The Bastard Queen ✔

XIX.

Katherine stared at the lake as her head rested on her knees. The lake found in the woods, which used to be her ‘place’. Nobody knew about the lake as they always got lost in the forest. Katherine stood and stared at her reflection. Three months. It made her life a living hell. Being found on the side of the river, resting and healing for two months, working for a month as a maid. Katherine walked along the edge of the lake, memories appearing.
*********

“Katherine, this will be our place. Nobody, only us will remember this scenery.” A young boy’s said

“Can I tell my mom about this?” Katherine asked

“If you want.”

“Nat, why are you always sad?” Katherine asked

“My mom died a week ago and my dad is remarrying.” Nat said, pulling grass out

“That’s messed up.” Katherine said

“That’s how high ranks are, but I won’t be like that, I promise myself that.” Nat said, a smile appearing on his face

“I know you won’t, Nat. You’re too nice to be evil.” Katherine grabbed his hand

“Katherine, when I get older, I’ll help you and your mother, I promise.” Nat said, squeezing her hand

“No, me and my mom can take care of ourselves.” Katherine said, shaking her head

“I don’t care. I promise to help.” Nat kissed her on the cheek and left
**********

“Liar.” Katherine chuckled as she skipped a rock into the lake

“I haven’t been here in a while.” Katherine’s head whipped to the source of the voice

Nathaniel stood there, hands in his pockets.

“How do you know of this place?” Katherine asked, wrapping her arms her body

“This was my hiding place when I was younger and you were my friend.” Nathaniel said, walking closer to her

“You’re ‘Nat’?” Katherine said, in disbelief

“Yeah. You don’t see the resemblance.” Nathaniel said

“I can see only two.” Katherine said

“I know one of them is my name, so what's the other?” Nathaniel asked

“You're a liar. You disappeared after you promised you will help me and my mom.” Katherine said, looking away from him

“Katherine, I didn’t want to leave, but my father wanted me to meet Kila. Wait, did something happen when I was gone?” Nathaniel asked, staring down at her

“Nothing happened.” Katherine said, backing away from him

“Katherine, something did happen. You didn’t remember me when we met at the castle.” Nathaniel said, walking towards her

“You changed,that's it.” Katherine said, turning around and continue to walk ahead

“Katherine, what happened?” Nathaniel asked, Katherine didn’t say anything

They continue to walk around the lake, but Nathaniel had enough as he grabbed Katherine’s arm and spinned her around to face him.

“Katherine, tell me what happen! I keep thinking of horrible things that might have happened to you, so please tell me.” Nathaniel said, his voice lowering

“A horrible thing did happen to me.” Katherine said, her voice holding no emotion

“What happen, Katherine? Do I have to keep saying that?” Nathaniel asked, placing his hands on her shoulders

“Do you know Christopher?” Katherine asked, taking his hands off her shoulders

“Yes. Isn’t he your cousin?” Nathaniel asked

“He is, but he’s a monster.” Katherine said, looking up at Nathaniel

“Did he… touch you.” Nathaniel said, his hand shaking

“He's the reason I fell out of my chair.” Katherine said

“Katherine, answer me.” Nathaniel said, grabbing her hand

“He did,... multiple times.” Katherine said, laughing with tears rolling down her face

“Katherine, how did this happen? Didn’t you tell your mom or you dad?” Nathaniel asked

“My mom was dead! I didn’t even meet my dad until four months after ‘that’ incident.” Katherine cried out, “He told advantage of a young girl, who lost her whole world. He didn’t even regret it after I confronted him.”

Nathaniel pulled her to him and held her in his arms as she sobbed.

“He’s a fucking monster! Hurting me over and over again! I tried to stop him, but it was useless.” Katherine sobbed, clutching Nathaniel’s suit jacket

“He should be in jail, Katherine. Did you even report him to the police?” Nathaniel asked

“Of course, I did, but do you really think they’ll believe a thirteen year old girl with no parents, who’s basically leaving in a abandoned home.” Katherine said, looking down

“God, this is so messed up.” Nathaniel said, his arm loosening on Katherine as he ran his hand through his hair

“This day has been hell. I just want to be alone.” Katherine said, moving out of his arms

“We can go home, but you’re staying in my room.” Nathaniel said, placing his hands back in his pockets

“No, I’ll feel safer if I was with Ro and Isla.” Katherine said, walking past him

“Katherine, do you have a room?” Nathaniel asked, walking beside her

“I sleep in the living room, but that’s a room to me.” Katherine said, rubbing her arms

Nathaniel didn’t say anything, but placed his suit jacket on Katherine's shoulder. Katherine looked up at him, but didn’t complain. They continue to walk, shoulder by shoulder.