So I actually almost abandoned writing fanfiction (can't give up on reading it though ;)) but I thought I'd give it another shot for you all lovely readers. Sorry for such a long period of silence, I've had a lot going on lately and I'm finally coming out of it. I hope you all enjoy reading, it may not be much, but it's something.

Chapter 24: Making Peace

Working diligently on requests for trade proposals, something that he would certainly pass along to Karigan once they were wed, the king finally was able to engross himself in something else that wasn't his beloved. He had stayed by her side the night before, long into the night, after she had finally fallen asleep. He was certainly disturbed at the events the night before, but not about the past between Karigan and Cade, for the past was the past and that was that. Her reassurance to him of her undying love for him eased his worries enough about that. No, his real worry for her lay within the memories that had flooded over her and overwhelmed her.

"Fastion?" he called, not yet glancing up from the proposal in front of him.

He heard the door to his study open and close shortly after, heralding the arrival of the Weapon, "Yes Sire?"

Zachary laid the sheaf of paper on the desk top, "Do you know if Karigan sleeps still? How well did she do overnight after I left?" He wished he could have stayed with her all night, but that would have been indecent of him.

The Weapon hesitated before speaking, "She left the castle before the break of dawn, she said that she wanted to simply go for a ride. She has not yet returned as far as I have been informed."

The king sighed and glanced outside the large window. "Did she have more nightmares?" he asked, "What did she tell you?"

"She did not say Sire, but . . ."

Zachary returned his gaze to the Weapon, his eyes bidding him to continue.

"I did hear her screaming throughout the night," the Weapon finally finished.

There was a knock on the door, to which Zachary called out, "Just a moment!" He said to Fastion, "Perhaps Karigan and I should consider having the wedding sooner than we originally planned. If the sleeping drought didn't work, I don't know what else outside of my own presence would work. Because she didn't have any trouble sleeping while I was there with her."

Fastion asked, his brow quirked, "Did Karigan's family happen to mention when they were returning? Her aunts, no doubt, would help her with planning the wedding. That would especially be beneficial for a wedding that must be done as soon as possible."

Zachary shook his head, "They did not tell me, I'll have to ask Karigan once she's feeling better if they said anything to her before they left." Sighing, Zachary dismissed his Weapon and allowed the next visitor in.

His body clean and wearing a fresh uniform, Cade Harlowe stepped into the king's study. He remained silent as Zachary held out his hand, "No need to be formal Mr. Harlowe, you may sit."

Zachary watched the other man sit down in one of the chairs in front of the desk, he asked the king, "Is the lady well?"

Zachary blinked; that was none of his business! Zachary said, controlling his temper, "She is well." After a moment, he continued, "Lady Karigan explained to me the nature of her past relationship with you." Pausing, Zachary watched as the other man fidgeted in the chair, "That being said, unless the lady decides differently, you will still be under consideration for one of Lady Karigan's additional Weapons."

Cade nodded once in understanding.

Zachary locked the man in his seat with a stern glare, "I expect, that there will be no problems. Lady Karigan, does, tell me all that happens."

Cade nodded again, "I understand your majesty. I will not disappoint you."

Zachary's brow quirked, "In my time as king, I've never had any problems with my Weapons, I don't expect to start now."

"I understand Sire," Cade repeated.

Zachary nodded and finally said, "You're dismissed." Cade stood from the chair and, with a bow to the king, turned on his heel toward the door. But just as his hand was reaching out to grasp the handle, there was another knock on the door. Cade stepped back as Zachary called out, "Come in."

Fastion poked his head in and announced, "Lady Karigan would like to see you Sire."

Zachary's heart leapt in his chest, "Let her in Fastion." He stood from his own seat and started around the desk as his beloved entered the room and the Weapon initiate completed his exit. Zachary opened his arms to her, holding her tight once she buried herself into his chest. He asked, his voice quiet to avoid ruining the stillness of the moment, "How are you? Talk to me."

She sighed, "Tired."

Zachary led her to the couch and sat her upon it, sitting down beside her afterward. He still held her hand in both of his, trying to lend her as much as his strength as possible. "I want you to think about something, Karigan," he started. Her eyes looked up into his, the dark bags under her eyes evident. His hand reached up to softly caress her cheek, "I want you to think about having the wedding sooner than we planned."

Her gaze fell back down and said, "I think . . . the nightmares started after you left."

Zachary nodded, "Did your family happen to mention when they would be coming back? So they can help you with the wedding."

"They didn't mention it. They just said that they'd be back soon," Karigan answered.

"Would you object if I sent them a missive, asking for their return sooner?" he asked.

Karigan's lips twitched, "Probably." She chuckled, and the king laughed outright, pulling her in closer.

"There's the woman I fell madly in love with," he said.

Karigan reached up to pull him down, pressing her lips to his. "I appreciate your worry Zachary, but I'll be okay. They're just nightmares after all, I've dealt with much worse."

Zachary's lips hovered over hers still, "Don't remind me." They both chuckled again. Zachary leaned back, watching as one of Karigan's hands went up to cover a yawn. "You need to rest," he said.

"I'm alright," she insisted.

"No, it does you no good if you get no sleep. Here," he stood from the couch, "stay here and sleep, I'll still be here. Hopefully that'll keep the nightmares at bay."

"I don't want you to get in trouble," she still resisted.

"Kari, stop. Just please, close your eyes, if it's just for a little while."

Karigan sighed, "Fine."

Zachary nodded, "That's better." He gently pushed her down to lay upon the cushions, hurrying to remove his greatcoat and drape it over her gently. With no more objections, Karigan quickly closed her eyes and sighed, her breathing quickly slowing in sleep. Straightening, the king sent prayers to the gods that she will find some respite and have a peaceful sleep.