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.
Several months had passed. Christopher Reed couldn't get rid of the memories of him and Katarina after their reconciliation. Since that day, he did work hard for their relationship. He did embrace the urge to learn how to love the matured Katarina and ignore the stupid comparisons between her and Angelique. He had to convince his heart that their time was gone. Angelique was dead – and in the mausoleum at the end of his vast land. Out of his reach of sight. Out of his reach…
Katarina's change was significant and it was almost like she had rescued the bubbly girl he did enjoy the company when she wasn't hitting on him so hard with her flirts. He missed that girl. He did admire the woman of government she could be and he knowledge that important trait on her when dealing with the people, but that wasn't necessary when she was home. When she could relax her manners and be a loving wife and mother to all of their children.
He did see how she was changed with Madeline. There was an occasion Clairy had to go back to her old manor to handle some pendencies and Maddy had to stay in Arthena and he was absent for a weekend.
In that occasion he started believing in Katarina's redemption towards Maddy as the child hadn't changed her behavior at all and didn't fear staying close Katarina anymore. She even used to draw her in a beautiful way, something that wasn't the case before as she used to draw only the ones she cared or in few occasions she did draw her mother as a monster or a witch. Those dark days were gone. Maddy proved her artistic talent – just like Angely – and she put on practice everything she learned from her mysterious art teacher.
So far, Christopher felt as if he made the right choice and enjoyed his marriage in a new level. To a point that they nearly stayed separated and usually did everything together, as a couple. As a family. A happy one.
He still remembered the first time they made love. Something he never thought could happen. He made love to Katarina O'Gregon and only her. That day he was sure he could love his stunning wife beyond her beauty and spiciness. That was the first time he didn't have to fight with his feeling of betrayal nor the wish that Angelique should be the woman he was entering in. no, Angelique didn't haunt him that day. He didn't feel like he was getting laid with two different people. No. he was making love with his only woman. And she didn't have to share him with anyone else. With nothing else.
It felt so good. So powerful. Heart changing.
Angelique was in the mausoleum, untouchable. Invisible. Unreachable. He did pay a servant to watch out for the art so weather, or dirt or bugs wouldn't damage her work. Her treasure. But only that – those remains. It wasn't about her memory. It was about her work. Her talent. A talent he admired since the very first time his eyes laid on the paintings in the Lake Manor. That was long ago. He avoided returning to the moments at the lake… it was for a good sake.
He was happy now. There was life after her…
There was love after her.
Instead of cooling down, things were only getting hotter and hotter between him and Katarina. They took long walks and talked about a number of things: how they felt about the state of the economy, war and family matters.
They woke up early to a cloudless day, nestled in each other's arms. They bathed together and went downstairs for breakfast, laughing. It seemed that the whole world was at peace that day. As they had breakfast out on the veranda, they were serenaded by a throng of birds flying in and out of the branches of the trees that surrounded the palace.
"It must be the amazing weather" Christopher said, gazing at the water and sky, "Sky's so blue, air's so still…doesn't even seem as if there could be a ripple in the ocean"
It was unusual weather for Arthena.
At breakfast, they talked about the souvenirs they were bringing home. There was something for everyone.
As they lingered over coffee, Katarina enjoyed their long-lasting honeymoon after nearly 10 years of marriage.
"We should decide where we are going to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Here or in Bohma"
"It's up to you"
"It is hard to decide. Here is more comfortable for us, but in Bohma we would have all the guests we would like to celebrate with us"
"Do you really think a party is necessary? It's our anniversary, not theirs"
"We barely celebrate anything"
"Indeed and that's why I think we could celebrate in private"
"But we will celebrate in private!" she spoke in a seductive way
They smiled at each other.
He wasn't fond of parties and such crowds, but Katarina wanted the party. She'd have the party.
Castle of Bohma
"Olly!"
"Maddy!"
The children greeted happily as the Reed-O'Gregon family walked the front yard of the castle, on their way to their chambers.
"Hello Mr. Christopher"
"Hello Olly! You're taller huh!" the man greeted him back friendly
"I'll be as tall as you"
"I bet you will!"
Katarina noticed Christopher and the redhead boy talking as she walked her husband's way to join him with their other children. Her eyes glued on the boy.
"There they're coming" Maddy pointed out
"Who?" Olly replied
"My mother Katarina, my brothers Phil and Beau, and my sister Lilly"
"I remember Lilly, the pretty one" Olly replied innocently, "You're pretty too Maddy!"
Christopher smiled at the boy's comment. Still an innocent compliment. He loved that about children, their innocence.
"Will you stay playing him?" Christopher asked his daughter as he noticed Katarina closer
"Yes daddy"
"Alright, you know where to find us"
"Yes daddy"
Katarina and her three children greeted them politely. She couldn't take her eyes off the redhead boy who seemed to stare her as well. He was green eyed and had a fair skin, yet some features on him seemed familiar to her. That was a trick from her mind she thought. Children look alike she convinced herself.
"Your mother is so beautiful Maddy. Now I know why you and Lilly are so pretty too"
Maddy blushed, "My daddy is handsome too!"
The boy shrugged, "He's not my type…"
The children laughed and continued talking.
(*)
Reed Chambers
"So that is the famous Olly, you and Maddy talk about so much?" Katarina asked casually
"Yeah, that's him"
"And who are his parents?"
"The Talbot's"
"Ah, the marquees?"
"Yes"
"Humm. His mother is a painter, right?"
"Uhum" he replied mumbling,
"Do you know her?"
"No."
"You don't know her?"
"No, but I know his father. Why the interest?"
"For nothing. I just want to know who are the people my daughter hangs out"
"I'll speak with Charles"
"Alright and I will pay a visit to Elizabeth"
The couple kissed in goodbye
Green Hills, Bohma
"Olly?" George sat next to the ginger boy who was sitting alone on a bench at the backyard, "Why are you alone here?"
"I'm just thinking…"
"Thinking about what?"
"Nothing…"
"Nothing? You look sad"
"I'm just thinking…Maddy has a father. All my friends have a father… even my little brother has a father – you. And I don't…"
"You have me… always had" the man spoke feeling a bit hurt
"You're not my father… no offense."
"Offense not taken"
"Next year is my 10th birthday and I don't even know if my father would like to be present… if he'd like to know me…if he doesn't know about me…"
The man didn't know what to say. He knew Angelique remained in silence about Olly's father all that long and she was aware that he'd have the curiosity and just waited that day to come…that day had finally come!
"Why mommy never told me anything about him?"
"She must have had her reasons"
"Is he a bad man?"
George thought. He couldn't take part on that. He knew Angelique's version of the facts and he had taken his own conclusions on the matter. He was an acquaintance of the grand duke and had only met Christopher's side as a high profile official, his side as Maddy's father and the husband of the grand duchess Katarina. He wasn't friends with him. They barely talked when Christopher was rarely in town. He couldn't really judge Christopher as the biological father of Olly nor as Angelique's ex-husband.
"I don't know Olly… that's something you should ask your mother"
"She never told me anything. Why would she answer me that now?"
"Because I'm sure she won't refuse to give you that answer. She's aware that you deserve to know about your father"
"What if she doesn't?"
"Olly…" he took the boy's grip, "Your mother is not like that. She's a sincere person. Don't you trust your mother?"
"I do trust my mother, but…"
"But?"
"But she never demonstrated to want me to care about my father and seemed to evade that subject. So I wondered if it's because he's a bad man"
George inhaled reflexive. He knew he couldn't come between his wife and her son on that subject. Angelique did keep some resentment for Christopher for abandoning her, and Oliver had the natural curiosity to know his roots. He had to be impartial.
"Olly…I understand you want to know your origins and I don't think you're wrong to want that. You're a smart kid, but I also believe that your mother had her reasons for keeping in silence and whenever you ask her, please try to understand her instead of judging her because I'm sure she always did everything for your best and not to hurt you… and also, I know it's going to be hard to not create expectations in who your father is… you should also be prepared to an eventual rejection…I'm not saying he will reject you, please, don't get me wrong… but it's been years and you don't know how his life is"
"Do you know him?"
The man swallowed in distress. Olly threw the hot potato in his hands. However, he was saved by the bell as Maggie called them to have their meal.
Northman Palace
Pierce was standing in the balcony, distant in his thoughts that he didn't even notice his wife standing at his side.
"Is there anything wrong?" the blonde asked
He let out a long sigh staring the forest surrounding the palace, "Don't know if wrong the word is"
"What do you mean?"
He turned his face to look at her and smiled faintly, "Don't worry Eli…"
"I'm already worried my love… it's been a while you seem so distant"
"I have a decision to make, but it's not related to you or the kingdom…"
"What's about it?"
"It's a personal matter…of a friend"
"Christopher?"
He grinned, "Not exactly"
"Kat?"
He took her grip, "It's another friend. Don't worry about it anymore"
"If you tell me what's the subject, I might try to help you"
He shook his head in denial, "I don't want you to get involved in this"
"You're scaring me this way"
"You don't have to be scared, so please, don't ask any more questions. It's my own responsibility to make things right for that friend, or try to…"
"Will you at least tell me the friend's name?"
Before Pierce could answer her, they heard a noise on the door. Her nephews and niece coming in to greet them happily.
Pierce let out a relieved sigh glad with interruption. He touched his suit's pocket and felt a paper.
Flashback
Pierce visited the Lake Manor as the usual routine. Even after a decade, Christopher had asked him to take care of the Lake Manor and the land in the Peasant's Province with the cleaning and maintenance. Christopher's sanctuaries.
One day, he paid a visit routine to the Lake Manor and suspected of something. The locker position was different. He opened the door slowly and walked slowly the living room until the dining table.
He frowned.
On the table, there was an evidence that someone had entered that manor besides him.
A letter that meant lives change.
"For Angelique and Christopher"
The brunette duke whispered reading the addressing.
End of Flashback
Castle of Bohma
Katarina searched for Maddy and Oliver. They weren't in the front backyard anymore.
"Where in the hell are those rascals!" she cursed mentally as she walked in a hurry through the corridors
She turned to the left and bumped into someone
"You fool!" she yelled seeing her luxurious green gown covered with ink
"I'm sorry your highness, I… I was distracted and didn't hear you" the other female spoke apologetic
"I should…" Katarina left her sentence in hang as she took a better glimpse on the other redhead woman looking down. Redhead, ink in her hands, "Are you the royal painter and the mother of Oliver?"
"Yes your highness"
Katarina smiled, "So you are forgiven for bumping into me. I believe that was just fate working"
"Fate working for me to ruin your highness' gown?"
Katarina laughed, "I loved your sense of humor! But not for that"
"How can I serve your highness?" the redhead spoke disguising her distress, always avoiding looking in the eyes of the brunette
"I was looking for you"
"Looking for me? Why?" Angelique replied, her heart almost jumped out of her mouth
"Yes. I heard about your phenomenal skills as a painter and I have seen that you are really good at it, but I need to know how long do you take to finish a painting?"
"That depends on the painting, the size, my available time…"
"I will compensate your time very well!"
Angelique smiled faintly looking to the side. She really had a hard time facing that woman.
"I want to hire your services. Soon my husband and I will celebrate ten years of marriage and I want that remarkable date to be immortalized by your talent"
Angelique's voice trembled and demanded some effort from her to be able to speak, "You want me to paint your family?"
"Yes, but I also want solo paintings of each of us, however in my husband's case I want his solo painting to be a surprise. Have you met my husband?" Katarina asked with a double meaning, she wanted to confirm Christopher's statement that he didn't know the painter
Angelique swallowed. Her mouth went dry, "At distance. We never talked, but I'm good with faces. I just need to look once to keep them in my memory"
"I am glad to hear that. That will be handy with my plan of surprise!"
Angelique bit her lips
"Follow me" Katarina spoke
"Where?"
"To see my husband"
Angelique gave a step back, "I'm sorry, but I can't…"
"I am your priority now. I will highly compensate you, do not worry about it!"
"I'm not concerned about the compensation…it's not even necessary… it's just that…"
"It is an order!"
Angelique couldn't even finish her sentence as Katarina grabbed her by the grip.
The redhead was about to panic. She wasn't feeling good at all. Her head spinning, her heart accelerated, her hands cold sweating, her legs nearly failing to walk. She felt like she could faint at any second.
They approached the chamber where Christopher and the king talked
"Shhh, do not let them know where are here" Katarina whispered to the guards at the entrance, "I just need her to give a glimpse to paint my husband" the grand duchess added
"We can leave your highness…" Angelique spoke stammering
"Already? You did not even look at him! I want him perfect! Take a better a look!" Katarina lectured in whisper
That moment, Christopher sensed the movement at the entrance, looked in their direction, and gave a single nod. Angelique hid behind Katarina who waved and smiled at him.
"Excuse me your majesty. My wife seems to be calling me" Christopher spoke and walked to the entrance door
Katarina looked back as she felt the woman releasing from her and ran away
"Kat? Is there anything wrong?"
Katarina giggled in distress looking back at him, "No, nothing…I just… Ah…Never mind! I am really getting old and I just forgot what I wanted to tell you…"
"Who were with you and ran away?" he asked as he heard the footsteps echoes in the corridor
She laughed in distress, "Some child…" she replied with a cynic smile, "Go back to your business. I will not waste of your time… Say my greetings to Charles and his family for me" she gave a peck on his lips and left
Christopher frowned at the suspicious behavior of his wife, but ignored it and returned to the interior of chamber.
Katarina squeezed her hands, angry. The cynical smiles gave space to a bitter expression on her face. Walking in a hurry, she looked for the stupid painter.
Angelique ran the corridors. Panicked. His face was so vivid in her memory. He was older, but still the same. She wasn't ready for that.
She wasn't ready to face him, especially in the presence of Katarina, his stunning wife.
She wanted to disappear, but she couldn't. Oliver had finally questioned her about his biological father and she promised him she would give him a proper answer on his whereabouts. She had that pendency. And then fate made her bump into Katarina and be dragged to see him and almost face him after 10 years. She wasn't ready for that. And surely not would be him!
Running away was for the best at that moment. She ran faster before she could be reached. Turning quickly to her right, she bumped into someone and fell to the ground.
"Angely? I'm sorry!"
"Pierce!" she replied as he gave her an aid to stand up
"Why are you running like that?"
"Pierce, we talk later… I need to go home!" she spoke in a hurry
Pierce frowned suspecting of the redhead's behavior and continued his way. Soon after, he spotted Katarina who didn't have a good look on her face.
"Did you see the stupid painter passing by?"
"Yeah, why?"
She rolled her eyes, "Do you know where she is?"
Pierce kept in silence. He seemed to have understood why Angely was running away, or more exactly, whom the redhead was running away from. His eyes noticed the ink stain on her gown.
"No, I don't. She only passed by… why?"
"Dammit. I do not know how professional and sane that woman can be to deserve all the compliments, but I am sure that she is a very impolite woman!"
Pierce laughed
"If you see her again, ask her if she kept Christopher's face and when she can deliver me his painting, will you?"
He made a face, "You asked her to paint him?"
"Yes! I asked her to follow me so she could take a better glimpse of his face to draw his gift, but the damn woman just ran away like a crazy and made me seem a clown before him! Ah, and do not tell that to him! It is a surprise!"
"My lips are sealed…as the usual…"
She smiled and looked at his lips, licking her seductively.
"Stop flirting with me Kat…" he spoke noticing her
"I cannot help it. It comes naturally when I see you"
"It could be my painting, but I'm not. It could be our anniversary, but it's not… I mean, kind of… Happy 10th Kat…" he said passing by hair
She grabbed him by his wrist and whispered on his ear, "You know you are the only one that could still have a chance with me…"
He turned his face to her, they were inches away and could feel each other's breathing, "You made your choice and please, respect your sister if you cannot respect your husband!"
She laughed, "You can pretend to be tough as you want, but your… eyes cannot denial that I am still vivid in your memories!"
Pierce ignored her words and continued his way. She was right, but he couldn't let her confirm it.
Katarina inhaled deeply and let out a long sigh. Her eyes widened as she recognized the serious voice next her in the opposite corridor.
"Katarina"
It was Christopher. He had just caught her in the action.
Thank you Pin for the review! :D
Alright, a lot of details were thrown here!
We are heading to some decisive moments and important moments of the wheel of time.
Stay tuned!