Author's Note: This story takes place two weeks after First Rider's Call.
King Zachary strode through the halls of his castle on his way to another meeting with his advisors. Ever since he had tentatively accepted the marriage proposal between himself and Lady Estora his advisors had insisted on holding several meetings regarding the security of the realm and of the future wedding preparations.
Zachary sighed reflecting on his most recent conversation with Karigan. She hadn't accepted his gift the way he had hoped that she would. She almost seemed to hate him for what he had admitted to her, although he knew deep in his heart that she'd never hate him for anything that he did. Zachary knew enough about Karigan to know that she felt the same way about him, but her strong sense of duty to her king and country prevented her from doing or saying anything about her true feelings. He still loved her despite his marriage proposal to Lady Estora and he and Karigan had a plan working that if it succeeded would allow them to be together and would provide Sacoridia with the means to withstand the evil force that Zachary was all to aware was threatening to destroy them.
Upon entering the council chamber King Zachary was greeted by his favorite advisor and best friend Laren Mapstone.
Laren bowed to him as she said, "Welcome Your Majesty. We're ready to begin when you are."
Zachary made his way to his seat at the head of the table as Laren seated herself by his side.
"I am ready to begin. What matters need to be discussed?" He inquired.
"My Lord we are all concerned about the threat that the Second Empire presents to Sacoridia and to all of the clans." Lord Mirwell said, gesturing to the other lords gathered around the table.
"Yes, we need to prepare before this threat becomes too great for us to handle." Leonar Hillander remarked.
"What preparations do you suggest that I make?" Zachary asked, letting his gaze drift from one lord-governor to another.
"Sacoridia needs a stronger military." ,Lord Penburn suggested, "We need to begin recruiting and training new troops as soon as possible."
"I can send out some of my Green Riders throughout the provinces and villages with instructions on who will be recruited and to whom the new recruits should report to for training." King Zachary replied.
Turning to Laren he asked, "How soon can your Riders be ready to deliver the recruitment messages?"
"My Riders will be ready to leave tomorrow if need be." Laren replied.
King Zachary nodded. "Good. Have your Riders prepare to leave tomorrow and keep me updated on the number of recruits from each province. Are there any other matters that we should discuss?"
"There is the issue of your marriage proposal to my daughter Estora." Lord Coutre said.
"Yes, I recall that I have tentatively agreed to marry Lady Estora." Zachary replied, "Although while we're discussing it, there is something about the marriage proposal that I must bring to everyone's attention."
"Why, what could have changed about your proposal? It's already been signed! You can't change your mind now!" Lord Coutre exclaimed.
"You see." Zachary said holding his hands in his lap and leaning forward. "The marriage proposal that I've signed no longer exists, it has been torn up."
There was a moment of shocked silence, then the room exploded with questions and accusations.
"Who-who would dare destroy a royal marriage proposal!" Lord Coutre sputtered in anger.
King Zachary pounded his fist on the table, calling for everyone to be silent. Once everyone had settled down Zachary rose to his feet.
"There is no point in accusing one another of destroying my marriage proposal." Zachary said calmly.
"Then who are we to accuse?",Lord Coutre demanded, "It had to be someone here who's responsible!"
Turning to Lord Coutre Zachary replied, "If you are looking to place the blame for this on anyone, then place it on me!"
"Then you know who did it?" Laren asked.
King Zachary looked at the floor for a moment before raising his head with a grin on his face he replied, "I did it. I tore up the marriage proposal!"