The next days passed by like endless dreams. The pair went on rides and picnics, talked of the past and the future, enjoying each other's company to the fullest. Life had been hard on them both, but their sorrows were less of a burden when they could share the weight of them.
They had set out to the lake early that morning, eager to spend hours basking in each other's presence. Once they arrived they had tossed off their clothes and jumped into the water straight away, forgetting all the rules and restrictions placed upon them by their royal titles. Now they were sat by the lakeside in their thin undergarments, drying themselves in the warm summer sun.
"This is the most perfect of afternoons. Being here, with you, without anyone else near... it's pure heaven." Trixie said as she looked out at the still water.
Their moments away from the castle were what she treasured most. Out here they could let their guard down. The castle had many watchful eyes, but out here Katya could be herself and they could love in peace.
"If I could, I would take you far away from the castle. I would buy you house at the edge of town, get a few horses, maybe even some chickens, and then we would live there together until we were both old and gray." Katya said, caressing her lover's cheek gently.
"Are you certain you will still want me when I'm old and gray? I mean, if I am Queen you will have no other choice but to grow old with me, but would you truly still choose me if you could get a younger beauty?"
"I would pick you no matter the time, place, or circumstance. Even when I tried my best to refuse your love, you captured my heart. I am yours, now and forever."
"Do you swear it?" Trixie asked teasingly.
She had not meant the question to be serious, but Katya's expression was. In her eyes there was only sincerity and reassurance. It was as if she was burning the words she would say next into Trixie's very soul, locking them safely away in the heart of the Princess.
"No matter where or when, I will always be yours. In the difficult times that we can't see ahead, I will be there, by your side. I give this promise to you from now on."
"Katya..."
Trixie couldn't quite find the words to express the warmth and care she was feeling, the trust her soul placed in the woman in front of her. She took Katya's hand in hers and pressed a soft kiss to her palm, a fragile tear of happiness falling down her cheek like a raindrop.
"I love you, now and forever." Trixie promised.
"I love you too."
As the sun started to set the pair got dressed, Katya once again transforming into her brother, before they made their way back home towards the castle. Thankfully no one knew how far away they traveled on their little trips, if they did it was likely that the King and Queen would insist upon sending guards with them, which would deprive them of their newfound freedom.
It was nearly night by the time they reached the castle, the moon slowly appearing on the darkening sky. They had expected to head in to wash up for dinner, knowing it would soon be on the table, but instead they were greeted by the King and Queen of Resvya the minute they entered the courtyard.
"Alexej! Where have you been all day? You can not keep disappearing off and ignoring your duties!" The King stated.
"I thought my largest duty was to my bride. We are to be wed soon after all, is it not right that I spend time with her?" Katya said as she climbed off her horse, walking over to aid Trixie moments later.
"Of course, but if you keep disappearing without a chaperone in sight then rumors may spread." The Queen said.
Katya couldn't help but think that the repercussions of rumors spreading of them spending time unchaperoned or even sharing a bed would still be mild compared to what the repercussions of the people learning the truth would be. After all, how do you as King and Queen explain to your people that you have lied to them for years?
"I will keep it in mind, mother." She simply replied.
"We lost track of time, my apologies." Trixie stated with a little bow, looking like the very image of a perfect Princess.
Katya admired her for her ability to play her part, knowing how hard such a role was to play at times. Whilst the Resvyan girl had always struggled to hold her tongue and follow the rules, even before the lies started, Trixie made it look easy, almost like a choreographed dance.
"It is quite alright, my dear. There are more pressing matters at hand anyways. The Forquesse have accepted the invitation to the wedding, their oldest son and heir, Prince Henri will be attending. He will also be here for your birthday celebration, Princess Beatrice." The Queen said.
"Accepted? Why was he ever invited to begin with?" Katya questioned.
Trixie had to ask the same question as inviting anyone from Forquestria was quite unheard of in her home nation. After all, it was their continuous threats of war on Resvya and Midrosen that had lead to the two kingdoms needing to unite. The anger in Katya's eyes was clear, and Beatrice could not blame her, for were it not for the threats made by the Forquesse, Katya would never have had to give up her life to play the part of her brother.
"It is a courtesy, Alexej, an outstretched hand, a request for peace. We have always invited them, but we never expected them to accept." The King explained.
"Then why now?" Katya said.
"We expect that they have admitted defeat and want to make peace before our countries become a threat large enough to conquer their realm." Her father replied.
It made sense, Trixie supposed, after all their two kingdoms would grow vastly stronger once united and it would be folly to threaten their realms after the union. Still, she couldn't help the uneasy feeling she had in the pit of her stomach.
"I suppose that it a possibility." Katya said, her tone calmer than before.
"He will arrive in few days, so we must make preparations. And you two must not let any weakness from your match be detected. We are all aware that you have grown closer, but I must still stress the importance of the union showing a strong image." The Queen instructed.
"Of course, we will present ourselves as the strong and united couple we are, Your Majesty." Trixie said, taking Katya's arm.
"We will not disappoint you." The other girl promised as well.
Their words held conviction, but when they looked into each other's eyes there was clear fear to be found. Although they trusted each other and their bond, the news rattled both of their nerves, the Prince's upcoming arrival hanging over their heads like a dark cloud on an otherwise sunny day.
They could only hope it would all go well.
YOU ARE READING
When The Gold Is Gone ✔ ~ trixya
FanficA Prince. A Princess. Two Kingdoms. And a marriage arranged from birth. But what happens when the Prince's sister Katya is suddenly forced to take his place?
