Winds of Deception (Book 3 in the Legacy of Love Series)

Chapter 19: The Choice of the Heart

The summons to the Queen's private chambers came unexpectedly, shattering the peaceful rhythm Katherine and Tristian had begun to settle into. They had thought their days at court had ended quietly, their departure unnoticed. But the Queen, in her unyielding perception, had somehow sensed what lay between them, calling them back to the court with a command they could not refuse.

Now, standing outside the ornate doors of the Queen's chambers, Katherine felt a mix of trepidation and resolve. Tristian stood beside her, his hand brushing against hers in a quiet show of solidarity, a reminder of the love that had sustained them through every trial. They shared a look, both knowing that whatever lay beyond these doors, they would face it together.

A guard announced their arrival, and the heavy doors opened, revealing Queen Elizabeth seated at a small desk, her expression unreadable, her gaze sharp as it settled upon them. She motioned for them to approach, her silence imposing as they took measured steps into the room.

When they reached her, Katherine bowed deeply, Tristian following suit, each of them aware that they were in the presence of not just a ruler, but a woman who understood the weight of sacrifice, of choices made in the name of duty. The Queen's gaze lingered on them, and Katherine could sense the curiosity and quiet disappointment in her eyes.

"So," the Queen began, her voice calm but tinged with a note of something Katherine couldn't quite place. "The rumors have reached me at last. It seems my loyal lady-in-waiting and my trusted naval officer have found comfort in one another's company."

The words, though spoken without malice, struck like a blow. Katherine felt a flush rise to her cheeks, her heart pounding as she searched for a response. But it was Tristian who spoke, his tone measured, his gaze steady as he faced the Queen.

"Your Majesty," he said, his voice respectful but unwavering, "it is true. Katherine and I... we share a bond that has withstood the trials of duty and secrecy. But I assure you, our loyalty to the crown has never wavered, nor has our respect for the roles we have held."

Queen Elizabeth's eyes narrowed, studying him intently before turning her gaze to Katherine. "And you, Katherine? I trusted you with the secrets of this court, with the responsibilities of service. Yet here you stand, holding fast to a love that defies the order of this place."

Katherine swallowed, finding her voice as she looked directly at her monarch. "Your Majesty, my heart belongs to Tristian. But I have never once betrayed the trust you placed in me. Every choice I made, every secret I held—it was out of loyalty to you and to the duties I vowed to uphold. Our love... it was born out of the life we dedicated to this court, a love that grew despite the demands of service."

The Queen's expression softened slightly, a flicker of understanding passing through her eyes. "Loyalty," she murmured, her gaze distant as though recalling her own sacrifices, the choices that had shaped her life. "It is a heavy word, one that asks much and gives little in return."

She rose, moving to a nearby window, her gaze sweeping over the palace grounds, her voice soft as she continued, "You are not the first to find love where duty forbids it, nor will you be the last. But love—no matter how deep—cannot always remain hidden. And in your case, it has come to me as a whisper, a rumor that will not easily be silenced."

Turning to face them again, the Queen's gaze was resolute, her voice filled with a quiet authority. "I will offer you mercy for the loyalty you have shown me, for the sacrifices you have made. But you cannot remain here, in this court, bound by duty and divided by love. If you wish to remain together, you must leave—both of you. There will be no return to these roles, no place for you within these walls."

Katherine's heart ached at the words, the finality of them settling over her like a shroud. She had served the Queen since she was a girl, dedicating her life to the court, to the duties that had defined her. The thought of leaving it all behind was a sharp, unexpected pain, a reminder of the life she was being asked to relinquish.