A/N:Yello its me again with another update. Its almost finished but I still need reviews I can see how many people are reviewing and how many people are reading so don't forget that!
Since there was no training today I decided to sleep in waking up two hours after the bell instead of before. Once I was fully awake I took a really long hot bath and ate breakfast. I then gathered all of the things I would need for the day and went to Shinko's room so that her, Yuki, and I could all get ready together.
The rest of the day was spent by Yuki and Shinko begging me to tell them who I was going to the ball with and them trying to give me a complete makeover. Apparently I really needed one to wash off the grime and boy germs from training, or at least according to Yuki. Once it was time to get the Princess really Yuki and I were forced out of the room by all of the servants coming in. After saying goodbye to Yuki and assuring her that I would not run away before the ball I went back to my room.
I bathed again and got into my dress, luckily I was already partly ready because of the makeover. Since I still had about thirty minutes until Dom was going to meet me I straightened my room and packed a bag of overnight clothes and a blanket. I also laid out my back clothes to bled into the night and some riding clothes. I wanted to be prepared in case I had to make a quick dash form the castle. I heard a knock on y door so I quickly soothed out my skirts and made sure my hair was in place then opened the door.
I was of course not surprised to find Dom standing there looking nice and sharp in a clean white shirt with a red tunic over it and a pair of black breeches. Dom smiled "Everyone is wearing the colours of the Rose and the Princess tonight." I knew the Princess's colour was red but why were they also honouring me. I guess my confusion showed on my face because the next thing that came out of Dom's mouth was: "We honour you with the Princess because you saved the king from an arrow a few days ago."
I blinked stupidly for a few seconds then what he said registered in my brain. I grounded and hit my head on the door frame a few times.
"Its not that bad." Dom imminently started to protest " I swear people won't hate you, and if they do then they are complete idiots for missing this beautiful young women who can kick their asses." I blushed a little at the compliment. I moved my dress a little. Tonight I was wearing a long kimono dress that went down to my feet. The gown was a soft black velvet with billowy sleeves. I knew that everyone else would probably be wearing bright colours but I chose this gown because of the beautiful red roses embroidered a long the hems and reaching up the left side. I wore my red hair curled and layered down so that it touched my waist and I had a few of my special bobby pins with red rubies on them holding back the shorter parts of the hair from my face.
Dom bowed and gestured for us to go out. We went down to the Princess's rooms, since we would be entering right in front of her.
Dom and I were in line in front of the princess when someone from inside the ball room call for silence. I was still in the room outside waiting to enter onto the grand stairs. I was so nervous and was bouncing on the balls of my feet.
"Kel" whispered Shinko sharply "Quit bouncing, what would Lady Bella say!" I could see by the smile on her face that she was teasing me. Every Yamani Lady, man, and Treen knew who important this moment was, not just because of the Princess being presented but also because of me and I prayed that I would not let them down.
A man signalled me and Dom to come forward, I was so nervous I almost forgot to breath.
Dom leaned down "Do you want it too seem like your scared of them?" He asked "Do you not believe you have earned their respect by now are you ashamed? Toughen up girl."
It was then as we were walking forward about to be introduced that I realised that he and everyone else was right. I was the Yamani Rose Warrior, saviour of the Emperor, Princess and the Tortallen King. I straightened my back and made sure my dress was straight.
The Door was opened "Announcing The Yamani Rose Keladry of Mindelan and her escort Sergeant Domitan of Masbolle." I don't think anyone really heard Dom's name because as soon as my name was called out just about everyone in the room that was not Yamani gasped.
Dom and I approached the King who now had a shocked expression on his face. I curtseyed as Dom bowed. Then we quickly bled into the crowd of Yamani nobles. It was hard to get away as everyone was starring at me but I think we got a good spot in the middle of everyone so they could only half see me.
When the Princess came down a few minutes later people watched politely as the prince greeted her. Then the music began, I tried to hide behind the Nobles and behind Dom wherever some one was near but it didn't always work. Then some one finally managed to break through the crowd.
"Kel" a voice said behind me "I can't believe its really you. We are so glad your back we really missed you."
As I turned to look I recognised the voice so I prepared myself for the best. Neal, Merric, Sever, and the rest of my friends from being a page were standing behind me. I quickly pushed Dom in front of me, but Dom looked from me to my friends then an evil smile spread across his face.
"Why Meathead" he said "Are you looking for Kel? Well lookie here come on Kel some people want to say hi to you."
While he was saying this he was attempting to pull me from behind my back. "No Dom let me go" This of course was the only protest I could think of at the moment. Right when he got me in front of him I thought of the perfect thing. "Dom let me go and I promise not to break ALL of your fingers."
Sadly Dom didn't take my threat seriously so I was about to break the first finger when he whispered into my ear: "What did we talk about just before we came out here Kel?" Dom asked "I thought you said you would-" He didn't get to finish his oh so lovely sentence because I elbowed him in the stomach and pushed him away.
"Hi" I said smiling at Neal and everyone standing beside him ignoring the whining from Dom "Its good to see you again too. I'm sorry I didn't tell you who I was before. I guess no one knew except the Yamani."
"But why didn't you tell anyone you were back we would have loved to talk to you we really missed you?" Neal questioned
"I didn't tell anyone because I thought I had not really proved myself as a warrior and I thought you would think me a complete failure. I know I am already credited but the Islands but I knew Lord Wyldon would still think me weak like a boy so I waited until after a week of training to tell you." I replied feeling like a horrible person.
"I told you!" Merric said punching Neal on the shoulder "Neal, over here thought you wouldn't want to talk to us anymore because you were a big warrior now."
"Oh No" I said horrified " I would never do that I thought you wouldn't want to talk to me because I failed. And I am not really a Warrior I just saved important peoples life's."
"No" Sever insisted "We really missed you. Not one of the squires, except Joren and his crew, listened to Lord Wyldon for a month."
By now all of the Yamani had spread out so I was in plain view of everyone. I was the Lioness looking right at me with Daine, and Buri at her side. I saw Lord Raoul looking at me also. And of course Lord Wyldon the squires and the King and Queen were looking right at me.
I gulped and looked at Dom in a panic.
"Come on lets Dance." He said trying to distract me "And stop biting your lip you'll draw blood."
While we were dancing I felt a few eyes leave me but I knew that there were still too many people for comfort watching me.
"Thank you for everything." I told Dom "You have been really nice too me even though I lied at first."
"It was my pleasure and still is my pleasure to protect you from the eyes of the court. But after this dance you should really go speak to the Lioness. I'm sure she won't hate you in fact she'll probably be proud you came back a warrior and rubbed it in their face."
"Sure, if it will make you happy then I will be slowly be repaying you." I replied
When the dance was over I went in search of the lioness. I was surprised to find she was only a few yards away and already approaching me with Buri and Daine by her side.
"Hello Keladry" she said "I'm so glad your back." she said politely then in a harsh whisper she added "And I'm glad you put the men in there place. You can see they really regret sending you away."
After talking for the Lioness, Buri and Daine for a while I felt much better but that good feeling quickly went away when the King beckoned to me with Lord Wyldon by his side.