AN: Hi everyone, here is chapter two. Chap one wasn't very good, and I hope this one is better. I changed Kel and Raoul's ages, after I found my timeline. Kel is 23 and Raoul is 50. I am looking for a Beta, so if anyone is interested, leave me a review. One with the show!
"Grab the gift" said Kel, as she pointed towards the wrapped box on her table. "I can't believe that Roald is turning twenty five today."
"Yah," agreed Raoul as he picked up the box and offered his arm to Kel. "I can remember when he was born. Jon and Thayet were so happy. It was a dangerous time in the Realm. After the birth of a son, everyone relaxed a bit" mused Raoul, lost in his memories.
Kel smoothed her hair and walked with Raoul to the door. He opened it and they walked down the long corridor towards the ballroom. They reached the small antechamber to wait to be introduced. Because it was Prince Roald's twenty fifth birthday the King and Queen put on a marvelous party. There were dignitaries from many of the surrounding countries and almost the entire court was present. Kel looked around at all of the people waiting to be introduced and present there gifts to Roald. We could be her for a while mused Kel, there was at least ten couples before herself and Raoul. She left Raoul taking to Jerel of Nenan, and walked over to the open door and looked into the crowd. There were already many people there. In fact she and Raoul would almost be the last to be introduced. Kel panned the crowd and saw her parents talking to Yuki and Neal. Kel smiled, they were so happy together. Kel turned and looked on the other side of the room. Kel shook her head and signaled Raoul to come and see something.
"What?" whispered Raoul when he reached where Kel was standing.
Kel pointed at Dom and the mysterious young lady he was talking to. "Don Juan is working his magic again. I wonder if this one will be a 'stage five clinger'" laughed Kel as she remembered Dom's last escapade with a beautiful lady.
Raoul chuckled "Hopefully this one won't bribe palace servants to sing love ballads outside his window all night."
Kel smiled and shook her head, ignoring the brief twinge of emotion tugging her heart. Raoul whispered he was going to talk to a friend and left her with her thoughts. Kel looked back at Dom. Long ago, about eight months after her little Sancra episode, she and Dom broke it off. They both knew they were playing with fire, and decided to stop before they got burned. At that time there was no indication from the Crown that men in the King's Own might be able to get married. There still in no indication of that happening any time in the near future. Well, at least we are still friends thought Kel. We are better friends now than we were before. How is he going to take my betrothal? Kel stiffened with that thought. She and Dom still saw each other often because she rides with Third Company, occasionally with the Lioness and very occasionally Neal. Raoul knew about her relationship with Dom. Raoul knew everything, Dom, Cleon; even her one time crush on Neal, and he was OK with it all. Kel shook her head Stop it she ordered herself Dom is the past, forget him. Kel continued to look around the ballroom. She spotted Buri talking to the Maren ambassador. They are probably talking about Sarien. Contemplated Kel, They still haven't stopped killing each other. It's been twenty eight years of short lived kings and Civil War. How much longer can they go on?
Raoul taped Kel on her shoulder, drawing her out of her thoughts. "We're next, are you ready to start this hell?"
Kel turned and looked at Raoul. "Come on Raoul, it can't be that bad."
"Yes it can" argued Raoul. "I hate these functions. I feel like a dancing bear in this get up." said Raoul as he tugged on the collar of his second best tunic, wine colored velvet with gold borders.
"You look fine" reassured Kel. "You know that I am not exactly the ball gown type of girl either." Kel looked up into his coal black eyes. "We both know that we would rather be in the field right now. Who knows, we might get lucky and third company's services might be needed."
Kel smiled and walked arm in arm with Raoul over to the herald. The herald's mouth dropped open when he heard who they were, but none the less stepped forward and banged his staff on the floor three times. The crowd turned to see who the important person or persons were. The herald loudly proclaimed "Lord Sir Raoul of Goldenlake and Malorie's Peak, Knight Commander of the Kings Own, and his betrothed Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan."
AN, well that's all for now, he he he, a little cliffhanger for y'all. Chapter three is already half way written, so if I get reviews, I might update faster. Chocolate muffin for the person who can name the movie that I quoted in this chapter somewhere, a little hint, it pretty new.
