Thanks to all my lovely reviewers! I was going to add more to this chapter but it was too long so I've split it into two separate ones.
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"Dom shift your ass into gear!" Evelyn gave an exasperated sigh and thumped the sleeping soldier on the shoulder. Only to be horrified when consequently the quilt slipped revelling bare, and rather well toned, (even if she did hate to admit it) flesh.
Dom closed his eyes tighter, maybe it was only a bad dream, and even if it wasn't perhaps if he didn't move then that 'creature' would give up and leave him alone. His feeble plan was ruined as she hit him, he was shocked more then anything else, she didn't look up to much but by the gods she could pack a punch!
So caught up was he in feeling sorry for himself that at first he didn't notice the cold air playing on his chest and back, it wasn't until he heard a muffled gasp and the sound of somebody stumbling backwards and obviously tripping over an object, or objects, (he was willing to bet that it was Wolset's boots) that he registered that he was half naked!
"Praise Mithros Evelyn turn around!" As she hurried to comply with his request he leaped out of bed pulling on a shirt and breeches as he did so. He paused and waited a second before informing her of his now fully clothed state. As he did so he openly stared, she had her back to him, but from his vantage point he could see her creamy neck which was tilted at a slight angle and the strands of blonde hair that were escaping from the restraining constrictions of a tight bun, Neal had been right she was certainly a looker, pity they didn't get on and that she wasn't Kel, 'hang on where had that thought come from'…
He was interrupted from his somewhat impure thoughts by the sound of her voice, "Are you done yet, I have a favour to ask of you." At her last sentence Dom bit the grin that was threatening to spread all over his face, this was his chance, his moment for revenge, 'ah the things he could do, the humiliation he could make her feel.' The list went on and on, Evelyn noticing the look that was rapidly encompassing his face decided to interrupt…
"Don't get any ideas, it's about Kel, you can plan your revenge later, although personally I find it hard to believe that you will beat me." Evelyn watched the mans face carefully, and was forced to concede that while the smile hadn't left his face, his eyes had lit up at Kels name, 'hmm this could turn out to be a very interesting night…'
"Ok but if we're going to talk may I suggest that it is in different surroundings as all of the lads sleep in similar apparel as myself, and they will be waking up soon." Dom was pleased to note the blush that spread across Evelyn's cheeks, and with a mute nod she followed him across the barracks.
Unfortunately for them she, (not being used to the clutter created by the Own) tripped over someone's trunk and between the bag that was created and her cursing, several men sat up in bed thoroughly awake and equally confused.
Dom took one look, grabbed her hand and ran, pulling her around 6 beds and out through the door into the snow covered courtyard. By the time they reached that particular safe heaven he was shaking with suppressed laughter, the look on her face when the men had woken up, priceless!
Wolset stuck his sleep tousled head around the barracks door and was witness to the Lady of Naxen and his sergeant deep in discussion, surrounded by snow. He pulled his head back into the warmth and turned to the men with a smile on his face, "We were right lads, the Lady was indeed in here with Dom, wonder what they got up to…" This brought bellows of laughter from the men, Dom was going to have a lot of explaining to do.
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Evelyn hummed a little ditty to herself as she prepared for Kels arrival, things had all gone accordingly to plan, the sergeant had been more then willing to help, despite his misgivings about Kel in a dress, (boy he was in for a shock), and Kel herself was due to arrive any minute.
Just as she was thinking this a knock sounded on her door, "Come on in, it's open." Kel walked in dressed in simple Goldenlake colours, with her hair slightly damp from the washing it had obviously just received. "Good evening. Are you sure this is going to work, I'm not just going to make a fool of myself? I mean I don't even have anyone to go with."
Evelyn glanced up from what she had been doing, "Don't be silly, you're going to have the time of your life, and I've already taken care of the date thing, I had to beat all the men off with a stick!" She didn't view this as a lie, as she was sure that had she mentioned it to ant of Kel's year mates they to would have clamoured to accompany her.
Kel gave a smile, albeit a weak one, "Ok, I don't suppose you're going to tell me who he is?" At the look Evelyn gave her the smile turned stronger, "I thought not."
Two hours later and she was ready, if anything looking even prettier then the night before, Evelyn had really gone to town, the dress was the same but her short hair had been styled and had emeralds through it, she was also wearing a pair of soft slippers, in total she felt like a princess.
Dom knocked on the door and waited for it to be opened; he was dressed in his best as per instruction, royal blue tunic, white shirt and soft black dress breeches. He was mildly confused to see Evelyn open the door with a smile with a strange Lady standing behind her. It took him a second to register that the 'Lady' was in fact Kel.
After he had recovered he smiled widely and gave a players bow, "Fair Lady may I have the supreme honour of escorting you to the ball?" Kel glanced at Evelyn, 'just how much did she know about her feelings for Dom' but was only greeted with a smile. Kel could feel herself grinning, it certainly wasn't the end of the world, the look on Dom's face had been amazing, it had left her all warm inside, "Of course you can!" With this she took his offered arm and set off in the direction of the grand staircase.
"Wait, where are we going, the ballroom is the other way?!" Dom simply grinned wider, it was Evelyn's voice that answered her, "Oh did I forget to mention that you're being presented along with the other court ladies?"
From her position in the doorway Evelyn smiled, 'oh yes, tonight was going to be a lot of fun, pity she wouldn't be there to see it…'
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Please review, tell me what you think, I can't make up my mind what to do with Evelyn…
Thanks xxx