Unexpected - The Enigma.

Chapter-9.2

★★★

🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹🔸🔹

Kathidra's peaceful moment, breastfeeding her seven-month-old child, was shattered by the arrival of Shali, her trusted general. "My Queen, King Stephan has requested an audience with you once again," Shali announced, her expression a mask of concern. "He's been persistent, and I fear his intentions are far from pure."

Kathidra's gaze narrowed, her mind already racing with the implications. "Shali, you know what he's asking for," she replied, her voice measured. "We cannot grant him that. His thirst for power will only destroy the harmony of our world."

Shali's expression turned grave. "Yes, my Queen. But today, he's not alone. He's brought another person, and I fear their presence is not a coincidence."

Kathidra's frown deepened, her curiosity piqued. "What are you talking about? Who is this person?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of unease.

Shali's words hung in the air like a challenge. "Your husband…”

If there was one thing Kathidra regretted the most in her life, it was falling in love with him. Her life had always been a tapestry of duty and responsibility, woven from the threads of her parents' expectations. At just seven years old, she had shouldered the weight of her destiny, her every waking moment devoted to training, lessons, and the pursuit of excellence.

Her parents had given her everything, except the one thing she craved most: love and attention. She had long ago accepted this as her reality, her heart hardened to the disappointment. For her, the needs of her people had always come first.

But then, she met him. Or so she thought. Their encounter had been a chance meeting, a spark of connection that had ignited a flame of hope within her. He was an emissary, a human spy working for the rogues, and yet, he had breached the walls of her icy heart.

Their whirlwind romance had culminated in marriage, a union that had defied the conventions of her world. For the first time in her life, Kathidra had chosen her heart over duty, standing proudly against her parents' disapproval.

But fate, it seemed, had other plans. Her parents' sudden passing had marked the beginning of the end. The threads of their marriage had begun to unravel, and Kathidra had been left with nothing but the bitter taste of betrayal.

Kathidra's memories were a labyrinth of pain and betrayal. The person she had once loved with every fiber of her being had turned out to be a master manipulator. He had played on her emotions, using her love to further his own ambitions.

His true nature had been revealed too late, when Kathidra was already carrying their child. His intentions had been sinister: to exploit her power, steal their secret weapons and potions, and even sacrifice their own children to gain ultimate power.

Kathidra's duty as the Queen had taken precedence, and she had taken drastic measures to protect her kingdom. She had punished him, banishing him from their lands and rendering him blind. Though her heart had once loved him, her sense of justice had prevailed.

Yet, the wounds of the past still lingered. And now, he was back. Kathidra's mind racing with questions. What did he want from her? Why had he returned after all these years and what is he doing with king Stephen?

★★★★

King Stephan's words dripped with insincerity as he begged for Kathidra's forgiveness. "My Queen, pardon me for my behavior in the past. But can't we shake hands and work together?"

Kathidra's laughter was a cold, mirthless sound. "Work together?" she scoffed, her voice laced with disdain. "I, the Queen of the Witches, will never stoop to such depths. Our magic is a gift, reserved for those who truly need it. I will not betray my people's trust by collaborating with the likes of you."