Chapter 12: An Unusual Gift

"It was once a gift from a High King of Sacoridia to his Rider on the eve of her battle against Mornhavon. I give this gift to you Rider Sir Karigan G'ladheon before you too confront the same fate, may it bare you to better fortune than that Lillian Ambriodhe."

Karigan's face burned as she looked down at the small box in her hand. The others had been dismissed and now she found herself in the King's study alone with the man she loved. She had been nervous to see the King after being woken so early but now she reasoned that accepting both of their feelings would require not hiding.

"Are you going to open it?" She could not help but notice the King looked a little nervous.

She tried to steady her shaking hands as she stared down at the small box in her hands, whatever was in the small ordinary box was obviously of great value. Such a small box yet she could not steady her hands enough to undo the ribbon. Green ribbon, she noted with amusement, does Zachary think I wear green other than because I have to?

She took a deep breath to steady herself and put the small box on the desk in front of her. Trying to control her hands she let the ribbon fall away, she admired the way it fell through her fingers and absentmindedly wrapped it around her smallest finger. Lifting the lid off the box she gasped as she caught a glint of gold inside.

Resting in deep green satin, that matched the outer ribbon, lay a single golden band. As she looked closer she noticed the etching of the flying horse, the symbol of the Green Riders, understanding flashed through her. She looked at Zachary in shock. This ring was once Lil's, from the King... a betrothal ring or a wedding one? Zachary knew of the First Rider's relationship with her King, so what did the ring mean?

"Your highness...?"

He raised a hand to silence her. "Please use my name Karigan."

A shiver of delight spread through her as her name fell off his amazing lips. The delight was cut short however as her thoughts turned to the ring. Was it simply a gift to a Rider who may not return or was there more behind the gesture? She was certain that such a gift would not have been bestowed upon any other. Steeling herself for any reply he might give, she looked in to those dam almond eyes wishing that she was not so attracted to them.

"Zachary," She murmured softly before raising her voice. "A ring?"

"Lillian Ambriodhe's ring, not quite a wedding ring but a gift to the High King's partner before her untimely demise against Mornhavon's hordes. Some would view it as the same thing."

That did not answer her question. She had already guessed what it had once been although she was not sure that she particularly liked the idea now that he had confirmed it. He was giving her a royal betrothal ring despite being married to Estora. She could not wear it for fear of someone trying to use it against the man she loved to gain power.

Sighing she looked away from those deep brown eyes and kept her gaze locked on a particularly non-descript book. What was he thinking? No doubt I encouraged him with my actions last night. Does he really believe there is a hope for us now? She shivered, Maybe even Zachary believes that I will not return.

"Kari..." He gently kissed her cheek enveloping her in his arms so she could not run. "I know you cannot wear it on your finger like I should like to see but still I want you to have it. I want you to know that had things been different and had it been within my power I would have not hesitated to marry you."

She stared at him in shock. She had not known what to expect but it certainly was not this innocent excuse. She had thought perhaps he had meant to smuggle her away or that it meant he would try to break his contract with the Queen. Relieved she realised that had their situations been different he would have just proposed to her. That thought alone made her feel light headed.

"I..."

He hushed her with a kiss. "Please carry it with you. There is a chain I provided for that purpose in the box too."

She smiled stupidly up at him. This was a dream, it had to be. She barely noticed as he fastened the ring on its chain around her neck, it was too surreal. Then his lips found hers and carried her thoughts in to sweet oblivion.