DC: I own nothing

Yeah, so I am sorta back. I have time right now to update…..:)

"Excuse me, Joren of Stone Mountain?" Kel asked the boy who was serving her table. Joren turned and tried not to smile.

"Yes milady?" Joren asked, he had just finished offering the cleaning bowl around the table.

"I was wondering how you have been doing this midwinter." Kel asked barely audible. She looked around to make sure no one was looking. "Any encounters with your father?"

"No." Joren answered just as quietly and smiled on his way back to the kitchens. For the rest of the meal Kel spoke with Roald. They talked about everything, including studies.

When at last the meal ended Roald escorted her into the ball room where the musicians played a dance. Kel was truly enjoying herself and when the dance changed, and involved changing partners, she found herself dancing with Lord Wyldon.

"Hello, Lady Keladry. How are you doing?" He asked politely. Kel considered her answer and spoke.

"I am doing well. I am keeping up on my glaive practice. How have you been Lord Wyldon?" Kel asked as they danced around the room. Lord Wyldon looked a little downcast.

"I am fine. Thank you for asking. Enjoy your Midwinter." Lord Wyldon bowed as the song ended left her there. Looking around the room she noticed that she couldn't find any of her friends. When the next song started, she went to move off the dance floor when there was a tap on her shoulder.

"Excuse me, Lady Keladry?" Kel turned to see a very handsome blue-eyed and black haired man. (I wonder who that could be? Lol) "My name is Domitan of Masbole, Sergeant in the Kings Own. I was wondering if you would like to dance."

Kel considered and nodded. The man was positively the most handsome man she had ever met. And yet there was something familiar about him, she just couldn't place it. They were dancing for a while when Kel spotted Neal coming for them.

"Well, if it isn't my best friend and my cousin!" Neal exclaimed as he clapped them both on the shoulder. Kel looked from one to the other. Then she saw it. They shared the same nose.

"Awww…I knew there was something familiar about you!" Kel said smiling. She was about to say something else when the cousin spoke first.

"Well, Meathead, where have you been?"

"Well, DOM, if you would stop calling me that I would explain. It looks there we are going to have some visitors tomorrow from the Yamani Isles." Neal said looking at Kel. The day before she had found out why she had been betrothed to Roald.

"Kel, we didn't want to do it. But since the Emperor couldn't choose one of the princesses he asked if you would. He said it still might change, and you could be free to choose who you marry." Ilane explained to her daughter. Kel had nodded. She could still get to choose.

"I will then go and talk to Roald for awhile." Kel said. Her parents knew that she was training still, they had supported it.

"Hello, Earth to Kel?" Kel looked at Neal and punched his arm. He blushed and looked at Dom. He was looking at Kel.

"Sorry, I was thinking." Neal snickered and this time Dom smacked him on the shoulder. Kel shook her head and quickly ducked into a nearby group of people. When she talked with both of the boys her heartbeat faster.

What is wrong with me? Nothing has happened with Neal and me since last midwinter. It was as if it never happened. And now what about this Dom? He is just…just…just so handsome. Tonight I am such a hair brained court lady!

"A copper for your thoughts?" Kel turned to see Roald. She smiled and let him lead her out onto the balcony.

"Oh, they aren't worth that much." She smiled and looked up into the sky. The stars were bright.

"Kel, my father just told me that your parents were able to get the Yamani emperor to pick a princess for me to marry." Roald said quietly, looking at her. Kel thought this over.

"That is great. Now we can just be friends again!" Kel said happily. Roald grinned. They had both been fretting about having to marry, especially since they didn't love each other.

"Yes, now we don't have to worry anymore."

On her way back to her guest rooms in the palace Kel stopped where she was going and turned. There was a man following her. She couldn't see exactly who it was but she got scared. Starting to walk faster to her rooms Kel could hear the man behind her speed up. She was almost to her rooms when she felt something touch her shoulder.

"You little slut! You should have stayed in Galla!" Lord Burchard said. He was sneering at her.

"Leave me alone sir." Kel said stonily. Her Yamani mask was in place. She would fight him if she had to, but had a feeling she would definitely lose.

"I don't think so." Kel put her key into the lock as fast as she could but Lord Burchard pushed her into her door. It was enough force to push it open.

"Are you completely nuts? Attacking me?" Kel asked trying to get herself ready to fight back.

All Lord Burchard did was growl and then everything went black for Kel.