AN:  Sorry this took so long to get up....I have a million excuses, none of which I will bore you with...It's just crazy seinor year, and I'm trying to do too much stuff.  Thanks to all those who remain faithful after such a long period to wait for an update.  Much love and on with the story!

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"Ann of Malven," the King said icily, "Your family just keeps causing trouble. You attacked a knight-- a warrior of the realm-- without provocation. I hereby dismiss your from court," Jonathan glared at the girl and retired to his private chambers. Raoul leaned against the king's desk, wondering why Jonathan had called him there.

"Raoul, do you know what really happened?" Jonathan asked. sinking into a chair, "I've heard strange gossip that Keladry and one of your sergeants were responsible for the mess with Malven."

Raoul shifted and cleared his throat, "I'm not one to gossip..."

"Liar"

"Fine. When Kel was my squire, she and Dom, the sergeant, flirted constantly. I thought that they were going to start courting after Kel recieved her shield, but I guess not. That's all I know. If you really want to know what's going on, talk to Sir Nealan of Queenscove, he's Kel's best friend."

"I have a better idea: you find out why that girl attacked Kel, then tell me."

"But, Jon-"

"Think of it as an assignment." Raoul glared at his King and left.

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Dom stood outside Neal's rooms, convincing himself to knock. Before the has the chance to, his cousin opened the door and walked into Dom, sending both the to floor. Neal glared at Dom.

"Why were you standing outside my door?" he asked, anger showing in his voice. Neal was mad at Dom for hurting his best friend.

"I was going to ask for advice."

"Well, ask elsewhere. I cannot believe you could to that to Kel," Neal stood and stalked off. Dom stared at his cousin's back in confustion; Neal had never actually been mad at him before.

"Are you going to sit there all day?" Dom looked up to find Yuki standing in the doorway, "Neal will get over it--I hope. Com in and I'll tell you what Kel told me." Dom followed Yuki into the room, sitting in one of two chairs.

"First," she began, "let me hear your side of the story." Dom sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"Do you know about the bet Kel and I had?"

"Yes."

"Well, the next day, I was approached by Ann of Malven. She knew me to be a sergeant in the Own and asked me how her cousin, Lerant was doing. We went for a walk in the garden and she kissed me. I can't believe what she did! I harbor no feelings for that--that whore." His head fell into his hands, "I was planning on courting Kel, it doesn't seem like that will happen now." Yuki placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"Try telling her what really happened."

"I did. She won't listen."

"Then I'll tell her."

"Why do this for me?" Dom asked.

"Because you are family. And because Kel loves you."

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"You sent for me, milord?" Neal said, bowing slightly.

"Yes, please sit down," Raoul filled the chair, looking uncomfortable behind a desk. "The king has put be in charge of finding out why Kel was attacked. What do you you know?"

"Only that it was Dom's fault."

Raoul raised a questioning eyebrow, "how so?"

"Kel wouldn't talk to me. I think she told Yuki, though." Raoul sighed, yet another person to talk too.

"Than you, Neal." They both stood and the younger Knight took his leave. Raoul made his way to Jonathan's chambers.

"You could have knocked," the King said as Raoul opened his door. "I knew you would come back."

"I am not a magistrate! Have somone else figure out what's going on."

"This is the third attack on respectable court women this month. I want to know who's behind this, but I don't want to stir up the rest of the courtiers. Please, Raoul, do this for me. I need to know why this is happeneing."

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"Kel, may I please talk to you?"

"No!"

"Then I'll wait here. You can't stay in there forever." Dom leaned against the wall to wait for Kel to emerge. He didn't know how long he would be there, but he would stay there as long as he needed to. A few moments later, Kel's door creaked open and her head searched the hall.

"Oh, no..." she wispered, spotting Dom. Kel pulled the door shut.

"Kel, talk to me," dom pleaded through the wood.

"No!" she shouted back, "You can't stay out there forever."

"If you'll just talk to me, I won't bother you again." Kel slowly opened the door.

"What do you want to talk about?"

"Can't I come in?"

"No," Kel said flatly," whatever you have to say can be said right here."

"Kel, I know what you saw in the garden hurt you. It hurt me, too. I won't try to make excuses, but if you want to hear the whole story, I'll gladly tell it. Kel, I love you." Dom bowed and left. Kel shut her door, leaning against it. SHe slid down the wood, bringing her knees to her chest. He loves me? she thought, confused. Making a quick decision, Kel opened her door.

"Dom!" she called; she could still see him at the end of the hall. He turned and ran back to Kel.

"Yes?" he asked, his voice full of hope.

"Will you tell me what happened?"

"May I sit down, it may take a few minutes."

"Sure."