sorry its been a while but i had a bit of writers block but im gonna soildier on through, please dont flame me!
She hit something solid and bounced backwards.
A pair of hands shot out to grab her about the waist to prevent her from falling.
Karigan glanced at the hands on her waist and followed them up the arms, dreading to look the owner in the face.
'Sire I'm sorry!' she gasped.
He gripped her tightly for which Karigan was very thankful. Suddenly her legs had turned to jelly and she wasn't sure they'd support her weight if he let go.
'I didn't see you!' she gasped. How could I be such a bumbling idiot!
'So I see.' He smiled down at her. 'Karigan can we talk?'
'Erm……of course' she didn't exactly have much choice did she, he was the king. And maybe I'll find out why he hasn't sent word before now.
Only now did Zachary let go of her waist, as he led her to a small room off the corridor. Fastion materialised from the shadows only to disappear again close to the door.
Was that a smirk on his face?
'You could have warned me' she hissed under her breath.
Fastion just cocked his head to the side, amusement dancing in his eyes.
Before Karigan could ponder this any longer, Zachary closed the door.
Zachary moved to stand next to the fireplace the light from the window streamed across his face. Zachary she wasn't sure she wanted an explanation as to his lack of communication, sure that the words would cause her pain.
'Karigan is everything alright?' He sounded worried and concern showed in his eyes.
'Yes sire.' No! How can everything be fine?
'You have healed?' unconsciously his hand reached out to brush against the blond hair that marked where she had been injured rescuing Estora. Karigan felt her breath catch in her mouth and her heart race.
'Yes, it doesn't cause me any problems,' Karigan replied.
' I had hoped to speak to you about what happened when you rescued Estora and in the tombs but Captain Mapstone felt it best to let you have some time to recover. She assured me that you were well and gave me your report but…… I had hoped you'd wish to see me.' The last part came out slowly and much quieter.
Captain Mapstone said I didn't want to see him?
'I would not have minded any visits Sire, and would have given you my report in person, but I did not know that she wanted to see me.'
'Did you not get my notes?' Zachary inquired slightly puzzled.
'Notes? What notes?'
'I sent you some notes with Captain Mapstone, but when I received no response……..'
Captain Mapstone?
'I received no notes from the Captain. No word of any kind.'
Then Karigan suddenly had a horrible thought. She knows! She knows and she tried to stop him talking to me or me contacting him. She never delivered the letters on purpose! Cold anger began to seep into Karigan as she realized just what Captain Mapstone had done. She failed to deliver the kings letters because she thinks he should not talk to me. That's not what being a rider is about! I need to have words with her.
Zachary watched as Karigan's mood turned from puzzled to icy. She didn't seem to realise he was there, lost in her own thoughts that made her glare at the floor.
'Karigan?'
'She knows. She knows that you had feelings for me. She didn't deliver your letters, she told me you sent no word and she told you I did not wish to see you. She knows how you felt and she's trying to stop you from seeing me.' And me from seeing you. I bet she knows I feel the same.
'Have feelings, Karigan.'
'Hmm?'
'She knows I have feelings for you not had. My feelings for you have not changed. I had hoped to finally talk to you after the ceremony but Captain Mapstone…delayed me by which time you had gone.'
A faint blush crept up Karigan's cheeks as Zachary told her this. He still loves me. He did not abandon me once Estora was back. He still loves me. And I love him. Estora! I cannot act or say anything that could hurt Estora.
'I'm sorry sire but I should leave, I need to speak to Captain Mapstone.'
She's running from me again. I startled her but I cannot remain quiet and not tell her how I feel.
Karigan turned towards the door but a hand reached out and caught her arm. She looked back and saw the hurt in Zachary's eyes. Hurt caused by her turning from him.
'I love you Karigan that will not change. I do not expect you to say anything or do anything, I would expect no less of you, but I need you to know how I feel.'
'Estora?'
'Estora does not love me. Her heart still belongs to another.'
Realisation flashed in Karigan's eyes. He knows about Fryan and has not exposed her.
'Yes I know about Fryan. I do not think that Estora will be hurt by my feelings towards you. Karigan I love you.'
Karigan wanted to tell him that she felt the same. She reached out and touched his face, wanting to utter the words.
please review! i dont like this chapter as much but never mind. if you have any suggestions as to how to remove Estora ( gently shoves her off a cliff, laughing and waving as she plumets) or any other fluff or anything let me know!
review!
