Mostly wedding in this one. No M rated material here. Yet.

Brienne blearily raised her head when she heard the familiar shuffle of the staff as they went about their rounds, cleaning out hearths and relighting fires. She glanced over at Fastion who had remained alert throughout the night, and was leaning against the stone wall casually as he returned her look expectantly.

They both quietly entered the dark room, craning their heads to look around the edge of the sofa at the two who had slept so peacefully in each other's arms. Brienne sagged her shoulders slightly, 'Can't we let them be for awhile longer?'

Fastion shook his head minutely, 'They have a number of things to get accomplished today, let's not get started on the wrong foot should someone see her leaving his room.'

Brienne gave a small wince, leaning forward with a hand stretched out tentatively to touch Karigan's covered shoulder. She nearly released a yelp when the king spoke in a low tone without opening his eyes, 'That won't be necessary, I will get her up. Give us five minutes, Brienne, and you can take your charge to get ready.'

Slightly flustered, Brienne gave a short bow and backed out of the room with Fastion following behind. After the door shut, Zachary slit open his eyes, opening his mouth for a yawn as he looked about the dark room. From behind the draperies covering the windows, he could see the blocked light that attempted to shine through the heavy brocade. He peered down at Karigan's sleeping face, his hands gently chafing her arms as he murmured, 'Kari . . .'

She groaned, a small adorable pout appearing on her face as she buried her chilled nose under the covers. He smiled mischievously, speaking a little louder into her ear, 'Kari, you are going to be late for your training session with Drent . . .'

Karigan's eyes flew open and she shot her head up, narrowly missing his nose as she looked about her wildly, her long hair flying in different directions. He held his hands up and leaned back, stifling his laughter when she looked at him with murder in her eyes. 'Good morning beautiful,' he said with a sweet smile.

She sniffed at him disdainfully, pushing a lock of hair out of her eyes, before giving a wide yawn and flopping back down on his chest. 'Not morning. Back to bed,' she mumbled sleepily.

Zachary pressed a kiss to brow, 'It is your wedding day, love. Time to get ready.'

'It can wait a few hours,' came the muffled reply.

'The sooner you get up, the sooner it will be over and I can give you your gift,' he teased, drawing the blanket slowly off her back. She hissed, reaching back with one hand to drag the soft wool back up, but opened her eyes again, 'Gift?'

He nodded and gave the tip of her nose a kiss, 'I even put a bow on it.'

Karigan considered this for a moment, heaving a great sigh as she whipped the blanket back off, and gingerly extricated herself from the tangle of limbs. She raised both her arms above her head, stretching to side as she yawned again. 'I'll see you later today then?'

'This afternoon,' he said with a smile, standing up to wrap his arms about her waist. She lowered her arms and leaned into him, still rubbing the last vestiges of sleep out of her eyes. The sight was utterly endearing to him, prompting him to place another kiss on her exposed cheek. She smiled drowsily at him and turned to leave, waving goodbye at him with a waggle of her fingers. Brienne held the door open for her, watching her warily as she weaved through the corridor, and quickly taking her arm to lead her directly to her suite.

Fastion and Zachary both watched them go, the king chuckling as he turned to Fastion, 'Perhaps make sure she has a pot of kauv sent to her rooms?'

Fastion nodded in amusement, silently following his king as he went into his own suite of rooms, preparing for a morning of court audiences before he could get ready for the late afternoon wedding.

Brienne steered Karigan through the open doorway, furtively looking over her shoulder for the absent maids, closing the door, and sitting Karigan on the bench in front of her vanity. Karigan nearly slumped over into the numerous bottles and lidded jars assembled before her before Brienne caught her shoulder, holding her upright as she looked around her.

Spotting a silk robe draped on a row of wall hooks, Brienne stood Karigan back up and walked her into the dressing room, grabbing the robe as they walked past. She pushed it into Karigan's hands, 'You do not want to be seen in yesterday's clothes.'

Karigan looked at the robe, nodded hesitantly, then looked back up at the Weapon, 'Will you stay with me today?'

Brienne blinked, 'Pardon?'

Karigan stuttered slightly as she pushed the words out, 'I-I mean, I understand if you need to switch out for someone else to- to take your shift, but just in case my aunts . . . they can be a little . . . forceful, and sometimes I can't say no . . .'

Brienne shifted, her head cocked slightly to the side as she considered the request. Karigan took the silence for a refusal and lowered her eyes back to the ground, but Brienne cleared her throat delicately, drawing Karigan's attention back up. Brienne gave a careful smile, almost unused to the facial expression, 'Of course Lady, I will stay.'

Karigan's eyes lit up in gratitude and she impulsively reached forward to hug Brienne tightly before running behind the screen, tearing off the tunic and throwing her robe over her underclothes.

The Weapon rolled her shoulder in slight discomfort but allowed herself a small genuine smile as she went to admit Sara and the two other maids into the room.

Karigan found herself scrubbed, plucked, brushed, and squeezed in preparation. She now sat at her vanity with a slightly weary expression, now attired in a tight under bodice and layered petticoats, overlaid with her robe, as she submitted herself to Sara's ministrations. The poor maid was receiving direction from all four of her aunts, who would order another braid or curl added to the confection that was growing on her head. Karigan stopped protesting awhile ago, subtly shifting her eyes to Brienne every so often to convey her alarm at the cake like structure on her head. Brienne had studied the dress that was now airing out on a padded hanger, sometimes looking over at Karigan's long mane that hung in slight waves down her back.

With a slight wrinkle of her nose at her lady's current coiffure, she walked up to the vanity and whispered into the Sara's ear, taking advantage of the distracted aunts who had decided to argue over the merits of hair ornamentation. The maid nodded slightly in agreement, casting a covert glance at the aunts before stealthily removing all the pins and ribbons from Karigan's hair.

Brienne cast a subtle wink at Karigan's reflection, before going to the door and ducking out outside. After about a minute, she strode back through, slamming the door behind her and startling the older ladies. She approached Stace respectfully and gave a small bow, 'If you please milady, I am told that the king wishes for your assistance.'

Gretta clapped her hands together with a frown, 'Is he done with his morning appointments?'

Brienne shook her head, evading the question, 'He specifically asked his Weapon Fastion to convey the message to you. He is otherwise too busy to handle a heated dispute between the kitchen and upstairs staff. There seem to be issues with the layout of the ballroom?'

Stace nodded thoughtfully remarked, 'The boy is rather burdened today. It is a very smart move on his part to allow someone to take things in hand,' she mused. Glancing at Karigan's still form, she decisively nodded, 'You are in good hands with your maids and Weapon, and we shall be back soon, my dear.'

Each aunt came by to press a kiss to her cheek as they filed out, the door being closed by Fastion who offered Karigan a wicked wink as he disappeared from view.

Brienne groaned, 'I am sorry my lady, I did not imagine they would not even allow you breakfast.'

Karigan resignedly stared into the mirror, 'They want me to fit into the gown.'

Sara clucked in slight disapproval, reaching for the brush to smooth out Karigan's hair, taking out the regimented curls. Karigan sighed in relief, tilting her head from side to side to relieve the uncomfortable strain the weight had put on her neck. Her maid brushed her hair back from her face and smiled in satisfaction, 'Hair such as yours should remain down and unbound.'

Karigan raised both eyebrows and turned her head to look up at them both, 'Is it considered appropriate for court?'

Brienne shrugged, 'You will be Queen, so I imagine you can appear how you like.'

Karigan grinned happily and gazed at her reflection in the mirror, her cheeks slight pink as her eyes sparkled. In only a few short hours, she would become Zachary's wife, and that was the title that mattered most to her. Her gaze fell to the toilette set that was displayed on a glass tray, the silver etchings of the Hillander terrier crest shining in the morning light.

A knock sounded on the door, prompting Brienne to go to the door and peek out. She extracted her head and turned back to Karigan, 'Are you up for visitors?'

Karigan looked at her confusedly, 'Who would want to see me?'

A dry voice drawled, 'Perhaps your friends?'

Brienne opened the door to reveal Mara with a laden tray in her hands, and a slightly pouting Fergal who held a familiar white confectioner's bag in his hands. Karigan leapt up from her seat, waiting until Mara had set the tray down before running over and enveloping her in a crushing hug. Mara giggled, hugging her back and whispering, 'His Majesty thought you could use some companionship and something to eat.'

Fergal walked past them nonchalantly with a perturbed air, tossing the bag onto her vanity, 'I'm a messenger boy, not a delivery boy.' Sara nearly snarled at him for disturbing her careful arrangement of beauty tools and picked up the bag, placing it on a side table.

Mara pulled back and rolled her eyes good-naturedly, 'Fergal was asked to pick up some Dragon Droppings for you at Master Gunter's shop.'

Karigan gave a small squeal of delight and she sat down, opening the bag and reaching in for a handful. Mara poured them all a cup of kauv, offering one to Sara who demurred and took her leave for the time being, promising to return to assist with the gown soon.

Fergal lost his ill humor when Karigan deigned to share the treats and sprawled out on the plush bed, despite Brienne's and Mara's disapproving looks, going into a light nap. Karigan sat happily in an armchair with her steaming cup of kauv and a plate of toast, exchanging bits of news with Mara while trying to include Brienne in the conversation. The Weapon smiled at each attempt and would resume her pacing around the room, sometimes looking out the window, or knocking Fergal's boots off of the clean bedding.

Karigan finished her breakfast, placing the plate aside and looking at Mara with a bit of trepidation, 'What is the opinion of the other Riders?'

Mara tilted her head in slight confusion.

Karigan grimaced, 'On my marriage?'

Mara's look softened as she placed her cup and saucer down, 'They are a bit in awe, understandably, but for the most part they are happy for you. You are quite special, and were always destined for great things.'

Karigan gave a hesitant smile, looking down at her folded hands with a slight unease before she asked her next question, 'The captain has been a bit evasive when I have asked her questions about the network she has set up.'

Mara nodded, 'I'm sure she doesn't want you to worry as it has taken much of her time to establish a warning system and to ensure there are enough Riders to cover the usual runs.'

'Has anyone else been hurt?'

Mara shook her head, 'Not as badly as Ty, and he is nearly recovered from the stab wound he received. There are a few who are not veterans of the road and returned a little weather beaten, but all has been well.'

Karigan sighed, 'I need to get back out there.'

Mara's eyebrows shot up, 'The Queen out on the open roads by herself?'

'I've always been fine before,' Karigan argued.

'And of course, "fine" being loosely defined here,' Fergal piped up. Brienne moved to swat at him but he scurried across the bedspread, moving to hide behind Karigan's chair.

Mara pointed a finger at him in silent warning before turning back to Karigan, 'But now you'd have an even larger target on your back. Come on, there is plenty for you to do here. Leave it to the others to ride.'

Brienne spoke solemnly, 'Tis true my lady, and the king will rely on you once he leaves for the winter camp.'

Karigan's shoulders slumped with the truth of their words, draining the last of the kauv from her cup. 'I suppose I feel that I'd be a bit isolated is all. In a role that I have not been able to really prepare for.'

Mara waved her hand, 'Oh no. You still have Drent to knock you down a few notches. You have me; the Riders, all the Weapons, your aunts-'

'And you have me,' Stevic's voice sounded from the door.

Karigan whipped her head around, 'Da?'

Stevic smiled apologetically, 'Hello lass. I'm sorry it took me so long to get here,' he said, clenching the box he held in his hand.

She stood hesitantly, her eyes flitting to the Mara and Brienne, who understood her request instantly. Brienne and Mara each took one of Fergal's arms, Mara wrenching the bag of Dragon Droppings out of his hand and placing them back on the small sideboard. They hauled him out, only a little roughly in their opinions, and closed the door quietly behind them.

Stevic approached her slowly, placing the box on a chair as he flustered slightly, taking in her appearance, 'You look so much like your mother.'

Karigan said nothing in response, only holding the edges of her silk robe tightly closed as she looked at him. He looked back down at the ground sadly as he felt the sting of her silent reproof, 'My girl, I am sorry. I should have thought of what you wanted, and less of my own desires.'

She nodded in acknowledgement of his apology but still looked at him with a deep sadness in her eyes, and something that almost could be defined as disappointment. He shifted from one foot to the other, wringing his hands absentmindedly, 'Won't you say something?'

Karigan walked forward, until she placed herself in front of him, 'The one person I had counted on to support me, disregarded my feelings and insulted my betrothed.'

Stevic hung his head in response to the quiet words that were said with an edge of steel.

She continued, 'You had supposed that I had forgotten the values I was raised with and thrown myself at a man.'

He winced, hunching his shoulders as he stood under the verbal onslaught.

Karigan's eyes softened, 'You've been a stubborn and overbearing man, but you are my father. And you are here on the day that it matters most.'

Stevic lifted his eyes hopefully, but she held out a hand to stay the words that almost tumbled out of his mouth. 'I will forgive you, but only after you talk to Zachary before you go?'

He snapped his mouth shut and looked about the room uncomfortably but gave a curt nod in response. She gave him a small smile and reached out to take his hand, 'Does this mean you'll be escorting me to the altar?'

Stevic gave an easy smile, 'Who else but your father has that honor?"

She grinned and reached in to give him a hug, feeling the familiar warmth and security of being back in her da's arms. He patted her back brusquely, 'I did bring you something for your day.'

Karigan leaned back, 'You didn't have to.'

Stevic reached out for the small mahogany box, holding it out to her as he opened the lid, 'Oh but it isn't from me. Your mother asked that this be given to you on your wedding day,' he said gruffly.

Karigan looked into the box and gasped, for inside lay a delicately wrought pendant of silver that twisted into an elegant knot. She reached out to stroke the simple design, 'Did she wear this as well?'

'Aye, she did, and she was a vision that day,' he said wistfully. Karigan beamed up at him, taking the box and placing it on the vanity for Sara to place around her neck later. She reached out to hug him again, 'I'll send Brienne to fetch you when I am ready.'

His response was more enthusiastic and heartfelt this time, his arms coming around to hold her and lift her slightly off the ground. 'Kari, my girl, I do wish for you to be happy. Don't ever hesitate to call for your da if you need me, eh?'

Karigan smiled tearfully, tightening her hold as she felt the pieces of her wedding day fall into place, leaving her with a feeling of excitement and nervousness. 'Just don't go too far for today.'

The moment for her descent into the grand ballroom had arrived and she did not relish the feeling of absolute terror that settled into the pit of her stomach as she fiddled with her voluminous sleeves. She regarded herself nervously in the full length mirror for what seemed like the hundredth time since she dressed. The bodice of the green gown fitted across the upper portion of her torso but draped down gracefully in long folds, ending in a light train that was short enough for her to manage without tripping. The tightly fitted sleeves flared out at her elbows, the tails of the fabric almost dipping down past her knees.

When the silver necklace had been fastened around her throat, it was Stace who had insisted that at least a small portion of her hair be braided away from her face to make room for the circlet that would be placed upon her head.

She now stood in her dainty silk shoes, breathing slowly in and out as she watched the door in anticipation. Her aunts had kissed her goodbye, leaving her chamber to join the guests in the ballroom. Brienne stood outside with the rest of her official Black Shield escort, waiting to escort the bride and her father to the altar.

Sara was the only one who remained, tidying up the rooms, and putting clothing away. She glanced at Karigan as she smoothed down the bedspread, 'Now don't be nervous, it'll be over real quick like and you'll be on the arm of your husband, milady. Isn't that a nice thought?'

Karigan smiled absently at her maid, 'I'd feel better if we did not have such a large audience.'

Stevic slipped through the door and looked at her expectantly, 'Ready lass?'

She gulped and nodded with wide eyes, grasping his hand and picking up her trailing skirts in the other. Donal and Willis immediately set out in front of them, walking at a measured pace while Brienne and Fastion walked behind her. She turned to him as they walked, 'Should you not be with the king?'

Fastion's stoic visage looked almost affronted, 'I am escorting my little sister. He'll be fine without me for fifteen minutes.'

She smiled at him gratefully and turned her attention forward, her heart fluttering as they entered the main hall and walked towards the ballroom. She looked about her in slight wonder at the preparations her aunts had wrought in the short time. The walls were festooned with abundant winter greenery, giving the space a pleasant scent and a welcoming air that put her slightly at ease.

As they walked, she allowed her train to fall behind her, straightening herself as they strode across the dark blue carpet that lined their path to the well lit balcony. As she looked around her escort, she joyfully noticed that the Riders lined each side of the hall, gazing at her with happy grins as they watched her pass.

Stevic smiled at her delighted countenance, tucking her hand into the crook of his arm and giving it a squeeze. 'Almost there.'

They passed through the wide arch of the ballroom, pausing at the top of the landing, and continuing down the few steps to the main floor. While there were many people looking on in their own finery, Karigan was relieved that she recognized the faces of many from amongst the large crowd. Her father's friends from Corsa, the few nobles and their families, they all looked upon her with benevolence as the crowd parted to allow them through.

The last few individuals moved out of the way to reveal Zachary, utterly handsome in his dark blue attire and simple circlet, hands clasped behind his back as he nervously looked down at the carpet. Laren stood beside him in her dress uniform with a soft smile when she spotted Karigan, nudging her moonling with her elbow.

Almost startled, his amber eyes flickered up and his mouth opened in slight wonder as he beheld the vision before him. She was the most breathtaking thing he had ever seen, as she walked towards him gracefully on her father's arm, her azure eyes shining with warmth and unabashed love. The simplicity of her delicate gown only enhanced the beauty that she already possessed, the glow of the honeydew silk adding to the luster of her skin and the golden highlights of her mane that hung loose down her back.

To his eyes, she was absolutely perfect, literally robbing him of thought and breath until Laren again, gave him a good poke in the ribs to remind him to close his mouth.

His reaction, and her radiant countenance, did not go unnoticed by the crowd at large and went a little towards melting the ice around the hearts of the skeptical.

Zachary took a few steps forward, his eyes wide as he held out his hand to her, looking at Stevic gratefully as her father solemnly kissed her cheek and placed her hand in that of his king's. Karigan smiled at him tearfully, and stepped forward with Zachary to meet the moon priest who would officiate the wedding. The Weapons moved to form a semi perimeter around their charges, their eyes turned forward as they respectfully bowed their heads.

Neither Zachary nor Karigan would be able to recall the words spoken during the ceremony, so engrossed were they in the simple touch of their clasped hands. Although their eyes were cast down appropriately while the priest began his customary chanting, he stole a glance over to her blushing face, applying a slight pressure to her hand. She must have felt it, for the corners of her mouth threatened to erupt in a wide smile as she bit her lip.

The moon priest stopped to glare at them both, causing them to look suitably chastised, but stealing another glance at each other in mirth while his back was turned.

It was over rather soon, and in a few short minutes they were declared married before the eyes of the gods. The priest then motioned for them to rise, turning back towards the altar to pick up the silver circlet that Zachary would place upon her head.

With the assembled guests looking on, the king turned to his wife and gently placed the symbol of her office upon her brow. She closed her eyes as the cool metal slid over her forehead, releasing a pent up breath as she felt his fingers ghost upon her cheek, swaying slightly he gently pulled her forward to grace her lips with a chaste kiss. The ballroom erupted in thunderous applause, as it had filled with Riders and the other Weapons within the castle, and even the most cynical in the crowd found tears in their eyes as they gazed upon the love that was so evident in the couple.

Her eyes fluttered open to look into his, a content smile spreading across her face as she leaned into his embrace. He pressed another brief kiss to her temple before taking her hand with a tender look, and leaving the altar to walk towards the other end of the ballroom. The guests sunk into low curtseys and bows as they passed, keeping the blush high in Karigan's cheeks as they made for the dais that had been erected for the king and queen.

The celebration began in earnest as the musicians played a soft lilting melody, with each guest coming forward to pay their respects to the king and his bride. Among the first were her father and her aunts, who all acknowledged her rank before embracing her affectionately. The aunts bestowed a myriad of kisses and hugs on a blushing Zachary, who started to laugh when Aunt Stace reached up to pinch his cheek.

Stevic wrinkled his nose at the king but stiffly held out his hand. Zachary stared at him for a moment before offering a hesitant smile and clasping the proffered hand firmly.

Karigan's family moved on, with several noble born families coming forth to introduce themselves. To each, she offered a gracious and genuine smile, committing their names and faces to memory as they passed to reveal new faces.

After the receiving line ended, Zachary tugged on her hand and led her to the dance floor, placing them next to the other couples as they waited for the music to start. To all of their surprise, it was not the strains of a court dance they heard, but a rousing country romp that issued forth from the small band of musicians, supplemented with some of the Riders who possessed musical ability. Karigan looked at Zachary with delight, as he shrugged his shoulders good-naturedly falling into the familiar steps, weaving in and out of the sets of dancers with energy and overabundant glee.

Several hours into the celebration, they both stole away, unable to hold their eyes open for much longer. Their Weapons silently slipped out to follow them while her capable aunts knowingly began to usher the guests towards their rooms.

Throwing her train over her arm tiredly, she glowed with incandescent happiness as they moved to retire to her rooms. Brienne went in front of them to open their door, the Weapon opening her eyes in shock as she fully pushed the heavy door open to reveal several individuals looking at the royal couple expectantly. Sara glared at them, a heavy brush held in her hand menacingly as she sat in a chair in the corner.

There were several moments of silence before Zachary cocked an eyebrow, 'Yes, gentlemen? Is there a reason why you are in the Queen's chamber?'

One of the priests stepped forward, 'You know the law, my liege. We shall leave once the consummation is complete.'

Karigan looked up at Zachary with wide eyes, but he patted her hand in reassurance, 'Fastion?'

The Weapon popped his head in, 'Yes, Majesty?'

Zachary narrowed his eyes and rubbed at his temple, 'Handle this.'

Fastion grinned, 'Gladly, my liege,' he said, putting his fingers to his mouth to whistle piercingly down the corridor. Within several minutes, several black clad Weapons came running frantically from different corners of the upper castle floors. Fastion merely pointed at the assembled crowd in the bed chamber, 'His Majesty wishes them out.'

The Weapons stepped in, herding the protesting lords and priests out with relish. One of the court lords spoke to his king with unrestrained anger, 'You cannot go against what is written!'

Zachary tilted his head innocently as they were pushed out the door, 'The law of which you speak does not exist anymore.'

The lord sputtered incoherently, his face turning purple with rage, 'As of when?'

The king raised his eyebrows, 'The inner council approved the demise of the antiquated custom as of this morning,' he said with a wink. 'Goodnight gentlemen. Pleasant dreams.'

The door shut firmly, leaving the room in blissful silence as Sara busied herself with turning down the bed. Karigan averted her eyes shyly and went to stand next to her vanity, reaching up with trembling hands to remove her circlet and her pendant, and placing them in the drawers of her jewel case.

Zachary smiled gently as he watched the range of emotions flit across her face, and removed his own circlet, toying with the metal in his hand before speaking softly, 'I will just through the adjoining door, getting changed. I will be back in twenty minutes.'

Karigan looked up and nodded hesitantly, watching him disappear into her dressing room. With a sigh, she sat down heavily in her chair and slumped against the back.

Sara came up to drop into a quick curtsey, her face beaming, 'Shall we get you ready for bed, Majesty?'

Karigan started and looked up at her maid, resignedly hauling herself up to be led to the dressing room and divested of her ornate clothing. Sara then slipped a filmy white nightdress over her head, straightening the hem that almost trailed on the floor. After assisting her into her silk robe, she brushed out Karigan's mane of hair, braiding it lightly for bed and tying it off with a bit of ribbon.

The queen sat nervously, allowing the ministrations without her usual protestations, and gave a watery smile to Sara as the maid took her leave.

Zachary knocked lightly on their door, entering when he heard her call out to enter. He had dressed simply in dark cotton trousers and a linen shirt for the night, opting for comfort for the remainder of the night. She gulped audibly when she saw him, playing with the ties on her robe, 'What shall we do now?'

He grinned, 'Sleep. I am nearly dead on my feet.'

She flushed, 'If you are sure-?'

Zachary reached out for her, kneeling at her feet as he rested his arms in her lap, 'I meant my words last night. I can control myself and sleep next to you peacefully tonight.'

She smiled in slight relief and leaned down to place her forehead against hers, 'I don't want you to think I am unwilling.'

He yawned widely, 'Not at all. This gives you a little time to get used to me being so physically close,' he punctuated with a kiss to her palm.

Karigan smiled and they nestled close for a moment before hearing a loud knock at the door. She looked up in dismay, 'Now what?'

Zachary stood and walked to the door, to reveal a not-so-amused Willis who held a squirming white Highland terrier puppy at arm's length. The puppy was desperately trying to reach for Willis' face, the little tongue lolling excitedly as the legs kicked out. Zachary snickered and took the pup, looking at Willis' saliva covered features in amusement before dismissing the Weapon. He closed the door with one hand and brought the pup over to Karigan who cooed in adoration when the little creature was placed in her lap.

'Much better than jewels,' Zachary supplied, his eyes shining as he watched his wife interact with the terrier. She hugged the dog to her chest as it licked at her chin, 'Is it a boy or girl?'

'Girl. She does have a pink ribbon about her neck,' he teased, 'And she is all yours.'

Karigan looked up in excitement, 'For me?'

'To keep you company while I am gone,' he stated softly, reaching out to ruffle the dog's ears.

Karigan petted the dog's soft fur, looking up into Zachary's eyes with a slightly sorrowful look, but she smiled in contentment as she enjoyed the comfortable feeling that now permeated the atmosphere, leaving the troubles that existed outside the castle to remain there for this night. He returned the smile and looked at the bed with longing, his limbs aching with the activities of their day.

Picking the puppy up, she placed it on the bed, climbing up after she blew out the candles around the room. He watched her silently, still crouched upon the floor when she came to tug at his hand, pulling him into the soft luxury of the plush mattress and blankets. Her new terrier curled up at the foot of the bed, snoring lightly to their amusement.

Zachary happily curled up behind her, his arms going around her waist as he laid his head down on the pillow next to hers. She held onto the arm that grasped her tenderly, her eyes fluttering as they both fell into a deep slumber under the covers, completely oblivious to the howling blizzard that raged in fury around the city.

Drop me a line and tell me what you think! I know it was convenient to get rid of the pervy audience but it irks me too much to keep it here. That sort of thing belongs in our own royal histories, not in our favorite fantasy series!