Kept Silver CH 3

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Zachary flipped through the random documents on his desk, discontent. Laren watched him from the doorway for a moment before sighing and striding to him.

"If you don't want to marry her, don't," she said from behind him.

"But I do, Kari-"Zachary cut himself short, turning around in surprise, "how did you know?"

Mapstone kneeled down next to his chair much like she used to when he was little, "I know you Zachary. I was your Weapon and Rider until you came of age, remember?"

He smiled fondly, touching her hand. "You always called me on my mischievous moments."

"Your moments were nothing like your brothers, he was the," Mapstone paused, "never mind," she stood, choosing a chair in front of his desk.

"I don't have a choice," Zachary continued, referring to their first topic.

"Don't you?" Laren asked.

The king stood, frowning. "You don't understand."

Mapstone laughed. "Moonling, you forget who you are talking to. Don't understand?! I and all other Green Riders have been chosen. We were not given a choice in our vocation; rather we were compelled to be a Rider. You cannot work against that compulsion. Remember Karigan's ride in her nightgown?"

The blush that stained Zachary's cheeks answered her. "Yes, but my duty involves keeping the peace, and the people safe. I cannot go denying them just because my heart is swayed."

The captain stood, nodding. "All right, I just want you to consider something. What is the worst that could happen if you renounce Lord Coutre? What is the worst that could come of you pursuing a Queen in the Merchant class?"

"Lord Coutre could make things very difficult for me politically, as far as going to stage another coup. And, the aristocracy would not be too happy with me for not choosing a member of their class," Zachary intoned, as if by rote. He had thought of it, over and over.

"Are you the king?"

The question startled him, and he narrowed his eyes. "I am King. As such I cannot just make decision to only please myself! It would be no different if my brother was on the throne!" he snapped.

Laren nodded. "True. But you are not Amilton. You have always had a heart Zachary. That is what makes you a good king! You have empathy and understanding for all classes. Estora is a good woman, but she will be nothing but a decorative piece. For you to rule this kingdom through all that is to come, and trust me, there is more, you must have a strong partner."

"As to the people," Laren smiled, heading towards the door, "they would be ecstatic to have a Queen that could walk among them, understand them, and has fought for them. They would be grateful. If you have strength beside you, and the people with you, what could Coutre do?"

Her words stunned him, and Zachary sat back, his brow furrowed in thought.

Seeing that he wasn't going to reply, Laren stepped through the door. A light touch on her shoulder gave her pause. Fastion leaned part out of the door, a slight smile on his face.

"Thank you," he murmured.

"For what?" Laren raised her brow.

"For saying exactly what I've been thinking," the weapon replied.

"You were there the night they talked, weren't you?" she asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

Fastion just smiled, and stepped back into the King's study.


A cadre of men moved through the forest silently. They carried moonstones to light their way in the dead of night. In their center, their lord was deep in thought.

The woman was powerful, and was gathering more power to her. Though the Council voted for her demise, he had proposed a different plan. He held a single object within his cloak that would be her rebirth or her death.

The men paused, a single word spoken. They had reached Sacor City.


Short I know, but I am breaking down and going and buying the paperback books (for those of you that don't know, mine are in storage) so I can get some details about the…oh I almost gave it away!

Lady