Estora sat in front of her mirror, watching as her maid carefully brushed out her hair. From time to time, the young girl's eyes would dart to the mirror, meeting those of her mistress briefly before dropping again. Estora knew she wanted to talk, for her maid had always been rather chatty. Generally, Estora enjoyed talking with her, but on the current occasion, she was still too shocked to even attempt a conversation. Her father had been in a dark mood after returning from the council meeting the previous night, and it had not taken much coaxing before he explained why to Estora. His words had led to her current shock, and despite the fact that it had been nearly a full day, Estora was still processing them.
Karigan G'ladheon. The king was marrying Karigan G'ladheon. And, based on what her father had told her of the announcement the previous night, he had been planning on marrying Karigan G'ladheon for quite some time. Estora thought back to the time they had spent together in the garden, how Karigan had interrupted them and stolen Xavier's attention immediately. She also remembered the king's words about hopes and dreams. He was not just marrying Karigan. He loved her. Loved her in a way he would never love Estora. It made Estora feel jealous and then immediately regret those feelings when she remembered that Karigan was a good person and would, despite her father's thoughts to the contrary, make a good queen. Karigan deserved happiness as did Zachary. But Estora desperately wanted happiness, too.
Estora sighed. Such melancholy thoughts for what was generally considered a happy day. She would be happy for them. It was not fair to do anything else. She just wished it was easier.
Standing, Estora let her maid help her into her corset and gown before the young woman put the finishing touches on her hair and make-up. Thus attired, she made her way out of the room, meeting her mother and two younger sisters in the sitting room. Her father was present as well though he was unusually quiet. Brooding, in fact, for he was still upset by the news he had learned the previous night. Her mother gave her a tight-lipped smile when she entered, and Estora returned it with a similar smile of her own. "If you would like to stay here, Dear, we do not have to go," her mother remarked.
"No. I would like to go." Estora wanted to appear strong, unaffected by the king's announcement.
"I cannot believe he would slight you like that," Bella said, frowning. A small smile crossed Estora's face. Her younger sister had certainly changed her tune since that day in the garden. It was nice to have her support though Estora's rational side pointed out that her anger was misdirected. Zachary had never given any indication that he was going to accept the proposal. Nor had he publicized the fact that it even existed. No, it was her father who had proudly declared that his daughter was going to be queen, that she and Zachary would be married within the year. But she could not be angry with him either.
They made their way slowly down to the festival. Most of the people they passed bowed politely before shying away from their group. Estora could not help but feel that they were talking about her as soon as she passed, whispering about the woman who thought she would be queen. She shook those thoughts from her mind. They were likely a result of an overactive imagination.
A crowd had already gathered in the outer courtyard of the castle where the festival was to take place. The Midwinter tree stood tall and proud in the center of the courtyard, dozens of candles already flickering from its branches. Estora stared for a moment, marveling at how the decorators had managed to attach all of the candles securely without risking any of them catching the tree on fire. Their ability to do so had always astounded her. In her family home, they had always had glass and crystal decorations on the tree instead of real candles. They would catch the nearby light and still shimmer impressively without the same risk of a fire.
Estora's family dispersed in the crowd, leaving her standing to one side, unsure of where to go next. Just as she was contemplating returning to her room after all, for she was not feeling particularly festive, the crowd began to cheer. Estora glanced back at the tree. Of course. Zachary had stepped out onto the platform erected beside the massive decoration, looking quite impressive in his deep blue greatcoat with the light from the candles reflecting off his silver fillet. He held up a hand, quieting the crowd. "Citizens of Sacordia," he began, his voice carrying easily over the stilled crowd. "It is good to see you all here on this fine night, a night of eager anticipation. And not just for the children among us." He allowed a small smile to show through his normally impassive face as he paused. Chuckles rippled through the crowd, and when they died down, he continued. "We all know the legends behind this night, how the world grew darker and darker until Haverlyn rescued it. He brought light to the darkest of the nights and with that light, he brought hope as well. A gift to this world and a promise that even as some things come to an end, others are born anew. A promise that though the days may shorten, that light will not disappear. It will come again, stronger than before. I know many of you have heard of the strange happenings throughout the kingdom lately." A murmur traveled throughout the crowd at those words, and Estora felt the same surprise. She had not expected Zachary to acknowledge the magical happenings so freely. He continued on undaunted.
"They may be frightening, but I urge you all to remember Haverlyn's promise. Where there is light, there is hope. This great kingdom has faced darkness before, and we have conquered it. I have no doubt that if it becomes necessary, we will do so again. For Sacoridia is stronger than even the darkest of nights, and as long as we stand together, its light will not dim. And it will be joined by others until it shines brighter than ever before. Already, we have been able to forge an alliance with a people once thought lost." He cast a fleeting smile at an elderly woman standing near the front of the crowd. Estora was not sure who she was, but she could tell from the woman's posture that she was someone important. As she often did, Estora cursed her gender and the fact that no one seemed inclined to confide in her because of it.
"I have hope that we will form other alliances as well, to strengthen ourselves with the bonds of friendship," the king continued. "And, on a more personal level, I have hope for a bright future for myself and my family." The king's smile widened, and Estora saw pure joy shining in his eyes. She doubted even he, who had long been known for his ability to control his expression, could contain it. The crowd began to murmur again as some realized what he was alluding to. "As some of you may have surmised, I do have some news that has made me a very happy man, and I would like to share some of that joy with all of you. I have chosen a bride, a woman who embodies the strength and courage that has held Sacoridia together. She is truly the bravest woman I know and my light in the darkness. Rider Karigan G'lahdeon." He gestured to the side, and Karigan stepped out of the crowd. Estora's breath caught in her throat. She had never before seen Karigan out of her uniform but now she was wearing a beautiful gown of purple and silver. For the first time, Estora saw what she imagined Zachary had always seen—Karigan was not just a Rider but a woman, and a beautiful woman at that. She moved with more grace than Estora had expected as she made her way to the platform where Zachary stood. She, in fact, moved like a queen.
The crowd had fallen into a shocked silence with Zachary's announcement, but when Karigan joined him on the stage, someone near the middle suddenly cheered. That single voice was soon joined by many others until the sound was almost deafening. Zachary took Karigan's hand in his own, raising both of them into the air in acknowledgment. He pressed a kiss to her knuckles before turning to one of the decorators who stood next to the stage. The man wordlessly passed an ornate candle to Zachary. The Midwinter candle. It was meant for the top of the tree. Per tradition, Zachary would light it from the bonfire in the center of the courtyard before setting it in the holder on top of the tree as a symbol of the rebirth of the light. His father had done it every year before him and his grandmother before that.
Instead of moving toward the bonfire, however, he once more surprised the crowd by handing the candle to Karigan. She did not hesitate when he did so, indicating that they must have discussed the plan beforehand. Instead, she moved to the bonfire herself, lighting the candle and returning to the platform. Someone had brought out a ladder, and she climbed up with the burning candle, nestling it carefully at the top of the tree. The crowd cheered again as Zachary helped her down, pressing a second kiss to her hand. As the cheers lessened, he began to sing. "By Aeryc's moon and Haverlyn's light/We welcome now this end to night/Be star or sun or candle flame/Much hope renews in us the same." The song was often sung during the midwinter festival, but Estora had never heard Zachary sing it before. He had a very nice voice, she mused. He would not have been able to make a living as a bard, but his smooth baritone was pleasing even if he did not hit every note perfectly. For some reason, that thought caused further melancholy to wash over Estora.
Karigan joined Zachary on the second verse. She, too, had a pleasing enough voice though obviously one that was untrained. It once again highlighted the differences between Estora and Karigan. Estora had taken singing lessons starting when she was only four years old. She was expected to have a lovely voice, and her instructors had insured she would. But Estora's voice was lovely in its perfection. Karigan's was lovely in spite of its flaws.
As the crowd finished the song, Estora turned away from the couple on the platform. Tears pricked at the back of her eyes, but she forced them back. She stepped away from the crowd, keeping herself calm and dignified. She was so focused on her own thoughts that she nearly ran into a man who stepped in front of her suddenly. "I am sorry," he apologized. "It seems my son was a bit too eager to make his way on stage." Estora's eyes widened as she recognized the boy who held his hand.
"Xavier," she greeted, forcing a smile. He shrank back against his father's leg, and Estora glanced up to see the man peering at her carefully. He shared many of Zachary's features, and Estora could immediately see why so many had mistaken his son for Zachary's.
"Lady Estora, isn't it?" he questioned.
"I'm sorry; I do not believe we've had the pleasure of being introduced."
"Quinn Hillander," the man said, giving her the sweeping bow of a nobleman. Estora curtsied in return, recalling that he was a cousin of the king's. When she straightened, his eyes searched hers. "You are not happy with the outcome," he remarked boldly. Estora bristled at the presumptuousness, and he held up his free hand. "Please, I mean no offense. I am merely making an observation."
"I am happy that they have found happiness in each other."
"Still, I cannot imagine it is easy for you. I feel I must apologize for my cousin. Normally, he would be more sensitive, but lately, he has been a bit blinded by his love."
"He did nothing wrong."
"It is good of you to say, but I doubt he will agree once he has some time to think about his actions." Estora was not quite sure what to say to that, so she remained silent. "I am sure many have told you before, Lady Estora, but you are a lovely woman. There will be many men in your future who wish to court you. Yes, none will be the king, but I have always thought that position brings more trouble than it is worth. I think Zachary feels much the same." He smiled, eyes twinkling.
"Thank you for your kind words."
"It is my pleasure." He bowed to her again, but as she turned to leave, his voice stopped her. "Lady Estora?" She turned, puzzled. "Just look at them." He nodded to the platform, and Estora turned her attention in that direction. Someone had begun a rousing chorus of "Bryarn, Bring the Presents Round," and Karigan and Zachary had joined in eagerly. Their hands were still tightly clasped, and Zachary used the connection to pull Karigan toward him, spinning her around in time to the music. They were both laughing heartily, and they had eyes for no one else. Zachary looked years younger, as if the burden of his position had lifted from his shoulders, at least for the night. They were beautiful—not just as individuals but together. Their love seemed to light up the area more than all the candles on the tree.
Instead of returning to her room, Estora forced herself to stay at the festival. She stayed toward the side of the crowd, observing Zachary and Karigan as they wove throughout the crowd, imparting well wishes to the citizens of Sacordia. Part way through, Karigan disappeared, but Zachary continued. When he spotted Estora, he turned toward her. She thought briefly of running, but she quickly dismissed the idea. Instead, she straightened her spine and decided she would show him that the Coutres were tougher than he might realize. He bowed when he reached her. "Lady Estora."
"Your Highness." She curtsied in return.
"I trust your father informed you of my news last night."
"Yes. He was most upset."
Estora saw his lips twitch slightly, and she had the distinct impression that he was fighting a smile. "I sensed that," he said, his voice perfectly neutral. "I know he expected a marriage alliance, but alas, love does not always adhere to bloodlines. I do hope you still understand that I never meant any offense. If I were a different man, I am sure I would be most happy to be your husband."
"I think Karigan will make a fine queen," Estora said honestly. She knew she should have stopped there, but the part of her that was still angry at him for choosing another took over her tongue. "However, I do not know that my father agrees."
Again, his face twitched slightly though this time, his lips started to curve downwards until he stopped them. "I am sure your father will come to understand the merits of having a warrior queen in time."
"And if he does not?" Surprise flickered in the king's eyes at Estora's unusual defiance. She held his gaze.
"As I explained to the governors last night, our marriage will follow the proper ceremony. There will be no true grounds for an objection." His gaze softened suddenly. "I do apologize," he said. "I never meant to slight you. I am afraid that sometimes the heart does not follow the whims of the court."
"You really love her." The words were less painful to say than Estora thought.
"More than anything," he admitted quietly. His eyes roamed the crowd, and Estora followed his gaze until it landed on Karigan. She was standing next to an elderly woman, a bulging sack in her hands. A small group of children waited quietly nearby.
"What is she doing?" Estora questioned.
A smile crossed Zachary's lips. "A G'ladheon tradition. It seems every year her father would buy presents for the children of the Corsa orphanage and pass them out claiming they were from Bryarn. She asked to continue the tradition, and I, of course, agreed. It is a wonderful tradition."
"She believes in Bryarn?" Estora did not mean her words as an insult, but disapproval must have crept into her tone, for Zachary frowned.
"Not anymore of course, but he was an important part of her childhood. He's an important part of most childhoods, in fact."
"Even yours?" Generally, the noble families did not tell the myth of Bryarn to their children, believing that the idea of a man delivering presents to every good boy and girl in Sacordia in a single night was preposterous and took away from the true point of the holiday. They would still give gifts to their children, but those gifts were always from family members.
"Not with my parents, but we had grand celebrations at Hillander. I always thought my cousin Quinn claimed to believe in Bryarn far longer than he actually did to obtain more presents."
"It sounds like you miss it."
"Yes. There is nothing like watching a child's face light up on Midwinter's Day. Speaking of which. . ." He glanced up, catching Karigan's eye. She gestured with her head, and he gave a soft smile. "If you'll excuse me, I believe my presence is required." He bowed, sweeping over toward his bride-to-be. Most of the children seemed to be in awe of him, but one brave boy stepped forward. He said something that Estora could not discern, and Zachary laughed. He bent over, picking up the boy and tossing him into the air. His eyes met Karigan's, and the two shared a smile whose meaning Estora could not fully decipher. Watching him with the boy, Estora had a sudden vision of what he would be like as a father. He would do wonderfully, she was sure. It just made the loss of him all the more crushing.
A/N: I don't hate Estora, I promise! But if I want to get ZK together, she obviously gets left out. Though most of my focus is going to be on ZK, I will bring her back in some way to help her get her happy ending too. It just might be awhile so you'll need to hang with me. I 'm nearly at 100,000 words for this story, and I haven't even gotten to the wedding yet. I was planning to take it further than that, but I'm thinking now that it might be better to split into a third book. We'll see. But I'm trying to keep focused and not delve into too many sideplots right now and make this even longer.