Chapter 24: Weapons Council

Donal walked nervously behind the King, he did not know what had transpired in the royal apartments but whatever it was it had put Zachary in a terrible mood. The King looked so tense. Did he argue with the Queen? Donal wondered. I can't imagine that he would ruin what she... what Karigan was risking her life to save. Like all of the Weapons above and below he was aware of the feelings between the King and their sister-in-arms, he sometimes wondered if the secret had spread to protect the King or out of protectiveness for their sister.

He looked over at Willis as they followed like shadows, Fastion would have been able to approach the King and maybe even coax the problem out of him. But Fastion was not in the palace, nor was he in Sacor City, he had chased after their wayward sister in hope of stopping her before she crossed the Wall. Did you get there in time? He sighed. Mara came for training less regularly now, he worried about what the disappearance of Karigan had done to her, she always seemed so pale and tired when she did come. He still looked forward to the training sessions despite the Chief Riders lack of progression due to recent events, despite himself he quite enjoyed the compatible silence they normally sat in while they rested between bouts.

He shook himself as the King stopped abruptly in the middle of the courtyard. Donal tried to avoid meeting Zachary's eyes as the King swung around to face his protectors, his face pale, it was too obvious that his mask was slipping.

"What should I do?" Zachary murmured.

"Sire?" Willis questioned.

"I have betrayed her!"

Donal sighed and looked at his companion. Willis looked just as confused as he felt, no doubt something new had transpired within the Royal Quarters. He smiled wryly, what if he is simply annoyed with himself for falling for the Queen? It would make sense. She is a kind and beautiful woman. His heart sank. Karigan will be heartbroken, but it will make it easier for her if he loved another. She could let herself move on. Willis must have been thinking something similar because it was he who spoke first.

"Estora is a fair Queen Sire, and you are a compassionate man. I do not think she would have any hard feelings against you being favourable to the match that is also your duty."

"Willis is right. She would not deny you happiness; she is not that sort of person." Donal added.

Zachary started at them for a moment, he looked like he was about to laugh before his face fell again. "I do not love Estora..." He paused. "I love her. I am afraid that I have betrayed her trust, I said I would find a way for us... I am unable to do even that now. Even if there is a way... even if my marriage could be annulled... I cannot leave Estora. I cannot leave the mother of my child."

Donal stared at the King. This was brilliant news for Sacoridia there was a Queen and now there was even an heir on the way. He smiled, Karigan would be pleased to know everything she had done would not be in vain. If she returns she will not be the same person, he sighed, if our sister-in-arms returns who's to say she won't just want to return home... I doubt any here would judge her for wanting to continue her life as a merchant. She has been through enough already.

Donal looked Zachary straight in the eye. "She would be happy for you."

Zachary's expression darkened. "Would? You speak as if she has died."

"Sire... the chances of her returning... I also want her to return, we all do, but we have to accept that she may not be coming back."

Donal's heart sank as the King's mask slipped in to place. "We are going to find the Master Mender."

With that Zachary stormed off in the direction of the Mending Wing.

"If anyone stands a chance its Karigan." Willis smiled wryly.

He nodded as they fell in to their silent hidden positions behind the King. We have to believe she'll come back, if she doesn't it could be worse than a few broken hearts, Mornhavon may still be alive.

Hope you enjoyed this newest chapter.

I know I left you on a bit of a cliff hanger in the last chapter. So here just tying up a few loose ends.

Anyway we're almost finnished now :)

Rhii