Chapter 11: Kings Blessing

Karigan lay awake staring at the ceiling absentmindedly stroking Lil the ghost kitty. Her head was spinning with the revelations on top of the tower. Despite everything that had happened the King still loved her, why does he love me? She mused. He has a beautiful, kind wife. Why would he love a simple Green Rider.

Thinking about Estora made her feel sick. She could accept that Estora loved the King after all they had been married quite a while. Loving Zachary felt like she was betraying her friend's feelings. I am an awful friend, the thought, I told Zachary my feelings even though I did not have to. I encouraged him even though I am riding to my death soon. I should tell him I will never be his, I should... She sighed. There were a lot of things she should do to make it right, but just because she should did not mean she could.

Perhaps if I do not return it would be alright. Even if she did not die in Blackveil there was still a chance of the Captain finding her a duty other than the normal coming and going of a Green Rider. Maybe I could be an ambassador to the Eletians. She smiled as she thought about the connection her mother had had with them. I think I would like that.

If I return I will suggest it to Estora, surely she would agree with it. Zachary would not like it, but there was nothing he could say against it as the King. It was a sound plan and it light of her experience with the Eletians she was one of the best candidates for the job. I would prefer to return home and become heir to my Clan. She sighed and scratched behind Lil's ear. I doubt the call will release me for something so frivolous.

I could finish my Swords master training. Even when she was in Sacor City that would mean most of her time would be taken up by Drent and his ruthless training schedule. She imagined the look on his face when she graduated from being his student, when he could no longer humiliate her in training, she grinned in the dark. Yes, I will finish my initiate first, then if I am still bound to service I will become an ambassador.

Pleased with her decision on her future after Blackveil she let herself slip in to a deep sleep.

Mara watched in amusement as Karigan smoothed down her uniform again. They were heading towards the Throne Room after being woken early by a member of the Green Foot requesting they report to the King at once. Perplexed as to the reason to pull them out of bed the day before the wedding she urged Karigan to hurry.

As they entered the Throne Room she noted that the King had yet to arrive however the room was not empty. Captain Mapstone stood with Elgin and Connely. Drent and Fastion stood in the shadows. Lynx came forward to greet them from where he had been sitting in an alcove. Mara looked at him questioningly but if he knew more than her he did not say, he simply shrugged and looked at Karigan.

Karigan herself was looking around the throne room nervously. Mara almost laughed when she realised what had managed to make the usually fiery Rider so nervous, she was willing to bet anything that Karigan had finally come to terms with her feelings for the King. This nervousness was so out of character Mara was starting to wonder if she had seen the King last night.

Her thoughts where cut short as Zachary entered the throne room. She noticed with surprise that he motioned for them not to bow and instead strode among them until he stood before a now determined looking Karigan. All her nervousness seemed to be washed away by the Kings arrival.

"Rider Sir G'ladheon has informed me she will be riding in to battle," He smiled grimly. "I have tried and failed to stop her many times before, this time I will not be able to stop her either. Nor will I stop any of you from following her. However I implore you all to return safely. I presume none of you will object to me naming Sir Karigan as the head of your party?"

When there were no protests the King seemed relieved. Mara watched in amazement as Zachary drew a small box out of his surcoat and laid it gently in to Karigan's still hand, such an open display of affection could only mean that the King had managed to talk Karigan round to accepting his feelings.

Zachary then turned to look at everyone else assembled in the throne room and smiled sadly. "I am sorry that you ridding out may be eclipsed by the wedding celebrations."

Mara caught the Captains eye, she was smiling knowingly no doubt most of the people gathered in the room knew of the emotions between the King and his Rider. All of them must know why Karigan had chosen to ride out straight after the celebrations. Mara had overheard a particularly interesting conversation between the Captain and Elgin about why they had not already left for Blackveil when the upcoming 'wedding' was part of the reason for Karigan's need to be out of the city.

The King walked among them now, no doubt expressing his wishes that they would come back safely from the forthcoming battle. Mara noticed that he seemed to be leaving herself and Karigan until the end, she smiled. I bet he wants to talk to her alone, she had seen Karigan return late last night. Mapstone had told her about the audience and Zachary disappearing. She smiled; it was not hard to add the two together.

"Rider Brennyn," The King had reached them. "Go safely and return to us, the new ones have need of your experience." He smiled wryly, "Even if they do not appreciate it fully yet."

She saw his gaze flicker to Karigan momentarily. "Good luck to you all. Dismissed I am sure you all have preparations you will need to make. Dismissed with exception Rider Sir G'ladheon that is."

Mara tried to conceal a smile, she should be dismayed that the King had fallen in love with someone other than Estora yet somehow that comforted her. After all Zachary was only human.

Here I added in Karigan lying awake in the dark. It's very short if you have any ideas on how I can make it longer please let me know.

Rhi