"Would you care to dance, Milady? "

I don't look up right away, as I am trying to fix my shoes, which have given me sores on my feet. All I want is to take them off and retire to my chambers.

I have danced already with half of the men here, young and old- but mostly young. All have wanted to speak the whole while about my absence, why I had been foolish enough to do something like I did- And why they or their sons would make a good husband for me.

Ever graceful, I straighten quickly to see the man's face, not allowed to decline anyone's offer, as my father made clear. I had tried to sneak away once and my father sent me a look that could curl the skin of an onion.

I choke on my saliva as my eyes catch those of the imposing man in front of me.

It's Kaladin.

I'm not sure how long I stand there with my mouth open, but it is long enough that I start to draw unwanted attention.

I snap my teeth together and swallow. "What are you doing? Your going to be killed! " I keep my voice a low whisper.

Kaladin is very well dressed, and I almost hadn't recognized him with his shaven face. His dark hair is pulled back with a blue ribbon that matches his suit and tall socks. He smirks, and I realize then how handsome his.

"Only if you make a scene. Dance with me." He says leaning in closely so not to be over heard.

Dumbstruck, I let him take my arm and pull me to the center of the room.

A new song starts, and he leads me into a waltzing step. I'm taken back by his accuracy and time- he passes as a nobleman without any trouble.

I look around the room as we dance, joined by other couples gradually. One man who is at the buffet line, catches my attention with his unsettling familiarity. His back is to me as he sniffs a pastry and, to my dismay, shrugs and stuffs the entire thing into his mouth.

Some people stare at him, appalled by his manners.

That has got to be Adolin. I don't see any sign of Syl or Jed anywhere.

I look back to Kaladin, who has been watching me with an amused expression.

"Kaladin, what-"

He smiles.

I'm still not used to that.

"Your reaction- Adolin owes me eight silver pieces. "

They had bet on my reaction? Why am I not surprised?

His face sobers up, and he is once again the stone faced leader that I know. "I'm sad to say that I'm not here for the desserts. I do have a reason for our coming, and it is urgent. "

I swallow and nod for him to continue.

Kaladin's brilliant eyes flash around the room, as if he's afraid that someone would over hear him.

"King Alphonse is sending other mercenaries to kill us for what we did to the cousins."

It takes a moment for my mind to register what he is saying, and I remember who he is speaking of.

An image of Syl loosing and arrow into Moriar and Grandar's throats floods my mind.

"Okay, but how did he find out? " I highly doubt that Kaladin showed up and humbly admitted to what had happened. It had been almost two weeks since their deaths.

"Alphonse had a spy on us as soon as we left."

Of corse he did. I look up at him, and he looks back at me, face serious.
I feel his hand on my lower waist as if it is a hot coal burning through my dress.

Kaladin doesn't seem at all taken back that I am a girl.

"So if they're after you, then why did you come here? "

He swallows, glancing away. "Because, the spy saw you. He knows who you are, and the mercenaries are coming for you, too. They heard the whole thing go on."

I give a small smirk. "Let them try to breech my walls."

Kaladin doesn't find this a comical situation, and gives me a hard look. "Navan- " He stops himself, glancing around us to be certain that no one heard his mistake. "Lyra." His face is stoic as he looks me right in the eyes. "One is already here."

"The one behind your left shoulder? " I ask, my heart thumping loudly in my chest.

The man that gave Hana a bad air is sitting at a table some yards away, staring at Kaladin and I like a dog does meat. He has his hands folded and tucked under his chin, a thumb fussing and rubbing at his lower lip. His pretty friend is no where to be seen.

Kaladin twirls us so my back is the the man, not even looking up at him. He probably doesn't have to. "That's the one. "

My breath hitches. "So, wha- what do I- "

Kaladin sighs. "We could kill him before the others arrive, but that would cause a scene. Your Guards are aware of him, yes? "

I nod, breathless. "Yes. "

"Then I suggest, Princess," He says, the corners of his mouth turning up into a half smile. "You "faint" and retire to your chambers. We can keep you safer that way."

I make a puzzled face. "Keep me safe?"

He gives a look that suggests that I am an idiot. "Syl and Jed are outside, out of view. They are watching for the other mercenaries. "

I shake my head. "No, you should be watching your own backs. I'm safe enough here-"

He gives a frustrated sigh. "Lyra. They want you more, and not to kill you. If they hold you for ransom, they can get more out of it than what Alphonse offered them for the heads of four mercenaries. "

I swallow, my eyes drifting away, looking for the man from earlier. The hair on my arms and neck is on end. I desperately look for Hana.

He and Lance walk through the ball room doors, just when I feel my heart might explode.

Lance. There's something wrong. I tell him the summarized story quickly.

His stance is ridged, his eyes find mine across the floor, and he grabs Hana's elbow, none to lightly. He whispers something in his ear feverishly, and they both look to me.

I must return to the Prince. Be careful, child.

My eyes find Prince Sam, who is sitting in a throne chair, looking bored. Women flock around him, asking questions and for dances with high pitched voices.

He ignores them all, and his eyes find mine briefly before dropping to look at his fingers.

I watch until Lance find his place next to the chair, only pausing a moment to fight through the girls that try to fawn over him, as well.

While I am distracted, Kaladin's breath tickles the loose hairs that fall free of their pins.

I don't turn my head, an listen to what he says while my eyes find Hana's- who is striding over as the song starts to end.

"If you will no faint, then I -"

As soon as these words part from his lips, I put a hand to my heart and let my knees buckle beneath me.

I collapse into Kaladin's arms as the song ends.

I feel him fall to his knees in the emphasis of catching my sudden weight, and he gives a shout.

Good actor.

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Shorter chapter, but I wanted to update for everyone since it's been a bit...

Another (better) picture of Adolin riding in the woods...

Love all the comments and support from everyone, I really appreciate it a lot! :)

Love,

-A.