The Bastard Queen ✔

XXXX.

"Wow," Ro said, staring at Katherine

"Is that good wow or a bad wow?" Katherine asked, posing in front of the mirror

"A good wow," Ro said, nodding his head

"Okay, now that we settle on a dress. Let's get going. We have to study," Katherine said, going back into the room

"Are you sure, Katherine? Mom and Marquess Nathaniel don't want you to push yourself," Ro said

"I'll be fine, Ro. I don't need to worry because I have my hero here right beside me," Katherine said, poking her head out the curtain

Ro blushed, "I'll protect you and the baby, Katherine,"

"I know, you will,"

♧♧♧♧♧♧

"You seem eager," Katherine raised her head and saw it was Linda, the librarian

"Of what?" Katherine asked

"About the history of medicine,"

"Oh, yes. I heard that the plague is making its way back, so I wanted to learn more about the disease," Katherine stated

"I heard that the people ill aren't responding to the vaccine,"

"Probably the disease mutated,
"
"Yes, that could be a reason or that there isn't any more vaccine left,"

"Huh? Why would you think that?"

"Let me assure you that, I'm not picking favorites, but when Queen Katherine III ruled, she devoted her time and effort into finding a cure for the plague and she did, but many people still lost their lives. Now, that Queen Kana I is ruling, I've heard rumors that she tampered with the vaccine when Queen Katherine was alive," Linda said

"W-who said that?" Katherine asked

"They are just rumors. Nothing that should be worried about, but it...comes back to mind," Linda said

"Thank you for telling me that, Linda. I wonder why I never heard that,"

"Only a brief know, but I think it's getting around,"

"I hope there's still a cure or they start developing one,"

"Yes, only time will tell,"

♧♧♧♧♧♧♧

"Nathaniel, I said I'm fine," Katherine groan

"Kat, you shouldn't overwork yourself,"

"And how am I, Nathaniel? I'm just walking to the library to educate Ro and myself, there's no overworking myself,"

"Kat...,"

"Nathaniel, I know you're worried. I'm worried too. I-I... just can't have you worrying about me every minute, it personally adds stress,"

"Katherine, I just want you to feel at ease,"

"Don't worry, Nathaniel. I am at ease. I'm carrying our child which is dangerous since Kana wants me dead,"

"I'll keep you and our little angel safe,"

"How? I know you'll protect us, but how. We can't be seen together,"

"I have someone looking after you," Nathaniel admitted

"What!" Katherine exclaimed

"Kat, I know how you feel about this, but you need to understand that I want to keep you safe," Nathaniel crouched down in front of her, placing his hands on her knees

"I understand and thank you for telling me right away, but you need to understand that I'm not a kid. I know how to protect myself and not to overwork myself. So you don't need to worry about me,"

"Katherine, I'm always going to worry about you. Now, that we had this talk. Let's go out to eat. I'm starving," Nathaniel patted her knees and stood

"Wait, no. I still want to know who's following me," Katherine said, standing up and grabbing Nathaniel's arm

"That's for me to know. Now, let's get going," Grabbing Katherine's hand and pulling her to the front door

♧♧♧♧♧♧

"A Kake udon, dumplings, and Kagoshima ramen. Enjoy," The waitress said, bowing and walking off

"If you want some of my food, ask me. Don't just - Hey, what did I just tell you!" Katherine said, hitting his chopsticks with hers

"Sharing is caring, " Nathaniel smiling widely

"God, why am I with you?" Katherine groan, popping a dumpling in her mouth

"You love me. Now, feed me a dumpling," Nathaniel opened his mouth

"God, I'm already carrying for a child," Katherine giggle