AN: Someone asked that when I have the 'critical' moment arrive on their wedding night to put up a warning. I promise to put up a 'Danger, Danger' sign up when that day comes ;) and respect the reader's wishes, but rest assured that if you do read it, it is not erotica but what I feel would be an accurate representation of these two people. So again, not yet but someday soon.


It was a breathless and utterly petrified Willis who had fetched her from her room as she was in the process of dressing for bed, only managing to stutter out, 'Y-your father . . .'

Karigan did not ask any questions, but bolted out the door only in her shirt, trousers, and boots with Willis following closely on her heels as they raced towards the study. Nearly knocking over maids that bore large stacks of bed linen and copper kettles of bath water to the guests, they sprinted around the dark corridor corners of the residential quarters, eventually reaching the study door and to where Fastion leaned against the door frame with his ear pressed up against the wood.

He raised a finger to his lips as they skidded to a stop, beckoning them closer as his brow furrowed in concentration. All three leaned in to hear the somewhat muffled voices that were raised in anger and indignation. Karigan could easily pick out the rough brogue of her father, a sign that he had lost his composure, and no longer spoke in his usual measured tones.

Stevic no longer cared that he was ranting at his monarch, for he had held in his ire while his sisters has playfully exchanged banter with the boy king, while drinking tea and eating pastries. His resentment no longer could be held in as he shoved his cup and saucer onto the sideboard. 'Now why would me own daughter not inform her father of her betrothal if she were not ashamed of the union?'

Stace tilted her head up at her pacing brother, giving a sarcastic scoff, "Surely not because of the way you are reacting now?'

Stevic scowled at her, his eyes then shifted to the man who sat next to her on the couch that had been brought in for their comfort. The almond eyes met Stevic's blue ones, not wavering as he carefully chose his words, 'It is my understanding that she wished to tell you, but her betrothed wished to ask for your blessing over the union first.'

The women looked at Zachary sympathetically, but turned their eyes up to observe Stevic's response as their brother cursed and muttered angrily under his breath. Gretta scrunched her nose in slight annoyance at his antics, 'Do you not wish for her to be happy?'

Stevic sputtered, 'Happy? How do I know that she was not pressured or compromised? Her dowry is no small thing! She is a target for fortune hunters, especially the poor noble born who need to refill their coffers!'

Outside, Karigan bit her lip to keep the unhappy tears at bay, her chest constricting in sadness to hear the censure come out of her father's mouth.

Tori too, gasped in slight outrage as she choked on her tea, prompting Brini to pound her on the back helpfully while glaring at Stevic. Zachary solicitously rose and offered her a napkin, glancing back at his beloved's irate father, 'The man who has asked for her is not a fortune hunter,' he said quietly, 'And she was never in danger of losing her virtue, my Weapons can attest to that fact.'

Stevic drew himself back and mocked the king's even tone, 'Oh? Your Weapons, eh? And how is it that the king is aware of all this? Did you put her in a situation and pass her off to one of your cronies?'

Zachary drew in a deep breath, placed his cup down and stood up angrily, his steady voice ringing in the room, 'For Aeryc's sake, there truly is no easy way to tell you this. I know of her betrothal because I'm the man who asked her!'

Stevic opened his mouth to speak but closed it, his eyes burning with a deep rage as his face started to turn an ugly shade of puce. 'You . . . you are the man that has offered for her? No wonder she didn't say a word, for you know you can't have her!'

Karigan choked on a sob and moved to open the door, but Fastion held her fast, whispering low under his breath, 'He has to fight for you if he wants you.' She struggled for a moment but sagged against him as the truth of his words sunk in. Her father would never respect Zachary if he could not fight his own battles.

Zachary's tone was icy, 'She accepted me, after a suitable amount of begging and apologizing on my part. I would say that your daughter's affections were won, not obtained.'

Stevic snarled, 'And what exactly did you do to warrant your apologies?'

Zachary's face turned regretful, 'I allowed myself to be led, rather than holding firm to my position. And for that, she suffered. I will spend the rest of our lives endeavoring to make it up to her.'

The women sighed in contentment, rather pleased with the romanticism displayed with their future nephew. Stace reached up to pat Zachary's hand, 'Of course you were in a tough position, my dear. I am sure she knows and forgives you.'

Stevic was not so easily convinced, 'And what kind of life can you offer her? A nation at war and a hostile court to welcome her into her reign as a common born Queen.'

Zachary's amber eyes burned, 'I offer her my heart and my hand, and together I know we would find more happiness than we ever would have apart.'

Stevic was silent a moment, his body tense as he digested the words, before harshly spitting out, 'I can't think while I'm in your presence, so if you'll excuse me, Majesty.' With that he strode away, for no one sought to stop him, and wrenched the door open to reveal Karigan's tear streaked countenance, and the expressions of two sorrowful Weapons.

His own visage wavered for a moment when he took in his only child's distress but he stalked away into the darkness, leaving Karigan to trudge into the open door and into Zachary's open arms. Her aunts clucked in acute displeasure and rolled their eyes in exasperation as they recounted the heated words their idiot brother had thrown at his king. Fastion and Willis closed the door once more, casting an apologetic look at their liege as they left the family in peace.

Stace stood and moved to where the couple stood swaying in front of the fire, reaching out to stroke Karigan's loose mane as her niece buried her face in Zachary's chest. 'Oh, dear girl, he just likes to put up a little display to assert himself like a rooster. More bark than bite. He won't stand in the way of your happiness.'

Karigan peeked out from her safe haven with red eyes, 'Why would he think I would get myself in trouble? And why slight the man I would choose?'

Brini spoke soothingly, 'Because he doesn't want to let you go.'

Gretta nodded knowingly, casting a fond look at Zachary, 'Your young man will be the same when his wee little girls grow up.'

Zachary fought his smile as he brushed a kiss against Karigan's forehead, 'That much I know. Feisty little demons will have a place in my heart; no man will ever be good enough for them.'

He tucked her head underneath her chin, looking over at her aunts in slight shame, 'I am sorry. That was not well done of me; I should have reined in my temper with your brother.'

Tori inspected the tea tray, deliberating on her choice of scone, 'Oh never mind that, dear. You were suitably provoked.'

Gretta gave a small smirk, 'Just ignore him, we certainly do.'

Zachary looked uncomfortable, 'I do not wish to be at odds with him, as a clan chief or as a father in law.'

'He's acting like a small child,' Stace shrugged, 'So treat him like one.'

Karigan pulled back to look at him with her tear filled eyes, a look that tugged at his heart as he gazed on her unhappy countenance. For her sake, he would have to mend the rift that had occurred. He pulled out another handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes with a whisper, 'I'll make this right, love.'

She sniffed and took the handkerchief from him, blowing her nose quietly, 'He is angry at us both. What can you say that will sway him?'

Zachary bent and whispered into her ear, so only she could hear the softly spoken words that held a bit of mirth, 'I could tell him how much I love his daughter, how she has bewitched me heart and soul?'

She gave a small choked laugh, angling her head to look at him. He grinned back and arched a brow, 'Too much?'

Karigan shook her head, 'Just the right amount,' she murmured, laying her head back against his chest for another tight embrace as she took comfort in those around her. Her aunts averted their eyes and occupied themselves with a discussion of what warehouses to visit for Karigan's wedding attire. A subject that made Karigan groan in trepidation and hide her face in his shirt, 'Can it be a small wedding?'

Stace almost sputtered in outrage, 'Your marriage to the king of Sacoridia a small affair?'

Zachary came to Karigan's rescue with a sly smile, 'Many of the Lord-Governors are in their home provinces, and are preparing to journey in the spring to the capital. It will likely be a small turnout.'

Karigan lifted her head hopefully, her eyes sparkling, 'So most of the nobility will be absent for our wedding in two weeks time?'

The women gasped, 'That is not nearly enough time to send out invitations,' Brini cried out.

'Nor to find a suitable dress,' Stace groaned.

'There will be no one of note to see her married,' Tori almost wailed.

'Ladies,' Zachary called out gently. They all stopped and looked at him with slightly plagued expressions, rather put out that their plans were being thwarted. 'I must journey in three weeks with the army to our winter camp, close to Woodhaven. Is it not understandable why I would wish to marry Karigan before I leave?'

They were silent for several moments, slightly abashed as they regarded the king's resigned expression and remembered the massacre of so many months prior. It was Stace who broke the silence, 'But of course, we can manage something quite suitable in that time, can't we girls?'

'I suppose a small, private affair is best,' Tori supplied, 'Just those closest to the family.'

Zachary released Karigan, leading her to the spot on the sofa that he had vacated, 'The banns will be read tomorrow,' he assured her.

Karigan sighed and held on to his hand as he stood by her, looking up at him wearily, 'And we can be done with the secrecy and the sneaking around?'

His thumb rubbed against her hand in his, 'Of course. And we can indulge ourselves in long displays of public affection,' he teased.

Karigan rolled her eyes and accepted a cup of tea from Stace, gratefully taking a long sip of the soothing beverage. Her aunt gave a sigh of resignation and tsked, "I suppose that means that tomorrow would be an ideal day to locate a seamstress. We have quite the trousseau to plan.'

Karigan's cup clattered noisily in the saucer as she looked up in startled panic.


In truth, her aunts did manage a miracle in the short time they were given. The formidable women had managed to give the castle some of its life and vigor back as they charmed the staff, terrorized the few nobles at court, and intimidated the Black Shields. Willis was often the subject of their mirth, and usually found himself running in the opposite direction if he spotted one of the tall women headed his way in one of the castle corridors. Tori in particular took delight in swatting at the backside of the young Weapon, usually eliciting a barely suppressed squeak of indignation as he'd stiffly walk away.

Fastion often would ever so helpfully point the ladies in the direction of where he might be hiding, for they also delighted in requesting that he become Karigan's escort when they decided to go shopping. Willis keenly felt the blow to his self esteem when would return to the castle behind the gaggle of females, carrying several boxes of ready-made silk undergarments.

Karigan had been fitted for her new regal wardrobe but had been adamant that she would have a few ensembles consisting of long skirt-like tunics to go over her tight trousers and boots, citing that such attire was more practical for her dual position than the long trailing gowns that her aunts wished her to purchase. She did buy a few such items, for court appearances and functions, but resolved that she would endeavor to appear as she did before.

For her wedding gown, she had firmly put her foot down in rejection of the usual trappings and fripperies that would bedeck a noble lady's wedding gown. Instead, she had opted for elegant simplicity, with clean lines and a light pale green color from the proffered silks at the shops. It had been made rather quickly, to her surprise, and delivered to the castle within three days for her final fitting. The shop keeper and her assistants had been so delighted to design the wedding gown of their Queen that they had halted their other orders just to work on the lovely piece. It now lay in its wrappings in her new suite of rooms, which had also seen an influx of new furnishings to make the room suited more to her tastes.

The grey stone of the walls had been replaced with rich tapestries depicting animated forests and golden rolling hills. Ornate woolen rugs littered the floor in russet and chocolate tones, and the pure white linens of her large bed bespoke of long winter mornings tucked in bed with a cheery blaze. The cherry wood wardrobes that would house her gowns and uniforms occupied a spacious dressing room that had an adjoining door to Zachary's bedchamber. A fact that he would sometimes allude to as unnecessary if they were out of earshot of her aunts' chaperonage.

Stace had taken the liberty of arranging for Karigan's personal maids to be hired, choosing local Sacor City girls with previous work experience and pleasant dispositions. Her niece had initially balked at the idea of being waited on, but her aunts reminded her that often she would be too busy to handle the menial tasks that she had performed herself. Some of the more elaborate gowns would require assistance, and of course, when she became pregnant, they would assist her in her everyday routine before and after the child's birth. Karigan reluctantly agreed, when pressed with the necessity of being free to handle her duties, and took on Sara Tolland, a miller's daughter, as her principal maid. The other two, her sister Taris, and a cousin Yela Grates, would become the wardrobe maids, and also eventually take on the roles of child nurses.


Zachary concluded proceedings with the Corsa delegation and managed to draw permanent contracts with all of the present clans. For the lenders, he established several lines of credit should the crown's own coffers run dry, for the army was growing, and so would its payroll. Clan G'ladheon had appeared, in all good conscience, to support the king and the war effort, but privately Stevic still refused to speak to the king. Zachary knew he could have pushed the issue and drawn his rank against the older man, but it would not have improved their relationship. And so, the king allowed Stevic his space, but continued to plan for the wedding, hoping that the man would see it in his heart to permit his daughter to marry with her mind at peace.

The news of the king's marriage to the famous Rider was met with a mixture of reactions. Most of the common folk were thrilled that the king had chosen one from among their own for his bride. She was greeted on the street with enthusiasm and kindness, some coming forward to shyly shake her hand or give a few words in blessing.

Amongst those in the court, it was treated with resignation and tolerance. For the sake of appearances, the ladies of the court acknowledged her with a cool detachment, their eyes assessing the demeanor and appearance of the future Queen. Karigan met their eyes, and the silent challenge that lay behind each covert observation, always holding herself erect in their presence.

It was enough for many that she brought with her the support of the rich merchant clans. This commonly held opinion privately irked Zachary and led him to make the suggestion to Karigan that a portion of her substantial dowry be set aside to create a pension fund for the Riders, while the rest would be put away for the financial security of their children. She readily agreed, for she had never been truly comfortable about the rather embarrassingly large amount of monies that had been settled upon her. Now, it would go on to help her peers, and it would provide both her and Zachary with a peace of mind should they have a large family, of which she had no doubt would occur.


At Zachary's request, Karigan prepared for an inner council meeting that was held the day before their wedding ceremony. She had chosen one of her newer outfits, a light sky blue fitted silk shirt with a high collar and sleeves that almost reached her fingertips. The over tunic was a darker shade, almost navy, wool fabric that left the sleeves of her shirt bare, and skimmed down past her knees, with long slits running up the side to reveal the black trousers she wore with warm fur lined boots. Sara had braided her hair back into a coronet, allowing the tail to trail down the middle of her back.

'There you are milady,' the maid said, tucking a loose hair into the coiffure, 'Pretty as a picture you are.'

Karigan stood and smoothed the tunic over her knees, tentatively looking at her scabbard and saber. After a moment's hesitation, she picked it up and belted it low over her hips, feeling the familiar and welcome weight. She turned to Sara and gave her a shy smile, 'I ought to be able to undress myself tonight,' she said.

Sara tsked, 'But who would get all them pins out? It would only take a minute of me time to get you ready for bed, milady. After all, you've a big day ahead of you and you need your rest.'

Karigan shifted awkwardly to her other foot, 'I may not be back right away you see, I'd like to visit my aunts tonight.'

The maid's eyes opened wide in comprehension, 'Oh course, you'll get your talking about your duties . I can stay up for you after your visit,' she offered.

Karigan waved her hand, smiling softly, 'No no, I am sure my aunts can lend me a hand before I leave their rooms.'

Sara bobbed her head, 'Yes, milady. In that case, I will see you in the morning,' she finished with a curtsey, taking her leave.

Karigan took a deep breath, looking about her surroundings in contemplation. She did not actually sleep in the room; for that would be considered highly improper when it adjoined Zachary's chamber, but she had spent a rather large amount of time there either preparing for the wedding or moving her things from her barracks room.

Running her hand over the soft down comforter idly, she glanced at the time turner on her desk, noting that she had a few minutes to make it to the antechamber next to the council room. She slipped out the door, Brienne and Willis falling into step behind her, and quietly padded downstairs towards the functional rooms of the castle. Upon reaching the antechamber door, Brienne opened the door, peeked inside and moved to allow Karigan to pass with an encouraging smile.

Karigan entered quickly, her eyes alighting upon Zachary who sat in an armchair next to a small brazier, his notes in hand as he skimmed the contents pensively. He looked up when the door closed behind her, his eyes alighting in pleasure as he stood and placed the sheaf to the side, opening his arms to receive her enthusiastic embrace. She pulled back and glanced at the notes, 'Anything I need to do?'

Zachary sighed and shook his head, 'Just be there in case my blood pressure gets too high. Keep me sane,' he said with a chuckle.

Karigan smiled in response, noting the dark circles under his eyes, 'Have you been sleeping?'

He shrugged carelessly, 'I get enough. There is so much to do before-'

She placed a finger on his lips, 'There are those who can help you, please delegate a little more of the work? You cannot lead an army if you do not care for yourself.'

'No,' a familiar voice said wryly, 'That'll be your job, for we both know that he'll run himself into the ground without a strong female hand.'

Karigan turned her head to see Captain Mapstone emerge from her position at the darkened window where she had witnessed the couple's tender exchange. She wholeheartedly felt the error of her previous attitude when she saw the genuine love and care that her Rider showed her moonling. If she was what he needed to get through the troubled times ahead, she would support her Queen with the same ferocity that she protected her king.

Karigan's brow furrowed slightly when she saw Laren, tentatively looking back at Zachary, who smiled at her curiosity. 'Laren is here to assist in your education of council politics and procedures.'

Karigan's expression betrayed her surprise as she bit her lip, fighting for composure as her heart wept with relief. 'I couldn't ask for a better teacher,' she said with a small smile.

Laren scoffed, 'You won't say that after we are through tonight. I'm also here to keep the two of you from wringing necks or verbally abusing the advisors. They are a bit sensitive and do not have the thick skin you do, my lady.'

Karigan visibly started at the use of the title, staring at Laren in slight bewilderment. The captain wrinkled her nose and gave a small apologetic smile to her, her eyes conveying her regret over her behavior as she shrugged her shoulders.

There were a few moments of silence as the two women came to an unspoken understanding of sorts. It was broken when Laren clasped her hands together and sarcastically bowed, one hand held out towards the council room door, 'Shall we go in?'

Zachary tucked Karigan's hand in the crook of his arm and gave her a reassuring smile as Laren opened the door for them to pass through, letting the bright light of the overhead chandeliers shine through the open doorway.

Karigan took a steadying breath as they entered the spacious chamber, meeting the gaze of each advisor and present Lord-Governor evenly with a steely look. Some looked away with a slight shiver but others smiled approvingly at the spunk the girl showed in an unfamiliar arena.

Zachary sat her at his right, brushing a kiss against her knuckles before settling into his own chair, motioning for the others to sit with a wave of his hand. Laren positioned herself behind him, to his left with her hand enclosed around her brooch in a familiar stance.

It was the Lord-Governor from L'Petrie province who spoke first, directing his first comment at Karigan, 'I suppose I can feel a little bit of pride that the future Queen hails from my province?'

It broke the tension in the room, allowing small smiles to grace the faces of many, including Karigan herself who inclined her head gracefully in acknowledgement.

Zachary cleared his throat, hiding his own smile in light of the unspoken acceptance of his bride, and opened the floor to a discussion of sending a diplomatic delegation to Eletia, his eyes straying over occasionally to watch Karigan's reactions. Her face showed an avid curiosity and understanding as she listened to the debate, her intelligent eyes flickering back and forth between individuals as Laren would sometimes come to whisper into her ear, giving names to the countless persons in the room.

He turned his attention back to the discussion at hand, inherently pleased and somehow at peace.


It was several hours later, after the council had adjourned and she had been given one of the most mortifying speeches she had ever received in her life, that she could retreat back to her familiar small bunk in the barracks.

With a small shudder, she remembered how her aunts had decided to go over the duties of a bride on her wedding night. Not that they knew of such things, they claimed.

It was Aunt Stace who, naturally, had taken the lead in the discussion, 'Do make sure you take a nice long bath before he comes to you.'

Karigan's expression had been priceless as she sat on the edge of Stace's bed. A horrified mixture of incredulity, fascination, and confusion warred on her face as she hunched her shoulders in embarrassment.

Brini had sat behind her, carefully unraveling the complicated hairstyle, setting pins aside in a small pile, 'And do not be too forward.'

Karigan's eyebrows slammed together as she processed this bit of advice.

Gretta took up her niece's hands and rubbed strong smelling oil into the rough calluses, making Karigan's face wrinkle in distaste at the sickly sweet stench. 'And be sure to lay quietly as he goes about his business.'

'Goes about his business,' Karigan repeated slowly, arching an eyebrow, 'How is it again that you know of these things?'

Tori nodded solemnly, 'Tis how the marriage bed works. Our mother made sure to educate us even before we had our many offers,' she said proudly.

'So pray tell,' Karigan said warily, 'How will the king conduct his "business"?'

Stace spoke kindly, 'You know of how animals mate?'

Karigan's head whipped around quickly, 'I know of the mechanics of mating, thank you Aunt. I am just rather unsure if it would please the king for me to be unresponsive,' she said with a pink face, thinking it was no wonder that they had never married if they shared such a view of the duties that it entailed.

The aunts frowned in contemplation as they mulled over the possibility. Brini sighed, 'In that case, you had better just take our advice but be open to his wants and desires.'

Karigan gave a tight lipped smile as she gathered her hair pins, 'I will do so. Thank you all.'

They all gave her a quick hug, reminding her that they'd be up to her suite early for wedding preparations. She waved goodbye and left the room quickly, Brienne following her with a disturbed countenance.

As they made their way out of the guest quarters, Karigan stopped and spun on her heel, looking Brienne in the eye, 'How much did you hear?'

'All of it I'm afraid,' the Weapon responded, her normally stoic features betraying a look of slight sympathy.

Karigan narrowed her eyes, 'And your advice?'

'Ignore theirs,' Brienne replied succinctly. 'The gods gave us instincts, use yours tomorrow night.'

Karigan gave a hesitant nod, turning around again to continue to her room. It was there that she found herself now, hair unbound as she remained clothed and outstretched on her cot, musing over the events that had led her to that point.

Acting on an impulse, she hoisted herself up and tugged her boots back on, tying her loose hair back with a leather thong as she left her room. Brienne started when her lady walked out of her room nonchalantly, walking back towards the upper castle levels. She jogged up to catch her, frowning slightly as she cautiously followed Karigan through the dim corridors.

Karigan soon found herself in front of Zachary's study door, looking at Fastion timidly as she knocked on the door. He looked around her at Brienne, who shrugged and placed herself on the other side of the doorframe.

Zachary called out for her to enter, prompting Karigan to wrench the door open and close it tightly behind her in haste. He looked up from his desk in slight surprise, 'Kari? I thought you were abed.'

She wrung her hands and shook her head. He stood and walked around the desk, reaching out with one hand to draw her to sit on the sofa. 'What is the matter?'

Karigan stared at their clasped hands for a moment before blurting, 'What will happen tomorrow night?'

Zachary's eyes shot open wide, 'Err . . . why do you ask?'

She did not meet his gaze, 'My aunts may have had a talk with me about expectations . . .'

He grimaced slightly, 'Ah . . .'

Karigan looked up quickly, 'Was any of it true?'

Zachary turned slightly red, 'You'd have to acquaint me with the discussion.'

She quivered under his scrutiny and shook her head once more, 'I'd rather not, but their version of the events sounded unpleasant.'

He squeezed her hands and laughed quietly, 'I imagine they repeated the same litany that all young maidens are told before a wedding night.'

Karigan played with his fingers absentmindedly, still rather flustered that she had burst into his room to demand an explanation. He grinned slightly and tilted her chin up with one hand, 'Do you trust me?'

She gave a shaky smile and nodded briefly.

'Then know that I will not hurt you or bring you shame should we consummate the marriage tomorrow night,' he said gently.

Karigan then frowned in consternation, 'Will we not then?'

He brought her forward into his embrace, stroking her arms as she leaned into his side, 'I was thinking perhaps we should wait,' he murmured.

She replied softly with a bit of insecurity, 'Do you not want to?'

Zachary coughed to hide his laughter, 'No my love, the problem is that I very much want to bed my wife. And therein lies the problem,' he said.

Karigan frowned, not yet understanding his meaning. He reached out to stroke her cheek, 'I do not think I'd be able to stop, and I am rather sure you'd end up with child sooner than later.'

Her eyes shone as she considered the implications, 'How long would we wait?'

Zachary shrugged slightly as he gave a self deprecating smile, 'As long as we can. I'd rather not leave you a widow and large with child.'

She looked at him in horror, 'Do not speak like that!'

He soothed her agitation with a kiss to her brow, 'It is a possibility that we have to consider. And what of your service to the messenger corp? What if Westrion were to call for his avatar while you were large with child?'

Karigan shook her head in slight denial, 'He wouldn't.'

'I'd rather not risk your lives on the whims of a god,' Zachary replied with finality.

She laid her head back down on his chest, wrapping her arms around him as she mulled over his words, slightly disturbed over his casual acceptance of his potential demise. But they did not speak again for the remainder of their time together that night. His hand undid the tie in her hair, releasing the strands and slowly running his fingers through the silky lengths. The soothing motion lulled her into a state of semi consciousness, releasing her previous worries and tension as she fell into a deep sleep. With her warm heat on top of him as they lay on the couch, he too, found himself fighting to his eyes open.

After about an hour, Fastion knocked lightly on the door, hoping to draw his little sister back to her room. When he received no answer, he opened the door a crack to peer into the room, noticing the entangled couple that held each other tightly as they slept.

He sighed heavily and opened the door wider; signaling over his shoulder for Brienne to enter as they quietly crept forward. Brienne moved to throw a few more pieces of wood onto the fire while Fastion located a throw to drape over the couple, carefully tucking the ends around them. He shook his head in resignation, whispering to Brienne as they closed the door, 'I'd wake her but I know that neither have slept well for the past few weeks.'

Brienne nodded in agreement, her eyes going to the closed door, 'I'll wake her before the sun rises and get her back to her room.'

They took up their positions and settled in for the rest of the night, allowing their liege and future lady a night of reprieve.

Inside, Zachary settled into the couch with his arms loosely wrapped around Karigan's waist as he buried his face into her hair. She sighed in contentment under the blanket and snuggled closer against him, a small smile of bliss on her face as they spent the night in solitude.


Let me know what you think and leave a line! I might have to go re-edit those first few chapters, they are a bit jarring with what I am writing now. I seem incapable of writing good old smut it seems. I feel a sense of loss, for I may never publish a bodice ripper if this is so.