To explain: I never said she actually did anything with Raoul…but all will be explained in this chapter! The Kel in my story, is in fact different to the one in Tamora Pierce's books, (Personality wise) she's slightly more…obsessive…and just so you know, Numair is about Raoul's age, Daine is slightly older than Kel but…you know…all will be explained…
Disclaimer: All characters (so far) belong to the great Tamora Pierce –Lets all bow down to her now, and roll out the red carpet.
Ok, I've only just realised how extra short my third chapter was…but it was about 9 o'clock when I was writing it…but this one will have to be really, really long to make up…or just really, really good… I hope you won' feel disappointed by the direction I'm taking this story in (if you really don't like it, carry on reading though, it gets A LOT better)… Ps. I'll be in France over the weekend, so I won't update for a couple of days…Responses to reviews I've seen so far for chapter 3 (Thanks everyone by the way)…
Piglet12345- I believe Kel is more psycho than Buri in the upcoming chapters…whoops, I mean you'll just have to sit in suspense while I slowly type here ;) …
Thingy of um thingyness- I'm trying as hard as I can, but I feel that I sometimes have to stop in those places you know?(Probably not as I seem to speak jasmine language sometimes…) To create more suspense I suppose. I'll try to make this longer for you. I really will…The next two chapters will be longer, I'm becoming a longer (and better) writer with practice I think…so please stick with me :P
AnimalWriter1- Thanks for being one of my best reviewers…I'm so pleased you feel honoured to help me…It's really boosted my confidence! I'll share with you some of my ideas on Monday, and maybe you could help be develop them?
Knight Queen- I'm glad you're finding it funny…(At least someone is!)
Zerrin of the Wind- As long as they aren't chocolate sprinkles…Yeh, she is kind of violent, but it's the night before her wedding day so she'll be pretty damn edgy.
Nativewildmage- I can't let one of my favourite reviewers fall off their chair can i? (Maybe I can…evil grin) So, Of course I'll update.
Kings Lioness- I'm very happy that you think its good, I hope it is anyway. Misunderstood…Hmm…You'll just have to see won't you?
Queen Tigress- You're about to find out!
Oreostar90- Well, I don't know how I came up with the idea, it kind of just developed, but I hope you aren't upset by what happens, if you don't like it, then keep with it for the next 3 chapters (a character or two gets killed off!)
Sirladyknight- Weird in a good or bad way?
Crazy4tamorap- Commanding work….its a possibility…
Chapter Four: Tensions are high
Recap: "I'm not as stupid as everyone seems to think. I saw you two together in his room last night while I was coming back from my dress fitting. Care to explain?"
"I don't like what you're implying here…"
"O, really? And what would that be Kel? That you're sleeping with my betrothed? That's certainly the impression I got! You're meant to be one of my dearest friends. How can you do something like this to me?"
"Nothing happened! I swear- nothing happened."
She shifted from foot to foot, and just managed to hide the disappointment from her face. Why had Buri thought something had happened? Did she really want something like that to happen? He was twice her age, but she supposed the age difference wasn't her main problem. It was the same for Numair and Daine, and everyone had said they were perfect for each other. Apart from Neal. But Neal is an exception to a lot of things. The biggest obstacle was the woman standing in front of her. The love of his life, but that could change, and it would change.
Flash back
The sun was setting as Kel stood outside Raoul's door. It would have to be now or never, as he was to be wed the very same day. She rubbed her palms together, they glistened with sweat. This was it. She knocked her fist against the grain of his door, and heard distant grumbles and shuffling nearing the other side of the wood. Mumbles of 'Who is it?' and 'I'm coming, hold your horses...' greeted her as she heard the lock open with a soft click
She had gone over her speech in front of her mirror hundreds of times, trying to get the tone of her voice exactly right, strong enough so he didn't feel it was a joke, but soft enough for him see how she really felt about him. It had taken her hours, but she might as well have not bothered at all, because as soon as the door swung open and revealed a messy looking Raoul, who had obviously fallen asleep over maps and plans last night, her heart melted, causing her to forget what she had even come here for. Panic rose from the depths of her stomach and began to grow. What had she come here for? Did she really think he'd feel the same way about her? It was a ridiculous idea to even consider coming here and expressing her true feelings. How could she had been so stupid as to think he'd even listen to her? Maybe because he would listen to her. That's why she loved him. He would treat her as an equal, in abilities and mentally, he'd value her opinions, however stupid. That's why she loved him. While many of the boys taunted and teased her, he stood by her from the start, a shoulder to cry on, and a friend when needed.
"Kel, What are you doing calling on me at this hour?" Kel snapped back out of her daydream, and suddenly remembered where she was – outside a door with a dazed Raoul of Goldenlake and Malorie's Peak staring back at her.
"Sir, its gone 10 bells, it's hardly early." It wasn't the best or nicest thing to say, but it was all she could think of.
"What? Already? Mithros be, that went by quickly. Is there something you wanted me for?" Other than to be mine forever…?
"Erm, Can I come in sir? I need to talk to you about something…its important." Raoul gave a slightly confused nod, but heard the urgency in Kel's voice. This was it.
She didn't dare sit, not that there was any room. His walls, floor and chairs were coated in books, scrolls and maps of all shapes and sizes. He moved a large detailed map of Tortall and its outer regions, and motioned for her to take the seat. She declined politely.
"So, what is it you wanted to talk to me about, that couldn't wait for after my wedding?" Raoul raised an inquisitive eyebrow at that last remark.
"Well…it's just….the fact of the matter is….I….need to know….." Why couldn't she just get this over with now? Just spit it out Kel. "Er…well sir…I mean Raoul, we've known each other for…wait…no, that wasn't it…you've been a great friend to me, and well…no, that's not it either…"
"Kel, I would like to be finished by Midwinter if possible." Kel could detect a hint of annoyance in his voice- just a hint though.
"I just needed to know what colour icing you want on the cake sir." What the hell was that? Ok, it wasn't the best lie she had to admit, but it just came out.
"Cake icing? You woke me up for Cake icing?" The hint was definitely more obvious now.
"Well you know how Buri is about these sorts of things…" Kel continued to lie as best she could, trying to stop herself from laughing at her own stupidity.
"You're serious. O, white will do." Kel sighed to herself; this was definitely not how it had meant to go.
"Thanks, sir. Congratulations by the way." Kel turned and headed towards the door, but stopped when she heard her name being called. Raoul placed his arms around her back, and took her into an embrace. "Thanks for being so supportive of this Kel, for being a great student, and an even better friend." She walked out into the hallway, closing the door behind and going through the past few minutes events in her head – it hadn't gone that badly.
End Flashback
"You would tell me if something happened between you two, wouldn't you Kel?" Buri needed reassurance, but Kel wasn't a hundred percent certain she wanted to give it to her.
"But nothing did happen Buri. Why are you worrying about this now? You have a wedding to get to… unless of course, you wanted to back out? I mean if you're not sure then…"
"You're right Kel. I love Raoul, and he loves me. I shouldn't be standing here! Thanks for everything Kel." With that, Buri hitched up the hem of her puffy white gown, and ran in the direction of the wedding.
Why did I open my big mouth? She didn't want to go through with it, but I had to be there to tell her to go for it. O well, I suppose there's more than one way to stop a wedding…