As they had made their way through the various corridors had led to the throne room, like arteries to a heart, Karigan had become increasingly nervous. And tired. Her footsteps flagged slightly as she struggled to keep up with the pace of her Colonel. Eventually they had made it to the throne room and Karigan took a deep breath as they entered the place and the moment that had so filled her thoughts on her journey home.
The king and his advisors were standing by the throne for a final discussion, as was their custom after a meeting concluded and the other parties had left. Karigan's eyes were glued to his back as she traced the familiar outline of his body, watching hungrily as he raked his long, slender fingers through his amber hair in thought. Huh, his beard had grown back. She had made it most of the way down the carpet when suddenly the Weapons stood to attention in their alcoves and Donal and Fastion came to stand in front of the king. Karigan was startled as they bowed as one to her. She was rooted to the spot, unsure where to look and choosing her very interesting boots. So unusual was this behaviour that the attention of the party was called towards her and she had looked up to find the king's eyes staring hard into her own. It was electric. She could not begin to process the jumble of feelings that soared through her. After a moment that lasted a lifetime she had come to her senses and bowed slowly and stiffly to her sovereign and to her Weapon friends.
"Karigan G'ladheon has returned from her mission to seek the P'ehdrose alliance and will attend our Operations meeting," she heard Colonel Mapstone explain to the group. Karigan stared at the rug in front of the king's feet. "Perhaps we should move into the side office, where we can be more comfortably seated?" came the king's soft voice, sending a thrill to her core. "Of course, your majesty," came Tallman's reply and after the king walked into the office, she heard Laren say "a moment, advisors.' Karigan's eyes went wide as she stared back at Laren, who stared straight back at her and raised a single finger. One minute. Karigan had taken a deep breath and plunged inside.
And then they were alone together. In one swift moment the king was in front of her. Karigan could barely look at him; her body was on fire, her mind confused, one part aching to be taken into his arms whilst the other part screamed to find safety. He did not touch her. "Are you well?" he had murmured after a moment. "Yes, your majesty," she replied softly. "Are you well?" she asked suddenly, her eyes searching for his shoulder where the wound that had threatened his life had taken hold. Her eyes travelled upwards and she trembled to see the love that lay in the depths of his tender gaze. "I am," he replied. He had raised his fingers and touched her cheek, the sensation feather light. For one paralysing moment her flight response reached its' peak. And then without knowing why she had brushed her cheek ever so slightly into his caress. A moment later the sound of approaching feet drew them apart and when Laren and Tallman entered, they were seated in their respective chairs.
Laren had been startled to find them seated as if enthroned together. They looked…like they belonged to each other. Karigan, who did not realise her face betrayed the significant pain she was in, looked regal as she sat next to her king, who had the bearing of a sovereign as well as a protective partner. Laren felt a pang of regret for both of them before the moment had passed and the meeting began.
Laren had been glad of hearing the report first. Karigan's delivery was much stronger the second time around although she did focus predominantly on the meeting with their new allies as opposed to the prior battles. Laren became suspicious with the vague details Karigan presented surrounding the Eletian and suspected more was at play that could not be revealed in such a meeting. No matter, she would discuss it with Karigan later.
After half a bell, two things became clear. Firstly the king's regard for Karigan had only intensified during his abduction. His whole being gravitated towards her. Secondly, Karigan's wounds were not good as she could clearly sit no longer. She moved constantly, trying to find relief from the pain and Laren was about to suggest a recess when a knock sounded at the door and in strode Estora.
Laren had stiffened at this entry when the king was so unguarded and hid a relieved sigh as the Queen, after bowing to her husband, conveniently allowing him time to school his expression, headed straight to Karigan and hugged her around the neck once she had straightened from her pained obeisance. Karigan looked surprised and Laren was pleased to see that Estora had placed her hands gently around Karigan's neck, rather than placing pressure on her wounds.
"It is so good to see you Karigan," she has said, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I cannot begin to thank you for returning my husband to me. It seems we were both destined to be saved by you!" she said with a grin, turning her gaze to Zachary who nodded in agreement. "It was nothing, your majesty," came Karigan's soft reply. "Nothing?!" cried Estora. "Did you not re-enter the keep of the Second Empire to mount a rescue, even though you were healing from a battle yourself?" Karigan's eyes became further downcast as she muttered something about the duty of the kings' servants. Interesting. Zachary had told Estora she was in battle and had hidden the torture from her. Yes, something had definitely happened between them during their time together. Laren had coughed discreetly. "Your Majesties, please excuse us. My rider is greatly in need of rest and I think perhaps, the mender." Karigan looked at her gratefully and Laren had been slightly alarmed. It was unusual for a Green Rider to voluntarily attend a healer. "Of course, Colonel, and with Our blessing," Estora had replied, turning to Karigan again. "We are so glad you have returned to us Karigan. Once you feel well you must stop by for tea to meet the babies!" By this point Karigan had been in so much pain that the full impact of Estora's words had not registered, which she was thankful for after.
Laren had said their goodbyes and they bowed themselves out, although Karigan was only able to bend slightly. The tears in Karigan's eyes had made it difficult for her to navigate towards the menders wing and she was thankful for Laren's guidance. Her back was screaming. She thought there had been some improvement on her journey home but she had not anticipated the impact that those tense meetings would have on her healing muscles. She was thankful for the Colonel's silence during their walk and shortly afterwards she was standing in front of Ben.
"Karigan, you're back!" She smiled at him. "Hi Ben." Laren spoke, "Ben, I need you to look over Karigan's wounds and let me know what duties to restrict her on". Laren had been about to step out when Karigan called to her. "Yes?" Laren replied. "I think, maybe, you should stay." Laren nodded and stood to the side. Ben had tended to the gash on Karigan's arm, which looked nasty but the Eletian's care had clearly accelerated her healing. Afterwards he had moved to her front and helped with her greatcoat and shirt.
Laren was saddened to see Karigan's belly and the scars that ranged over it but injury was always a risk in their line of duty and that was that. The bandages around her midsection were dirty from the road and Ben had cut them from her side. It was quicker than unwinding them and there was no way he would reuse that dirty linen in his healing rooms. Karigan was bare, eyes closed and Ben had moved around to tend her back, stopping to look at Laren with wide eyes before swallowing and returning to his patient. His hands traced patterns over her back, trailing a tinge of green. Laren took the opportunity to move behind Karigan and sighed.
Even with her experience, her knowledge of man's sinister ways and her exposure to battle, she had rarely seen such extensive damage. Remnants of vivid bruising marked Karigan's skin to form swirling patterns of yellow amongst the red of angry scarring. Her skin was mutilated; her musculature destroyed. Drent was going to have a hard time rehabilitating this mess of muscle. As Ben and Karigan discussed her wounds quietly, Laren came to realise that Karigan had clung to the hope that Ben might be able to restore her to her previous state of fitness. Laren's eyes had uncharacteristically teared and she cleared her throat. "Karigan, I am sorry for all you have been through on this mission. You will clearly need some time to recover before resuming light duties." Karigan has just nodded and Laren was moved to place her hand on Karigan's arm in support. "We are here for you," she had said softly. "You will not be alone as you regain your strength."
Ben had insisted she spend the night in the healing wing where he could review her wounds in more depth and develop a recovery plan. The next morning when Laren arrived to collect her Chief Rider he had confessed to using more of his true healing on Karigan. Laren had not the heart to rebuke him for using his gift on non-royal blood, even in this critical time after the Queen's recent birthing.