Chapter 3

Surprise

Koniggratz, Imperial Capital

Imperial Palace

6:00 A.M.

Letting out a tired sigh, Katherine sipped more of her coffee before putting it down on her table. Closing her eyes, she slightly leaned back and deeply inhaled, stopping the urge to slouch or pinch the bridge of her nose, she remembers the words her mother would always say 'A noble woman does not slouch or show that she is distressed, she must always show the highest degree of composure'

But it was just so tempting, she was sore, tired and drained. The events that happened a few hours before had finally caught up with her and it struck in full force. She had bags under her eyes – concealed with slight make up – she also had to control her temper, she noticed that even the most trivial of mistakes would easily irritate her and she would snap at the closest person in the area. Letting out a quite sigh, she just wanted to go back to bed and sleep, she would rather be with her husband waiting for him to wake from his slumber.

She lets out a soft smile, taking comfort in the fact that he was out of "danger" letting out a small laugh remembering when Dr. Von Muller suggested that Whilhelm was fine enough to be transferred back to their bedroom. She vehemently denied it at first, arguing that he should stay in the medical wing so he can be closely monitored. The Dr. argued that with Whilhelm's improving health he would be more comfortable waking up in their bedroom, it would also show the high council that Whilhelm was in no danger and the talks of succession prevented. She Begrudgingly agreed to it but emphasized that he be closely monitored, or she swore she would have their heads…well she didn't exactly say that last part, but it was clear what her intentions were.

Her mussing's were interrupted by a knock on the door, fixing all of the papers in front of her and composing herself she let out a calm "Enter"

As the doors open she saw that it was none other than Georg the head of all the servants of the palace, as he strode to her table she in turn stood up "Your Majesty" He said while offering a bow, she curtsey in return, as they finish with their pleasantries, she gestures for him to sit, while she does the same.

"Your Majesty all the preparations are complete" He states confidently "The conference room is ready for her Majesty's audience; we have made sure that all communications equipment from the radios to the television is set and the breakfast is all prepared"

"Thank you, Georg, you never disappoint" she says giving a tired smile, Georg slightly bows in thanks and takes in his Monarch, if one were to look closely, one could find what was being hidden by the façade the Kaiserine was putting up and it filled him with worry.

"If I may speak your Majesty?" He asks gently, she looks at him, eyes having traces of red in them, she nods to him and gestures for him to continue "Would her majesty be interested in some breakfast?"

"Thank you, Georg, but I can eat with the ministers and my advisers later on" Came her soft reply.

"That may be so your Highness, but her Majesty might find herself…distracted later on" He says the last part gently, still aware of the Kaizerine irritable state. As Katherine looks at him, she was about to reply when she stops and considers his proposal. Seeing her Monarch not rejecting the idea, Georg continues on "If her Majesty would like to have breakfast with her guests, would she consider something lighter perhaps?"

Katherine for her part would have loved to eat something, all the recent events had drained her completely, but she slightly glances at the paperwork in front her, a look not missed by the head servants' keen eye. She exhaled quietly, as much as it was tempting, she still had do all this paperwork and a lot of them cannot be delayed any longer, steering herself 'The sooner I get this done the better' She says to herself and adding 'I have managed for the last few hours, what's a 1 or 2 hours addition going to make' She says satisfyingly, as she turns to Georg he didn't need an answer as her face said it all.

"Thank you for the offer Georg but I will – " grumble…Katherine stops herself midsentence at what was obviously her stomach, hey eyes slightly widen and her cheeks slightly flush "Very much like to have some sandwiches and marmalades" She continues immediately after lapsing for a moment in voice of finality to it.

Georg for his part blinked several times, breaking himself from his reverie he offers a slight bow while saying "Of course your majesty" Standing, he continues with "What would her Majesty like in her sandwiches"

"I will leave that you" She says evenly, composing himself Georg bows and mentions he will bring them at once "Also Georg" The head servant stops mid stride to look back at his monarch "Can you get me more coffee" she says kindly with a smile but Georg could see for what it was, it was slightly forced and the look she was giving him was hard and comes with a clear message of warning, Georg for his part understood completely and offers his best smile he could muster and bows, leaving without another word. As he closes the door to the Monarchs office, he closes his eyes and swallows a lump in his throat he didn't know was there.

The other servants around him were giving him questioning looks and worried expressions and were about to ask what happened when he cut them all with "Ready an assortment of sandwiches, marmalades and more coffee for her Majesty" the servants look at each other in anxiously, worried that the Kaiserine was still angry, Georg waves at their concern and adds "Her Majesty is just tired and…cranky" he whispered "and would just like some refreshments…for the day ahead"

As he encourages everyone to go about their tasks Katherine was in the office with a hand pinching the bridge of her nose, etiquette be damned she was the Kaiserine for Gods sake! Bad enough that everyone knew how she acted a few hours before, now the actions she was showing was unbecoming of her position!

Closing her eyes and inhaling deeply, she tries to calm herself, she allows herself some respite. Slouching and cradling her head with her hand all the while massaging her temples, she couldn't stop but think about her current…predicament.

As word of what happened to the Kaiser spread, the panic that ensued was both surprising and concerning. Just as she was leaving the medical wing after seeing her children off, she immediately received a letter for succession, well technically the letter contained everyone's "concern" and the motion for opening a discussion for succession would be brought up later on.

It wasn't something she could scoff at, succession rights were already discussed but with the…less than stellar relationship of her first-born son the crown prince with the high council meant if it ever did come to that, the high council will do anything not to crown Frederick as the new Kaizer.

Stopping herself from groaning, she is once again reminded of how precarious her family's position was. She could not allow anymore lapses happening, she could not and will not allow the opposition from getting any more ammunition to be used against them.

Composing herself, she looks out the window deep in thought. She had to do something about the council, their existence jeopardized a great deal of what this family had worked on up to this point, granted not all them were as heinous. The original purpose was in fact rooted to noble beginnings, but like a great many things that were intended for good it eventually turned a different path.

They originally existed with parliament so that if there was a weak willed or indecisive Monarch they could step in and rule "in behalf" of the current Kaizer or Kaiserine, but the main issue was that they sometimes would disapprove or counter the things the current monarchy did if they felt it didn't benefit them in the end.

Clenching her jaw and grinding her teeth, she will find a way to have that office abolished if not on her time then her sons and daughters will continue her cause.

Her musing's gets interrupted with a soft knocking on her door, composing herself again and making sure she's using her most "Regal" posture before she says a soft "Enter"

The door opens revealing a maid pushing a small trolley with tiny chrome domes on top, as she stops in front of the queen she curtseys, and Katherine stands to the same. Opening the domes and revealing the sandwiches that was inside. As Katherine sits back, she continues with her paperwork while waiting for the maid to finish her preparation she continues to finish her coffee.

"Your Majesty" The servant says just as she finished placing a plate with sandwiches and marmalades on the table, Katherine offers her thanks and asks for more coffee. Refilling her cup and placing the silverware, she curtseys – to which Katherine responds in kind – and she leaves the room.

Setting a napkin on her lap, she proceeds to pick her 'Reuben' sandwich and with a motion practiced and refined countless of times, she gently takes a small bite. As she continues with her little snack with grace, Katherine goes back to her earlier thoughts.

Undermining the high council was difficult but not impossible. They held a lot of political power, the office was made up of Dukes, Duchesses and other high-ranking nobles of every state that made up their Empire, The High council participates in legislation, alongside Parliament, the directly elected representation of the people of the Empire, with laws affecting state competences and all constitutional changes requiring the consent of the council. For its similar function, the office was effectively the upper house of parliament and was effective in basically making the Monarchs nothing more than figure heads…if needed.

Their government was unique, they ruled an Empire sure, but they were made up of a federation of different states, they were also a constitutional monarchy. The High council was an oligarchy, its positions were passed on hereditarily and the presidency of the council was held by the standing Monarch. The last part of their government was the people's assembly or parliament.

She had to be careful, removing the council was dangerous and unconstitutional. They could easily depose the current Monarch and with the help of parliament elect a new one, either by the next of kin or another noble line. The office was important in keeping their Empire together, she had to find a way to replace it…well…there was no rush.

Sipping her cup of coffee from a humble and simple canteen, she blinked and she didn't know when she got it out or ordered the maid to pour coffee in it. She smiles, caressing the numerous dents and scratches, a symbol of her struggles and experiences. It was always used in times of great distress, like her current predicament – or the war. She laughs remembering how the people around her - especially her parents – thinking in concern on how she was too attached to it, but Whilhelm didn't mind…he found it endearing.

Her thoughts were interrupted when the phone beside her rang, wiping her hands and clearing her throat she picks up the phone and plainly says "yes – "Before she could continue she could hear the deep frantic voice of the person on the other line trying to explain something but was speaking so fast that he was jumbling a lot of the words and could only understanding a few, she recognized him to be as none other than Prime Minister Emil Gotha. A man who is 40 years of age, spending 20 of those long years wholeheartedly supporting her and her husband in their efforts of guiding the Empire through challenging times.

A liberal who is a popular figure in their party and begrudgingly respected by the opposition. He was known for his blunt attitude, being one of the only few people who would bluntly say 'no' to their face. He was an avid supporter to those who could convince him of their cause but was a staunch opposition to those who couldn't and from the sounds of it he was in great distress, which worried her, he was known to have a steady head, so to hear him like this meant something very concerning. She was about to tell him to slow down when the word "Mobilize" were mentioned.

As soon as she hears those words her stomachs drops…an attack? Here? Now? But who? Why? And how?...no…NO! This had to be some joke some cruel joke, why would they have to be attacked now!? But as she thought about it, it made sense, a storm just passed, and they haven't even known the full extent of the damage yet! As she continued to listen to the prime minister, the things she was hearing were making her angry, confused and…scared.

"Wait!" She shouts on the phone and quickly standing up causing the chair to fall down, the succeeding crash was completely ignored "How do we even know were under attack!?" She asks just as 2 of her guards come in to see what was wrong with their sovereign, and the moment they heard that there was an attack made them draw stop midway.

"All of the frontline troops we have are being mobilized and a large number of our reserves are being called up in haste" Prime minister Gotha replied panicked "We have been receiving reports that the order directly came from the Feldmarschall and has given similar orders to mobilize the Air Corps and the Naval Air Service".

As she hears this a myriad of emotions appeared. First of confusion, then disbelief, then finally anger. She was angry, everything has been going downhill! the storm had caused some still unknown damage, her husband is recovering but is still in a state of danger and now they were being attacked!

"Prime minister have you tried to reaching the Feldmarschall or any of our generals"

"Not yet your Majesty, the order was given just a few moments ago"

"I will get in touch with the Feldmarschall personally" She states firmly "Prime minister just proceed as planned, the empire has survived before it will survive again"

"Of course, your Majesty, I will keep you posted…Fur Thron und Reich!"

"Fur Thron und Reich" Katherine says firmly in return, putting the phone down and proceeds to sit back down – her chair being fixed upright by the guards – deep in thought, she was wondering what would they do now, she knew they could hold, they have invested much on their defenses and just like before they would weather out the storm and strike back with a vengeance.

Just as she was about to pick up the phone, she gets interrupted when one of the palace guards barged into the room without permission, purposely ignoring the 2 guards with their weapons raised towards him.

"I bring urgent news to her Majesty!" The 2 guards immediately lower their weapons; passing by them the one who just arrived went straight in front of the Kaiserrine immediately saluting and awaiting permission.

"What news do you bring that would require you to come to my presence with such haste?" She asks evenly.

"It's Kaiser Whilhelm your Majesty" Katherine stiffened on her seat, suddenly waiting in anticipation. She was about to ask what has happened to her husband when the guard continued with "He is awake now your Majesty"

It didn't take more than a few seconds of silence when it was shattered by the chair suddenly being pushed again and the rapid steps of the queen immediately followed seconds later by the palace guards. As they reach the hallway outside Katherine wanted nothing more to run but years of training was keeping her in check that and as well as the promise not to give any impression of weakness, but that was not what she was holding back that was difficult, it was that her eyes were red and misty and as they reach her bedroom the guards immediately secure the hallway outside, while Katherine proceeds inside her bedroom without preamble as she looks around, she could not see him on the bed and was about to ask when she noticed the window door of their balcony was open, slowly walking to the door she took one look outside and when the moment she set her eyes on him she couldn't hold it in any longer.

Pain…pain was the first thing he felt when he started getting his senses back. Opening his eyes, he could see a dark blue ceiling, groaning he tried to get up but immediately stops as more pain shoots through his body "Ugh…Damn"

He whimpers, looking around he saw that he was in a very…odd room, it looked posh and…large…the window leading to the balcony, the double oak doors, cabinets of pristine white, the walls were painted a light blue and white stripes on the edges lined with…gold?

Groaning again he tries to remember why he was here…'remember…what was the last thing that you remember' He says to himself, lying back down – finally noticing the soft mattress and pillows underneath – he closes his eyes as a satisfying sigh comes out of his mouth. The pain he was feeling made it hard to think but the level of comfort, God was it DIVINE!

Slightly shaking himself – much to his frustration – to avoid falling asleep, as tempting as it was. He thought back to what lead him…here. Thinking hard through, the headache, he remembers his frustration with his article and how much he'd like to strangle his boss…the odd storm…storm…His eyes widen in realization, He tries sitting up but stifles a yell, biting his lip so hard he's starting to taste blood. 'Okay bad idea…very bad idea' he reprimanded him for the unwarranted punishment it was enduring.

He opens his eyes…tears forming up, he looks to his side and finds a night stand – if he wasn't in so much pain, he would have appreciated the craftmanship on it. He sees a glass of water and some…medicine? It confirms his suspicion…'God how long was I out' he thinks, he remembers collapsing on the floor…clutching his chest. Sitting up slowly on the headboard he cradled his head.

With the new vantage, he looks around more thoroughly, confusions etched on his face…this wasn't a hospital room…everything around him…the furniture, architecture the absolute grace and…majesty of it all…he felt very out of place, Thinking on how he was even here and this is definitely not a hospital and even if it was…there was no way both him and Kate could even afford to be inside this!...also where was the myriad of medical equipment?

"Kate!" He says outload, God he had to get back to her…tell her he was fine. He slowly moved to the edge of the bed and sat there, putting his feet on the floor and trying to ignore the soreness still permeating his body, he grits his teeth and tries to stand. Taking some support from the nightstand – he would have admired the carpentry if he wasn't preoccupied with something else – and drinking the water placed there. Quenching his thirst, he guides himself with the wall careful not to push it to hard he tries to go to the double doors. He really needs to exercise more, the only time it hurt like this was when he was being pushed by his trainer when he needed to get some muscle on his bones…the only difference? That left him sore for days…this right now made it feel like his chest got hit with a watermelon propelled a giant slingshot!

As he was guiding himself to the wall, when he noticed a door slightly open revealing a large room and inside was something he would have to admire…lacquered oak walls, a book shelf that literally goes to the ceiling. Paintings, vases, sculptures…decorations of all shapes and sizes occupy every single corner and space that was available, which made him realize something. The…bedroom he was in was similar…just with less sculptures and paintings. Curious he steps inside – careful not to fall down and accidentally break anything here…he could only imagine the cost of a single one of these things…'probably more than my apartment' he states in his head.

The room was well lit coming from a small chandelier, there was no windows. At the center of it all was a massive oak table 3 meters in length and behind that was a large map of sorts, depicting a country he has never seen…but oddly familiar…all of these thing…all of it…only adds to his confusion. Questions start appearing…how…what…why, he kept repeating those questions like a mantra.

Moving in…he's not sure why he stepped inside, nor can he tell why he was so curious…there was something about this place that was giving Deja vu…"I know this place…but where" He was sure he wasn't in some kind of hospital, this was clearly an office but what kind of Pysician would have all this.

The more he took in the things in the room and the actual room itself…he can't let go of the gnawing feeling at the back of his head…'it was probably the headache' he thinks, as he moves towards the desk. Some of the papers were strewn about, someone was here before. He was about to drop the papers to avoid getting into trouble when he saw the words on it.

"Succession letters?" He whispered in confusion, reading further he noticed the words 'succession' and 'throne'. '…was to be moved from the Kaiser to the Kaiserine' This was just getting more weirder the longer in got, as he checked the rest of the letters he realized something that they all had in common, getting all the papers and arranging them he noticed that it was all written in "German…" he whispers.

Looking down in disbelief, the revelation was starting to scare him…he wakes up in neither a hospital or his bedroom…the room he's in looks very familiar and now he can start reading German…a language he has very little knowledge about and to top it all off, all the letters are addressed to this Kaiser or the Kaiserrine, if he was to guess was their bedroom and…office, but that wouldn't make any sense…Germany was a Republic, it was no longer a Monarchy and why would there be both a Kaiser and a Kaiserine, hell why was he even here…at the bedroom of an…Emperor and an Empress.

Gulping at the sudden revelation he slowly puts everything back, the last thing he needed was upsetting whoever these Royals were, he turned around and carefully walked back to the door, he was about to get out, when he noticed the mirror at the back of the room and what stared back at him made him freeze.

He just stood there, unmoving, paralyzed like those being struck with the mystic arts. He looks back and no…no one else was in the room. His eyes going back to the mirror, his eyes meet the gaze of a man clearly in disbelief, walking towards the mirror he raises his hand to which the figure in front of him imitates, he tries touching his face and sure enough he could feel the rough edges, the scars and the…age that the mirror was revealing."Whilhelm?..." he asks.

The movement of his mouth is copied in front of him, his eyes grow in shock. Walking to the mirror he notices his…avatar walked closer as well, stopping closely at the mirror he wonders, was he playing the game? No the sensations all felt to real…and the realization slapped him hard on the face and he felt it, the realization of everything he saw…everything around him. The bedroom, the office the weird looking paintings and maps.

It finally made sense, everything around him…it was from the game 'Bloodlines: Path to legacy' but why would he be playing the game? Or more accurately why was he in the game…everywhere he looked, everything he touched and…felt was real… too real. The pain that was ever evident reminded him of that, stepping away from the mirror he took a closer look at the room around him. A small feeling was growing inside him, one he chose to ignore…for the moment.

This was his office – well his avatars office – he looked around. The culmination of the hundreds and hundreds of hours of playing was now revealed to him, oh he saw this same exact room countless of times, but no amount of high resolution could capture the amount of detail that was present to him and this was just an office… he started going around the room checking every nook and cranny. He slowly walked back to the bedroom, gritting his teeth a bit with the pain of every step he took.

Shaking his head, he almost stumbled going out the door. Moving – slowly – he got out of the office and proceeded back into the bedroom and stopping, he once again looked around with scrutiny and a small sense of awe, the feeling inside him was starting to grow.

As his eyes trailed everything in the room it eventually moved back to the bed…the bed where he – Whilhelm slept in with his…wife…the Kaiserine, where he made decisions that his character – before – made where it eventually lead to – stopping that train of thought, he closed his eyes and shook his head, it's impossible. There was no way he could possibly…this has to be a joke…a dream…that's right this was a dream, people still experience pain even when they were in a dream…right? Maybe this was why Kate didn't want him playing it so much, the fact he dreamt of this and not of Kate and his home worried him. He nodded to himself, he was going to wake up now, any moment and he'll be in a hospital bed, where Kate was probably waiting for him all worried to death, he smiles at that.

As he guided himself with the wall, he proceeded to go back to the bed. He couldn't wait to tell her about this, she'll probably laugh at and with him…although it did remind him of the novels he read when he was a kid; letting out a small laugh he remembered this one novel –

He suddenly felt a surge of immense pain that hit his body luck he was shot. Eyes closing, face all scrunched up and clutching his chest, he let out a soundless choke; he didn't notice his sudden loss of balance; one of his legs gave way as if they turned to liquid. He fell hard onto the edge of a small table and worsening the already unbearable headache and the objects on the table came crashing down as he did.

He was still clutching his chest and he felt as if he was being crushed and he was slowly curling into a ball.

"YOU'RE MAJESTY!" The shout cuts through the entire room as 6 members of the Royal Guards burst from the door. Upon seeing their sovereign, they immediately rushed to his side and cautiously carry him to the bed while one of them tried to stop the bleeding he had received from hitting his head. While the rest of them proceeded to secure the bedroom, the same person who shouted when he went inside said "Get the doctor, quick!"

As one of them is seen running out the bedroom in haste the other guard for his part was getting more and more nervous by the second, a feeling mirrored by his fellow brothers and sisters in arms. When he was told he was guarding the Kaiser, he took the job with great zeal, he was nervous at first, he first heard of what happened with the Kaiser a few hours ago, and just like the Kaiserines reaction they all took it in differently, some in disbelief and others shock.

He was just moved from the medical wing of the palace – with great reluctance from the Kaiserine. The job itself was easy, they were to just guard the Kaiser and make sure if there was anything wrong with him then they were to get the medical staff immediately, but just like everything in life it wasn't to be. They weren't just guarding the most powerful man in the empire but one that – if the rumors were to be believed – almost died and is still in the stage of recovery, therefore his safety was paramount.

No one reiterated this than no other than the Kaiserine. What happened last night spread like wild fire, especially as to how their normally stoic Kaiserine…unleashed herself, it did give her a newfound respect from everyone – albeit everyone in the palace would try and steer clear of her…everyone can tell that even with the recovery of the Kaiser the Kaiserine was still apprehensive about his situation. Everyone in the room had a look of fear to anxiousness as the realization of what happened slowly crept in, each one of them stole glances from each other. At best they could get reprimanded for allowing the still recovering monarch from getting injured, they would probably be reassigned to some back-water outpost in the southern deserts or the cold Nordic peninsula and they would prefer that because if the rumors were to be believed then it's not the high council or their officers they would be worried about…it's the Kaiserine.

"How's the wound?" One of the guards asked

"Nothing to bad Sargent…he won't be needing any stitches, but…"

"But?"

"He would be getting a scar"

The Sargent nods, a scar is better than a concussion, but then again what difference would that make when they are – no he was to report to the Kaiserine herself. Shaking his head slightly and putting that train of thought at the back of his head, he'll face that problem later on, until the medical staff arrives, he needed to know if their Majesty was feeling anything in order for him to inform them.

"Your Majesty…are…are you alright?" He waited for a response but got nothing in return "Does his majesty need anything? A cup of water perhaps?" The question was still met with silence as the minutes grew and still not getting any response from their dazed monarch, they were starting to get worried for both him and themselves.

Will for his part was staring out into the distance. Everything he was seeing was supposed to be impossible…how does this place does, NPC's of a game come to life! And how did he transform to his avatar! He started pinching himself hard…trying to wake himself up from this sick joke.

He was stopped by the guards looking at him in concern and was about to ask him to stop when he indivertibly yelled "Let go of me!" the effect was immediate, those that were restraining him they immediately pull their hands back as if they were burned. Everyone took 2, 3 steps and they all stood ramrod straight. Fear etched on their faces. Quickly seeing his error, he quickly states "No – stop – stand…stand down – I…I didn't mean to snap at you all"

They all relax a bit but keep their present or parade stance, quickly trying to stand he asked them again to relax…to which they did with some reluctance. He apologized deeply and tells them to just…leave him be. They hesitated with that command but after saying it again, they relent and proceed to stay put. They see him stand and proceeds to walk to the balcony and was about to follow him when he gestured them not to.

So, they did as they were told and guarded the door outside the balcony. This left Whilhelm to his own devices, as he proceeds to the balcony, he could see the morning sunlight shining bright and true, its rays took some time adjusting to and he took his arm and tried to shield his eyes, as they slowly adjusted to the brightness what he saw next literally took his breath away. Out there in the horizon was a sprawling city separated by a large river. From here he could see the buildings stretched out for miles in both directions when he looked. A mixture of the Gothic and slightly modern architecture of the late 1920's. Any doubt that this was coma induced dream was quashed, and by God how weird it sounded for him to wish it was one.

God…if everything he was seeing was real, then that would mean he was the MOST powerful man in all of Europa. The realization made him queasy, he felt his legs buckle and tries to support himself up with the help of the balcony, the immense weight of a literal country on his shoulders. The realization was hitting him all at once, millions upon millions of people on which he once controlled in a game turned real. Also remembering the immense holdings, he had, he remembered he based this country like the German empire but unlike that empire this was bigger…far bigger. Shaking his head and letting out a small laugh at it, he controlled a land mass similar to a continent.

"By God" He just can't believe it, tears slowly form in his eyes as another realization hit him, he's no longer at home, he's no longer going to see friends and family, he's no longer going to see his beloved Kate…He stifles a small cry…God what did he do to deserve this. There had to be a way home…there had to be, if he was taken from his world to be transported here…in this joke…then surely, there was a way form him to return home…his real home.

His musings get interrupted by the sounds of shoes hitting the marble floor, as he turns to meet his visitor only momentarily knocked of balance but quickly regains his footing, his eyes widen in shock and disbelief, standing right in his arms was none other than the person he took care of when all of this was still a game, her blue eyes filled with tears, unrestricted and were freely going down her aged but still beautiful face. One hand covering her quivering mouth while the other was clutching his chest. The dress she wore hugged her curves beautifully, amplifying her physique and her golden hair flowed freely in the breeze.

Frozen in shock he could see her face and eyes full of relief, joy and…pleading? She just stood there looking at him. She was about to speak when he cut he spoke first "Katherine?..."

Hey guys sorry for not updating this story, there was a lot of things that came up. Rest assured though that the next chapter is going to be posted soon.

As you can also see that I just split the 2nd chapter in two, I felt it was to big and I'll be making a new point of having my chapters having no more than 8 thousand words.

I tried to fix all the grammar in the story as to the best of my abilities. Once again see all you soon.

Comment and Review 😊