The Bastard Queen ✔

XXX.

^^^^^Kana's outfit

“Good evening, your highness. What brings us the pleasure of being in your presence?” Kila asked, bowing

“Is Marquess Nathaniel present? I need to speak with him.” Queen Kana said, surveying her surroundings

“Yes, he's in the middle of fencing. I can bring him to you.” Kila said, about to walk off

“Its fine, Duchess Kila. I'll come with you as my time is limit.” Kana stated

The Duchess and the Queen walked to the fencing room. Kila took quick glances at Kana, watching her reactions. Kila knocked at the door and opened it. Her and Kana walk inside as Nathaniel was practicing with his trainer.

“Now, that's going to give me a bruise.” Nathaniel groaned as he took off his mask

“You have to be prepared. You need to focus on your opponent.” His trainer exclaimed

“I'll take that into consideration, but I'll just have to practice even harder.” Nathaniel said, wiping off his sweat

“Nathaniel, Queen Kana is here.” Kila announced

Nathaniel's head snapped to her. ‘I thought she wouldn't come.’

“I'm sorry to present myself to you like this, Queen Kana. I'll go change into clean and formal clothes.” Nathaniel said, wanting to escape this situation

“It's fine. I would like to speak to you about the maid, Marie.” Kana said, grazing the sword

“We can go and talk in the pearl room.” Nathaniel stated

“No, I'm a busy woman. Duchess Kila, you may leave. I have important business with Marquess Nathaniel.” Kana announced

“Yes, your highness. Would you like te-”

“No, I'm fine. So, if you may.” Kana cut Kila off

Kila bowed and left the room. Kana's head snapped to Nathaniel.

“So, who is this Marie Lynch and how do you know her?” Kana asked, hatred swirling in her eyes

“She's a cousin of one of the maids here.” Nathaniel replied

“Who is this cousin of hers and why did you make her your personal maid?” Kana asked, examining one of the swords

“I appointed her as my personal maid because Duchess Kila fired her for disliking her.” Nathaniel stated

“That seems reasonable as she popped out of nowhere and was given a job without the Duchess or Duke knowing.” Kana replied

“That is true. Now, is there any other business that you need to know as I know you're a busy lady.” Nathaniel said

Kana placed the sword back in its holder and walked closer to Nathaniel, “As a matter of fact there is.”

“And what is that, your highness?”

“I want to meet her.”

“Why? She's not a worker here and she hasn't done anything wrong.”

“Oh, she has. By letting herself be seen in front of reporters to which they claim she looks like my dearest late cousin, Katherine.” Kana spat out

“Well, I'm sorry, your highness. She left as of two days ago. Back to her hometown.” Nathaniel informed

“And that's where you're wrong. I've been keeping tabs on her. So, I perfectly know she's here on this premise.” Kana stated

Nathaniel heart stopped and dropped to his stomach. ‘This wrench! I've got to keep my cool before I blow it.’

“Queen Kana, is there something else you're trying to imply?” Nathaniel asked, a grin appearing

“And what would that implication be?” Kana asked, narrowing her eyes

“Do you adore women?” Nathaniel asked, Kana's eyes widening

“How dare you think of such nonsense?” Kana yelled

“I'm sorry for asking, but the only way I see it is that you admire, no, adore Marie to the point you would keep tabs on her and come here to see her for yourself. Now wouldn't it?” Nathaniel implied

“Everything you have said is nonsense! I only came to ask about her to know who she really is and you implied that I adore women. That is outrageous!” Kana exclaimed, her face turning red

“Marie is a very beautiful woman, I can assure you. If you want, you can write her a letter and I can give it to her so you can know her true feelings for you.” Nathaniel said, smiling

“You, you imbecile!” Kana yelled, dashing out of the room

“Your grace, what's the matter! Did something happen?” Kila asked
Nathaniel burst out in laughter, clutching his stomach.

“Nathaniel, what did you do!” Kila screamed

“I didn't do anything, Kila. I just answered her question and she got upset. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to shower.” Nathaniel said, walking out of the room

♧♧♧♧♧

“You did what?” Katherine exclaimed

“I asked if she adores women. What's so wrong about that?” Nathaniel said, placing an ice bag on his cheek

“You idiot. Now, she surely doesn't like you and she could do something worse to you, Nathaniel.” Katherine said, shaking her head

“Well, she did do something. Making that grand exit cost me a bruised cheek and eye.” Nathaniel groan

“God, you shouldn't have said that, but you're very clever. I thought you would've choke.”

“Well, I didn't, to my surprise. Now Katherine, do you adore women?” Nathaniel asked, shifting his body to Katherine

“I hate you, but I adore men not women. I don't have a problem who adore the same sex. I just prefer men, who are very successful and respectful.” Katherine stated

“I'm all of that, so why don't you marry me?” Nathaniel said, pointing to him

“You miss the qualification which is being respectful and who said about marrying. I've been married once and I regret it.”

“Hey, I just asked a question.” Nathaniel defend himself

“Yes, a very inappropriate question to the Queen of Xiao.” Katherine stated

“Oh well and didn't I basically say that to you when we first met each other at the palace.” Katherine tilted her head and then the memory came

“Nathaniel, is there something you aren't telling me? Do you fancy men?” Katherine asked, a smirk appearing

“I don't fancy men, but I do love executed Queens.” Nathaniel replied, getting close to Katherine

Katherine froze once she heard his words, “And I know a particular executed Queen, who I've fancy and loved for a very long time.”
Nathaniel whispered as his face came closer to hers. Their noses basically touching and their lips centimeters from each other.

“Would you like to know who she is?” Nathaniel whispered as he spoke into her ear

Katherine couldn't comprehend what was happening. Nathaniel telling her that he's basically been in love with her for many years.

“Please, stop.” Katherine whispered lightly

“And why should I? I finally have you in my grasp. My precious Kat.” His lips leaving pecks on her cheek all the way to the corner of her lips

“Now, would you do me the honor of blessing your life with my kiss?” Nathaniel asked, a sly smirk on his lips