Nobody slept. Bash stood outside my door, mother screaming at everyone and everything, Charles nowhere to be found, and Catherine staying by my side as an insurance policy.
She knew if she did anything, she would die in seconds, not that it matters. Catherine killed the men who hurt me.
She tried to help me throughout the night, so I would be ready for the morning. My coronation.
Catherine knows that Charles found out, needless to say she's pissed. However, she's trying to ignore it in order to keep me calm for the morning.
I stood by the window, watching as the sun slowly rose and Catherine began cleaning off a dress of mine to wear tomorrow.
"You should've gotten some sleep, sweetheart," Catherine sighed, not so subtly judging me.
"Do we need to discuss why I didn't?" I replied not removing my eyes from the woods.
"Other than the obvious reason, what is going on with you?" Catherine asked laying my dress on the bed.
"Your son hates me. Actually, two of your sons hate me. So, it might not be my favorite day, especially since something terrible will happen like it always does when I try to have a coronation day," I answered facing her.
"Perhaps it's for the best, my child," she replied straightening the dress.
"What are you talking about? Our countries are aligned, I'm engaged to be married to Charles. How is it for the best that he hates me?"
"What I meant was that, no ties right now may be a good thing so you can heal," Catherine stated fully facing me with a soft look on her face.
"How am I supposed to marry your son and be aligned with France if your family hates me?"
"That is something to worry about tomorrow. Today, we need to get you ready. You're sure you can do this?"
"I have to. It's the only way I can ensure she's kicked out and can never come back."
"Katerina, ne e nuzhno da pravite tova," Catherine spoke. (translation: you don't have to do this)
"Tova e moyata sūdba," I replied. (translation: it's my destiny)
With that, we began getting ready. After bathing, she helped me get dressed, gasping at the sight of my wounds along my body, but tried to hide it, obviously failing.
Catherine did my hair and make up, then finished with helping me into my dress. Once I was ready, she left with my most trusted guards to get ready herself.
My heart began pounding in my chest as I realized what was about to happen. I have to go in front of my people and pretend everything is alright when nothing is.
My country is crumbling and I can barely pick up the pieces. I began pacing when there was a knock on my door. Hesitantly, I opened the door slightly to see Charles looking nervous.
"What is it?" I demanded not allowing him in.
"Can we speak? In private?" He whispered.
"I'm sorry, but I'm waiting on Catherine-"
"Katerina, I beg of you," he pleaded with glistening eyes.
"Alright," I murmured stepping back and allowing him into my room.
"I need to apologize for my actions last night, I had no right to behave like that," he rushed out once I closed my door.
"I appreciate your apology, Charles, thank you," I answered with a small smile. "You really should go. The coronation will be starting soon."
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"I want to help you."
"Charles, now is certainly not the time to get into any of this," my heart picking up again.
"Please-"
"You should go," I whispered. "I'll see you out there."
"You'll be amazing," he spoke softly before swiftly exiting as Catherine entered.
"Are you ready?" she smiled.
"No. But let's go before I change my mind," I weakly laughed as we left the room.
Catherine wrapped an arm in mine as we walked to the throne room. She hesitantly kissed my cheek before walking in as a few of my guards waited for the cue to open the doors for me.
The music began playing and I grew more uncomfortable by the second, thinking my heart would burst out of my chest. I walked as best I could through the doors and towards my place eyeing everyone in the room, making sure they weren't suspicious.
I am practically a mess as I reach the priest. My heart pounding in my chest, my palms sweating, I can barely breathe.
Taking another look, my eyes settle on Charles. He stares back at me, nodding and showing me to take a deep breath. I smiled softly, doing as told before facing the priest once again ready to finally accept my crown.
