152 A Knight and His Companions Part Two

Kelley had just sat there feeling more perplexed really than intimidated. Luckily, Freidis had bustled in almost immediately dressed surprisingly just like Erom; in shirts and breeches. Everyone around gaped at her in surprise; even the servants. “What?” Freidis had returned defensively. “I can't always go out looking like an overfed doll.” Her mother, Lady Regioun, for that was who she was, immediately rushed to her daughter in concern. “Freidis! Are you sure you are okay?” She began to fret all around her, petting her forehead nervously. “Mum, I am well. I have never felt better, in fact.” Kelley just remained where he was, glad that at least attention was taken off him. But he thought wrong, for the glamorous woman soon turned and fixed her gaze on him. “You, it's you.” She started to blunder. “What?” Kelley had been completely at sea. “It's because of you.” The older woman continued blundering. “A common peasant like you. You show up and my Freidis starts misbehaving.