The characters from the game belong to Capcom. The OC's and story plot belong to me.
A/N: I'm not english native speaker, so you might find some typos or grammar mistakes, I do apologize for that.
A/N: Contains some sexual content
21st Century
Museum of Art of Bohma
Piers Nivans turned his face again to the painting of Katarina wearing a sumptuous long golden half-sleeved gown with a revealing cleavage. Her long dark curly hair and a golden tiara on top of her head and gold jewelry as if she was belonged to royalty as she held a long golden scepter with an imposing figure. Her eyes were fiery.
"Comparing her to a monster is an exaggeration for me…" he spoke to himself with a mix of feelings
"Didn't you hear her story?"
Piers looked to the side as he heard a voice that belonged to an old man next to him who was looking at the painting with an unreadable gaze.
"I'm sorry for listening to your conversation with your friend" the old man apologized with a kind smile
"It's alright. We're in a public place after all…no secret told…" the young man replied
The old man continued smiling until his face turned to the painting once again. The smile immediately faded from his face.
"You think she's a 'monster' too?" Piers couldn't help to ask
"Oh boy…There's so much you don't know about Katarina… that pretty face hides so much poison… Surely she did great things, especially for women's rights…but even her embraced cause for feminism seemed blurred in darkness…"
Piers let out an annoyed sigh as he rolled his eyes. Another one against Katarina. The man should shake hands with Chris.
"I don't know her history but I do know that back in the days the moral of society was darker… Not that the morale nowadays is that great either…"
"Tell that to the people who lost their lives because of her"
"Human rights didn't exist in those days… the history is full of killing and murders for the smallest reasons…"
The old man stared at Piers, studying him, reading him. The young man's words and posture got his attention. Somehow that seemed so familiar to him, "There's logic in your words and no doubt you have reason in saying that… I must say that if I hadn't just met you in this century, I'd say you somehow remind me of Pierce Northman…" the man pointed to a solo painting of the late man wearing a sumptuous military outfit indicating his high ranking
Piers looked at the painting with a strong mix of feelings. Mesmerized but at the same time a strong and strange sadness.
17th Century
Just right after the sunrise, Pierce Northman was lying on his bed with Katarina lying on his arm and her face resting on his chest as they talked after a wild and pleasant night. He caressed her arm while she caressed his abdomen. The scent of her skin drove him crazy and even after 18 months since Christopher's death and nearly one year since he and Katarina had their first night, he still felt incredible and sometimes unbelievable that Katarina was his now. A thought that seemed to be unlikely for so many years. Impossible as Katarina always demonstrated her favoritism for Christopher since the very first time her eyes laid on him, while Pierce felt the same way towards her since his eyes laid on her in that day in the garden of the king's castle. An impossible future now was bound to happen as they planned together every detail of their wedding that will happen after his next trip.
"Do you really have to go?" the brunette woman spoke with a whiny tone as she passed her fingernails on his skin, immediately causing him shivers
"Yes, I do… I serve the king…wherever he goes, I go too…" he replied with a sigh
"I do not like when you go on such trips"
"Why?"
"Besides that I miss you and get worried about your safety… you know now I Hate being left alone since the Duke… and well… you were and are the one with me all this long. I fear losing you, my only support now…" she hugged him tight
"You still have your family too…"
"You do know that is not true! You know my father nearly despises of me since he learned I am not pure anymore and thinks I did kill that Rantallion! And my mother is a stupid submissive who goes on whatever my father believes! I only have Elizabeth… who is not that much of a support with her tendency to submission as well!"
"She's not that submissive. She did speak out on your favor in the trial"
She gasped, "About that…but the other things she nearly helped condemning me for being a passionate woman!"
"I don't think you'd be condemned for being a 'passionate' woman. The law has changed a bit on that…"
She lifted her head to look at him making a face, "Not enough! and why the hell are you defending her?"
Pierce had a puzzled face, "I'm not defending her. But I think you're being unfair with her for saying that"
"Unfair?"
"Yes! She said no lie about you!"
"She almost portrayed me the wrong way!"
Pierce let out a sigh. Pointless continuing arguing with Katarina, she had made her mind and nothing would make her change her point of view on the matter.
"I have to go now..."
She held him tighter, not letting him to move further. He looked at her. His Ambar-eyes met her dark-honey pools who looked at him attentively. She was too proud to say 'I'm sorry', but her face expression demonstrated it. In fact, she didn't want to continue arguing with the one who had saved her and lied for her sake. The only one whom had ever proved his love for her and she was grateful for that.
"Do not take too long…" she spoke in a whisper
"You know that's not up to me"
"I know, but the king suggested our marriage. He should value the set date. I do not want to postpone it…"
"Me neither"
She passed her leg over his hip and sat on top of him. Her breasts at his view. She leaned down planting kisses on his neck, nibbling his skin as she adjusted her folds on his bulge, "Do you think the king can wait a bit more?" she whispered on his ear and then licked his skin
Pierce's body immediately shifted and his shaft filled her making her moan with the complete fill stretching her. Reconciliation intercourse.
"I love you Kat…"
"I love you too… Pierce"
"I can't hardly wait to be your husband and walk proudly at your side…"
O'Gregon Palace
"Look who crawled out of their grave… A bad penny always turns up."
Those were the words Lord O'Gregon welcomed his daughter Katarina as she entered their home.
The brunette woman slowly let out an annoyed sigh, keeping her contained composure while her blood boiled in her veins. The chaos was instated since the Duke's death which caused a huge disappointment and frustration on the O'Gregon family head due to the loss of the possessions Katarina would acquire with the profitable marriage. Greed turned into resentment and the man made sure to throw it towards the only one – ones – to blame, Katarina and Pierce.
Saturated with the situation, Katarina had left their palace to live with Pierce which caused another scandal. How could a woman move in with a man who was not her husband yet?
She didn't care about all the talk. She loved Pierce and thanks to him she was still a free woman. Independently of her corrupted reputation, she was tired of being the perfect china doll. She felt she had the right to stand up for her own rights and wishes. Luckily, she had Pierce on her side. Not that it did matter.
Since her departure, she rarely paid visits to her family. Her mother – a coward submissive – preferred to take her husband's side. Not that it did matter either. Katarina had never been close to her mother due to their divergences and point of views. Actually, Katarina despised becoming a woman like her mother and general female society. Katarina was the beautiful black sheep of the O'Gregon's and as an older sister, she tried to teach her sister not to be like their mother. Somehow, her influence did work a little on the younger O'Gregon who was the only one she did care and made the effort to face the demons her parents had become to her.
"Did you see how he treated me? This is the last time I come to visit you here! I do not have any more patience to deal with that and if a next time exists, I will blow out!" the brunette O'Gregon huffed
Elizabeth looked down, "I'm sorry… it won't happen again" she spoke apologetic
"No, it will not!" Katarina agreed, "So… did you finish what I asked?"
"Yes. It's on the mannequin"
Katarina looked at the window direction of Elizabeth's chamber and smiled largely when she removed the cover on the mannequin and saw a sheer lace robe covering a tiny black lace lingerie, "The best craftswoman in town!" she spoke delighted with the work that was exalt as she had imagined to wear on her honey-moon
The blonde O'Gregon blushed in nervousness, hoping no one would enter her chamber and see the little fabric she made for her sister, "I took longer to finish because you know… I had to make it hidden to avoid questionings and all…"
"Yes my beloved sister, I understand! I waited patiently and you made a terrific work! Thank you!" Katarina spoke radiant stepping closer to her sister to give her a hug of gratitude
"I hope Pierce will like it…" the blonde spoke looking away
Katarina laughed, "I am sure he prefers me wearing nothing, but certainly that will tease him!"
Elizabeth smiled faintly. A forced faint smile, "So… two weeks huh?" she swallowed, "Two weeks for you to become Lady Northman…"
"No! I will not be Lady Northman"
Elizabeth widened her eyes in surprise, "Won't you? Meaning…?"
"I will continue being an O'Gregon wether people like it or not! I was born an O'Gregon and will die an O'Gregon! That is my identity!"
The blonde let out a sigh as her heart's pace diminished. For a second she thought Katarina planned in skipping the marriage with Pierce as well, "So you won't add his surname?"
"I may add, but I will not use it"
"People will still refer to you as the Northman's…"
"O'Gregon-Northman, I will make sure to correct them!"
"I see…"
"Now my sister, I have to go. I am still going on a trip to the Lake Province. I heard there are beautiful and different adornments there, not to mention I need to refresh my mind a little."
"Do you want me to go with you?"
"Do you have permission to go out with me for such distance?"
The blonde girl looked down in hesitation. She had her doubts on the permission.
"Next time I will take you with me, and I will take my order with so no one will question you!" Katarina spoke looking at the mannequin
Soon after, the O'Gregon sisters said their goodbyes and then Katarina entered the carriage that parted to their destination.
Lake Province
The Stafford's rose with the sun early in the morning to start their regular routine of breakfast and home chores.
Christopher Reed was preparing his horse to leave. He would still have a long way back to the Peasant Land where he preferred to stay in safety and also to continue the construction.
"Chris"
The man turned around and smiled to Angelique who was carrying a package in her hands
"I made this as quick as I could! I know you have a long journey ahead, so I cooked this for you"
"Thank you Angely" he replied with a tender smile, "You always thinking of the details and taking care of me…" he took the package and kept it on the bag on the horse, "I so want to kiss you!" he spoke with a giggle
She laughed nodding in agreement, "It's been a while, huh!"
He nodded, "Do you think is there any problem on a quick peck?" he commented whispering making a face looking to the sides
"I don't know…"
"We are officially engaged now…"
"I don't know Chris…" she spoke apprehensive, "Just a quick one, right?"
He nodded, "Just for a goodbye…"
Without asking for further permission, Christopher lifted her chin up gently and kissed her lips. A bit longer than planned. He loved kissing her lips and they always caused him a mesmerize. He actually loved the all of her.
"Bitch!" From the upstairs window, the stepmother cursed as she watched the couple bitterly. She couldn't listen to them but still despised the scene. The stupid girl felt that man's lips and probably the all of him, "Virgin…Virgin is my…" she smirked envying the thoughts that formed in her mind. Especially after seeing him the previous night and how stunning that man's body was. She was much more of a woman than the stupid redhead!
"Watch the child for me. I need to go to the market" the woman spoke to the maiden hurriedly walking to the door as she knew Christopher was leaving the property. Taking the advantage that her husband was isolated in the library, she didn't bother to inform him her whereabouts. Angelique returned to her bedchamber to continue working on the special painting giving the final touches.
Lake Market
"Does the lady think we will spend the night here?" the coachman asked as he opened the carriage's door for Katarina
"I do not know. Probably"
"I'm going to find a place for the lady to stay the night then"
"Yes, you do that and pick the finest and cleanest one!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
"Hum, this place is not that bad…" Katarina thought as she walked slowly looking at the tents and stores, "It's better than the Peasant's…" she made a disgusted face as she remembered the location
The shoppers tried their best to catch the noblewoman's attention. It was evident she was an outsider and wealthy, not to mention her distinct beauty and elegant posture. Some could even mistake her with a royal member due to her mannerisms.
Katarina loved the attention and laughed inwardly. She couldn't let they know they had gotten her full attention with all the courtesy and compliments. She felt lighter in that place, just like back in the days before the Duke thing. The time when not rarely she had more attention than the queen and her daughters. The tragedy had marked her path in the court, but still kept a place for her due to the high reputation of her husband-to-be.
However, here in a different place and atmosphere, she felt her old freedom. She felt the claim. She felt her superiority and that made her feel extraordinary. She felt special. She felt important. She wanted that to last forever.
She pretended to ignore the men's courtesies and flirts. Ah! Just like in the old days! And as a matter of fact, there were some cute men there, but of course none of them were at the level of Pierce. There should have a superior one to make her do the trade, but that seemed to be impossible. Although that didn't mean that the possibility they couldn't bring or give any quick fun to her was discarded. She still was a woman full and needy of love. If men had such liberty, why couldn't she have it? Just because she was a woman?
She continued walking the shops. Not missing any detail or possible target, besides the real reason for her presence there.
She stopped by a clothing and jewelry shop. Quickly, a female rushed to the door, "Look who is passing!" one of them spoke in excitement calling the other ones.
Katarina made a face marveling their behavior.
"He was here yesterday…so polite and…" a female commented
"So handsome!" the other female spoke delighted
Katarina could not hold her curiosity and turned around. Who could possibly be the man stealing all the attention from her?
Her mouth opened widely. Her heart nearly popping out from her chest. Her legs nearly sustaining her weight. Her eyes widened. She could not believe her eyes! The most precious jewelry, the monument in person riding his horse still keeping his imposing composure. So handsome. So god-like! Unmistakably that was him, the one and only!
"Christopher!" she yelled still unable to move
(*)
Christopher heard a female voice at distance and helplessly looked to the sides looking for the female calling him.
That proved to be a big mistake. Or so he felt that way. From the horse, he watched the crowd opening space to the elegant woman running on heels to his direction. His mind froze at the sight of Katarina O'Gregon.
He could see on her face the tears, the large smiles, the confusion. The mix of feelings. The famous elegant noblewoman – and his ex-affair – sobbing, hugging his leg speaking repeatedly, "You are alive!"
Oblivious to the amount of people watching them as if they were watching a play, Christopher and Katarina exchanged gazes for the first time after 18 months and three weeks. Nearly 19 months of his decreed death.
From some distance, the stepmother watched the whole scene. Many thoughts crossed her mind. The elegant lady did seem to be at the level of that man, and not the stupid brat living in her land. She wondered who that woman could be, despite the evident fact that they seemed intimate as the noblewoman hugged his leg and he didn't seem to bother.
An evil face formed on her face as she had a thought.
(*)
"Who are you?" that was all he could think
"What do you mean who am I? It is me, Katarina!"
He made a face as if he didn't recognize her. A lie. A farce. He knew very well who she was. Impossible to forget her strong French accent and perfect speaking manner.
"Come on Christopher, do not play the dumb with me. I am Katarina O'Gregon!"
"I don't know any Katarina or you. Excuse me, I have to go!"
She held the horse, "You do not belong here. You belong to the Court!"
"You must be mistaken milady. Now please, let go of me"
"I will never let go of you! Ever again! I could never be mistaken of you Christopher Reed, not me! You will return with me to the Court. That is where you live and where everyone is waiting for you!"
"Lady, I'm not going anywhere with you! If you don't let go of me, I will end up hurting you"
"So hurt me Christopher! Prove me you are not the gentleman I met!" she made a pause with a saddened gaze, "And loved…"
He stared at her for a few seconds. The fatidic night. It had been so long ago, but still felt like just yesterday. A night that seemed unlikely to be forgotten, especially from her side.
He couldn't take the risk to let his play fall, but he also couldn't allow himself to hurt her physically, "I'm not your Christopher, but I'm educated enough to not hurt anyone deliberately!" he spoke jumping from the horse and walking away
Katarina followed him and grabbed his arm, "Chris…"
"Don't touch me!" he shouted taking his arm abruptly from her hands, "Go back to your court and leave me alone! I won't respond for my actions if you continue chasing me!" he spoke fiercely
Looking around, everyone watched them in silence. Some even pretended to not be paying attention. Katarina hated being the scolded publicly. She couldn't stand such bad attention in so low way, after all, she was superior and could not allow herself to be the joke of the crowd. Ashamed and feeling humiliated she consented with his freedom.
Christopher walked back to get his horse, rode it and left without looking back. Inertly, he was in despair. He knew his free time was ending. More than never he should rush things with Angelique.
"Chris, what are you doing here? Why are you like this?"
"Angely we have to go!"
"Why?"
"I just had an encounter with Katarina… We don't have much time. I know she will tell the king who will send rescue troops to find me… please, let's go!"
(*)
The stepmother watched the commotion delighted. Christopher wasn't the man he said he was and more importantly, there was another woman in his life. Taking advantage of the moment, the woman stepped closer to the paralyzed noblewoman, introduced herself and cynically showed compassion for her and did everything she could to console the crying lady in a private area of the plaza.
"Is he your husband?" the Stafford asked in curiosity
Katarina shook her head, "Engaged, but then we split because of a few things… But we were going to work on things… so he was declared dead… Now I found him and he does not remember me!" she spoke in between sobs
"I'm sorry to seem nosy but let me ask… did you split because of another woman or something?"
"No… why? Is there another woman in his life?"
The older woman made a face with a consenting silence
"Who is she?" Katarina asked broken-hearted
"My stepdaughter"
"What? And you are here 'consoling' me? What kind of witch are you?!" Katarina spoke revolted
"I'm not a witch. I am a woman, who seeks for the best interests, especially my stepdaughter's. I think they are together for about a year, but only yesterday, she introduced him to the family. I even feared she might be pregnant since they have hurry to get married…"
"No! She cannot be pregnant nor marry him. He is mine!" the noblewoman spoke outraged
"That's why I'm here talking to you. I knew from the beginning he wasn't a man for my stepdaughter and I was the only opposite to their union, but now with you… we can stop them. My husband is a just man and I'm sure he won't allow his daughter to marry your man…"
Without any second thoughts, Katarina agreed with the woman's plan and after finding the coachman, they headed to the Stafford's manor.
"What? What a story is that?!" Mr. Stafford shouted astonished after listening to his wife's statement
"It's the truth my beloved husband. I admit I followed him, but it was for a good cause. I can't explain the feeling I had… but it proved to be the right action to make. Now we know who Christopher really is and that he belongs to the present noble lady"
"Call Angelique!" the man asked the maiden
"She's not home milord"
"Where did she go?" the man asked infuriated
"She left with Christopher a while ago. He returned to pick her up"
"What?" the Staffords' and Katarina yelled simultaneously
The man beat the table furiously. Katarina's legs failed to sustain her and she sat on the settee
"Of course he would pick her up and run away with her… He is the man of strategies. He anticipated this would happen…" Katarina spoke in a seemly admiration, "Bastard!" she added bitterly
"Chris, can we make a break here? I don't feel well…"
Pierce was in his carriage on the way back to Bohma, admiring a fancy diamond ring. Not any diamond ring, but the ring that was in his family for generations. A gift from an old important queen to a female ancestor of his. The tradition was passed through generations as wedding gifts and now it would be him to pass on that tradition. His mother gave it to him as she didn't bore any female heir and he was the eldest of three men. Not even with his current status in the king's court, he could never afford such adornment. Katarina had expensive and high tastes. Nothing was simple with her and that ring suited her. She had the soul of a queen.
That ring was kept in secret as part of the Northman's fortune and as his ultimate love proof, he decided to give it to the woman he most loved and his soon wife to be. Nervousness and anxiety took over him with the thought. He hoped Katarina would like it.
.
.
"The man who most loved Katarina for who she was…until the day she betrayed him too…" the old man spoke
Rantallion - A weirdly specific Victorian word meaning "one whose scrotum is longer than his penis."
Thank you Herpderp for the review! :D
Well, well, well... Once upon a time, the drama had started
and with this, all the boom!
xD I can't help the song that immediately plays in my head every time I think of "once upon a time". If you have curiosity of the rythm of my failed attempt to write/sing my own lyric...
"Once upon a time, we had a lot to fight for
We had a dream, we had a plan
Sparks in the air, we spread a lot of envy
Didn't have to care, once upon a time
Once upon a time, we used to burn candles
We had a place to call a home
The dream that we lived was better than divine
Every day was like a gift, once upon a time"
It's called Sail Away - The Rasmus
And now that I searched the lyrics, I can see it fits the chapter O.O that wasn't on purpose lol
Here we are half the way to the end of the 17th Century... Now it's all about the drama. Hold your hearts and like my friend Herp said, better read next chapter in a bathtub to fill it up with the tears :(
I have already cried a full river and we are on the way to fill an ocean :(
Ok maybe not...I'm the sentimental one here xD
Once upon a time... Stay Tuned!