Kel had a desperate desire to scratch her nose. There were no physical impediments, but Dorota's piercing stare made the Lady Knight think twice.
Grandmother dragoness had strategically placed herself across from Kel at the dinner table. Kel wondered how her grandmother had managed to change the Kennan arrangement.
Dom was highly cheerful, and highly oblivious to Dorota's watchful eye. While he was seated on Kel's left, he chatted and flirted with the other guests. One young noble lady across the table seemed particularly intrigued by the handsome commander. Kel noticed the woman's interest and hid a frown of dismay. A mad part of Kel's mind argued "if I can't have him…"
She tamped the thought down. She couldn't fault him for being interested in the rosy-cheeked, willowy, red-headed flirt. The Lady had sparkling green eyes and a soft, lilting voice. She appeared to be older than Kel, perhaps closer to Dom's age. She leaned forward in her chair and seemed to hang on Dom's every word. The way the lady leaned gave everyone opposite her an ample view of what her low-cut dress was failing to cover.
Kel, by contrast, sat stoically upright. Her face was smooth, devoid of emotion. Her hazel eyes rested calmly over the nightmare playing out in front of her. She too, had a lower neckline than usual, but she lacked the languid grace and carelessness of her competition. Kel's dress was fine spun cotton, and it was form fitting without being restrictive. The dress's color was a light green, and it complimented the color of her eyes. It was one of Lalasa's personal favorites.
Kel's nose definitely tickled. She tried to subtly wrinkle it, but that didn't help. Her napkin sat temptingly on her lap, but she knew it was unladylike to blow one's nose at the dinner table. Perhaps she could excuse herself for a moment.
"If only you could see the menagerie Kel has collected over the years. We men of the third company think she's got wild magic, but won't admit to it. She houses a whole flock of sparrows, a warhorse meaner than a clan of Scanrans—she raised a griffin once." At Dom's mention of Kel's name, she turned her head towards him.
"The sparrows and the warhorse earn their keep, soldier." Kel interjected dryly. She raised an eyebrow accusingly at Dom.
Her friend placed a hand over his heart, mock-wounded. "And what of me, fair lady? Without my assistance, who would cook your meals on the road? Who would sew the fort flags? And who would keep the children safe while you're off fighting Scanran mages?"
Kel sighed wistfully. "If only Lerant could sew…
The red-haired lady smiled slyly and sat back in her chair. "I have heard that you, lady knight, have no lack of male companionship. But then," she inclined her head modestly; "there are others who suggest you prefer the company of a woman." She batted her eyelashes smugly.
There were several sharp intakes of breath around the table. Dom looked offended, Dorota looked furious, while Kel and her parents remained impassive.
Kel met the woman's gaze levelly. "I'm sorry, but you're not the type I favor."
Dom laughed. The red-head looked livid. Her pale cheeks flushed, her eyes flashed dangerously. People laughed uneasily and returned to their conversations. The woman stood shakily and excused herself from the table.
Kel felt as though the itch in her nose had just been scratched. She let Dom see the amusement she felt. Dom placed his hand lightly over hers. "I'm sorry you had to hear that. If I'd known that's where the conversation would end---
"It's not your fault." Kel reassured him. She tried not to be distracted by the warm, gentle pressure of his hand on hers. She explained, "In Yamani, that isn't an insult. People are what they're made to be. It's Northerners who think there is something unnatural about that kind of love."
Dom pursed his lips for a moment. He chewed thoughtfully on a piece of steak. Kel thought their conversation was over, but then Dom spoke again. "I think the Yamanis are probably right. Love is love, and that should be the only thing that matters." He grinned at her, and leaned close to her. His warm breath tickled her ear. He whispered, "To be honest, she wasn't my type either."
Kel froze. She longed to ask what type he DID favor. When he pulled away, their eyes met, and her mask slipped. Heat shot through her body, making her light-headed and wide-awake at the same time. She shivered and tried to quell the feelings.
Dinner was over, and guests began rising for the dance. Dom stood and offered his hand. His smile flashed again. Helpless, Kel accepted.
The music was slow and soothing. Dom's hand rested on her back, his other confidently grasped hers. She let him lead her across the dance floor; she trusted her feet to follow his. They didn't speak much. Kel struggled to keep eye contact. Everything was plain on her face, she knew it, and she knew he could see what she'd tried to keep hidden for so long. When she finally met his gaze again, she was astonished to see a similar expression on his face. This wasn't Dom's usual flirtatious grin, he was focused on her, his eyes sparked with something inviting. The convention of the dance stopped Kel from leaning closer, but she thought about it.
When the music stopped, so did their feet. Neither warrior seemed willing to let go, so they stood awkwardly askew while other partners changed. Someone tapped Dom's shoulder.
"Usually, one releases a partner after the dance." Pavel remarked mildly. "I don't know what manners you were taught, but allow me to expand your studies." He bowed extravagantly to Kel. "Lady, might I have the honor of this dance?"
Kel looked back at Dom. 'I promised.' Her eyes apologized.
She released Dom and took Pavel's hand. Her new partner regarded her coolly, silently, like a cat watching a mouse. He guided her through the dance, chin held high and mightily. Kel wondered if she was supposed to be impressed.
When the second dance was finally through, Kel scanned the floor for Dom. A part of her wondered if the first dance had truly happened. Before she found Dom, Anders offered her his hand. Her brother's eyes were angry, and Kel knew she was in trouble.
"Is he still just a friend?" Anders asked quietly.
Kel blushed. Anders noticed and frowned. "Kel, don't do this to yourself. Pavel is a good man, Dom—
"Would like to cut in, good sir." From where Dom had appeared, Kel couldn't guess. But he had corned them on the dance floor, and his gaze burned into Kel's. Anders had no choice. As rude as Dom had been to interrupt, it would be more rude if Anders refused.
Dom's hand settled once more on her shoulder. Again, he leaned in close. "I've had enough dancing. I think I need to go for a walk. It's beautiful outside."
Kel nodded numbly. When the music stopped, the pair slipped away from the dance floor and escaped out into the hall. Quietly, they made it past the door and out into the courtyard. The torches were sparse, it was difficult to see.
"This courtyard isn't like the one at the palace." Kel remarked breathlessly. "I can barely see a thing. People will think we're doing something we're not."
Dom laughed once, softly. "And what are we doing Kel? You tell me."
"Nothing." Kel answered defensively. "At least, not yet."