Repairing the D'yer Wall
Dedication: Of course to RiderTwilighOban for the inspiration and help!
Karigan pushed her way through the end of day audience crowd. She knew from experience that this was worst part of the day for the King. Unfortunately, this was where Zachary's head secretary was ensconced. She had to deliver the list of audiences from Rivertown. She bypassed the queue for the King and slipped to the side. Finding the ink stained, bespectacled man, she thrust the package of papers at him. He grumbled a bit, and sniffed a "thank you."
Karigan turned on her heel, eager to escape to the Rider's quarters and to her bed.
"Rider Alton D'yer to report on the D'yer wall, your majesty," the herald called out.
Karigan froze, the hair on the back of her neck standing on end. From her vantage point she couldn't see anything, stepping back towards the exit, she could see his back as he kneeled to King Zachary. His hair had gotten long and he seemed more muscular and confident.
Captain Mapstone whistled under her breath. This wasn't the right environment for Kari to see Alton again.
"What is it?" Zachary leaned back, whispering.
"Karigan is here," she murmured.
Zachary looked over the heads of his subjects to the stricken, forlorn figure at the back of the room. He resisted the urge to sigh. Laren had told him of Alton's rejection of her after the wall incident. On a personal level, he was glad of it. He sobered, but he knew now that Alton was probably all she had. And now that he was to be married, Zachary shook his head slightly. He had no right to demand anything of Karigan; all he wished was her happiness. He hoped that Alton could give her that. Turning his attention to his Rider, he motioned for Alton to rise.
Karigan listened to Alton's soothing voice for as long as she could before she darted out to the hallway, tears stinging her eyes. She swiped at them, hearing the end of day horn. As people filed past her, she kept her eye out for any green. Finally, she saw him turning down a corridor. She snaked past people, trying to catch up to him.
"Alton!" she called, sliding to a halt.
He paused, turning, his eyes unreadable.
"Alton, you're back!" she hoped her voice wasn't shaking.
He didn't answer her, tilting his head in agreement.
"I hope that, I mean, I guess," exasperated Karigan punched the wall, "dammit Alton, I don't know what I did, but I'm sorry, I,"
"Kari."
Karigan looked up, her eyes hopeful. Alton walked up to her slowly, placing his hand on her forearm.
"I know, just give me a little time, and I'll explain all," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her temple.
Karigan stood, shocked, as he walked back down the hall. She touched her fingers to her temple in amazement, and a blush raged across her face. Only when her heart had stopped thudding in her ears did she realize that the scent of bayberry filled the air.
I hope you are enjoying it! Please read and review!