My Darling Katherina

Chapter Twenty-Three

"Before I would have said yes, but then I realized there are many other things to worry about other than a crown," She said. 

"Like?" He replied.

She turned to face him, "Losing you."

Caldor simply smiled at her, as if the fact he almost died wasn't a big deal. "Can't get rid of me that easily," He winked.

"Unfortunately," She teased.

Katherina looked back around, her reflection so different than the one she was before. The small broken girl whose skin was of death and eyes empty as a corpse. The female who stared back at her, seemed like a different person.

"You look stunning," Caldor whispered. Seemingly nervous when the words left his tongue.

"I do."

He glared at her, humor in his honey colored eyes.

And she did. The dress she wore was of starlight, sparkling as a shooting sun. It hugged her waist perfectly and pushed up her chest. The gown stopped just slightly above her ankles to then half draped on the floor behind her. The straps on her shoulder were so thin that one who stood far away might believe her dress was shoulder less.

Her father had sent Nuala and Cerridwen to come a few hours before and help Katherina with her hair, straightening it making it longer than she thought, stopping right at her hip. They had also added some sparkle to it to match her dress. (And probably her crown).

Her heels were made entirely of glass, however they aren't as uncomfortable as Katherina believed.

"Isn't it bad luck to see the future High Princess to be before she is crowned?"

Caldor chucked, "That's only for weddings, not Princesses."

"All the same, you should leave."

"Is that an order, High Princess?" He questioned.

Katherina shook her head, The question lingering in her mind. Walking over to her shelves, she grabbed a small box.

"What's that?" Caldor asked.

Katherina smiled at him, before putting on a serious expression. Caldor noticed her change of mood and immediately straightened.

"Caldor Phlegethon, Son of Kai. Would you be my personal guard, accompanying me to the Court of Nightmares and if so, anywhere else I wished?" Katherina voiced strongly.

Caldor stared at her, surprise and confusion twisting in his face. He then took the box she held, opening it to reveal matching silver rings meant to wear on Illyrians wings.

Except these were specially made to symbolize that the wearer is a personal high ranked warrior of the royal family of the Night Court.

Katherina wanted to show him that she trusted him. They had met just about a month ago and he was already her best friend.

He finally looked at her, his face blank as their eyes met. Her heart sank, reaching for the box in his hands but Caldor held on strongly.

"What-"

"-I'd go to the Mortal lands or anywhere you wish, Katherina." His voice deep and true. Revealing to her that his words were real.

Taking the rings, she put them on his wings, the cool silver cold against her hands as she stepped back to see how bigger it made his wings look.

Almost putting Azriel to shame.

Her father then called to her through her mind.

It's Time, He said.

Caldor reached out his hand, offering it to Katherina as they prepared themselves to winnow them to the Court of Nightmares.

Yes, the voice whispered. It's time.

***

Her Father and Feyre, including the rest of his family, had walked in, followed by Caldor, showing to the people of the Court of Nightmares that Caldor was part of the royal family.

When Rhysand was ready he would call out to Katherina, letting her know that it was time to reveal herself. For now, she stood behind the closed doors, breathing down her nerves.

Katherina felt a hand rest at her lower back, turning sharply to the stranger to only reveal the Darkness.

Dressed in royal attire, matching almost similar to her gown.

"Don't you look like a jewel, Katherina."

She smirked, "Are you just saying that because you made me this gown?"

The Darkness simply smiled. Her heart clenched.

"Are you ready?"

She looked to her hands, digging her nail into her palm. Though not because she was anxious. "I'm not sure. I've never been a High Princess before. I don't think it suits me."

The Darkness just looked at her, "It doesn't."

Confusion swirled up in her. What does that mean?

They gazed at the other silently. Katherina could still remember a time when they stood like this. She had moved into the small apartment in Velaris. The Darkness helped her move around her things, and furniture.

Katherina remembered how excited she was to finally own something she could call home. They had stood just like this. Gazed deep into the other's eyes just like this.

Hers once full of love. Now it was wariness. Though he bore the same face, the same scent, Katherina didn't not recognized the stranger in front of her.

'How do you know when it's over?' Katherina asked, as they watched snow land gently on the leaves.

'Maybe when you are more in love with memories instead of the present,' Ziv had whispered back to her.

For the time, she would act like his companion, his friend. But she could not trust this God. He was keeping things from her, hiding his true self from her. And she wanted to know why.

Katherina wrapped her hand around his, hers warm and smooth. His Cold and rugged.

Now, Rhysand said.

The Darkness then turned into her shadow, binding himself with her as she took on last breath of air. Katherina straightened herself and by just a flick of her wrist, the doors flew open. Gasps and mutters heard from all around the room as Katherina walked in.

Now, the voice said. Now the story has begun.