The Bastard Queen ✔

XXXI.

Katherine looked straight into his eyes and could tell he was serious. Did she want his kiss? Could she?

"Kat, I need an answer or I'll do it against your wish." Nathaniel mumble, planting light kisses on her cheek

"Why?" Katherine whimpered

"Why what?" He asked, backing up and narrowing his eyes at her

"Why do you...." Katherine couldn't finish her sentence

"...Love you?" He asked, he felt hurt of her underestimating her charm, "You captured me, Katherine. Multiple times to be exact. I've rejected all marriage proposals because of you. Everything that I've wanted was you. I wished on every birthday to see you, just once. You were my light. You don't understand how I feel for you. I would do anything to make you happy even if it cost my life or title,"

Katherine's heart ached. Just how could a man like him, love her? Plus, confess his whole feelings to her when she hasn't said anything?

"Katherine, please say something, anything. Even a meow or vowel will be enough," Nathaniel said, fear creeping into his system

"O," Was all she said before she pushed Nathaniel away from her and ran out of his apartment

"Katherine!" He yelled, running after her, but stopped knowing she needed space

♧♧♧♧♧

The door slammed shut as Katherine laid against the door. Her chest moving quickly as her heart beat fast.

"Katherine?" Isla walked out of the kitchen, her eyes widened when she saw Katherine's state

Tears streaming down her cheeks, wails escaping her mouth, mucous daring to escape her nose, and air escaping her like she escaped death a second time.

"Katherine, dear. What happened?" Isla asked, worried as she looked over Katherine

She wouldn't say anything, but her wails got louder.

"Mom," Ro said, his eyes tearing up

"Ro, go back to your room. You don't need to see this," Isla said, hugging Katherine to her

Ro obeyed his mom's words and went back to his room. Isla helped Katherine to the couch and stroked her hair, shoulder, and back while she cried her heart out.

♧♧♧♧♧♧

Katherine has her head in Islas lap as Isla stroked her hair like a child. Katherine finally calmed down after what felt like a century. Her throat, eyes, and chest burning while Isla comforts her.

"Katherine, what happened?" Isla asked

Katherine didn't say anything and stared blankly at the wall.

"Please Katherine, I need to know what caused you to be like this. I worry about you," Isla said, her eyes tearing

"He's going to leave me," Katherine said after what felt like an hour

"Who? Nathaniel," Isla asked

"Everyone leaves me. I can't bear with more pain," Katherine's throat burned even more

"We haven't left you. We're always going to be here for you. And Nathaniel will be too," Isla reassured Katherine

"Don't lie. Everyone eventually leaves me when they tell me they love me or begin to have feelings for me," Katherine said, her hands turning into a fist

"You can't let the past define the future, Katherine,"

"How can I not? I lost everyone I love before I was queen, when I was Queen, and-"

"But not after. This is your new life to live as Katherine Marie Lynch or just Marie Lynch. This is the present, you should be endearing every moment to the fullest," Isla said, moving a piece of hair that fell in Katherine's face

"He told me he loved me and he wants to marry me," Katherine said

"And you left, right?" Isla asked, Katherine nodded

"I... just don't know if I love him like how he loves me," Katherine sobbed

"Hey, hey, it takes time. Just think about your feelings, only yours. If he comes, I'll tell him, you just need time and he'll understand," Isla said

"Do you think he'll really understand?" Katherine asked

"Yes, he's been understanding for a while now, don't you think?" Isla said

"I hate myself for doing that to him, but I need time to think," Katherine said, looking up at Isla

"Don't be. Now, go get cleaned up. I need help in the kitchen," Isla said, patting her stomach

"Alright," Katherine sniffed, sitting up

♧♧♧♧♧♧♧

A week past since the confession. Katherine thinking nonstop if she had feelings for Nathaniel and what would happen to them if they did date.

Katherine was outside of the house, sitting on a chair, she bought outside. 'I wonder how Nathaniel is doing?' Katherine let out a sigh.

"Katherine, are you okay? You've been sighing nonstop," Ro asked, stepping out of the house

"No. I think I messed up my relationship with a man," Katherine said, covering her face with her hands

"You mean Marquess Nathaniel?" Ro asked, Katherine nodded

"Well, he's looking at you," Ro announced, Katherine's head snapped up

"Where?" Katherine looking around, trying to search for him

"Come on." Ro said, grabbing Katherine's hand and yanking her to stand up and walk

"Where are we going?"Katherine asked, trying to match his pace

"Nathaniel." He said

Katherine didn't say anything. She allowed Ro to dragged her. Multiple thoughts coming to her mind. 'Will Nathaniel want to see her?'

"Katherine, we're here," Ro announced

Katherine looked up at the sign, Hooldens Bakery. She looked at Ro and nodded his head. They walked inside, Ro holding the door open. Katherine looked around and spotted a dirty blond head, who's owner was hiding behind a newspaper.

"Ro, go buy some sweets and drinks," Katherine said, handing him money

Ro left and Katherine made her way to the newspaper man.

"Nathaniel?" She asked, her hands sweating

The newspaper came down. Katherine's eyes widened and stuttered out a 'sorry'. She walked back to where Ro was, but her heart pounding super fast. Why was Ko there and with dirty blonde hair? Katherine was taken out of her thought as a hand captured her arm. She turned her head to the owner and her eyes widened.

"Nathaniel," she breath out

"My Kat," Nathaniel said, a smile spreading on his face

She broke out of his gaze and looked back at Ro, who was stuffing his face with sweets.

"I'll meet you at the apartment. Ko is here," Katherine whispered, yanking her hand out of Nathaniel's grip

Nathaniel nodded and Katherine went over to Ro, who waved at her, "Now, that's a lot of sweets?"

"You say I can get whatever I want,"

"I did, but you do know your mom is going to kill me,"

"She wouldn't have to know. We'll bring sweets for her, so she wont get angry and ask to many questions,"

"You're right. First, let's try to finish all these sweets then we'll see what we can buy,"