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Mustering every ounce of self control within her, Kell played the role of obedient daughter. When her parents set the wedding date for after she was supposed to have departed, she simply smiled and nodded. If anything, it made things easier. She would be gone before the wedding was even supposed to happen. She felt a small pang of guilt over leaving her father to fend for himself, but that quickly dissipated when he insisted that Kell take remedial courses to catch up on her studies.
She did her best to avoid her parents and spend time with Darling and Karyn. Life was more enjoyable now that Roran and Sarah were there. Zan quickly warmed up to her and was a bundle of fun energy as well. If nothing else, she was glad to have her friends back.
A couple nights after Roran returned, her parents hosted another dinner, inviting Demetrio and a few of his own guests. When her parents told Kell about the party, her immediate thought was to feign illness and sit the dinner out, but she mustered her energy, flashed her parents a wide smile, and told them that would be lovely.
The evening of the dinner, Kell and Karyn were getting dressed while Roran sat in the room with them, teaching Zan to play chess. Unlike the women, Roran and Zan weren't expected to dress up for the occasion. Their clothes had been cleaned and that was good enough for a mercenary and a boy from the Crags. Kell envied them.
"Exhale," said Karyn as she tightened Kell's corset. "There, you actually have curves for a change."
"I will spank you."
"Not in front of the kid," said Karyn cheerily.
"Do you mean Roran or Zan?"
"Yes."
A knock came at the door and Kell called for them to enter. Darling slipped in, eyeing Roran and Zan as she did so.
"Is it alright for them to be here while you dress?" she asked.
"They're fine," said Kell, "What's up?"
"Demetrio just arrived."
Kell groaned. "He's not looking for me, is he?"
"No, but he brought some friends with him."
"What kind of friends?"
"Soldiers, they serve under him in the army. They're...tense. I think they might be looking for trouble. Please don't upset them."
"Roran, what do you think?"
Roran glanced up from the chessboard. "Play nice if you can stomach it. If not, we can find other lodgings."
Kell looked from Zan to Karyn to Darling. Darling batted her eyelashes at Kell in a silent plea. Kell growled and said, "I'll play nice dammit. Stupid arranged marriages."
"Then we should make an appearance soon," said Darling.
"I'm ready if everyone else is."
"I'm ready," said Karyn.
"I'm ready," said Roran, "You want to go have some dinner, Zan?"
"But we're still playing."
"I took your king five turns ago."
"Yeah, but I have other pieces!"
Roran reached over and ruffled the kid's hair. "Come on, let's go make some new friends."
They made their way down to the dining room. Karyn kept close to Kell, holding her arm. Roran stayed close to Zan, grabbing the boy whenever he tried to take a wrong turn.
Waiting for them in the dining room were Kell's parents, Tiberius and his wife, Jeremiah—lest he be left out of any juicy drama—and Demetrio along with two friends of his. Demetrio and his companions wore their military uniforms, deep navy with black trim. Demetrio wore medallions that signified him as an officer.
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Kings Game
Adventure[Updates Daily] THE FINALE BEGINS!!! After losing friends and family, fighting in two wars, and suffering through more than they could possibly imagine, Roran and his comrades set their sights on the Kings. Every obstacle has been cleared from their...
