Catheline's POV:
As soon as I reached the door of my chambers, I found Nathaniel. He was standing near the door, leaning against the wall and looking fatigued. As soon as he saw me, he stood up straight and greeted me.
"Is Xander in there?" I asked him.
"Of course," He replied. Suddenly, his face fell.
"Is there anything that I should know about?" I asked him, knowing the meaning behind his expression.
Nathaniel glanced at me before looking sideways at the door tersely. Then, he returned his gaze to me.
"The King had talked to Lady Daraa this morning," He revealed.
Why was he so upset about that? Poor Lady Daraa was waiting for Xander to talk to her. But I knew something wrong had happened.
"You can go. I will talk to him about it," I told him.
He reluctantly nodded and walked away from the hallways. I sighed as I rested my hand on the handle of the door.
I hope everything is well.
When I entered the room, it was lit not too brightly. The bed lamp shone brightly. I found Xander near the window, where a cage rested on the frame.
He quickly turned to me when he heard the door creak open. I greeted him with a bright smile as I shut the door.
"Did I make you wait?" I asked him while walking toward the bed.
"Not exactly."
I sat on the bed, making myself comfortable. Though walking was good for pregnant women, it was certainly not good news for me. Perhaps it was due to a long walk and continuous chatter I had with my brother most of the day.
Xander walked toward the bed but not before grabbing the cage gently. I was pleased to see this action since I wanted to have a look at my hawk.
"Your brother gave you a beautiful present," he commented as he sat beside me.
I took the cage in my hands carefully and spied on the bird, who was asleep in the middle of the grass heap. It was adorable.
"Hawks are known to be fierce. Are you sure you can handle one?"
I turned sharply toward Xander. My sudden action made him twitch.
"How do you know that it was a Hawk?"
He hesitated before answering. "I know a lot about lonely and newborn beasts,"
"This is not a beast!" I argued loudly. "How can you say that?"
"It will grow into one." He reasoned.
"Until then, it would not. It is a child,"
"Can we stop this pointless argument, Catheline?"
It was only then that I realised that I was acting furious over nothing. These strange changes in the way my mind works these days were something I was not used to. I smiled slightly before looking at the baby hawk again.
What should I name it? Perhaps I can take someone's help regarding it.
"So...how did it go?"
I looked at Xander. His tone indicated that he was curious.
"What do you mean?" I asked, confused.
"Your brother. Did you get to know him?"
"Oh..."
I smiled, remembering all the silly and serious things I and my brother talked about.
"I suppose it went well," Xander sighed. "How long is he planning to stay here?"
"A week," I confided. I stood up slowly while handling the cage. "And you can talk to him too. You two need to get along as well,"
I walked over to the nightstand and placed the cage on it carefully. I turned to Xander to find him in a daze.
"He is your brother-"
"And your brother-by-law." I snapped. "Surely you two may have something in common,"
Xander looked up at me. His eyes were glinting because of the lamps in the room. He looked amused by what I told him.
"What things do you think are common between both of us?" He questioned.
"Well..." I paused, awkwardly. Xander looked away, knowing the answer.
"He is optimistic. I am not," he told me.
"Don't say that, Xander," I pouted. "Besides, I was not talking about personalities."
"Then what were you talking about?"
"Um..." I looked around the room, trying to formulate an appropriate word. Then, it hit me. "Swordship?..."
My husband gave me a perplexed look. But soon, he smiled. That smile showed no signs of mockery.
He extended his arm, looking at me.
"Do you think that is what men talk about?" He asked.
I puffed up but took his hand. There was a strange warmth coming from him. He pulled me slightly toward him, implying for me to sit.
"Are you making fun of me?" I asked him.
"Does it look like I am?" He replied lazily with a calm face.
I walked closed and looked him straight in the eye.
"Yes," I punctuated with a swift nod.
He sighed, possibly tired of my tackiness. I sat down beside him, holding his arm. Suddenly, I remembered what Nathaniel had told me outside.
"I heard that you...talked to Lady Daraa?" I started cautiously.
Xander did not make a response. He did not seem too keen to talk about it and I did not want to push him into answering.
"I am sorry-"
"It's alright," he replied, almost too quickly. He sounded so tense that it made me worry.
"Well, what do you think I should name this bird?..." I tried to shift the topic. "Do you have any suggestions?"
Xander looked at the cage. I may have succeeded in my motive since he went deep into his thoughts.
"How about...Ferus?" He voiced.
I smiled widely and agreed. Ferus sounded incredible and I could not have chosen a name so extraordinarily. I glanced at the bird, who seemingly woke up, as we could hear soft chirping.
"I should go," Xander told me. "You need to rest,"
He got up, but I held his arm tightly. He glanced back and I put up a very convincing expression.
"I do not want you to go," I told him. "Please stay,"
Xander did not react at first but he broke into a smile. I thought he would say something about leaving again but to my surprise, he sat on the bed again.
"Since you were so adorable, how can I say no?" He told me while pulling me closer to him.
"Y-You don't have any work?..." I stuttered, startled by his unexpected change in behaviour.
"I do," he nodded. "But I'm yours for tonight, My Queen."
I blushed at his words as my eyes widened in shock. He just chuckled at my reaction, making me break into a smile too. I may never know what got into my husband but I liked how it changed him as a person. He is starting to understand something he never knew of.
We spent the next hours chatting away about one thing or another before I fell asleep.
____________________________________
The next morning:
I woke up to the sounds of soft chirping. I opened my eyes to find myself on the bed, wrapped in warm blankets.
"Xander?..." I mumbled sleepily while attempting to sit.
"Your Grace! You are awake!"
I was startled but looked at the speaker with a bright smile nevertheless. Karra looked very cheerful as she always did. I speculated that she had a good rest last night. She was near the cage and I assumed that she had been watching the baby hawk. It's called Ferus now.
"Where is Xander?..." I mumbled while staring at the other side of the bed.
"He left. His Majesty wanted me to tell you that he had some work to finish,"
I nodded and pulled my knees closer. Many things happened yesterday and I did not wish to remember them now. My head was sensitive in the morning for the past few weeks.
"Prince Eliot went to visit the gardens again. I met him and his companion a few moments ago," Karra informed me.
"Is he waiting for me?" I questioned her. It might take me a while to get ready. I would not want to make my brother wait for hours.
"He said that--- oh!"
Her last squeal made me flinch. Karra paid no attention and quickly hurried away to the window.
"I forgot to mention..." She mumbled while she uncovered the hidden cabinet. A few moments later, she came back with a wooden box.
"And what might this be?" I inquired as she handed it to me.
"Yesterday, Ser Jerold asked me to keep this in your chamber."
Her words awakened my memory and I stared at the box. It had many star symbols embedded on its surface.
"But why did you keep it there?"
"I..." Karra blushed. "I was heavily reminded to make sure that no one was watching you when you open it...Hence, I hid it there,"
I nodded and peeked at the box again. What if it was something dangerous? Eliot had warned me with the same words Karra was told. Well, it's now or never. I took a deep breath and opened it slowly. When I looked at what it was, I gasped in amazement.
Inside, were two elegant and composed vambraces. They shone slightly in silver, but I knew that they were only coated with silver. It was the simple knowledge that silver can not be used for armoury and weaponry. My fingers trembled as I stroked one of them. The surface was smooth and luxurious. The more I looked at them, the more I smiled.
"What are those, Your Grace?" Karra questioned me softly as she watched me.
"Vambraces," I grinned as I told her. "They are part of armours, used for defence. Here, help me,"
I took both of them in my hands gently and gave on to Karra. They were not that heavy which made me comfortable. I wondered what other materials they used in making these. Karra assisted me in wearing those.
"They fit you so perfectly," she whispered.
I nodded while staring at my arms. They did put some weight on my arms but not as much as they should. I lifted my hands to see if they were comfortable with my movements. I was surprised to know that they were. They were made for me.
It meant that...he knew.
My brother knew my secret.
____________________________________
Xander's POV:
"Your Majesty," the man was about to bow with deep respect. But I stopped him. I had to.
"Please spare the formalities, Lord Corrington," I told him as I took his hand. "I do hope that your journey to the capital was pleasant,"
I was glad to know that he was coming today. It had been a few days since I sent Lord Hilan Corrington a letter, summoning him to the castle. The man had been my regent during my youthful years. As soon as I was coronated, I made sure that he could lead a peaceful life with his family.
"How are you, Your Majesty?" He asked me, as I led him through the gates. "I know it is improper for me to ask such questions,"
"You are too dutiful," I argued. "And of course, I am fine health-wise,"
"I suppose you are strained," Lord Corrington replied darkly. "It takes weeks for the news to spread to where I reside. But I managed to learn about the declaration of war when I entered the capital,"
"You like to begin with the dark issues, don't you?"
"I like to begin with the important issues,"
That was what defined him. He had been responsible for his job throughout his life. As a soldier, as a ruler and as a father. I met his children a couple of times when I was young. All I knew was that their father raised them well.
"I suppose you have a subject of importance to discuss..." He said calmly. I felt the strain he imposed on my hand, making me concerned.
"Are you alright?" I asked him. "You said that your journey wasn't arduous,"
"I am grateful for your concern," he smiled. His expression changed all of the sudden. "Also, I never happened to have seen the Queen."
I had excused Hilan Corrington from attending the wedding. He happened to be very ill at that time. And after that, he never had a chance to visit me.
"You can meet her today," I told him. We reached the entrance to the castle by this time. "I suppose that she is awake by now."
"I assume that she must be a great beauty. You seem to have her very dear to your heart," The man asked me softly.
I paused at his words and looked at him. He gave me an awkward smile.
"Did I say something wrong?"
"Of course not," I answered quickly. "She is very dear to me because she is my wife,"
"Your face is red," he informed.
"What?" I said and looked at Nathaniel. He had been silent all this time. He nodded, agreeing with what Lord Corrington had said.
"I suppose you truly like her," The man laughed while patting my shoulder. "You are acting like every other man when they speak about their dear wife,"
Was that true? Have I really given him that notion? For once, I was impressed with myself. Speaking sweet words to Catheline to make her happy was my only goal for the past few days. At least I began to make some progress.
"I reckon I have given you enough to laugh about," I said and cleared my throat. I looked at the stairs in front of us. "Shall we?"
____________________________________
We finally reached the hallways, which were bustling with attendants as usual. Hilan had a lot to talk about. His eldest son had married a few months ago and he is going to be a grandfather. How exciting for him. I had to tell him about my wife's pregnancy as well. He shouldn't be surprised when
he sees her. When I told him the news, he was even more stunned than expected.
"That is wonderful!" He quickly recovered. "I did not get to learn this information on the way..."
"Because the smaller wave got overtaken by the bigger wave," I told him calmly.
"You lack talent in speaking metaphors." He berated me. "This is your heir we are speaking about, not just some wave,"
"Who knows that it is a boy?" I mumbled tersely. "I just think that this is not a marvellous time to have a child,"
"Under this castle's safety, I am certain that your wife is safe,"
I did not mention the attacks that happened in the castle a few months ago. Not to mention the line of traitors and surprises. But I will tell him about that later on when we both are secluded.
"There are some matters that need to be discussed," I mumbled. "What do you know about the current political state in Anthreal?"
The man paused for a moment of thought. He had his home built very away from the capital. Almost at the edges of the kingdom. Though news could travel, I doubt that he had heard about the recent happenings. Besides, he requested a peaceful life, away from all the ruling. I was happy to grant him his wish because I owed him that. He had been loyal and caring while I was in my teenage years.
"I suppose the council remains unchanged from the last time I had been here?" He asked, after a few moments.
I sighed and shook my head. My assumption was right. There is a lot to talk about. I signalled Nathaniel to leave us. He nodded curtly and walked away.
"It isn't any good, is it?" He asked, referring to the council.
"It has its moments,"
We were about to make a turn to the next hallway and that was where I encountered Catheline. She looked very happy for some reason. She wore a full-sleeved dress in a deep shade of blue and white. Her hair was let down which was momentous. She had something held in her hands carefully and we could hear soft chirping from them.
For a moment, none of us said anything. The silence felt suffocating before I decided to disperse it.
"I did not expect to meet you so soon, Catheline," I told her with a formal smile.
She looked at me and the Hilan, confused about what to say. Well, I snatched my chance again.
"My Queen, please meet Lord Hilan Corrington. He is a very important person to me and was once the Regent of this kingdom,"
"You flatter me too much, Your Majesty," The man said nervously. "Your Grace, it is nice to finally meet you,"
Catheline was still flustered when she handed over whatever had been in her hands to her maid. As expected, it was her new pet bird.
"Please forgive me for my rudeness. The King certainly didn't inform me of your arrival," she replied merrily while giving me a sharp glare.
"Is that so?" Hilan gave me a subtle look. "That upsets me a bit, Your Majesty,"
I looked at both of them, overwhelmed. Why were they two rounding up on me? I only didn't mention his arrival because I thought that she had enough things to think about.
"I simply forget to mention it," I told her, hoping that she would understand. She raised an eyebrow.
"I would pretend to believe that now." She replied calmly. Her expression immediately changed when she stared at Hilan.
"Please forgive me, Lord Corrington. I would love to converse for a few minutes but I assume that the King has many things to say. I shall excuse myself," she told him gracefully.
Hilan Corrington bowed again as she left, giving me one last look. She looks furious and I know I was doomed. Her whacking me became a habit.
"I was right. Her Grace is truly a beauty," Hilan said with a wide smile. "You better do spoil her with your love,"
Love was still too strong. I barely began to understand how women feel. There was still a long path in front of me to make my marriage peaceful and unsurpassable.
"I will," I assured him. I am absolute on that resolve.
____________________________________
Catheline's POV:
"I was so scared for the moment!" Kara squealed as we made our way through the gardens.
"So was I," I replied, absentmindedly.
Perhaps that was the reason why he left this morning without informing me. That man must be a very close person to Xander. But anyone close to him gave me only concern. I just hope that Lord Corrington truly cares for my husband.
We wandered for a while before I found my brother in my favourite spot. He was arguing something with Jerold seriously. I cleared my throat to indicate my presence. They stopped natting and glanced at me.
"Your Grace-"
"Cathy!" My brother yelled as he got up from the swing. He had a paper fan in his hands.
"Brother," I replied with a bright smile. I had so much to talk.
"I missed you already, my dear sister," he came forward and embraced me. It was not a tight hug. I was glad that he was cautious about my belly.
"I missed you too," I hugged back carefully. "And...I saw your present for me,"
He quickly pulled away and looked at me with an unsure smile. It was as if he had doubted that I would like them. I looked at Karra and gestured to give me Ferus.
"It is quite noisy," she remarked and handed it over.
"It is just scared," I replied and gazed at the bird. It had a strenuous expression on its small face. "You two may leave us,"
"Yes, Your Grace," Jerold said with a polite bow. "And please tell the Prince to act less like a manchild,"
I was stunned by his words. Eliot cursed at him as his attendant hurried away. Soon, Karra excused herself and left us.
"That bastard!" Eliot cried out. "I am to be his future King,"
I turned to face him, alarmed by his words. He looked furious but when he saw my expression, he broke into an innocent smile.
"Do not mind him." He said while holding my hand. "So...did you like it?"
For a moment, I could not follow what he was saying. In the end, I managed to regain my happiness.
"I love it," I told him. "Did father tell you?..."
"Of course he did," he replied while making me sit on the swing. "You should have seen how proud I was when I heard about your childhood,"
I blushed while glancing at my pet bird. I never expected him to say that. He went on.
"We both had an unusual upbringing, didn't we?" He remarked as he sat next to me.
"I was asked not to talk about it," I replied dully. "It was as if all those years never happened,"
"We are on the same page," Eliot replied, fanning himself. "You saw what my behaviour cost me. Manchild...that sick-"
"We both have to suppress who we truly are,"
I leaned back to find the sky pleasant and less cloudy. Eliot fell quiet as I only heard distant chirping. I put the little bird on my lap, curious about its reaction.
It sat where I kept her for a few moments before looking at me. It pronounced a chirp and strutted a few steps forward.
"Have you named it yet?" Eliot asked me.
"Yes," I replied, looking at him. "Xander suggested Ferus and I could not find a better name,"
"Ferus?" He repeated. "Good name,"
I glanced back at the bird to see that it was at the edge of my skirt. I quickly pulled it back and kept it safely in my hands.
"Waterlight, isn't it?" He said out of the blue. "You know...your-"
"Yes," I confided. We can not be talking about that now. I was afraid that someone might overhear us. "What about yours?"
"I did not have a proper sword until I was twelve," he said, whipping the paper fan vigorously. "Father gifted me one a few months ago. I still haven't decided on a name,"
"Do you want my help?" I offered. I sensed resentment in his voice when he mentioned our father. "How does it look?"
"Sapphire hilt and silver colour for the blade." He let out. "I will show it to you later,"
"Brother...do you hate our father?"
He looked at me, with no expressions written on his face. I wanted to know this ever since we met. I didn't want my family to have seeds of hostility sowed in them. As a daughter and a sister, it was my duty to fix any issues between them.
For some reason, I had a notion that I was too late.
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Author's note:
Hello folks!
Thank you very much for 36k+! :)
Also, from now on, there would be fewer filler chapters. I want the story to progress a bit faster. Also, please comment on what type of story I should do next.
Modern or medieval? (I just can't decide-)
Thank you for reading this chapter. Please press the star and comment with your opinions.
Also, what do you think of Hilan Corrington? 🤔