Hm, the chapter seemed longer when I wrote it out, sorry about that. This one isn't particuly long though, but I may have two medium sized chapters posted by the end of the day, as I'm bursting with ideas. Just to clear things up, Queen Thayet would be the maid of honour…but Kel fits the part better later on, so lets say the King and Queen are in a very important meeting at the moment, and will come to the reception instead. O, and Kel and Dom are acquaintances (nearly friends), and that's ALL, no romance between them…yet.
Disclaimer: All characters (so far) belong to the great Tamora Pierce –Lets all bow down to her now.
May add a few of my own later on, but will specify when I do.
Chapter Two: By the Fountains
Recap: The ripple of whispers brought Raoul out of his tranquillity, it was Kel, Buri's chosen Maid of Honour. Having lived in the Yamani Isles, she was skilfully able to keep from showing her emotions, but even she was unable to stop the distress seeping from her face. Something was wrong.
She strode up the aisle, a look of anguish becoming clearer with every pace. Dom wanted to run to meet her halfway, but decided that if he began to run, it may alert the guests that something wasn't right- so he attempted to do a fast-pasted walk instead.
"Kel, what's wrong?" Dom hated when she was upset, as it made his own heart crumble – he wasn't sure why though…its not like he loved her or anything…
"Its Buri, I can't find her anywhere!" She had searched up and down the Palace grounds when she hadn't come to inspect Kel's clothes, but she wasn't to be found anywhere. "You haven't seen her have you?"
Dom, not wanting to frighten the groom further, decided against telling Raoul about this, "No, but I'll try to help you find her. Have you checked the Palace?"
"Yes of course, that was the first place I searched…"
Dom didn't think she'd have missed any room, but had to ask the question anyway. "Are you completely sure?"
Kel had to restrain herself from wiping that grin off his mischevious face. Don't let the jerk get to you, that's what he wants. She pulled him closer and managed to whisper quietly enough so that no one else could hear.
" If I wasn't at a wedding, Buri wasn't missing, and I wasn't wearing a stupid frock that makes me resemble a clown, you would be looking up at me from the flat of your back right now Dom."
The look on Dom's face was priceless, one of concern, anger, sarcasm, contempt and was that love? Kel quickly pushed the growing unease to the back of her mind, and ran back down the aisle to find Buri.
"Have you checked the fountains?" Dom's voice was barely audible over the racket that had broken loose after the guests had heard about the missing bride.
Stumbling over twisted vines, muddy ditches and spike-covered bushes, she came into the clearing of The Fountains. Usually the main spot for lovers as it was hidden away from wandering eyes, there were no lovers here, they all seemed to be taking a day off for the wedding. All except for one figure sat by the tumbling waters of the centre fountain- Buri.
Edging closer, Kel was careful not to startle her- she may have been small but she could be deadly. She didn't hear the twig snap beneath her feet before a small blade was held at her throat with unreal precision.