~Karl~
"Do you really want to be with me forever?" I asked suddenly.
Katrina's eyes widened in surprise. She hesitated for a moment, then nodded shyly, looking away.
I felt it.
Lord Rowland had been right all along. He told me Katrina was in love with me, but I had doubted him. Now, I had my answer.
What am I supposed to do?
My gaze traveled over her, taking in the way the sheer fabric of her dress clung to her body. Her hardened nipples pressed against the thin material, tempting me. Her waist, delicate yet enticing, begged to be kissed. Every inch of her was an invitation, and my body was aching to accept.
But then, her words echoed in my mind—forever.
I could never give her that.
Pain tightened in my chest as I was reminded of the truth. I would soon turn twenty-five… and die. There was no escaping it. The signs had already started—my forbidden face, my inability to have children, and the worst of all, the final countdown to my death.
Katrina could never be mine. And since she wouldn't bear my child, after I was gone, the next king—Prince Elvin's father—would force her to marry his son.
I wished there was a cure. I had tried everything, searched everywhere, but nothing worked. Then, I saw her heal that boy in the village square. A spark of hope had ignited inside me.
Maybe she could save me. Maybe there was still time.
But what if she couldn't?
"Are you doubting my words?" Katrina's voice pulled me from my thoughts.
I had completely forgotten where I was, forgotten that the moment between us was hanging by a thread, ready to burst into flames.
"No, my dear," I murmured, gently tilting her chin up.
I kissed her, her lips warm and impossibly soft. I wanted more. I wanted to lose myself in her.
But not tonight.
She was sick. And my mind was elsewhere.
I kept kissing her, exploring her mouth, savoring her warmth. She opened up to me, her hands sliding over my back. I knew what she wanted.
Her soft moans filled the air, her eyes shut, lost in the moment.
Then, I stopped.
She opened her eyes, disappointment flickering across her face as I pulled away and sat back on the bed.
"You're still not well," I said, rubbing my forehead. "You need rest, not this. I don't want to wear you out before morning."
Katrina frowned, clearly unhappy with my decision. I wanted this too—God, I wanted this more than anything—but her health came first. Nothing else mattered.
"I'm sorry, but you need to rest."
I shifted to the edge of the bed, frustration weighing on me. If I had protected her from Fortuna, she wouldn't be in this state. The blame was mine.
I had ordered that Katrina not be harmed, yet Fortuna disobeyed me. Her actions were a clear challenge to my authority. She would pay for it.
"Did I do something wrong?" Katrina's voice was barely above a whisper, fear laced in her words.
"No, you didn't," I turned to her, touching her foot gently. I smiled, hoping to reassure her. "I just want you to get better."
I stood and walked to the door.
"Are you leaving?" she asked softly.
"No." I shook my head and unlocked the door. The maids were standing nearby. I ordered wine, hoping it would calm my restless mind.
When I returned, Katrina was already drifting off, her body curled against me. I held her close, running my hand along her back, trying to comfort her.
Then, I felt it.
A rough patch of skin. A scar.
It was large, noticeable even in the dim light.
I hadn't paid attention before. How had I not noticed this?
I didn't want to wake her, so I let it go—for now. Tomorrow, I would find out the truth.
The wine arrived, and I drank in silence, watching over her as she slept.
Katrina slept peacefully, like a child. Watching her, I wished—just for a moment—that I had children of my own. That I could hold them, soothe them to sleep, and watch over them like this.
She looked even more beautiful with her eyes closed, her face calm, her body relaxed. I sighed, walking over to the bed and gently covering her with a blanket. I needed to stop thinking about having her tonight.
I stayed up all night, watching her, thinking about her. She was different. Unlike the women before her, she awakened something in me—something no one else ever had. A warmth, a peace.
She was my calm in the storm.
Morning came faster than I expected. I hadn't closed my eyes once. My mind had been restless, searching for another way to break my curse. What if Katrina couldn't heal me? There was no other solution. No escape.
At dawn, I left the room.
As I walked through the courtyard, I spotted Fortuna sitting near the entrance. She pretended not to see me, but I knew better. She was waiting. She knew I'd pass this way.
"Fortuna," I called.
She flinched but quickly masked her surprise with a smile. She was a good actress, my queen. And now that I had chosen Katrina over her, she was angry.
"Your Highness, forgive me… I didn't see you," she curtsied, forcing a polite smile. "Good morning, my husband."
I nodded. "Gather the family. We're having breakfast together this morning."
She hesitated, her eyes searching my face as if looking for an explanation. "Did something happen?"
"You heard me. And make sure the concubines are well taken care of," I added. They wouldn't be joining us at the family table. "That's all."
I turned to leave, but she suddenly reached for me.
"Your Highness," she whispered.
I stopped.
Then, she hugged me—tight, desperate. It should have softened me, but it didn't. Instead, it irritated me.
"Please," she murmured against my chest. "Forgive me, my husband. I can't find happiness like this."
For a moment, I felt a pang of guilt. But I needed her to understand the weight of her disobedience. She knew the consequences, yet she still tested me.
"Let go, Fortuna," I said, gently pulling her arms from around me. I stepped aside. "I'll see you later."
She was breaking inside—I could feel it.
But I walked away before I did something that would make her believe she had won.