A few notes:

1) yes I know Dom kinda slid out of the last chapter and maybe I could have said a little more about him, but it was really kinda on purpose.

2) I know some people think that maybe Kel and The King were a little informal, but Jon really is an informal King and I just don't see him making someone call him Your Highness when he is about to tell them not so good news, he would make them feel as comfortable as possible. Also don't worry Kel still doesn't like him she was just being polite.

3) Sorry I spelled the kings name wrong apparently and I'm not surprised because I think that Jonathan is a really hard name to spell so sorry!

4) Thank you megster, Wake-Robin, pinky, Keladry of Masbolle, oceanspike, dreamerdoll. And of course Lilliana-Rose: I'm glad you liked it but next time you so aren't aloud to do like 9 of the reviews! LOL.... Ok well everyone your comments really helped!

5) Disclaimer: not mine its all Tammy's

Chapter 4

Kel looked at the King and felt more dislike than she had before she had walked through those oak doors an hour ago. With every word and explanation of their mission the hatred grew more, how could he have asked them to do such a thing.

Keeping her face Yamani smooth she remembered the oath she had sworn to be a knight for Tortall, she could not refuse.

Oblivious to Kel's anger Neal looked intently at the King, he was clearly happy with the idea of this mission. 'How could he' she thought, but another smaller part of her thought, 'Of course he would he would do anything for the King, unlike you.'

'Well did the King put him on probation?'

'Is he a girl? How do you know that the King had a choice anyways?'

She considered it pointless to argue with herself and gave in, no one would ever win. Knowing that she had no right to be upset at her best friend for something he couldn't help especially with those vibrant green eyes that glanced towards her every once in a while, she silently forgave him.

Snapping back into attention she heard the King ask, "Kel what do you say, will you take this mission for Tortall and the Crown?"

Kel knew that it was a rhetorical question, cut she answered anyways, "Of course."

"Good you shall head for Port Caynn at nightfall. Please do not mention your leave to anyone but those you trust most."

Knowing an excuse when he heard one Neal stood from his chair and dragged Kel, who had previously been struggling to get out of her overstuffed chair, into the hallway.

"What were you thinking?" Neal erupted as soon as the doors were shut behind them.

"Wha—"Kel responded confusedly.

"You could have at least been polite."

"I don't know what you're talking about!"

"I saw you, your face slipped several times from that emotionless state to a look of utter disgust."

"No! that has not happened for years."

"Well it did today and the King was clearly upset about it too."

"I do have a right to be mad you know! He put me on probation just for being a girl and now he is sending me to betray my own people? Did he do that to you Neal?"

As Neal realized the situation his cheeks flushed a deep red color, why had he never known his best friend was so touchy about probation? O yes because she hides her emotions. Not knowing how to reply he settled his arm around her waist drawing her close as they headed off across the palace.

Smirks and knowing glances were sent their way as people saw how close the two of them stood, but finally Kel didn't care. It didn't matter what they said she had earned her shield fairly.

"I'm sorry Neal," Kel said breaking the silence.

"Why?" He asked.

"Because I got you into this mess. Because every single stuck-up noble will give you a bad reputation and stick their noses up at us just because you are with me."

"Sweet, do you think that I would be upset about that? And we are not in a mess, its more of an adventure don't you think. Going under cover and all."

"Glad you think so because I will defiantly use your assurance."

Without noticing where they were going the two found themselves in front of Neal's doors. He invited her in, but she made excuses of a dire need to right some letters, He scowled at her excuse.

'It's not like I am actually lying! I really do want to right a letter to Dom,' Kel thought as she walked along the cream painted hallways.

'But did you really have to do that now? You know it was an excuse.'

'So is it really a crime to not want to get too far involved just yet?'

Nari and her flock swarmed Kel's head angrily as she walked through the door, she had forgotten to feed them on her way out and now they were furious. It took much convincing before the sparrows believed that she was going to feed them, but she finally reached the seed bag she kept in her desk.

Feeling the relief that everyone was satisfied again Kel sat at her desk with a piece of paper. Everything she thought of was turned down, how could she put all of her emotions down on one page? The waste bin was full of papers, as was the floor when she finally had a perfect letter for Dom. It wasn't too mean, but it also didn't seem like she loved him and it told him exactly what he needed to know.

Originally she had wanted to wait until just before she left to give him the letter, but now she felt so restless that she couldn't wait any longer. She walked slowly though the corridors towards rooms designated to the Own. Stopping to chat with everyone she bided her time thinking carefully about exactly what she would say and do as she delivered the letter.

After taking a quick stop by Raoul's rooms she realized that she could not stand to put this off any longer. She headed for Dom's room, anyone who might have passed her wouldn't have dared interrupt her with the fiercely determined look she wore.

She rapped soundly on the door and sat back waiting, but after some time no one answered. Trying again, but knocking harder this time she still got no answer. In desperation she tried to open the door, it was unlocked.

Entering into his impeccably clean room she found it empty of his presence. Apparently he cleaned thoroughly before leaving his room that morning because it looked untouched and perfect. Determined not to leave without an answer she searched his room for something missing and eventually found that only his sword was not there.

Kel decided that it was not worth looking for him, with only a sword missing he could be anywhere. She set down the letter on his bed and went back to her room to prepare, sulking the whole while.

As the sun set below the tops of the trees, Kel gathered her saddlebag and headed off towards the stables. Mentally she went through a checklist making sure she had done everything she had wanted to. It had been painful leaving Jump in Daine's care and leaving her horses with Stephan, but the King's orders had been clear. Anything that would identify her had to be left behind.

Neal stood holding the reins of two horses, one a testy gray mare and one a calm chestnut mare. Kel silently greeted him, knowing that right now was not the time for words both of them were sad. Seeing a lone tear drip down his cheeks she chose to ignore it for his own pride.

They set out of Tortall with only their few possessions and their horses not knowing when or if they would ever return. Looking back they knew that almost no one would know where they were or if they were alive.

SO what did you think???I do admit it has a lot of awkward commentary I think where she isn't saying anything, and im really not good at doing those parts so if you would please review with suggestions it would be very helpful!

Sorry I meant to update the second I got all those reviews, but it was my Mom's b-day so I was kinda busy.... Um lets say another 15 reviews not all by the same person please!