The characters from the game belong to Capcom. The OC's and story background 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.
Somewhere in Bohma, Daylight
Katarina was standing before a mysterious man as they talked in a low tone.
Katarina made a face, "I have to admit that you know me better than I expected."
"That's indeed. And that's why the biggest concern is the advisor and not your husband."
"That moron!"
"The moron that has keeping eye on you, attentive to your moves, and more… to the secret chambers."
"So he knows already…"
The man nodded in agreement
"Even if he says anything to my husband…"
"He won't say anything! Not until he has proof of such accusations, in the meantime…"
"In the meantime what? Why taking so long to schedule the march over Edonia and ascend to the throne?"
"Because I don't have enough men for such investment and I'm certain is not so simple and demands to be planned and executed in details in its own time"
"If my husband finds out… he will never forgive you"
"Exactly and that's why everything shall be calculated with extreme caution, after all, it all have to look like I'm respecting the Pact of Peace your husband proposed and not attacking their king during the next conference…"
"Alright… let it be… so the next step is to convince my husband of such importance…"
"And our alliance will be stronger… and the victory will be on our side with your husband in the front line" the man spoke with mischief and stepped close to the woman who stepped away quickly
"Stay away from me! You have no right to touch me!"
The man grinned, "That was not the case a decade ago…"
"Get over it"
"I can't when your presence is so constant and no one seems to ever forget their first time…"
"It was my first time too but I do not keep thinking of it when now I am happily married!"
"Still I can't help but wonder how it would had been if we had married as years pass and you just keep getting better just like wine!" he spoke with a tease
Katarina smiled and then stared the man. He tried, but he couldn't read what was behind her eye. Mona Lisa's smile. He knew Katarina too well to know beautifully evil she could be. How cynic she could be. And as years passed she had definitely improved such skill. He was a man used to read people and tell what they wished to hear. That was a trait he and Katarina shared, the ability for acting. Dissimulation. Convincing. Ambiguous.
Katarina was dangerous and precious like a crystal. Influential. Extremely important to have her by his side.
"Thank you." She replied with a kind smile and left the location first
Castle of Bohma
Katarina walked hurriedly through the corridors of the castle on her way to her chamber, worried that Christopher might have noticed her long absence.
She turned a corridor and heard a laughter. A female laughter coming from the library. She stopped immediately and hid behind the wall. The door was half open. She gave a peek to see who it was. Immediately her blood boiled. Her hatred gaze focused on the noblewoman wearing a green gown, visibly comfortable and happy in the presence of no more no less than Christopher.
She inhaled deeply, but her wish was to run immediately to them and ruin their pleasant moment. The more she watched, the more corrosive was her hatred. They were really very comfortable in each other's presence. Privacy.
She squeezed her hands. She could hear her own heartbeats. Tormented heartbeats.
"So Lady White is his new adventure! Bitch!" she thought bitterly.
There was a while since she stopped having intimacy with Christopher due to her current condition. They still shared the same bed, but he no longer had sight of her skin. Apparently, her man couldn't keep his dick into his pants anymore. Her legs started trembling in nervousness. She couldn't stand the thought of sharing him. She wanted to get in! ah she so wanted!
She so wished she could expose the damn bitch and have her dead. She's so love to see the damn bitch dead! Or any other that'd come to her way. To her man!
But she couldn't. She couldn't expose the bitch. She had no evidence of their affair. Exposing her would mean to expose him too and there would have consequences for him. Probably death penalty wouldn't be applied to him as he was a man, however there would have consequences that she wasn't willing to go through right now. She was too sensitive for that. She couldn't torture herself any longer watching them. She had to recollect herself and think her next action. And reaction. Silently she headed to their bedchamber.
(**)
"I really like talking to you Cath. Time flies when I'm with you, but it's getting late and I need to go back to my wife before she misses me too much"
"I understand Chris, I'm a married woman too and I don't want people to say untruths about us because of our friendship"
"I know. People can be very mean and spread in the wrong way that will be damaging for both of us"
"Exactly"
"However we should continue this discussion some other time, I did like your point of view on that matter of the book"
The woman smiled graciously, "I liked your point of view too"
(**)
She walked hurriedly. Each step heavily. Some tears escaped her eye line. Still, she didn't cry.
She entered the chamber. Her maidens were occupied watching her children, or she thought so. She heard a noise coming from the balcony.
"What are you doing here?" Katarina yelled as she crossed the balcony's door and saw her daughter Madeline
"I…I'm just… watching the view…" the little blonde girl replied scared
"No one enters my chambers in my absence! You know that!" the woman yelled out
"Pardon mother" she replied trembling to her feet. Anticipating her mother would beat her – as the usual.
"You only do stupidity. You are my greatest stupidity! Only serves torment me"
"Forgive me mother. I won't do that again…" the girl started crying
"Cut the crying stupid girl! You annoy me! Get the hell out of here bastard!"
The little girl quickly obeyed and ran towards the chamber's door. Crying. Feeling like trash. Her mother was a monster to her. Her youngest sister was never punished when she did wrong things. Why was she so different?
She turned a corridor and sat on the ground, hiding her face between her arms and knees. Crying. This time her mother didn't beat her, but that didn't diminish her sorrow.
She heard footsteps.
"Maddy?"
She heard the salvation voice, "Daddy!" she yelled in relief and hurried to his embrace. His loving embrace.
"Why are you crying?" Christopher asked softly
"Forgive me daddy"
"Forgive you for what?"
"I…I entered the chamber…" she spoke hiding her face on his chest
"What chamber?"
"Your chamber…"
"And is there a problem?"
She hesitated to answer
"Did you break anything there?"
She shook her head in denial
"So why are you crying for that?"
"Mother… she didn't like it" she spoke hesitantly with her voice trembling
He frowned not liking the image forming in his head, "Did she punish you?"
She shook her head again, "She yelled and called me stupid and bastard" she bursted into tears
Christopher inhaled deeply, hugging tighter, comforting the little girl. His precious girl, "You're not stupid my love. You're daddy's precious princess" he spoke lovingly as he continued hugging the little blonde.
Christopher Reed did love his children. All of them. He'd do anything to protect them and even give his life for them. However, somehow Madeline had a special charming on him. Her purity, her sweetness, her innocence. She was like the angel Angelique had sent to him to heal the wounds of losing the love of his life. Madeline – Maddy - then became the new love. The father love.
After comforting his little angel and taken her to her bedchamber, Christopher's face expression suddenly changed as he closed the door. Inhaling deeply, he thought of all the things the child had told him. Apparently, Katarina had been mistreating her again. No one would harm that little angel or any of his children, much less Katarina O'Gregon. He didn't fear her. He always faced her. He always imposed before her. And now that wouldn't be different. Maddy needed him.
Walking hurriedly to their chambers, he opened the door abruptly. His blood boiling. He was ready to confront Katarina once again.
"What the hell…" Katarina snapped when she heard the loud noise on the door, immediately seeing Christopher with a very serious demeanor.
"What the hell what?"
"Why did you enter that way? You want to scare me out…"
"You thought it was Maddy again? Were you ready to beat her this time?" he yelled angrily
"What the hell are you saying?"
"Don't play the fool on my Katarina! I know what you've done!"
"What she has done? What about what You have done?!" she yelled back
"What I have done?" he spoke in confusion
"Yes you bastard! You!"
"What have I done for you to throw your anger on an innocent child?"
"Now you play the fool on me…" she smirked
He stepped forward to her and stared her in the eyes. Both exchanging gazes of hatred. Animosity. Anger. Beastly. Though in a different connotation this time.
"You have been warned Katarina… I told you the next time you mistreated Maddy, I'd take her with me and leave you!"
"To be with your mistress?"
"What mistress?" he spoke puzzled
She smirked, "I saw you together… having a good time… imagine the scandal when the Grand Duke Reed would be exposed after leaving home, his prestigious faithful wife and some of their children to be with his married mistress? That would be awesome huh! The one who was supposed to give a good example would in fact give a good example… a good example of a bastard unfaithful liar!"
"I have no married mistress… it seems you're talking about yourself!"
"Myself?"
"Yes, Katarina O'Gregon. You! You're so proud of yourself… but I know what you have done!"
She swallowed, keeping her composure as much she could. Her heart pounding in her chest that seemed to explode any time with the tension.
"What are you talking about?"
"The bastard…"
"Albert's case again?" she spoke starting to feel dizzy
"For how long will you continue this play?" he leaned close to her ear and whispered, "This lie?"
She remained still as she felt her legs starting to weaken
"Trying to play the fool of me?" he continued
"I am not feeling alright…" she spoke holding her forehead
"Huh, how convenient! To fall sick when confronted with the truth"
"I really am not…" she didn't manage to finish her line as she suddenly lost her conscience
With a quick reflex, Christopher managed to hold his wife's body, preventing her fall.
"Kat… Katarina?" he tried to wake her up.
She remained unresponsive
"Somebody help!" he yelled placing her on the bed and quickly asked for help.
Running through the corridor he found one of Katarina's maidens, "Do you know if Vladimir is still in the castle?" he asked
"Yes, he is. In the west chambers"
"Go stay with Katarina. I'll go after him"
Talbot's Land
It was George Talbot's birthday. He didn't expect to go back home and find the full house. His brothers, his sisters-in-law, his mother, Angely and Oliver all reunited to throw him a surprise party
"How dare you to do that with me!?" he spoke jokingly
"It was Olly's idea!" his mother spoke
"Olly's idea?"
"Yes. He said his papa deserved a party like his on your birthday"
"Oh really?" he spoke smiling to the boy who nodded back to him in confirmation, "How not to love this boy!" he added as he knelt in front of him to give him a long hug
"I hope you liked it…" the boy spoke
"I loved it! Thank you son!"
Angelique watched the family celebrate the occasion happily. She was so happy. A happiness she had felt a long time ago when her mother and grandmother were still alive. She never had the full house for a party or a birthday, but the unique presences of those two women were more than enough for her to feel like being part of a family.
Long time ago they had left her alone as fate had called them to watch out for her from the sky as her guard angels. During all those years she had celebrated a birthday once… During the time living with Christopher. During that year together, they had celebrated each other's birthday together. She still remembered how caring and special he made her feel that day. The promises exchanged. And the day they conceived Oliver. She still remembered something different had happened that birthday. Back then she didn't understand it, but forty weeks later she had the answer. Oliver was her birthday gift. The best gift she ever got. She loved him immensely and she just wanted him to be happy.
Since Oliver became present in her life, she became a stronger woman. A braver woman. She no longer was the scared sheep among the crowd. She still remained a reserved person. She still remained a painter that was slowly getting more ascension in her then hobby. Now she was the official painter of the royalty of Bohma - and just to imagine that once Christopher had told her to use her gift to make her living. Apparently she had been followed all Christopher's advises.
But now she wasn't the seventeen-year old girl. She was twenty-four years old now. A complete woman.
It was time to stop living by the shadow of the past. Her past.
It was time for her to give a better definition to her life, just like she did to her portraits. Slowly and carefully she should design a better path for her. The pursuit for the happiness that rarely had been made part of her life.
In six years she had felt the most powerful love of all – mother's love. For six years, her own desires had been postponed in order to give preference to Oliver's. In six years, she didn't feel so alone anymore and had gotten a new family. Maggy treated her like a daughter and Olly like a grandson. In the other hand, Oliver saw them as his family. In fact, they were all of family he had and could relate since she had been banned from her own birth family.
Nearly seven years have passed since she last heard of them. Saw them. The worst memories she had. The wounds that took a long time to heal. Not exactly, her physical wounds, but her soul's. She didn't miss them at all although she didn't wish them any bad luck. She just didn't miss them.
Oliver didn't deserve them as a family!
Seven years had passed since she had seen or have been in the lake manor. She wondered how it would be by now.
The lake manor… the fountain of her greatest wishes. Greatest memories. Greatest times.
The place that no longer was part of her life, but still lingered in her soul. Most probably she will never forget that place.
The moment in the lake was gone… it had to be gone!
Christopher had moved on with his life. He lived where he belonged. To who he belonged.
Silly of hers to ever think he was hers…
She wasn't seventeen anymore. It was time for her to move on with her life too.
In six years, George Talbot grew in her affection. Slowly. Gradually. Daily. A strong friendship that blossomed.
She learned they had more in common than she thought and both shared the same pain of losing loved ones and the love of their lives.
Devotedly George watched out for them. For Maggy. For his family, still he missed having one of his own.
Patiently he took care of Oliver like his own son since the pregnancy when he and his mother saved her life. From starve. From thirstiness. They gave her a shelter that now it just felt like home.
Now time seemed to want to kind of stop in that moment. With George.
He wasn't as handsome as Christopher. He wasn't as rich as Christopher. He wasn't influential as Christopher. She wasn't as beautiful as Katarina. They weren't prestigious as the Grand couple… But she never longed for that!
Her soul remained simple. George was simple despite his title.
He wasn't as caring as Christopher. He was more. He wasn't as passionate as Christopher. He was more. He wasn't dedicated as Christopher. He was more. Above all, George was honest, transparent. Something Christopher wasn't. She always felt that Christopher had something to hide. Back then, whatever he told her seemed to be logical. Six years later now it didn't seem to make much sense. He was running away, hiding.
Question was, hiding from the court or hiding from Katarina? Whatever it was, it didn't matter anymore. They now were public important people. Nothing simple.
Still, she would never forget Christopher. He had the mark to had been her first in everything – and only so far. And that was about to change.
"Thank you for everything" George spoke as they were sitting on the bench in front of the house they lived, admiring the rising moon in the night sky
"Thank You!" the redhead replied with a kind smile
"Thank me for what?"
"For saving me and for being what nobody have ever been to me and to Olly…"
"Nobody has a name?" he asked catching the subtleness in her lines
She laughed and let out a sigh, "That name has been repeated too much for the last six years… it's time to shall fade to black"
He remained motionless
"Once you told me you'd wait. And waited. Once you told me things and fulfilled all of them. You never made me feel led on. You proved you're a valuable man. A good soul."
He held her grip, "I've always wanted the best for you"
"I know…" she spoke closing her grip with his
"I never thought I'd feel this way again… That I'd fall in love again…"
"I never believed that was possible either…"
"In these six years I've had the certainty that you're the most precious woman, alongside my mother, of course!"
She laughed, "Absolutely! Your mother is unique!"
"And in six years more and more I infatuate with you… that sometimes I feel like I'm going to explode with so much love I have within and I so want to share it with you"
She smiled, "I'm ready for it! I want it all with you!" she spoke with conviction
The man couldn't help the large smile on his face, "Want it all?"
"Yes! Everything you have to offer. Everything I have to offer."
"Even a family?"
"Especially a family! Olly is too big and often I have baby blues…and a few times he confessed to me he wants a sibling because sometimes he feels lonely… but that will come with the time. We don't need to be in a hurry either!"
"Of course! I've waited too long to enjoy you for too little time…I want to court you for as long as you want me to, then we engage, marry and then finally start our family..."
"One step at a time"
"Yes, one step at a time!"
The couple shared mutual nervousness. It had been a long time since they had felt the butterflies in the stomach. So long, that they even doubted they'd ever feel those again.
Slowly they leaned closer their faces. Gradually Angelique surpassed the memories of Christopher when he was the one in the place of George. She didn't want it, but she couldn't help but to remember the only experience she had. She had to let it go.
Their lips touched lightly. Gently moving. Awkward as every first kiss.
George was her second man, but he was the first after Christopher…
The moment at the lake slowly vanishing within the new freeze of time.
Castle of Bohma
"Hmmm"
They heard a moan and looked at the bed
"She's regaining her conscience" said Vladimir as he stood on the bed side to check on Katarina
Christopher remained still, only watching from his armchair near the window.
"What are you doing here?" the brunette asked widening her eyes as she spotted Vladimir
"I came to check on you"
She immediately sat on the bed, "Why?"
"You lost your conscience"
"Get the hell out of here!" she ordered him still without seeing Christopher in there. Watching her silently.
"I can see your royal highness is feeling better"
"Yes I am. Get the hell out and never come back! Ah and call my husband…"
"I'm here" Christopher broke his silence
Katarina's lips parted with the scare, "Chris…"
"What manners are those in mistreating Doctor Vladimir for his care?" the grand duke spoke standing up
She cleared her throat
"It's alright your highness, but I'm already used to spoiled brats"
Christopher laughed
"I hate doctors!" she shouted
"You hate doctors or you hate me?" Vladimir thought
"Well, hate or no hate. You need to be examined"
"I do not need to be examined. This mor… this man is not going to touch me. I am fine!"
"So why did you faint? Or were you just pretending to fall sick to stop the argument?" Christopher replied
"I only felt sick. That is all!"
"You've been sick a lot lately. You shall be examined"
Katarina inhaled, contradicted. Not having any option, she only had to obey to her husband's demand.
Vladimir watching the couple's discussion, kept himself in silence. Realizing the couple wasn't in a good phase.
"I don't have much to say about your health besides that it's very often such symptoms in your current condition" the blond man spoke
"What condition?" Christopher asked
Katarina swallowed, holding her breath. Vladimir quickly exchanged gazes with her, noticing her distress. He liked it. It was about time to have in his hands the woman that once reined in his dreams. He couldn't help the thought that she was hiding it because the child wasn't her husband's – again.
"The condition of advanced pregnancy" the blond doctor replied calmly
"What?"
Katarina looked down
"Is that true, Kat?" Christopher questioned her
Hesitantly she nodded in confirmation
"And why didn't you tell me before?"
"You said you did not want any more children…"
"And when did you intend to me that? If you had the intention to tell me anything…"
"I was waiting for the right time"
"Waiting for the right time? When would be the right time then?"
She waited a while before answering him, "When we would be in peaceful terms…"
"Ah, really?"
"You know we have argued often lately…"
"Of course! We have disagreements, especially about our children, in specific Maddy"
Katarina looked briefly at Vladimir who remained in silence during another discussion of the couple.
"If we have to discuss anything, it is better not doing it in front of the doctor who has nothing to do with our situation" she spoke diplomatically avoiding the blond man's gaze
Christopher took a breath. He agreed with her.
"I'm sorry Vladimir you had to witness all of that"
"It's alright. People argue. Especially couples"
"Tell me about it!" Christopher agreed
"I understand you two might be having differences. I myself am married for ten years and I know parents have disagreements about children's education. In my case, I only had male children and that majority of men in the same house sometimes drives my wife crazy. Unfortunately, life didn't allow me to have a daughter so things could be more balanced at home… although I'm sure there's love between you two and you will fix things up for the sake of your children" the man spoke cynically
Katarina smiled faintly. Cinically.
"You're correct. Despite Katarina had hidden such matter from me, I'd never neglect any of my children. I said I didn't plan to have more children, but that didn't mean I'd reject in case of unplanned pregnancy as it's the case now"
"I beg your forgiveness if I took your words too literally… now you know we will be parents again"
After that tense evening, Christopher and Katarina's disagreement was postponed due to her sensitivity in that pregnancy.
Knowing the real motive of her sickness interrupted their postpone to return home. And Katarina so wished for that. She needed to stay away from Vladimir.
In the morning of their departure, Katarina was saying goodbyes to her sister. When she left the chamber, she felt someone grabbing her arm and taking her to a private area.
"Let go of me!" she demanded
"I will let you go, but only when you pay me what you owe me"
"I do not owe you anything! My husband already paid your services!"
"I'm not talking about those services, your royal highness"
"I repeat, I do not owe you anything!"
"Much the contrary milady! Much the contrary… as far as I remember, you keep my blood with you and earlier I managed to take a look in our precious little girl. How beautiful she is… our sin…"
"Shut up! You have no right to speak that way!"
"Why not? I only spoke truths…"
"A truth that does not belong to you! Never did!"
"So you'd better treat her better. I heard you made my little girl cry"
"She is not yours!"
He smirked, "No? Is that the same case with your current one?" he spoke sarcastically pointing at her belly
"This is my husband's child! You heard why I hid it from him… not that I owe you any explanation on the matter either…"
He gave a shrug "But Madeline… Maddy isn't!"
"What do you want?" she spoke feeling cornered
"I want to have the chance to see her closer and see better my genes on her…from afar I could see that we made a very beautiful masterpiece!"
"No way! We had a deal and it is still valid! Your proximity is forbidden!"
"Oh yes, but it's been a long time since we made the pact…it's about time to update some clauses…"
"What is your new clause?" she spoke direct to the point
"So quick and sharp like that?"
"I do not have much time to spend your bullshit. So, say it!"
"Of course. I forgot milady is now a woman full of responsibilities… who'd say I'd see that horny brunette so high in the kingdom…Almost like a queen…"
She slapped his face
"You shall respect me! Watch your mouth in the way you speak about me!"
"I'm sorry… it wasn't my true intention to hurt your feelings…if you have any…"
She rolled her eyes giving him her back
He pulled her by the arm, "You're not going anywhere before listening to me!"
"I heard enough!"
"Not enough! It will never be enough while I keep your little dirty secrets with me! I wonder what would Christopher Reed say if he learned that 'his' eldest daughter isn't in fact his? When she was the bait to trap him! Or more importantly…"
"Enough! Just say what you want!" Katarina shouted
The blond man grinned with mischief, "You know what I want"
"Me? No way! Your party is over…long ago!"
"No…not that. I've had it too much…not a big deal anymore"
Katarina bit her lips bitterly
"Your royal highness is now one of the most influent people in the kingdom. You and your husband only come after the royal family in importance. The higher you go, the more you receive!"
"Money, is that what you want?"
"Yes milady… the only thing that is never too much…the more the better! As you know I have lots of expenses… I have the clinic, my family… I need a monthly salary"
She smirked, "Are you out of your mind? I will not bank you!"
"I wonder what would Christopher Reed say if he ever learned that his stunning current wife in fact ordered the assassination of his beloved late wife? Do you want me to continue unveiling your black list?"
Bitterly, Katarina removed one of her rings. A gold sapphire ring and delivered it to him.
"It is true gem. You can verify later. That is all I have with me. It covers a few salaries, unless you do not waste your money with stupidity, then that will not be my problem!"
"You know this is just the beginning" he spoke with a threatening tone
Katarina stared him. She didn't like his blackmail, but she only had to succumb to his threat. For now. More days or less days, she would find a better way to keep Vladimir silent…Forever.
(*)
The Grand family returned to Baveen. Six months later Katarina gave birth to a blond and brown-eyed boy. This time, the blond child did have Christopher's traits and she made sure to take advantage on that. Once again, she renewed her allegation that Maddy was Christopher's daughter. Once again, she managed to implant the doubt in Christopher's implies that Maddy wasn't his.
Thank you Pin for the review! :D
Thank you for reading this story everyone. I'm glad to say I have rescued the delight in writing, especially this story that is so off to my usual grounds. At least, I feel that way.
We are finally close to the final happenings of the 18th century. There's a lot to come, so we still have some time appreciating the past before we jump to the 21st century. The century that is the harvest of their past.
For now, Christopher and Pierce are the ones who Christ and Piers used to be before becoming the full-time BSAA soldiers. Nearly away from romance, no normal life nor family. Basically, only workaholics.
For now, I'm building the roots of their future personas.
So I won't prolong myself too much and as the usual...
Stay Tuned!
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Current Models for the 18th
Katarina: Merve Boluğur
Christopher: Ekin Koç
Angelique: Some redhead model from google