Romantic Notions

By Trisana McGraw

PROLOGUE

OF THINGS TO COME

Dear Buri,

I hate to ask this of you at the last moment, but I need your help.

Buri's interest was instantly captured. She continued to read Raoul's letter, wondering what in the Eastern and Southern lands could have her friend asking for her help.

You know how Midwinter is linked with family – well, I've been roped into attending a party held by one particularly dour great-aunt of mine; matriarch of my family, you see. Matchmaking mothers are bound to be there too.

He didn't need to say any more. Buri had stood by on more than one occasion in which greedy mothers looking for money and land had attempted to arrange the most ridiculous marriages so their daughter would be Lady of Goldenlake. She had commiserated with Raoul and heard some of the more gruesome stories.

Would you be so kind as to come to the party with me? It won't be long, and you have no idea how much it would help me if I came with a lady companion.

Sorry to ask so late, but I hope you can come tonight. I warn you – my family is a nest of vipers, especially Great-Aunt Sebila.

Raoul

What an amusing predicament poor, good-natured Raoul had found himself in, Buri thought as she shook her head. There was only one thing she could say in response to his plea.

-=-=-=-=-

"Sir?" Kel asked, knocking lightly on the doorway to Raoul's study.

The big knight looked up from his paperwork, relieved for the interruption. "Kel, take a seat. You're back early. What did Buri say?"

Kel stepped into the room and took a seat in one of the wooden chairs, shifting until she was more comfortable. "Buri read the note while I stood there," she reported. "She laughed and said she would be glad to come with you."

Raoul heaved a sigh of relief and set down his quill. "Thank you, Mithros," he breathed, gazing heavenward. He looked resignedly at the pile of parchment and maps. "I had better finish this work. After all, Cinder-Raoul must get all the work done before he can go to the ball," he said with a grimace, quoting a much-loved children's bedtime story.

Even Kel's Yamani training couldn't keep her from laughing at the absurd mental image her knight-master presented. She excused herself to her room, where she began to prepare for her own Midwinter celebration. She planned to spend some much-desired time with Yukimi, Lady Haname, and Princess Shinkokami.

At seven o'clock, Kel gathered her things and headed for the Yamani delegation's suite. "Have fun, my lord," she called to Raoul as she was halfway through the door.

Raoul stuck his head out of his room, his hair wet from a recent washing. He snorted and muttered, "Fat chance" before retreating back into his dressing room to change clothes.

-=-=-=-=-