**
Chapter 35
~Fortuna~
His words cut through me like a dagger to my heart. The king had never spoken to me like that before. I knew he was angry, but hearing those words shattered something inside me.
And to make it worse—Marissa was standing in front of Katrina's door. She saw. She heard. Even though she pretended not to, I knew she did.
I stood frozen, watching as the king walked away. Breakfast with the family? That only happened when there was something important to announce. My chest tightened.
The concubines and servants weren't allowed at the royal table, which meant Katrina wouldn't be there this morning. No matter how hard she tried to win his heart, she would never be his wife.
A slow smile spread across my lips at that thought.
I turned and walked into the hallway, calling for Angelina.
"Gather the maids," I ordered. "Breakfast will be a grand banquet today. Everything must be perfect."
If the king wanted us to sit together, I would make sure he was impressed by my efforts.
As the maids hurried to prepare, I made my way upstairs.
Katrina was still in her room.
Maybe it was time I paid her a visit.
**
~Katrina~
I woke up hoping to find the king beside me, but he was gone. He must have left while I was still asleep.
Disappointment settled in my chest as I sat up. That's when I noticed her.
Queen Fortuna.
She was sitting on the sofa, sipping the wine the king had ordered last night. He never finished it.
"Look who's awake," she said with a laugh, pointing at me. Her voice was light, but her eyes burned with something else.
Last night, she was furious. Now, she sat here laughing, acting like nothing had happened.
My stomach twisted. Why was she in my room?
"Good morning, Queen Fortuna," I greeted, keeping my tone respectful. I refused to be like her. "Why are you here?"
Her smirk grew. "Don't be rude. You spent the night with my husband, yet I'm not asking you any questions."
I clenched my fists. Of course, this is why she came. To remind me of my place.
"Well," I said calmly, "I didn't force him to stay."
Her smile faltered for a brief moment before she scoffed. "Wear something proper."
I looked down at my nightgown, then back at her. If she didn't like what she saw, she could leave.
"No," I said, crossing my arms. "I'm in my room. If you have a problem, you know where the door is."
Her face darkened. I reminded her of his infidelity.
She stood up, smoothing her dress. Still, she wouldn't look at me.
"There's a family breakfast," she said, her tone sharp. "You are not invited. You and the other concubines will eat in the garden."
I raised a brow. "And why must we eat together?"
She rolled her eyes. "So you can gossip, of course."
I smiled sweetly. "Then I'll have my breakfast here."
Fortuna's grip on the door tightened. "Tell that to the king," she snapped before slamming it shut behind her.
I wanted to go after her, but that would be disrespectful. She was the king's wife, after all. I wouldn't humiliate her again… at least, not openly.
Turning to the window, I noticed the garden being prepared for breakfast. Fortuna wasn't lying about that. But what bothered me more was why the king wanted me to join the concubines.
She had said there was a family breakfast—and we weren't invited.
I told myself I didn't care. But deep down, I wondered what it would be like.
I had yet to meet the rest of the royal family. Maybe I never would.
A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. Marissa entered, followed by a few maids, all moving in a hurry.
They greeted me quickly before getting to work.
"My lady," Marissa said, placing a silk dress on my bed. "You'll wear this purple dress for breakfast. The queen mother requested that you look elegant—because you'll be introduced to the rest of the family."
I stared at her, confused. Had I heard that right?
"What do you mean by meeting the rest of the family?" I asked, my heart pounding.
Marissa smiled brightly. "You're invited to have breakfast with the royal family. The queen mother sent me to get you ready."
"You don't mean it?" My voice came out in a whisper. Fortuna's message was different. She made it clear—I wasn't invited.
There was no time to dwell on it. I hurried to take a quick shower and changed into the dress. The makeup artist applied light makeup, and before I knew it, I was ready.
As I walked toward the main palace, my maids trailing behind me, a mixture of nerves and excitement swirled inside me.
Fortuna was going to be furious.
And for once, I cared less.