Endless Love

one

Katerina stared out the carriage, soaking in the sun and it's warmth as the wind blew neatly in her hair. The feeling of calmness took over as she took in her surroundings.

The grass next to the carriage looked lush and green. All she wanted was to sit on the grass, preferably under a tree , and read a book. Get lost in the imagination and wonders that it offers, but she sits in a muted carriage.

She should be happy that her sister is getting married to the soon to be King of France. But she missed the farm she hid out on.

Mary and Katerina had to go into hiding separately. Mary stayed at a nunnery while Katerina stayed on a farm.

She wasn't upset staying on a farm, she loves the outdoors. Being able to ride into town and taking care of animals, she loved it all. Although she knew she only got this privilege because she wasn't as big of a threat.

Witnessing her sisters stress about marrying someone she hasn't seen since she was a kid, Katerina promised to only marry for love. No matter if they had a title, or if they were a bastard. Love is love. She wanted to be lucky enough to witness it.

Although she couldn't offer as much as Mary, seeing how she's only a princess and owns a couple pieces of land, she couldn't care less about the politics end. She knew her sister supported her need to be adventurous and would support her in a way no one else could.

If she had to be married, she hoped it would be to someone who shared her passions just as much.

All of the carriages lined up in front of the grey castle. Katerina looked at it with a frown. The castle wasn't as colorful or delightful like Scotland or even the farm, it seemed sad and miserable.

Once all the lady's and the two sisters stepped out, Mary and Katerina spoke first.

"Katerina, oh how I've missed you." Mary speaks openly, opening her arms for her sister.

"Mary, you look beautiful." Katerina responds back, accepting the hug.

"I'm pleased you came." Mary says with a smile.

"How could I not see my sister become wed?" Katerina smiles. "Although, can I already request that you manage to bring my horse here?"

Mary laughed at her sister, not in an embarrassing way but of a glorious way. "Of course. I'll speak to Francis"

Both sisters pulled away to greet their lady's.

"Katerina!" Laura spoke happily. "Oh how I missed you" Laura pulled Katerina in a warm hug.

"You look gorgeous" Jade beamed.

"You have grown so much" Haley giggled.

"That color suits you" Alexis chimes in.

Katerina takes her time to individually greeting them as her eyes move down towards King Henry, his mistress Diane and then the Queen.

She watches Mary carefully walk to them first, talking to Francis.

"He's cute" Katerina says.

"Who?" Alexis asks, looping her arm through her friends.

"Sebastian" She states.

Her eyes are on Bash's and his are on her's. He can tell she's different by how freely her hair is, and how happy and free she looks. Compared to Mary's black dress, Katerina dressed in green, her tan sun kissed skin glowing against the dark fabric.

Bash can't help but glance down her body, taking in her curves and by the time he reaches her eyes she's smirking.

She can't help but notice the way he looks at her, and in all her years , she's happy to be in France. She knew it would be different from when they were kids.

-🥀-

Katerina has only spent one hour in the castle before finding her way outside. She walked to the stables in hopes to go for a ride. Something she already missed doing.

The walk from the castle to the stables wasn't bad, and she didn't mind. She could stay outside for hours if she could but now with her sister being here to marry Francis, she had more responsibility. Her mother likes to say that once Mary marries then it's Katerina's turn.

Katerina walked up to the stables, horses lined up in the stalls and a little pig roaming around making her laugh softly. She was confused as to why a pig was here, maybe it was a gift or even a joke because she lived on a farm, but she didn't care.

She bent down, petting the tiny pig and once the pig oinked in happiness, she picked it up. It wasn't big or heavy, it was a little baby.

"That's not supposed to be here" A voice rang behind her, one she clearly recognized.

She turned around, the tiny pig in her arms and she smiled. "I'm sure it is a welcome gift, or maybe a joke" She placed the pig down and moved closer to him. "Hi Bash"

"Hi Katerina. We finally see each other, after all these years" Bash smiles at her. He can't help but love the way she cared for an animal that was indeed a joke, from the villagers. They thought it would affect Katerina, maybe send her away but instead she loved it just as much.

"You've grown" She states, opening her arms freely. Bash accepts the hug and pulls her closer to him, squeezing a little too much but Katerina enjoys the sudden touch.

Once they pull apart he smirks. "So have you. I remember when you had pig tails as a child. Oh how Francis and I used to tug them"

Katerina opens her mouth making an O shape. Her lips plump and pink while the smile on her face shines bright. She hits his arm playfully and tugs his ear. "Remember when I used to do that?"

He watches her in amazement. He does in fact remember it. Katerina's mother always tried to make Mary more than Katerina. Dress Mary in nicer clothes, care for Mary in a more motherly way while Katerina was practically raised by the servants around Scotland.

Her hair was always wilder, and childlike and her clothes sometimes wouldn't fit, but somehow Katerina always pulled it off. Bash remembered always having a small crush on the girl, but remembered where he came from and would back off.

But as he watches her pet the horse in front of him, he can't help but smile. She always enjoyed the outdoors and animals, and it looks like that never changed.

"Want to go for a ride?" Bask speaks out. "Or are you waiting for your horse?"

"Are they bringing him here? He is rather big but if I'm staying here for a while for Mary, I rather have him." Katerina says, her eyes on Bash's.

"Mary and Francis agreed to bring him here. He should be here tomorrow" Bash nods. "So no ride?"

"How about a walk? We can ride tomorrow" Katerina smiles. She forces herself to leave the horses alone, and walks next to Bash. Bash nods and agrees to walk with her. She did want to go on a ride, but with Bash's sudden presence she much rather talk to him.

As they walk side by side around the castle, Bash gives her a little tour, reminding her just why she loved France as a child.