**~

When they reached their table Kel went to sit by Cleon and Dom by the Own. Kel hadn't seen Cleon since the day before. He wasn't looking good today. That sign in his eyes was brighter, and he looked extremely nervous. Kel guessed what it might be and she shuddered with fear. He had to tell her some news, some VERY important news, that would break her heart and probably his too. Cleon noticed the pain in Kel's eyes as she walked over and winced.

"Um, Kel." Started Cleon. "Could I talk to you right after we eat?" It was eating him alive to have to do this.

"Yes, of course." Kel said worried. "How long will it take? I promised Dom I would help him with the greenies entering third company at noon."

"It won't take long." Said Cleon, now clearly disturbed. He wasn't sure if it was because of Dom's name being in this conversation too, or the fact of the conversation itself.

"Sure, I'll meet you in my tent in a few, okay?"

"Fine." Answered Cleon.

~**~

"That's all for now Flyn. You can go eat now, but don't forget about your meeting with Derice this afternoon." Said Raoul of Goldenlake and Malorie's Peak.

"Don't worry, I wont." Stated Flyn with a shake of the head. Raoul smiled. The competitions from last night would be held again tonight. All the tents of the Own and the knights were still up. Alanna, Kel, and Dom would remain his neighboring tents.  

~**~

" Neal! Stop complaining! I feel sorry for Kel; she had to put up with you for the double of what I did. Tell me, did she beat you with a loaf of bread?" Said the frustrated Alanna.

Neal blushed, but managed to murmur out, "Yes, Every day, Sometimes two. Poor child, always going hungry."

Alanna tried to hide a smile. It wasn't working.

" If you want to be as good a healer as your father then you must practice, unicorn fever is dangerous. Daine had it years ago and was nearly out of it for a whole month. What if someone needs help? Are you going to tell them that you didn't feel like learning the spell properly?" Alanna demanded.

"Fine Lioness, as you command." Said Neal, finally shutting his mouth.

Alanna grinned. Neal finally learned that while he was extremely good at arguing, he was no match for the Lioness. They sat down and got to work in Alanna's tent, right next to the one belonging to Kel.

~**~

Dom sighed. The new lot was going to be hard to work with. Kel would be a great help. 'Damn that!' Thought Dom. There was her name again. He had been in love with her ever since they first shook hands. He didn't realize it till about a year later. 'Maybe if I hadn't been so thick, I might have realized that she had a crush on me. Mithros! What will I ever do?!'  Dom thought as he sat in his tent, waiting for something that would keep his mind off Kel.  

~**~

Cleon and Kel walked back to her tent. Once they were in, Cleon closed the flaps. He took two great strides over to Kel and kissed her passionately. More passionately, then Kel had ever remembered. 'Wasn't expecting that.'  Kel mused, trying to lighten the mood.

His voice was hoarse and they were both breathing quickly. Then his eyes turned hard. He went and sat on one of the two chairs in the tent. He motioned for Kel to take the one next to him. Both were nervous and Cleon could read Kel's blank face. She had a right to be nervous.

"Kel, you already know what I'm going to say don't you?" he said in a bare whisper. Kel's eyes saddened.

" I think so." She said barely audible.

" Mother sent a messenger last night with a letter. It said I was to return home to marry that heiress. Kennan had a flood that ended most of our crops, leaving the people starving. If I don't marry Ermelian of Aminar, we will go into debt and our fief will go under. I'm sorry Kel." He pleaded, hoping she wasn't bad. If she weren't, then she would be in a moment, when he proposed his new idea.

"Oh." Was all Kel could say. Cleon and her were ending, and there was nothing she could do.

"Kel, I—I don't want to leave you. I want you as my wife." Said Cleon quickly, averting his eyes to the tent flap, hoping he could leave.

Kel gasped.

~**~

 'Dear Mithros, he just popped the big question didn't he? In an awkward, strange way I suppose. Poor Cleon. Poor Kel. He doesn't realize what he just asked. I suppose there is going to be an argument any moment now.'  Raoul thought, listening quietly for the outburst the surely lied ahead.

~**~

Neal and Alanna stopped dead in their lessons.

'Ha! Did I just hear that?' Thought Meathead. ' But didn't he just say that he had to leave her – poor Kel – I'm sure she's confused. She hasn't answered. That would be a NO then, for Kel's to honorable to have any relationship with him as good as married.'

   'Did I just hear right? I never thought they had a relationship. Raoul never mentioned anything and surely, for Cleon to pop the question like that they must have been together for a while! Something is wrong though. Kel's not answering. Goddess, I hope she doesn't get caught in a situation like Jon and I did. Poor Lady Knight!' Thought Alanna, clearly speechless, and worried, for Kel's sake.

~**~

Dom heard.

Dom's eyes widened.

Dom fell off his chair, silently.

   'Congrats Kel.'

~**~

'Looks like I'm not the only one listening.'  Mused Raoul. 'Lets see now, Lessons have stopped with Neal and Alanna and Dom just toppled over. Well that explains why Cleon and him have never gone past respectful, mandatory measures. They're in love with the same women! Does Kel know?'

~**~

Dom sat on the ground speechless. Every sound in the near by tents were gone. Cleon had just asked for Kel's hand. Well, basically. What was she going to say? They were obviously in love, so why wouldn't she accept? Dom's blood ran cold. 'I'm sorry we will never get the chance.'

~**~

"Now would be the time to say something." Said Cleon worriedly.

Kel sat there looking at Cleon, stunned.

"Cleon, we cant. You have an arranged marriage. Your mother just confirmed it. We can't be together anymore." Kel said, clearly confused.

"Why not?" demanded Cleon, a little too harshly.

" How would we pull that off? We knew chances were slim and it didn't happen so we can't Cleon. We can't." Kel said, aggravated.

" I wont go home, we could run off and—" Cleon was interrupted.

"Run Off? Cleon, are you out of my mind? I just got my shield and your asking me to run off? I wont give it up Cleon. I won't let you give up yours. We have worked to damn hard for it! What about your people? What about your land? You're going to let them starve? You'd disgrace yourself! Ruining your reputation and mine. Ruining your home and family. What about your sister in the riders? She would be tormented. Your whole family would hate me! It would hurt both of us!" she said harshly, boiling with anger.

"Keep your voice down, damn it!" Replied Cleon harshly.

" Cleon! You don't think they already know? They are listening in on are conversation right now! Raoul's a good man, but is using the excuse that I'm his ex-squire. Neal and Alanna's lessons have stopped. Neal would come and here and watch if he knew I wouldn't scold him afterwards. I wouldn't be able to tell what Alanna or Dom's doing, but at this point, who cares?" fumed Kel. 'Why is he acting so stupidly? Why can't he just accept and do his duty! He knows this is hurting me!' Kel thought. She wanted to scream it at him, so he would stop.

~**~

The four in the other tents looked astonished. Kel's damn good at predicting what happens to others!

~**~

"Are you yelling at me, Mindelan?" yelled Cleon, as he turned purple. " I just gave you the offer of your life and your screaming at me? "

" I guess I am! What the hell do you mean ' offer of my life!'" spit out Kel as she tried to control her anger.

" Well sweetheart, who are you going to take instead of me? Huh? Some street beggar? Dom?"

" Excuse me, I don't know if I heard right but are you accusing me of being with someone else? I don't know if you noticed, but I'm fucking in love with you AND you just proposed to me." Kel, said, hoping he would stop before she hit him.

"Oh c'mon Kel! Neither of us are blind!" fumed Cleon. " I have seen how he looks at you! Are you trying to tell me that you haven't spent even one fucking night in someone else's bedroll? You certainly haven't shared mine!"

Kel had had enough. She stood up face to face with Cleon, pissed off more than she ever had been before. Kel landed a punch right on his lower lip splitting it open and throwing Cleon to the floor.

"Get out Cleon, were through. Don't you dare treat me like that ever again! I don't want to see you for a long time. You have to sort out your goddamn head and get some fucking ideas straight. You basically stated to me that you have had your fun playing around! What did I ever see in you? Ermelian, I'm sorry I have to do this to you, but I refuse to marry your arranged suitor. I refuse to see him! Good Luck to her because you're a fucking problem!" Kel hissed, voice dangerously low.

Cleon got up looking shocked. Kel had hit him. Kel had hit him good. Kel had refused him. Kel was really pissed off. Cleon suddenly turned tough. He wiped his lip and looked at the blood all over his white tunic. "You'll regret that when you can't get any other man to take you."

 Kel sighed and wiped her forehead. "I won't say it again, Get out." She stated, obviously done with the yelling. "I'm sorry Cleon, but you're getting married already and I'm not ready. Will you please accept that?"

"Gladly." Said Cleon, spitting on the floor before leaving through the tent flap.

~**~

'Why am I reminded of Alanna?' Raoul asked himself, clearly confused. 'And Jon, Why?'

~**~

Neal and Alanna just stared at each other,

" Forget their wedding." Stated Neal. He was shocked.

" Keladry has herself in a mess like I was once in, though I never hit Jon. I thought about it though." They both sighed. Kel and Cleon were not going to be friendly for a very long time.

~**~

'I would never think of harming Kel in the way Cleon persisted I did. I – I – nice punch Kel – I'm sorry it ended that way – you're free – shouldn't think like that now – she'll need time and guidance from friends, not another lover. She shouldn't be able to help either—.'

"C'mon Dom, We have some greenies to train." Kel stood at the doorway, red eyed, but otherwise okay.

Dom looked up startled. She shouldn't be helping right after her romance has ended! It's not natural for young women to have no time to cry out her frustration!

Kel looked down at him. She smiled, hardly. She was very pissed off and very upset and very hurt, but sometimes a little amusement popped up at the most unusual times.

"Kel."

" I'm fine, I'm a knight. There's bound to be problems. I won't ever let them interfere with my duty Dom. Never." She said.

Dom was impressed. 'Just another reason to love her.'  He thought.

She sighed. "How much did you hear, Dom?"

Dom was about to refuse but he could see a skeptical look in her eyes. " Enough to ' fall off my rocker.'"

That got a small smile out of her. She offered a hand to the rocked off Dom and he accepted.

" It will be okay Kel, your friends are here."

With that they went off to help the greenies.

~**~

Cleon left the next morning.

~**~

One Month Later:

Kel smiled.

Raoul and Buri walked down the aisle.

Kel was surprised when Buri asked Kel to be one of her bridesmaids. Among them were Keladry, Alanna, Thayet, Lalasa she saved Buri's life a few months ago and they have been since close and a few other ladies. Next to Raoul was Jonathan, Gary, Geoffrey, Douglass, George, Gareth the Elder, Dom, Flyn, and Sir Myles.

The celebrations went on all day. It was a lovely event. Dom was eyeing her.

~**~

Two Weeks Later:

Dear Keladry of Mindelan, Lady Knight of the realm of Tortall,

You have been invited to celebrate the wedding of my betrothed and myself. The event will be held on Fief Kennan in one week. I truly hope to see you there.

Dearest, Ermelian

 I know this is tough on you to get this and know that it's not from Cleon. I heard about your fight and it deeply saddened me. I was very impressed that you gained your knighthood. I was overjoyed when I heard of you going to the palace. You and Cleon used to be lovers. You used to be friends. You were very close. I want your friendship to return for it hurts to know you are not on talking terms. I would like to become good friends with you as well. Please come for my sake. I hate to see Cleon so depressed.

~**~

Kel got her things ready to go. She was heading out tomorrow, along with everyone else, who didn't expect her to come.  

~**~

Neal, Dom, Merric, Owen, Faleron, Seaver, Raoul, Buri, Alanna, George, and Gary set out early that morning.

Kel caught up with them a few hours later.

"Kel!' shouted Meathead as he turned around after Kel's shocking yell to him.  The rest of the party stopped. They were all clearly surprised.

" I thought you weren't coming?" said Neal.

" I wasn't until I got invited." Replied Kel as coolly as she could.

"You did? I mean—sorry Kel I just—didn't—you know think—he—"

"Stop your mumbling!" shouted Kel with wry amusement. " He didn't invite me, Ermelian did. She wanted me to come so I came along. Happy Sir Meathead?"

" Yup." Smirked Neal.

~**~

The redhead searched the crowd. He was nervous. He wasn't in love with Lian nickname but would probably fall in love with her. She was very beautiful and very charming. She was very kind and was as about as adventurous as court ladies get. He got lucky with that bunch. She just wasn't Kel.

As he looked over the faces in the crowd he spotted Dom, Neal, Merric, Seaver, Faleron, short little Owen, George, Raoul, Inness, Prosper, and Gary. Over on the other side he saw some very beautiful ladies he knew quite well. He recognized Buri, and Alanna. Some one sat with them but he couldn't tell whom. She was tall that was for sure. She looked well built and very pretty. She looked very familiar—after they made eye contact, Cleon was confused no more.  

Kel smiled slightly at Cleon. She nodded her head in proper respect.

'I can't believe she came! After what I said to her, I wouldn't have been surprised if I never saw her again. She looks happy. I'm glad she is. Maybe we can be friends again. I sure hope so. Wait. I didn't invite her. Ahh. Lian. She is very caring. It's not the end of the world I guess. Kel will end up with Dom probably. They will be happy.'

Cleon smiled happily. He had changed quite a bit since there parting.

Cleon suddenly remembered something! He dashed over to Lian and whispered something in her ear. She smiled, relief flooding her face. She seemed more than happy to do the favor he asked.

Kel was the only one of her friends not in the wedding. She sighed. It's not like she thought she would take part in Cleon's wedding if he weren't marrying her.

Suddenly a lady approached Keladry. " Milady Knight, I have an order to request that you come see Ermelian at once. She tells me to tell you not to worry, she has a surprise on your behalf."

Kel looked up startled, but agreed. From all signs so far, Lian seemed to be a lady Kel would get along with considerably well. The young women brought Kel to where Lian was staying before the wedding.

The servant knocked and was answered with a pleasant tone. " Please Cluadie, come in!" They entered and Lian appeared, in her beautiful lilac dress. "Oh! Thank you Cluadie! Now hears your dress dear."

Cluadie looked confused. "Milady, I must ask why you give me this?"

"Listen, I know your knew to the lot of us. But the point is that all my other servants are in the wedding. My servants are my friends and friends take part in weddings. So put on that dress and ask Miltari to help with your hair. "

"As you command." Said Cluadie, who seemed very happy, although confused.

Keladry smiled, she definitely liked Lian. 'Finally, a noble who is nice to her servants.' Thought Kel.

Once Cluadie had left to do her hair, Lian addressed Kel. "Milady Knight, it's a pleasure to meet a hero of mine."

Kel smiled, blushing slightly. "Thank you, milady Ermelian. It's a honor."

Lian grinned "Oh just Lian please. Were friends, no reason to go all formal when we both hate it." Lian said, adding that the thought of formality was a complete annoyance.

Kel could see a strong friendship bonding, "Then its just Kel for me then, Lian." Replied Kel.

"Well then Kel, I'm extremely happy you could make it, I don't want you and my future husband on the ends when time comes that you need each other. I know he is still in love with you. I hope in time we might learn to love each other. We do get along very well. Now, for the problem we have on out case right now."

"Lian?" said Kel obviously confused.

"Well silly, Cleon told me that if you came, he wanted me to ask you to be one of his three best knights."

Kel blinked.

"You are best friends and you will remain that way. He said he knows that and he would regret it if you didn't take part in his wedding."

"Are you sure?" answered Kel, who was, naturally, shocked.

" Of course I am, and so is Cleon." She said smiling.

"Well then, what do I do?" asked Kel.

~**~

"I know pronounce thee Lord and Lady of Kennan. Man and Wife. Live with love for each other and remember your vows. You may know lock what I have spoken."

Lian and Cleon's lip locked. They kissed very gentle as applause filled the room. The men nudged each other and the women smiled with small sighs escaping everywhere. Kel seemed extremely happy. Finally, her friend might have some rest and peace of mind. Keladry and Cleon were no longer together. It would stay that way forever. Kel sighed, maybe there was somebody for her.

She looked around and saw Dom, looking handsome as usual. He was starring at her. Kel gulped. 'I'm such a dolt!'  She said angered with herself for looking so stupid. Dom smiled, and Kel gave a small grin of her own, hoping it looked sincere, which it was.  

Cleon and Lian walked down the aisle. They stopped midway to thank their best knights and ladies. Cleon first went to Inness, Kel's brother. They exchange hands and some warm words. Neal came next who grinned foolishly at him. They cupped hands and Neal whispered something for Cleon's amusement, for he was grinning for ear to ear. Kel came next.

Cleon walked over to Kel. He gave her a smile and she returned it, thankful that the awkwardness between them now, was gone. Cleon leaned in and gave Kel a kiss on the cheek. "Thank you for coming Kel. In means more than anything to me." He said, speaking the truth, and making sure she understood with a quick, gentle squeeze.

Kel was touched. The angry look in his eyes was gone forever. "Congrats Cleon, I like Lian very much. You will be very happy together." Said Kel, lovingly. She would always love Cleon, but not in the same way.

"I sure hope so. Kel, listen, I'm sorry for how I treated you back home." Said Cleon, meaning every word.

"Its okay, I'm sorry for hitting you."

"That's okay, I think it knocked some sense into me. Friends?"

"Forever." Kel replied, happy their feud was over.

"Forever." Said Cleon, repeating her. "Hey um, Kel, is there anyone for you?"

" I don't think so Cleon." She said, trying not to sound glum.

" I do." He replied, throwing his eyes in the direction of Dom.

Keladry blushed. Cleon smiled. " We'll see Cleon, we'll see." She murmured, blushing even further. Dom noticed the exchange and raised an eyebrow at her and she shook him off with a smile.

"Told you." Cleon said, mischievously.

"What?"

"He's interested."

"Maybe."

"He told you?"

"Maybe."

"You lie so horribly, Kel, really, you do." Cleon said, laughing

"I may, but that doesn't make me want to admit anything. I'll see you later. I didn't want to mention it, but probably at war." Kel said, Cleon and herself both grimacing.

"Of course, and don't get yourself killed, if so, I'll never talk to you again."

"Shut up, Cleon."

"Okay."

~**~

Cleon's celebrations weren't long. They lasted only a few hours for Cleon and his wife were going on a honeymoon. After Cleon and Lian left, so did Kel and her party. They were on their way home, and to the final and devastating statement, known to happen sooner or later.

~**~

  Hey, looking back at that chapter, I actually liked it, after I revised it and all. Has anyone read Shatterglass? That book is the best I've read in a long time – since – well – LADYKNIGHT. I really loved it. TWO THUMBS UP FROM ME!

KETTLE CORN ROCKS!!!

Email: LadyKnight36@aol.com

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