AN: SORRY! Sorry it took so long to update, I have been so busy! College sucks, tests, tests, and more tests leave no time for fanfiction. On with the story
Kel and Raoul walked arm in arm down the Great Stair. "Raoul, there starring" whispered Kel, out of the corner of her mouth.
"Of course they are staring. We gave them a nasty shock." replied Raoul as they reached the bottom of the stair and began to walk across the room to the dais. As they walked Kel heard snippets of conversations.
"…isn't right…"
"…He's far too old for her…"
"…I knew there was a reason he chose her for his squire…"
"…slut… took advantage of her position…"
They reached the dais and stopped before the royal family. Everyone was in attendance. The King and Queen were in the center, with Roald and Shinko on their right. The other children were seated on the King and Queen's left. Kel sunk into a deep curtsy as Raoul bowed to the King and Queen first, then Roald. "May we humbly present to you, as a token of our esteem, this birthday gift, and wish you many more, Sire." recited Raoul as he handed the gift to Roald, whom, in turn, handed it to a servant.
"Thank you for your gift and kind words, Lord Raoul, Lady Knight Keladry." answered Roald, as custom dictated.
After Roald finished the King stood and walked down the steps to Raoul and Kel. He opened his arms and hugged first Raoul, then Kel. When he spoke his voice echoed through the already silent room. "My old friend, congratulations, this is wonderful news. Have you set a date yet?"
Kel looked at the king and answered, her soft voice also echoing. "We decided May thirteenth, Sire. It is always beautiful in May."
Jon smiled, "My you look stunning tonight, Keladry, positively glowing. I am sure that Her Highness will wish to speak to you later tonight." Kel and Raoul, curtsied and bowed, respectively, and walked away from the dais to be immediately surrounded by friends and family.
"Kel… engaged… I can't believe it!" shouted Owen as he hugged Kel and tugged his curls, making them fly every direction.
Merric walked over and clasped Kel on the arm, like she's one of the guys. "Well, looks like you will be the third to take the plunge, Neal and Owen beat you to it."
Kel smiled at the red headed knight. "Yah, now that I am getting married, it might make that Queen's Lady you have been seeing… what is her name, Lady Alyssa, want to tie the knot."
Merric looked at Kel, with panic in his eyes "Don't swear like that around me Kel. You might jinx me." He replied as he backed away, as if she had the plague. "Hopefully Alyssa won't get any ideas from this. I like her too much to break up with her."
"Then why don't you just ask her to marry you? She'll say yes, she loves you for some reason" replied Kel, tartly.
"I'm too young to get married!" cried Merric in anguish.
"No your not, you're the same age as me, and I am getting married. You just don't want to commit." Kel looked into Merric's eyes and laughed. "You would die in Yaman; I can read you like a book. You want to ask but are afraid of rejection."
Merric looked down at his feet and blushed. He looked back up to Kel. "Is it that obvious? I don't know what to do. One minute I can't live with out her, and the next I want to get as far away from her as possible."
"That, my boy, is what campaigns are for." added Raoul, with wicked humor. "months and months of no women grousing at you."
"Hey! Well, I might just want to inform you that that tactic won't work for me." stated Kel, as she poked Raoul in the chest. "It was your idea to make me commander of Third Company, so you could take over more administration duties. You'll never be rid of me."
Raoul sighed and looked around the group. "Alas, it was my idea to put you in charge, but unfortunately His Highness thought that I needed to do more paperwork, as if I don't do enough already. That part was no decision of mine. You were the best choice to take the lead. I guess I will have to find other ways of escaping you, like leading second company instead."
"You wouldn't."
"I might…" said Raoul as he turned around, hearing his name being called. "I'll be right back, I need to speak with Sir David." He said, motioning towards the man who called out to him."
As Raoul walked away, Kel heard a voice behind her she hadn't heard in a while. "Well, well, well, looks like the Lump finally found someone who would have her." Kel turned and saw…
AN: HA HA HA, cliffhanger, lol. Sorry guys but it was a good stopping point. I am still looking for a Beta reader if anyone is interested. Please review because more reviews more updates!
