Xavier chattered for nearly the entire walk to the stables. Karigan let him do so, asking a few questions from time to time to hold his interest. One of the stable boys had already tacked the pony at her request, and Xavier's eyes went wide when he saw him. Karigan chuckled at his enthusiasm, keeping a tight hold on his hand so he would not run ahead. She had learned that lesson well.

The stable boy happily turned the pony over to her, and she lifted Xavier onto his back. Remembering her first riding lesson, she began to explain the basics of riding. She found an eager pupil in Xavier, and by the end of the afternoon, he was able to balance quite well on the pony's back as she led them around the paddock.

After lifting Xavier off the pony, she grabbed his hand to lead him back to the castle. "Any idea where your cousin is right now?" she questioned. She realized she probably should have asked Zachary earlier, but the idea had been somewhat spur of the moment, and she had not thought through all the details.

Xavier's nose wrinkled. "Borin' meetings," he said, the distaste clear.

Karigan laughed. "I am sure he would feel the same way."

"Hungry!" Xavier exclaimed.

Karigan was not too surprised. She had heard the sixth bell not long before, so it was time for the evening meal. However, Xavier was likely correct in his assessment that Zachary was in meetings, and Karigan did not want to disturb him. "How would you feel about dinner in the mess hall?" she questioned. The boy considered for a moment before nodding. Karigan led the way, listening to his eager chatter about the pony ride as they walked.

The mess hall was already crowded when they entered, and Xavier quieted, shrinking further against Karigan's leg. She pressed a hand between his shoulder blades, knowing he did not like large groups of people. They walked together to the line, and she instructed him to hold on to her jacket so she could fill two plates with food. They found seats away from most of the people where she knew Xavier would be more comfortable, but he was still much quieter than he had been.

"Didn't realize you were babysitting now," Garth remarked, sliding into a seat across from them.

"I had some free time, so I was helping out with some of the new horses. They had a pony, too, and I thought Xavier might like to see him."

Garth smiled. "Did you have fun?" he asked, his tone softer as he looked down at Xavier. The boy nodded, eyes wide.

"He's very shy," Karigan explained.

"Much different from his father then." Garth raised an eyebrow, obviously hoping for gossip.

Karigan sighed. "The king is not his father. He's Xavier's cousin." And apparently was very shy as a child as well, she added mentally, but she decided not to say that aloud. Best that no one knew just how familiar she was with Zachary's background.

"Cousin? I didn't know King Zachary has cousins."

"Who do you think runs Hillander province while he is here?"

Garth shrugged. "I always thought it was a steward governor or something like that. I did not realize that he had any living relatives." He looked thoughtful for a moment before grinning. "I suppose that makes the question of succession easier. No wonder he has not been worried about siring an heir." Karigan felt herself start to blush at the thought that any heirs Zachary sired would likely be her own children. She turned to Xavier before Garth could notice and immediately saw that a good portion of his food had not made it into his mouth. She sighed, wondering if she would need to bathe the boy before returning him to his cousin. "I suppose that might change soon," Garth mused.

Karigan's eyes snapped back to the other Rider. "What?"

"The siring of an heir. I mean, with the king marrying, I assume that matter will be settled soon enough."

"How do you know the king is marrying soon?" Karigan's mind was racing, wondering how they had given themselves away. They had always been so careful.

"Everyone knows. I mean, Lord Coutre has certainly been doing his best to ensure the news spreads."

"Lord Coutre?"

"Yes, he's quite proud of the fact that his daughter is going to be queen." Estora. Karigan felt a wave of relief wash over her. Zachary had mentioned that Lord Coutre had proposed the contract. Garth peered at her suspiciously. "You didn't know? It's all over the castle."

"Oh, I just didn't think he had accepted," Karigan said, attempting to sound casual.

"He has."

"What?" The word came out louder than intended, and Garth's eyebrows rose.

"Yates saw Lord Coutre coming out of the king's study a few days ago. He had some sort of document in his hands. And now the king is assembling the council. What else could it be?"

Under other circumstances, Karigan might have appreciated the irony that he and Ty had come up with two different explanations for the council meeting, both of which were different than her own, but at the moment, all she could focus on was the fact that Zachary had accepted Lord Coutre's proposal. Why had he not told her? They had not had much time alone since she had returned, for he had been busy with the backlog of work from his time away, and they were trying not to arouse suspicion. However, there had been some, and it seemed like the type of news that should have been at the forefront of those conversations.

Karigan suddenly remembered the scene she had walked into earlier that day. Zachary had been walking in the garden with Estora. She had not been able to hear what they were talking about, but it easily could have been about the contract. Estora had also seemed most interested in getting to know Xavier which would make sense if she thought she was going to be his step-mother. Karigan felt anger bubbling insider her—anger at Zachary for not telling her but also anger at herself for allowing herself to believe that something as ridiculous as a marriage between a common-born Green Rider and a king could actually happen. She pushed it aside as quickly as it came. Now was not the time to get angry, not when Garth was still watching closely and Xavier was sitting beside her.

Fortunately, Karigan managed to switch the topic to something safer. After they finished eating, she was able to remove the majority of the food from Xavier without resorting to immersing the boy in water. She said goodbye to Garth before starting back towards Zachary's study. Karigan hoped he had finished with his meetings; Xavier was starting to get cranky and had repeatedly asked for his cousin during the last half of supper. And she and Zachary needed to talk. As they entered the castle, Karigan caught sight of Captain Mapstone rounding the corner a few paces away. The captain's eyebrows rose when she saw the pair. "Karigan? It seems you have a friend."

"Hello, Captain," Karigan greeted. "I was just going to take him back to the king. Do you happen to know where he is?"

"You're in luck. We just finished up with a long meeting, so I am guessing he is in his study." The Captain cocked her head to the side, studying Karigan for a moment. "I must say, young Xavier seems quite taken with you," she remarked. Karigan blushed.

"Children have always liked me," she said simply.

"I am sure." With a last, knowing, look, Captain Mapstone walked away. Quickly, Karigan made her way to Zachary's study, hoping not to run into anyone else. Fortunately, the gods were with her, and she reached the study unaccosted. The Weapons standing outside did not even bother to knock.

"I am sure he will be happy to see the two of you," Fastion remarked, opening the door. Sure enough, a smile broke out on Zachary's face as soon as he saw them. He nodded at Fastion in dismissal as he stood, crossing the room in a few long strides.

"Looks like someone is ready for bed," he remarked, taking Xavier from Karigan's arms.

"Story," the boy said, his word slightly slurred. Zachary gave him an easy smile.

"Of course, Little One."

"Karigan stays." Zachary turned to look at her expectantly, and Karigan took a step backwards without truly processing what she was doing. She was not yet ready to confront Zachary with what she had learned, especially with Xavier still in the room. Zachary saw her hesitation but misinterpreted the cause. "It's okay, love. I have a few more things to finish up, so story time will be in the study tonight."

Karigan opened her mouth, her mind frantically searching for some excuse for why she could not stay. However, two sets of brown eyes stared at her pleadingly, and she could not resist. "Okay," she agreed. Both boy and man smiled, and Zachary led the way to the sofa. He selected a book from a stack on the table in front of him and then settled with the boy's head pillowed in his lap. After a moment's hesitation, Karigan took a seat on Zachary's other side, the only space left on the sofa. Opening the book, he began to read. Karigan could not help but watch, fascinated, as the powerful king in front of her transformed into a man, a man who was reading a fairy tale complete with differing voices for the characters. As she had with the Kmaern, she once more marveled at just how good he would be as a father.

That thought sent a lance through her heart. However, she was loathe to bring it up with Xavier still awake on his cousin's knee. Instead, she sat silently, listening to Zachary's soothing cadence without truly processing the words. Her thoughts started to drift again, her mind analyzing everything she had seen that afternoon in the garden. Perhaps she had missed some clue, something which would have told her that Zachary had accepted the marriage contract. She knew he had tried to communicate silently with her, but she had thought he was just thanking her for watching Xavier. She had not realized he was trying to tell her something so important as the fact that he was accepting another marriage contract.

"You're far away tonight," Zachary's voice remarked, breaking her from her contemplation. She startled, turning to face him. Xavier had fallen asleep, his soft, steady breathing the only sound in the room as Zachary and Karigan stared at one another. Finally, Zachary broke the silence. "Something is bothering you. Did something happen with Xavier today?"

"No. I just. . . Yates saw Lord Coutre coming out of your study a few days ago."

Zachary sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It was not a very pleasant meeting. I am afraid Lord Coutre is the reason for some of the more vicious rumors about Xavier."

"And you were in the garden today with Estora," Karigan prompted. She wanted Zachary to tell her that he was no longer marrying her. Surely he owed her that much.

"She met us while Xavier and I were enjoying some of the autumn colors." He chuckled softly. "She was most disappointed that Xavier was not more taken with her. Alas, he is rather picky about his companions." Zachary gave Karigan a significant look, but she barely registered in due to her concern about the Coutre proposal.

"What are we doing?"

"What do you mean?"

"Why are we still talking and meeting like this if you've accepted the Coutre proposal? I won't be your. . . your paramour!"

"Slow down, Karigan," Zachary said, grabbing her hand before she could rise from the couch. "What do you mean? I have not accepted any proposal."

"Yates saw Lord Coutre carrying a proposal out of your study."

"Yes. I gave Lord Coutre back his proposal with a number of amendments. It is not a perfect option, but it should delay him another week or two. I hope that will give me time to garner at least a bit of support from some of the other Lord Governors."

"Amendments," Karigan repeated, her mind slowly processing the word. "So you didn't accept it then?"

"No. I have been waiting for a different proposal which should be on its way from Corsa now." Zachary smiled. "Please do us both a favor next time you hear a rumor, Karigan, and just ask me about it. I think it will save us both from a great deal of anxiety."

Karigan's expression turned sheepish as she realized she had now listened to rumors and accused Zachary falsely on three separate occasions. She really needed to start giving him the benefit of the doubt. "I am sorry. I was not thinking clearly."

"You were jealous." A sly smile spread across his face. "I must say, I did not expect that, but it's a rather nice look on you."

"I was not jealous." Zachary's eyebrows rose, and Karigan sighed. "I wasn't."

"Of course not." Zachary leaned forward, still smiling. Karigan huffed but still sank into his kiss, unable to resist. They spent a few moments lost in the feeling before Zachary finally pulled away. "Unfortunately, I have a number of reports I need to finish for a budget meeting tomorrow, so I do not have the time to spend with you that I would like. Thank you for watching Xavier today. It was a tremendous help."

"I can help more if you want. With the budgets."

"You don't have to-"

"I want to. Think of it as an apology for falsely accusing you. Again. Besides, I'll have to do it with you soon enough, right? So why not learn it now?"

Zachary's smile broadened, and he pressed another quick kiss to her lips. "I do like the way you think."

Zachary stood, carefully taking Xavier in his arms. He settled the small boy on a cot in the corner of the study, a cot Karigan had not seen on any of her previous visits. It seemed late nights with the small boy were not an uncommon occurrence. It made her both worried about just how much work she was taking on by agreeing to be Zachary's queen but also proud that he cared enough about Xavier's comfort and well-being to ensure the boy could stay with him while he worked. "Feel free to back out at any time," Zachary told her, gathering a large number of papers from his desk. "I will not think less of you since you did not know what you were agreeing to when you offered."

"I want to help," Karigan repeated.

"You may regret that." Zachary settled onto the sofa beside her and began to explain what needed to be done. Karigan listened intently, and it did not take her long to determine what she needed to do. In many ways, completing the budgets for the kingdom seemed much like completing the budgets for her father just with larger numbers and more transactions. They simply had to tally the income from taxes, trade, and a few other minor sources and adjust according to things such as the annual census and other more fuzzy numbers that the various advisors had proposed. From there, they would form the budget, using the previous year's costs as a guide and again making the same fuzzy adjustments.

Though Karigan had never been particularly fond of doing the books for her father, she had always been fairly good at them. She quickly noticed, however, that Zachary was better. He rarely needed to do scratch work as she did, often simply staring at a long column of numbers for a minute or two before penning the answer at the bottom. He had asked her to check a couple of his totals, and she found that he was accurate each time. When she questioned him on his prowess with numbers, he had simply shrugged. "My tutors taught me numbers from an early age, and I did not find them as horrible as most seem to. So I soon found myself surrounded by them. It was impossible not to learn to do them well."

"Is there anything you don't do well?"

Zachary laughed loudly, only quieting when he remembered the sleeping child in the room. "Contrary to popular belief, I am human. Most would probably say I'm lacking in diplomacy."

"You did quite well with the Kmaern."

"Because I could let my actions speak there. I am much worse when I have to win over foreign emissaries by florid speeches alone, especially when I do not necessarily agree with their policies or actions. Sperren tells me that though I may not give away my discontent with my expression, it's quite obvious in my words."

Karigan frowned. "I'm likely worse at diplomacy than you."

Zachary shrugged. "We will figure something out. I always feel that Sperren and others place too high an emphasis on the ability to ingratiate oneself with a group of people who may not be people with whom one would not really want to associate. I think if we show a willingness to find a beneficial arrangement for everyone, that will go much further than flowery compliments."

Karigan acknowledged the statement with a hum of agreement. She turned her attention back to the papers in front of her, failing to suppress a yawn. Zachary, of course, noticed immediately. "You should feel free to go if you're getting tired. You're probably not used to late nights like I am."

"It's fine. I'm actually enjoying myself." And she was. Despite her usual dislike of budgets, she found that she did not mind so much when she was working with Zachary and not only because of his prowess with numbers. They spent a good deal of time talking while they worked, gradually learning more about each other. In some ways, it almost felt like they were back with the Kmaern, for they were able to talk and laugh without worrying about their relative positions or who might see them. They were also free to engage in more physical contact without fear of interruption, and they took full advantage of the privacy, sharing long kisses over the ledger.

When Karigan finally left, it was quite late—or perhaps early the next morning. Zachary insisted on escorting her to the door of the castle, and he stole one last quick kiss there after glancing around to ensure no one was watching. Both were reluctant to leave the other, but they knew they had no choice. Still, despite the fact that they needed to part, it had been a wonderful night, and Karigan fell asleep with a smile on her face.

The smile was no longer on her face when her alarm woke her early the next morning. She groaned, wondering what sadistic spirit had taken over her body and forced her to set an alarm for such an early hour. Then she remembered why, eliciting a second groan. As promised, Zachary had convinced Drent to train Karigan. While part of her was honored that the picky swordmaster had deemed her worthy enough to train, another part of her wished she had never made the request.

She dressed slowly, giving her body time to fully awake. Unfortunately, that meant she only had time to grab a couple slices of toast from the mess hall before she needed to be on the practice field. Drent was waiting for her there, his eyes on the clock mounted to the side of the fieldhouse. His bushy eyebrows rose when she skidded to a stop in front of him. "Trouble getting moving this morning?" he asked.

"I'm here, aren't I?" He merely grunted in reply, turning away from her.

"Well, get to it then. Ten laps." Karigan barely suppressed a groan. Running was one of her least favorite activities. She was pretty sure Drent knew that as well. However, she refused to give him the satisfaction of knowing just how miserable she was, so she started to run without complaint.

Two hours later, Karigan was nearing collapse. Despite the cool fall temperatures, sweat poured off of her in waves. Drent cast a critical eye over her form. "I'm not going to get anything else out of you today," he remarked gruffly. "Dismissed." Karigan let out a long sign of relief as she turned to leave. Halfway back to the barracks, two familiar figures appeared over the hill. Despite her exhaustion, Karigan smiled broadly when she recognized them.

"You look how I feel after practice with Drent," Zachary remarked.

"I need a bath." Karigan thought she saw a glint in Zachary's eyes, but it was gone before she could discern its meaning. He simply gave a smile.

"Someone insisted on coming to see you."

"And the pony!" Xavier added. Both adults laughed at his exuberance.

"Give me fifteen minutes to get cleaned up, and I will take you to see the pony," she promised him. Turning back to Zachary, she asked, "Do you need someone to watch him while I finish?"

He shook his head. "I don't have to be anywhere for an hour. I thought I would see this pony I heard so much about and get some fresh air."

"Why don't I meet you at the stables in fifteen minutes?"

"We will see you there." Zachary's eyes met hers, full of promise, and Karigan felt her heart flutter. Her mind flashed back to the previous night, and she flushed slightly, turning away from the pair before Zachary could see the color of her cheeks. Things with Zachary were still very new, and Karigan had basically no prior experience with men. She could not help but think that she was doing something wrong despite Zachary's assurances to the contrary. Part of her wondered if the whole thing was some wonderful dream from which she would soon awake.

Though Karigan generally liked to soak after a hard bout of exercise, she hurried through her bath that day, eager to join Zachary and Xavier. When she reached the stables, she was surprised to find the pony in his stall with Zachary and Xavier nowhere nearby. Puzzled, she exited the stable again, quickly spotting the pair on top of one of the large, black mares reserved for the nobility. Karigan smiled as she watched Zachary expertly guide the horse to a stop a few feet in front of her, one arm holding Xavier firmly against his body. "Rider G'ladheon," he greeted formally. Karigan gave a belated bow, noting as she straightened that Zachary seemed highly amused by her forgetfulness.

"Sire," she greeted, keeping her tone stiff and formal in retaliation.

"We were about to go for a ride. Would you care to join us, Rider G'ladheon?" His tone was almost mocking in its formality, and Karigan could not suppress a small scowl.

"I was about to go on a ride myself, so I would be happy to join if you do not mind the company."

"Never." The word was whispered, and he let his gaze burn into her for just a moment before continuing in his normal tone of voice. "I find that riding is often more pleasant with others."

"I will just be a moment." Zachary nodded, and Karigan turned back to the stable. She saddled Condor as quickly as possible and joined Zachary and Xavier. Zachary took the lead, setting an easy pace across the sloping fields that led away from the castle to the forest. Karigan rode a couple steps behind him, close enough that they could talk. For awhile, Zachary kept the topic on mundane subjects, retaining the formality that he had used when greeting her. Karigan wondered at his caution, for there was no one else around, but she followed his lead. He had more experience than her with court politics anyway.

As they started into the sparse trees at the edge of the forest, Zachary finally relaxed. "You'll be happy to know that the budget committee could not find a single thing wrong with the proposals we came up with last night," he remarked, grinning broadly at her. "Seems we make a good team."

"Only because you do all the finicky figures."

He threw back his head and laughed. "You did your fair share as well. It's refreshing to have someone else to share some of the calculations with. Not to mention that working with you was much more pleasant than any of my advisors." The playful glint in his eyes made Karigan blush again.

"Perhaps there will be many budgets in our future."

"I imagine there will. Though I hope that I can also treat you to other, more exciting engagements as well." Karigan stayed silent, unsure of how to respond to that statement. Fortunately, Zachary was well versed in small talk, and he smoothly changed to a safer subject which occupied them for the remainder of their ride.

Karigan offered to watch Xavier while Zachary attended his meeting, especially when the young boy expressed an interest in riding the pony again. She had to assure Zachary that he was not taking advantage of her before he agreed, but he soon left the two alone with a promise that he would be finished before mid afternoon. Riding the pony managed to entertain Xavier for an hour or so, but he soon grew restless. They were discussing what to do next when a familiar voice called Karigan's name. "Kari!" She spun around, smiling when she heard her father's booming tenor. He was walking toward her with long strides, arms outstretched. She started to move toward him to give him the hug he obviously sought, but as she moved, Xavier became visible behind her. Stevic's steps faltered and then he stopped entirely, frowning at the boy. When he looked back at Karigan, she sighed. She knew that look well. She had some explaining to do.