"Well," explained Dom, "I have something to ask you."

"Yes, I've been hearing that everywhere I go. What on earth is it?"

"Well can we perhaps talk privately, it's not something I'd like to share with the kingdom." Kel agreed, knowing it must be something important and so followed him as he walked to his room. He opened the door and waited for her to enter then entered behind her watching the way she moved very intensely staring at her behind.

"Well...you see the thing is.....uh...how should I put this...hmmm -" He was cut off by a knock at the door and then as Neil burst through.

"Hello cousin I just wanted to tell you that Kel is baaaaack.oops sorry Kel I uh didn't see you there."

"Well COUSIN I was just about to ask her."

"Ask her what? Oh That! I'm sorry I'll leave you two alone then." Said Neil impishly as he left the room and shut the door behind him.

"Even Neil knows? You tell everyone except me? Well what is it???"

"Ok I will explain but you must not interrupt until I have finished do you underst. - " said Dom as he tried to explain and Kel cut him off.

"Yes yes I promise not to interrupt."

"That's exactly what I'm talking about Kel," he continued and just as Kel was about to speak he put a finger to her lips. "Don't speak Keladry of Mindelan." Once again there was a knock at the door and Cleon burst in.

"Dom, Kel's back you can ask her noooooooooow - Uh hi Kel, didn't see you in here."

"Even Cleon? I don't believe this! I'm out of here!" said Kel as she stormed out leaving an exasperated and utterly furious Dom and a remorseful Cleon in her wake. The whole palace knew except her and she was not about to put up with it. She would ride away that afternoon and if Tobe wanted to accompany her then he was very welcome to.

She burst into her room and locked the door behind her. Tobe was in there and looked up in surprise, holding a knife steady. "It's okay Tobe, it's only me. I'm riding away to the stronghold. Would you like to come or stay? The choice is yours."

"I'll come but why are we leaving so soon? You only just got back?"

"I know but there are too many secrets here right now and I don't feel like putting up with them. I'm going to finish the business I have with my Lord Wyldon then ride back. I'm sorry to leave you in the lurch like this."

"Don't worry about me. You know I'll follow you wherever you go. You're the one who saved me and I don't intend on letting you forget it. I am indebted to you a million times over."

"Oh don't be silly Tobe. You don't owe me anything."

"Here let me fix you a drink," said Tobe after he opened a window. Kel's birds came eagerly wanting food. Tobe hushed them then went back to getting Kel's drink. He had slipped in a relaxation serum which calmed down the body and disabled everything except one's mind. It would only last 24 hours.

In such time, Tobe would watch very carefully over his mistress and allow poor Dom to ask Kel THE question. Dom had been waiting for so long to ask Kel and everyone kept ruining it for him.

"You dwugged it," said Kel groggily as she slumped back and Tobe lay her down gently on her bed. He had become quite strong in the last couple of years.

"Yes I did. You needed it Kel. You never even gave poor Dom a chance to explain anything to you, or even ask you what he's been waiting for, for so long. Now you stay put and don't go anywhere." He laughed and left to find Dom.