AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It’s a new foreign world I find myself in.
One that holds no light to it even if the blazing sun reigns in the clear, blue sky.
I cried myself to sleep last night, something I hadn’t done since my mother died. I cried so hard that Anya and Inessa could hear me in the next room, preventing either one of them from getting a good night’s sleep. When both friends sneaked into my room, each one laying down beside me in my bed, I couldn’t help but cry even harder.
They whispered words of solace, even if in the moment, I couldn’t find any. They whispered words of hope and courage, knowing full well my heart had grown deaf to such sentiments. They tried their utmost best to rein in my suffering, and it was for them that I got out of bed this morning, willing to try.
Or at least pretend.
Teo sent his man, asking me to accompany him to break his morning fast.
I refused.
He then sent him again around mid-morning, asking if I cared for brunch.
I declined again.
Then noon came along, and with it another invitation, this time to lunch.
I just shook my head, unwilling to even make up an excuse.
So when the orange pink hues of sunset began to color the sky, I was already expecting the knock on the door. Only this time, instead of his man, Teo came to me himself.
“Are you well, Your Highness? Do you feel ill at all? I can call my best physicians to come to you if you’re feeling unwell,” he says, concerned, as he scans every inch of my face to find what ails me so.
Unless there is some remedy that can mend an aching heart, I doubt any physicians would be of use to me.
“I’m fine, King Teodoro. As I’ve said, I’m weary from my travels and need a few days to restore my strength. But don’t be distressed. You shall have ample time to entertain your queen,” I reply coldly, before going to close the door.
To my chagrin, Teo presses his hand on it to avoid me shutting it on his face.
“If sore bones are all that is at fault, then I must insist that my servants take you to our baths. There you will be able to soak those weary bones, while they massage your body with the sweetest smelling southern oils. I assure you, after a few days, you will be as good as rain.”
“I’ll think about your offer, King Teodoro.”
“Fuck, kitten.” He starts to chuckle, his amber eyes sparkling at me. “When did you start being so damn formal? It’s me. Teo. Remember?”
I’m about to put him in his place. Tell him that the only thing I remember is that even a king should not talk to me in this manner. Should not use such an intimate nickname when addressing me. But then my memory flies back to the past, when I cursed Levi for doing the same the first time he entered my tent.
All words fail me, turning my back to Teo so that he doesn’t witness the agony I’m in.
He lets out an exhale as I walk over to one of the many open windows in my room. Now that the sun is saying its farewells, there’s a light breeze fluttering through the large room. Still, it’s a poor imitation of my northern winds that I miss so much.
“You must eat, Katrina,” Teo says sternly after a pregnant pause. “You must eat. You can stay in your room for however long you wish, but at least eat.”
“I’m not hungry.”
“I don’t fucking care. You’re going to eat and that’s the end of it,” he orders with a bite to his demand.
I spin to face this king who thinks he can order me around.
“I may be a guest in your home and kingdom, but, Teo, don’t confuse things. I am still your sovereign and queen. You don’t order me; I order you.”
“That! That right there. I need to see more of that queen, because she has been the one who I have missed all these years. The one who believes herself to be equal to a man.” He smiles so widely that it splits his face.
“I never claimed to be your equal and that’s because I’m not. I’m more,” I rebuke with a coldness I haven’t felt in weeks.
Teo bites his lower lip as if my reply pleases him too damn much.
