Chapter 2
The next afternoon Kel lay on her back staring up at the sky, trying to rid herself of the headache that had developed over the morning as she tried to help Yuki sort out details for the coming wedding. Kel thought she would rather take on Blayce and Stenmun again rather than take part in a discussion over whether the bride should carry bluebells or daisies.
She didn't hear Dom creep up behind her, only noticing his presence when he threw a bunch of grass onto her face. Laughing she sat up and brushed the grass of her. " Were you born a pest or was that a special skill you picked up?"
" They taught it to me special in the own" he smirked. " So why are you out here? Hiding from the dress makers or perhaps from the happy couples?"
" Both" she said with a moan, flopping back onto the grass. " Honestly, I am a knight, why on earth do people think I am going to be any help in planning a weddings. All this love stuff, I am completely useless"
He looked over at her, if he hadn't known her for 5 years he might not have noticed the flicker of sadness in her eyes. " Why so sad" he asked
" I'm not sad Dom"
" Sure tell me another one. Come on Kel, tell me what's up. Aren't you happy for them?
" Of course Dom! Its really nothing. I'm just tired"
" Sure Kel." He gave her an incredulous look. " Tell you what, I am going to stay here and make a pest of myself until you tell me what's up"
" Are you sure your not the meathead in the family?" the use of Dom's nickname for Neal made Dom wince.
" Not kind protector, you wound me immeasurably, and now you shall pay"
Kel was about to ask him how he intended to make her pay when she could beat him with most weapons when he started to tickle her. This, she thought, was an entirely unfair style of warfare. After a few minutes Kel finally yielded, wiping tears of mirth out of her eyes
" Now, dear protector, do tell me what's bothering me before I have to tickle it out of you again"
" Dom" she said softly " it's really stupid, you'll laugh"
" Try me" he said with a smile
" Ok fine. No one is ever going to look at me like you and your men look at those beautiful court women. I am built like a cow with blacksmith arms and most men are intimidated by the fact I am a warrior. I love my job and I wouldn't trade my shield for the world…but it hurts to know I won't ever have what everyone else can. I look at Raoul and Buri and Neal and Yuki, I just… I get lonely sometimes and no one even seems to think that maybe I am a woman just as much as I am a knight." She said this all in a rush and then quickly got up and walked back to her room. Even with her Yamani mask firmly in place she couldn't be sure that she would be able to keep the tears from slipping out. Dom watched her go completely shocked.