Conflict
Karigan leaned back in her armchair in the Rider common room, reading one of her books on the shelf. Tomorrow would be the start of the Spring Festival. Nobles and aristocrats from every corner of Sacordia are coming to attend as well as every member of the king's militia. That means all the Riders had been given an invitation. Everyone was very excited except Karigan.
For Karigan, today was a strangely uneventful day, a message errand to the nearby village of Catemole before noon than a whole afternoon standing next to King Zachary during his public audience while Captain Mapstone was at a meeting. Karigan resented having to stand next to Zachary and his fiancé, Estora for four hours and not just because she felt nothing better than an ornament in green. She wanted Mara to go, but the King specially asked for Karigan to be there. Then Karigan thought about the invitation sitting on her oak desk in her office addressed to the horrible title, Lady Karigan G'ladheon, Viscountess of Couther. It seems that the King's administrators keep up to date everything happening amongst the aristocrats.
Feeling suddenly overwhelmed, Karigan decided to go for a walk on the castle battlements. Up there, Karigan felt much better and was absorbed by her own thoughts. Suddenly, she bumped right into someone.
"Karigan," said a surprised Zachary. "What are you doing here?"
Caught by surprise, she stammered, "Sire, I didn't see you," She quickly bowed.
"Karigan, why are you here?" said Zachary.
"Taking a walk," muttered Karigan uncomfortably.
"Then let me escort you."
"That won't be necessary," retorted Karigan. Ignoring her, Zachary took her arm and dragged her along. Karigan tried to free her arm.
"So you are glad Alton is back?" asked Zachary.
"Yes."
"The two of you get along very well."
Karigan knew that Zachary was fishing.
"What do you want to know?" asked Kargian, annoyed, spinning around to face Zachary.
"Since you asked, then I'll be blunt. How should I put this? Okay, what is between you and Alton?"
"What?!" snapped Karigan. "Why does everyone think I am involved with Alton?!"
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…"
"Look here, Zachary, what in five hells do you want? You are already marrying Estora then you are jealous that I am talking to Alton, what is wrong with you?"
"I…."
"I am just trying to get on with my life! I already lost my dream of becoming a merchant, to be a Green Rider. Then I fall for someone I should never have fallen for, now I find myself as an aristocrat! There is so many things I don't want to happen in my life and I am trying to cope! Don't you understand, Zachary? And you are just making it a hell of a lot more difficult!"
Zachary let her rattle on. When she finally finished, she gave him one final glare then stalked off the battlements. Zachary stared bleakly after her, not knowing what he should do. But she practically admitted she has fallen for him and called him Zachary instead of 'sire'. Then she said she was an aristocrat. Zachary took some time to digest all that Karigan had said.
Zachary just wanted her to be happy. Seeing her unhappy made him said. But he knew that there was nothing he could do. Both knew that they should never have fallen for each other. If Karigan was happy with Alton, then be it, thought Zachary.
He sighed, "There was nothing he could do."
