A/N: This part definitely has a different tone from the first part: it's romance rather than comedy. I'm not sure how good I am with romance, and I really liked the first chapter. So if this chapter totally ruins the story, let me know and I'll just delete this chapter and leave the first one as a one-shot!

Anyway, it's the next night at the ball; hope it's not disappointing!

Kel's POV (in case it's not obvious)

"Last song!" The herald called out. I lifted my head from Dom's shoulder, surprised. The ballroom was nearly empty.

"I hadn't realized it was so late," I muttered. With my hands still clasped behind his neck, I lowered my head back down on his shoulder.

His hands shifted from my waist to my hips as he pushed me back. "Do you want to leave?"

I nodded, although I wished this night wasn't over. How did the time pass so quickly? I had to admit that my feet were aching, which is probably why the court ladies spend most of their time at balls sitting at the tables. But Dom had danced with me all night, politely declining all the other requests for dances.

I lowered my arms from his neck, letting him go. He held out his arm, and I placed mine on top. "I'll make a lady of you yet," he teased.

I tried to keep my face blank, but I could feel heat rising to my cheeks as he led me out of the ballroom. The corridor that led to the knight's wing was dark and quiet. I looked around to make sure we were alone. Dropping my arm, I stopped. "You're trying to change me," I accused.

He looked shocked. It was hard not to grin. "No! Kel, I didn't mean-"

He was adorable when he was flustered. I stepped up to him so I could feel his hard chest against me. Tipping my head up, I kissed him quickly and stepped back.

"I was only teasing."

"Oh. Good!" He grabbed my hand, his blue eyes twinkling. His warm hand held mine as we started back toward my room. We continued down the hall in companionable silence, his thumb moving along my palm. That tickles! I thought, giddy about the thought of Dom taking me to my room. I need to calm down. I am stone. But I didn't want to be stone. Not tonight.

When we arrived at my door, Dom released my hand. "I had a lovely time tonight, Kel."

I stuck the key in the lock, hoping he couldn't see my disappointment. "I did too," I muttered. The lock clicked and I turned my attention back to him.

"Goodnight, Kel." How was I supposed to be disappointed when he was shining that brilliant smile at me? Had I really expected him to stay? Do I really want him to?

I forced a smile. "Goodnight, Dom." He bent down, pressing his lips on mine. It was soft, unobtrusive, and over all-to-quickly. I opened my eyes to see him already on his way back to the Own's wing.

Sighing, I went into my room. I threw my key on my desk as I slipped out of those hateful shoes. Reaching behind me, I grabbed for my laces. Uh oh. Not Again. Of course, it was the same dress. I had meant to ask Yuki or Shinko to help me tonight, but I never had the chance. Maybe I should go ask them now. Although both of them had left the ball with their husbands much earlier. I shuddered, thinking of Neal and Roald's reactions if I were to interrupt anything. I'd rather sleep in the dress and get help in the morning.

But Yuki and Shinko tended to skip morning glaive practice after balls. And the laces were tight. My back was aching almost as much as my feet.

I sat on my bed, pulling on my boots. I can't believe I'm doing this. I grabbed a change of clothes and left my room, locking the door behind me.

"It's not funny, Dom."

He was bent over laughing in his doorway. I glanced down the hallway. If he doesn't shut up, the men will come to investigate. That's all I need.

"Are you going to let me in or not?"

He straightened up, still chuckling, and stepped back to let me enter his room. I took another quick glance down the hall before going in, shutting the door quickly behind me.

"I'm surprised you came to me."

"Where else was I supposed to go?"

"Yuki?"

"Neal would kill me."

"Oh… right. Couples do get all…frisky… after balls, don't they."

"I wouldn't know." What made me say that? I could feel my cheeks flushing as I threw my change of clothes down on his desk. "Well, are you going to help me or not?" I continued, hoping he hadn't noticed.

I turned to face him, forcing my eyes to meet his. He smiled mischievously and nodded, motioning for me to go closer to him. I stepped forward so we were inches apart. He gripped my shoulders, and I was expecting him to spin me around like he did yesterday.

Instead, his hands slid slowly down my arms, giving me chills. How does he do that? He was still wearing that smile; his eyes darkening with emotion. He slipped his arms beneath mine, reaching behind me. He tightened his arms, pulling me close against him. I could feel his fingers reaching for the laces along my back.

He bent his head so his lips were close to my ear. "Does my experience impress you now?" His breath along my neck sent a shiver down my spine. I hope he didn't notice.

Biting the inside of my cheek, I forced myself to pull away in order to get a proper look at him. His blue eyes were twinkling, and that smile was making it difficult for me to breathe.

"Not yet," I whispered; it was a struggle to make my voice sound normal.

He pulled me back to him, stealing a kiss. I felt him tug my laces before the pressure was released from my back. I tried to grab the top of my dress to keep it from slipping down, but his hands captured mine, preventing me from doing so.

"Give me an hour," he murmured, watching my dress fall to the floor.