Summary: Karigan watches on as Zachary finally marries Estora and realized that there was no hope for them at all. Mean awhile, her life takes an interesting turn.

Chapter One

Karigan watched on as King Zachary stood at the altar and waited for his beautiful bride to come to him. On queue, Estora began her march down the isle. Everyone murmured on how beautiful she looked in her clan color.

Karigan felt tears come to her eyes, but refused to let them fall. I knew there was no hope for us she thought as she watched Zachary, who held out a hand to Estora as she approached the altar. Estora took his hand and they stood side by side.

Karigan and the people of Scarodia watched as the bachelor King finally marry a noble woman with good blood. Zachary and Estora said their vows and then finally kiss to sealed the vow.

Karigan had to turn away. A hand gently touched her shoulder. She looked up from her seat and saw Fastion. He gave her a gentle squeeze on the shoulder. Everyone clapped as the newly married couple separated. Karigan and Fastion joined in. Zachary and Estora turned to the people.

"Thank you for coming to our wedding," King Zachary said to the people in a loud voice, "Now I all hope you enjoy the festivities that we have planned to celebrate this union."

The people began to mingle with each other and eating the food. Zachary and Estora talked with the nobles and slowly made their way through the people. Karigan watched them, being cautious if they stopped by her. Estora, bless her heart, found Karigan and practically dragged Zachary over to her.

"Karigan!" Estora said as she reached her, "You came." Karigan forced a smile as she looked at the two. Zachary looked uncomfortable being near her, after promising he would find a way for them to be together.

"Of course. Congrats to the both of you. Now if you will excuse me," Karigan said as she stood up.

"Where are you going?" Estora asked, " I was hoping you would stay and we could talk for awhile."

"I'm sorry but Mapstone wants me to do some stuff ," Karigan lied with a sad smile. Estora was about to say something, but Zachary got to it first.

"go, Karigan, but I, too, wish you to stay," Zachary said as he looked at her. His eyes begging her to stay, even if he was a married man now. Karigan quickly bowed to them and left the celebration quickly

She did what mapstone asked of her and that was to go to the marriage ceremony. She quickly made her way back to her room, where she took sanctuary in time of need. She close the door behind her and walked over to her desk. She laid her head on her folded arms and sliently cry into the night.

Little did she know that Lil was watching her. The poor dear has had her heartbroken she thought, maybe it's time to release her from this duty.

The next morning came and there was a knock on the door. "Karigan, let me in," the person said as they knocked again. Karigan raised her head from her position at the desk. When she raised her head, her neck protested.

"come in," she hoarsely shouted from her desk. The door opened to revealed Mara on the other side. She walked in and then close the door.

"How are you?" She asked as she walked closer to the other girl.

"Sore," Karigan said as she stood up. When she stood up, they heard something clang on the floor. Karigan looked down and saw her brooch on the floor. Karigan bended to pick it up, but when she touched it, it burn her. Her eyes opened wide. she tried again but had the same result. She stood up straight and looked at Mara.

"What, Karigan?" Mara asked.

"My broch...it's rejecting me," she croaked. Mara's eyes widen and she brought a hand to her mouth. Mara then closed her eyes. Then she removed her hand from her mouth.

"Then you know what this means," She said as she opened her eyes and looked sadly at Karigan.

"I am no longer a rider," Karigan said as she looked at the brooch on the floor.