The Bastard Queen ✔

XVIII.

“Who’s the designer of your gown?” Countess Victoria asked, taking a sip from her wine glass

“Fabian Rouzard, he has a shop in town.” Katherine said

“Does Marquess Nathaniel get his suits tailor there?” Baroness Dorcas asked

“Yes. Fabian is a kind person and wonderful maker.” Katherine praised Fabian

“He sounds very important.” Duchess Eugenia said, her gaze focusing on someone behind Katherine

Katherine was about to turn, but froze when she heard the voice.

“Ladies, it’s a pleasure to see you again.” Kana said, the ladies curtsying excluding Katherine,who stood there

“Marie!” A harsh pulled made Katherine lose her balance and fell to the ground, but an arm around her waist, held her

“Marie, are you okay?” Nathaniel asked

“Yes.” Katherine said, pushing the hair out of her face

“Oh, you must be new.” Kana said, Katherine looked over at her

“Yes, it’s a pleasure to be standing in front of the… queen.” Katherine said as she curtsy

“It’s a pleasure to meet you as well. Marquess Nathaniel, I didn’t know you were seeing anyone.” Kana said

“I wasn’t until I met Marie.” Nathaniel said, wrapping his arm around Katherine’s waist

“Marie, may I ask what rank are you?” Kana asked

Katherine was about to her mouth, but was replaced by a male’s voice.

“Nathaniel, why do you have your arm around a maid?” Nathaniel and Katherine’s head moved to the source of the voice

“Father, what are you doing here?” Nathaniel asked, tightening his grip on Katherine’s hip

“I arrived yesterday, but you didn’t notice and your mother told me about a new maid, who seems to be around your arm.” Duke Walden said, narrowing his eyes at Katherine

Katherine felt scared. Will Kana and Oslo know it’s her? Why did this have to happen all of a sudden?

“Marie is my lover.” Nathaniel said

“Nathaniel, don’t be ridiculous, you are a Marquess, who needs to find a lady of higher class.” Duke Walden said

Katherine got out of Nathaniel’s hold and walked away, bumping into people, but she didn’t lower her head.

“Marie!” Her name sounded throughout the ballroom

She stood out of the castle, people arriving and checking in with the staff. The cold nipping at her skin, but the cold didn’t bother her. A jerk pulled her back to reality as she faced Nathaniel.

“I knew this was impossible. I shouldn’t have tried because I’ll never relive my old life ever again.” Katherine said

“Katherine, we can still find a way.” Nathaniel said, placing his hands on her shoulder

“Why do you always say my name in public? What am I saying, it doesn't matter.” Katherine said, shaking her head

“I really do hate calling you Marie as it’s not your real name.” Nathaniel said, a smile appearing on his face

Katherine gave him a small smile as she took the tiara off her head and held it towards Nathaniel.
“Ka-”

“No, Nathaniel. It’s fine. I don’t deserve this, I experience it for  more than nine years which is enough for me.” Katherine said, grabbing his hand and placing the tiara in his hand

“Katherine,why are you acting like this? This isn’t you.” Nathaniel said

“It isn’t, but being here isn’t me either.” Katherine said, turning her back on him, “Thank you, Nathaniel, but it’s time for me to be really me.” Katherine said, walking down the steps.

Nathaniel stared at Katherine as she continue to walk down the stair. He took one step, but an arm caught him.

“Nathaniel, let’s go inside.” Duke Walden said

“No, I have to go after her before she does something stupid.” Nathaniel said, yanking his arm out of his hold and walking down the stairs

“Nathaniel, come back here!” He yelled

Nathaniel didn’t listen and ran down the stairs.
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Kana’s P.O.V.

“Duchess Kila, who was that woman with your son?” Kana asked

“She’s a maid at the Rochester mansion.” Kila said

“What is her name?” Kana asked as she spotted Walden walking into the ball

“Marie Lynch.” Kila said

Kana eyes widened. Lynch. She looked over at the guards, “Find them and bring them back to the ball.” The guards nodded and left

“Your majesty, you don't need to worry about them.” Kila said

“It’s my priority to see if my people are well.” Kana said, walking away

‘Katherine can not be alive as she is dead and no one will find her as she is sailing in the river.’