Chapter 9: Conversation With…


Zachary had waited with some trepidation to see if Karigan would show up. Balls and parties were not her strong point, after all. It was nice to have something occupying his mind, instead of being forced to concentrate solely on his nobles. They were nice people at heart, but business and pleasure were not to be mixed. They could call it a night off, but as far as he was concerned, it was just another night on the job.

An impeccably dressed noble stopped in front of him and bowed slightly. "My Liege."

And speaking of trouble… "Duke Coutre." He inclined his head just a hair to show deference that would flatter the man. "Wonderful to see you here tonight."

"Yes of course. No doubt my daughter wishes she could be here as well. It is always good to have an official escort at these things. The higher we are in society, ever more must we adhere to its rules."

Ah, you crafty bastard! Just a subtle reminder about my promise. Zachary barely managed to keep his smile down to an acceptable width. For all the problems Estora's absence would cause him…knowing something even Lord Coutre didn't know about his own daughter and imagining his face was a beautiful thing. "I, too miss her. There is none so lovely of face and figure as the Lady Estora." I wonder how much I can rub it in, so when the news comes, it will be all the sweeter…

There was a slight cough beside him. Fastion. The Weapon made no sounds unless he meant to, which meant he could can the current line of conversation. Probably for the best. "I look forward to her return. Good Evening."

Coutre gave a slight bow at the dismissal and left.

"Sire." The murmur came from Fastion's direction. "Perhaps a bit more circumspectness with that particular man might be in order?"

"You're right. It's just my temper, you know I can't stand these parties."

"You know you're not the only one. Rider Karigan too, is here against her will."

Karigan, yes… "Where is she, anyway? I assume you've been watching the room with your usual enthusiasm."

"By the grove with General Sora."

Zachary looked over to the fabricated garden area and saw his Karigan looking into the eyes of his trusted general. She was smiling, maybe even laughing. Surely the stern man had not inspired such levity. He was a good soldier, but what in the five hells could he want with a Green Rider?

He began to walk over, but Nikolas had left, and Karigan was taking her two "servants" to an alcove. He made it a point to know what his Riders looked like, and even the blank looks that Sal and Tharin had pasted on their faces could not conceal their identities to him. Smart, he had to admit.

It seemed like everyone was intent on talking to him now that he had an actual goal in mind.

"So glad to see you again, my Lady. My dear Duke, I look forward to seeing you at the audiences tomorrow. Oh, I am quite well, and you? What a lovely ball…"

When he finally came to the alcove, the two riders were posted at the entrance. Rather like guards, he thought. When he started to brush past them, they stepped in front of him. King Zachary looked each of them in the eye until they realized who he was, and walked forward again. They had no choice but to allow him to pass.

Karigan was reading something, her lips pursed and her brow furrowed. Obviously not pleasant news, he thought pityingly. So much unhappiness had happened in her life already, it seemed even "vacations" were not to be omitted.

She finished and sank back against the chair she was sitting in. Her dress billowed up around her, and she looked small and fragile.

Somehow sensing he was there, she looked straight at him. Before her face tensed up, he noticed a slight quiver of her lip and a blurriness to her eyes. What was wrong? And more importantly, could he help?

"Karigan! Is something wrong? You look quite pale." She started to rise, but he laid a hand on her arm. "No, please sit." He pulled a chair closer.

"Za… My Lord…I—"

"Zachary."

"Zachary. My…servants were guarding the door."

"I am the King. I may go where I please in my house." One of the few advantages these days, he thought sourly. "I see you got a message; I hope it's nothing serious."

She pulled her hand out from under his and clasped the other in her lap. "Just one more pebble on the sand hill, really. My father had some pressing business, and won't be out here for some time—maybe not for any of this whole—this big—this…travesty!"

"Travesty…would this refer to…the reason you are taking a leave of absence?" He finished delicately.

Her eyes widened and she gave him a horrified look. Then she flushed. "You know?" She closed her eyes and leaned back. "This is awkward."

"What were you discussing with Nikolas?"

"General Sora?" Karigan gave a small chuckle. "He was actually proposing to me." Her mouth twitched into a smile.

Trust Karigan to find some humor in any given situation, blast her! He wanted to wring someone's neck, Sora's if he could find it.

Zachary clenched his jaw then pasted on a pleasant smile. "I didn't know you knew him."

"I didn't. I've just met him today. Apparently he heard my name linked with what he saw at Mirror Lake. He asked me to think about it. When you look at the circumstances, it's actually a good—"

"No." He knew it was rather petty, but if he couldn't have Karigan, no one could. Besides, he wasn't done trying yet. To see such a wild spirit caged…it was not to be allowed.

When Zachary leaned forward with an odd light in his eyes, Karigan shrank back as far as she could in the plush chair. The air was heavy and oppressive. The lightness of the moment was gone and she was acutely aware that she was in danger of having some unprofessional contact with her monarch.

"Zacha-"

He put a finger to her mouth and smiled a small sweet smile filled with secrets and promises. "You know how I feel about you Karigan G'ladheon."

"We've, we've talked about this. You're the King, we can't…Estora…" Suddenly she remembered that Estora was no longer in the picture. That wasn't good! One of the most convenient reasons for not associating with him was moot.

"Estora's gone, Karigan. She's a good friend and a beautiful person, but she said some things in her letter that helped clarify a few matters for me. I'm not under any obligations; there's a message waiting at Rider headquarters to be delivered tomorrow morning for Duke Coutre. Of course, I can only guess what it will say…"

Karigan just looked at him. Before, Zachary had been hesitant where she was concerned. His "desire" for her always seemed to make itself known at awkward moments—usually right after a serious disaster or shock. But now…

Zachary…I…I love you.

He leaned back, and she breathed a sigh of relief. "I'll not force you." He stood and snapped his fingers. Tharin and Sal's heads poked through the curtain. "Lady Karigan needs a drink. She will have…" He looked at her.

"Water." She said weakly, "Just water."

"There now, fetch." When their heads retracted, put out his hand and gave respectful bow. "Will you walk with me?"

Karigan had no illusion as to what was being offered. Kings always showed favor to all, but usually managed to overlook the merchant class. Somewhat unprecedented, yes, but not unheard of. Maybe it will be alright…who am I fooling? He isn't giving me a choice, damn his eyes!

"Of course." She allowed him to pull her out of the chair she had sunk into and lead her back into the ball room. A figure in the dark shade only Weapons wore flitted to the side as they emerged. And he had probably not missed one word.

Once people saw it was the King, they cleared the way, but there were no few questioning stares in her direction.

"My Lady? I have your water." Tharin held high a frosty silver goblet. Karigan took it and sniffed it suspiciously. "Just water," Tharin asserted.

She took a small sip. It would be disaster to mix any wine or spirits with this party. Someone cleared their throat, and she looked up. "Lord Eastwick." She gave the barest dip.

"My Lady, Your Highness. Lady Karigan, the next waltz is beginning. May I have this dance?"

Karigan started to reply, but Zachary broke in smoothly. "Oh? I'm terribly sorry Lord Avery. I had already asked Lady Karigan to dance. Perhaps the next one?"

Poor Lord Eastwick…what can he do but agree with his King? After putting her cup in Tharin's grip, he began to lead her out. She felt panic. "Zachary!" she whispered urgently, "I can't, my leg!"

"You're walking around, aren't you?"

"Walking yes, but I don't think it's healed enough to…" Walking with the King was one thing…but dancing with him? Not on his life!

"Karigan. I won't let you fall." He looked her straight in the eye. "I promise."