The Bastard Queen ✔

XXIX.

"Did you know that woman?” Nathaniel asked, setting two ice lattes in front of them

“If I knew her, I wouldn't have attack her and she surely wouldn't have attack me either.”

“I'm just asking, Katherine. No need to get grumpy with me.”

“Wait. You just called me by my real name.”

“That doesn't matter. What matters now is your safety. We don't know if there are more people out there trying to kill you.”

“Nathaniel, you already know the answer. Plus, it's a good thing.” Katherine said, picking up the latte and drinking

“Katherine, how is that a ‘good thing’? You can get killed for god's sake.”

“Nat, being assassinated is my profession.”

“That's not something you should be joking about.”

Katherine lifted the cup, but set it back down when she felt something wet on the cup. She looked at the spot and her eyes widened. Then she looked at her hand, blood everywhere on her palm and the cut which blood is coming out slowly.

“What the hell happen, Katherine?” Nathaniel took her hand and examined it

“Don't hold a knife tight.” Katherine joked, yanking her hand out of Nathaniel's hold

“We need to get that clean and stitched.” Nathaniel stood, grabbed Katherine hand and pulled her outside

“Nathaniel, where are we going? I didn't even get to finish my latte.” Katherine asked, trying to keep up with Nathaniel

“To my place.”

‘Place? Doesn't he mean the mansion?’

♤♤♤♤♤

“Where are we?” Katherine asked, walking inside an apartment complex

“An apartment complex.” Nathaniel said, walking up the stairs

"I can see that, but why are we here?" Katherine stated

"I live here by myself."

They continued to walk until they stopped in front of a door. Nathaniel took out a key and unlocked the door, pushing it open.

“Take off your shoes, you can use the slippers right there.” Nathaniel said, letting go of Katherine’s hand and taking off his shoes

Katherine took her shoes off and used the slippers, that sat there on the floor. Nathaniel grabbed her wrist and they both walked to a couch.

“Sit right there. I'll be back with the first aid kit.” Nathaniel said, walking away

Katherine sat and looked around. There weren't pictures on the wall, but there was a picture frame on the shelf. She got up and walked over to the shelf. A smile rested on her face. The picture was Nathaniel and his biological mother.

“That's the only picture I have of her.” Katherine turned around and looked at Nathaniel

“Was this before or after she found out?” Katherine asked

“After. She wanted one last photo of all three of us, but my father was away to which I found out later, he was with Kila.” Nathaniel said, walking towards Katherine and standing beside her

“The both of you deserved so much better, especially your mother.” Katherine said, looking up at Nathaniel with a sad smile on her face

“Your right, but I think she’s having a better life up there.” Nathaniel said, looking up with a small smile on then he looked back at Katherine, “Come on. I have to clean your wound.”

Nathaniel grabbed her hand and pulled her to the couch. They sat and he took her injured hand, cleaning it and patching it with gauze and bandages. Katherine stared at Nathaniel as he was bandaging her hand. ‘Why is my heart beating this fast? He’s just bandaging my hand.’

“Katherine, are you fine? You look fluster.” Nathaniel asked, setting her hand in her lap

“Of course. Just barely feeling the pain of the alcohol.”

“Well, that's a late response.  I hope nothing is seriously wrong with your hand.” Nathaniel grabbed her hand again and began to massage the hand slowly, “Can you feel that?”

“Yes. I guess i just had a lot on my mind that it blocked the pain.” Katherine said, yanking her hand out of Nathaniel's hold, “So, why did you get a apartment?”

“I wanted to get away.” Nathaniel said, standing up with the first aid kit

“Does your dad know?” Katherine asked

“If he did, then we wouldn't be here.”

“Right” Katherine mumble, waiting for Nathaniel to come back

“Kat, did you do anything to Queen Kana?” Nathaniel asked entering the room

“No, I only interacted with her at the ball.” Katherine said, “Why? What happened?”

“She came to the mansion, asking for you.” Nathaniel said

“Do you think she knows?” Katherine said

“Well, of course, Katherine. Why do you think she'll come to the residence all of a sudden?” Nathaniel said

“If she asks anything about me, you have to lie.” Katherine said

“And you don't think I will? Katherine, you have to stay alive to claim the throne back. I'll do everything in my power to help you.”

“Thanks, Nathaniel.” Katherine hugged him

Nathaniel hesitated, but returned her hug

‘The only person who could make me feel safe.’