Neal's Choices
Kel trotted down the hallway. No one was about, not even her sponsor and current crush, Nealan of Queescove. Kel sighed, thinking of his gorgeous green eyes. But it would never happen. Neal liked her as a friend and fellow page-not as a lover. Besides, Lord Wyldon had ordered her to keep all doors open, whether in her room or a boy's.
The next morning dawned hotter than any other. "My lady you must boil like a roast chicken under those layers." Lalasa, Kel's maid sat sewing in the window seat. "You're right," acknowledged Kel, stripping off her tunic and continuing to practice with her glaive. Half an hour later the pattern dance was almost over and Kel had stripped down to her breast band. Lalasa had left to see Tian but Kel had a new audience.
"NEAL!" she cried "I I I had no idea you were here!" She bustled about trying to find her shirt, her nightgown, something to cover herself up with. Suddenly, she felt a warm, gentle grip on her arm.
"No Kel. You're beautiful enough as you are." And with these words Neal bent down and kissed her softly on the lips. She was so shocked she had no idea what in the world was going on! Neal chose to take her surprise the wrong way.
"I'm sorry Kel. I know I shouldn't but…" He trailed off looking miserable. "I'll go now."
"No!"
"What!"
"Neal-I love you!"