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.
Castle of Edonia, Royal Chambers
Katarina was lying on the divan, distant in her thoughts. Drinking a glass of wine.
"A few weeks passed since Christopher returned to Bohma. In all this time, he only sent me one letter to know how things are going here.
I had barely noticed his absence until I received the letter. Busy with the settlements as the new head of Edonia, helping the people I can and dealing with women's cause for equality of genders and freedom to live their lives in their own has consumed my time. Besides being a mother to four children. Thank god, I have the help of Clairy to babysit them and Pierce to support me with governments' matters.
I have barely missed my beloved husband…
After 11 years of marriage and changes in my cycle may have affected me somehow…
Or maybe it is all Pierce's fault…
Since that day he kissed me in the library, some of my sinful thoughts have him as the lead character. Our proximity have significantly changed and increased these past weeks.
I do not feel alone with him around, and I disguise it, but I see his eyes checking on me sometimes.
I know him too well to know he has never forgotten me!" she sighed turning her face to the window, "And the same has happened to me… I still remember him… Us… Not even romantic Christopher has made me forget Pierce's romanticism… Those men have no comparison even acting the same way!
I do not regret have chosen Christopher, but I guess I liked him more when he used to be a challenge for me.
Now Pierce is the challenge…
And my attention, unconsciously, dragged by him and this new aura around him. This mysterious aura that has seduced me in a way I am not being capable to control myself. My thoughts. My desires.
We are no longer the young couple. Pierce is no longer the lap dog I could carry however I wanted.
Pierce has become my forbidden desire. My forbidden lust.
I cannot help but wonder what if I had chosen him instead of Christopher…
How my life – our lives – would be now?
Would we have reached this far?
And more importantly…
How long can I go on pretending I do not want him again?
How long can I remain secluded in this chambers to avoid meeting him…and alone?"
The brunette heard knocks on the door and thought it was her lady-in-waiting, but for her delight it was Pierce. Back to her shell, she inhaled deeply. Recomposing.
"I do not know if I am on a good day for visitors" she spoke avoiding eye contact
"I know you've been busy and bored and I do not take your reason, so I brought you this simple gift, to bring a little joy to your day" Pierce replied, handing a diamond necklace to Katarina
She turned to him suspicious of his attitude, "For me?"
"Yes"
"Should not you send gifts to your wife, I mean… my sister?"
"Consider as an anticipated birthday gift"
She laughed loud, "A very anticipated gift as you may know that my birthday is only in November!"
"I'm aware of that…but what? Isn't it always a day to celebrate every single day we get up with life and healthy?"
She laughed more, "Cut it off Pierce. A diamond necklace is never a simple gift much less when there is no real reason to celebrate!"
"True that"
"So why this now?"
He shrugged, "I can afford it now" he stepped closer to her
"Ahh…" she said making a face, lifting her eyebrows
"Something I couldn't over a decade ago…"
"That is indeed true!" she replied with a mysterious tone as she walked slowly closer to him, "We were all simpler back then…" she whispered on his ear starting a game of seduction
"You weren't…" he said directly
She nibbled the tip of his earlobe, "I was and I still am! Not much is needed to please me…" she whispered seductively
"I'm trying to please you…"
"I noticed!" she said stepping away
He turned to her
"What made you change?" she asked staring him deep in the eyes
"Nothing changed. You know that I've always been attracted for you since we were kids…"
"You lacked the right attitude…"
"And now I have it…" he said circling around her and whispered in her ear that she could barely hear what he was saying
She turned to him. Their faces inches apart. His breathe and warmth causing her shivers. She could see something different in his gaze.
"But you changed…" he leaned close to her ear, "You're letting me get this close…"
"I am waiting for the right attitude you say you have"
"I thought you belonged to Christopher" he said stepping away, making her feel the coldness of his distance
"I was never capable to choose between the two of you…inertly"
"You chose him"
She laughed, "We can only make one choice at a time…"
"You were always my only choice"
"My heart has two sides. One side to each of you"
He laughed, "So that means you still can't choose?"
She walked over him and bit her lips seductively, "I am choosing you now…" she whispered on his ear
"And what happens when he returns?"
"I choose him again"
"And then when he's absent, you choose me then?"
She gave a shrug, nodding in confirmation, "Yes, is not it what happened before?"
"So that's your cycle?"
"Pretty much the case, even though once or another have happened that even with him I thought of you…" she teased passing her hand briefly on his pelvis and stepped away
"How come?"
"After I saw you watching us…" she looked at him from head to toe in a seductive way, "I so expected that you would take the attitude and join us… it would be fun!" she laughed in a naughty way, "Having my two loves at the same time!"
"I don't think Christopher is capable of sharing you…"
"You have no idea what Christopher is capable of… just to please me!"
"He didn't seem willing to share you with me that day he caught us…"
She laughed, "There is the right time for everything! That was not the time!"
"So how…" he stopped talking when she pressed her finger on his lips
"Do you really want to lie down with me and run your fingers through my soft skin, beginning with my delicate feet, and slowly climbing up to find a passionate kiss... Or maybe you would rather lie down alone and watch while I take off my clothes, or, perhaps, today you prefer to leave the romanticism aside and indulge in the ardor of passion, the urgency of lovers, clinging to despair in my body, who begs for yours?
"Despair defines very well how I ..."
"Or I could describe in your ear my most forbidden desires, and then we make them all come true…"
"Well, the options are all wonderful… which one do you prefer to start?" he said rubbing himself against her body
"The one you have the attitude!" she replied grabbing hold of his bulge through his pants
Castle of Edonia, Northman Bedchambers
"Dear Christopher,
I'm writing to inform you things are going smooth.
I still didn't inform Katarina about Charles' decision.
I did what you allowed me to do in order to continue my investigation.
I don't feel proud of myself and the shame has taken over me when I think of my wife.
I cannot endure this…
I need you to take the lead again.
I need to see my wife, my family again.
I need you to return to your husband routine.
I don't serve to do this… you chose the wrong man for this task.
Maybe you should've had chosen Leonard as he seems to lack having heavy conscience flirting around with women while being married…Among other things possibly...
.
.
PS: We need to have a very important conversation. In private. As soon as possible.
Regards,
Pierce"
Royal Toilet Chambers, Morning
"Is it my impression or your majesty is blissful this morning?
"Is that so evident?" Katarina replied passing her hand on her arm while inside the bathtub
"Your smile is from ear to ear!"
"I am not good hiding my happiness. Never been good at that!"
"If I hadn't seen lord Northman leaving the chambers this early morning, I'd say the cause of your joy was your husband if he were in town… I have only seen you smiling like that for him"
"You do know me so well Lucille…" Katarina laughed for calling her favorite by the first name, "Lucy! I am sorry for the play, it is just I am too happy! Thrilled! I was not aware anymore of how intoxicating Pierce's skin could be! I do not know how I have forgotten that!"
"So you slept with him?"
Katarina made a pause and a naughty expression, "I did!"
"I thought you were exclusive of Christopher"
"I could if had never slept with Pierce before and I would if Christopher had never cheated on me!"
"What about Elizabeth?"
"You really do know how to be a turn down" she said rolling her eyes
"I'm sorry milady… it's just that I understand you paying revenge on your husband after all his infidelities, but your sister… she…"
"She is not woman enough to please a man like Pierce! Not to mention that she is very distant from here… in Bohma! Being the mother of his children! Ah, and she always knew he had feelings for me!"
"What if Christopher finds out?"
Katarina smiled making a face, "He does not have to!"
21st Century
"Kate? Katerina!"
The young brunette listened to a distant voice calling her.
"Kate!"
The receptionist of the B.S.A.A. mumbled as she opened her eyes and saw, still with a blurred vision, a young brunette female at the bedside.
"Lu…"
"Get up, you're late for work!"
"What?" Katerina sat up in the bed in scare and looked at the alarm clock, "Oh dammit! Why didn't you wake me up earlier?" she jumped from the bed and lectured her best friend
"I tried to, but you were in a so profound erotic dream with Piers and Chris that I was about to throw you out of the bed!"
"What? Erotic dream with Piers and Chris?"
"Yeah, I think so…you seemed to have called their names…"
"I don't remember any erotic dream with Chris! That's impossible. He's not even my type!" Katerina spoke dressing her new uniform
"Right!" the friend spoke with incredulity
"It's true! He's a weirdo!"
"A weirdo that balances you…"
"Why are you saying that to me? I love Piers!"
"I only said the weirdo balances you. I never saw any man bugging you so much just with his existence. I know you love Piers, but every time you talk about work, you mention his name. The captain, the weirdo, the rock, the insensitive… you have so many adjectives to him… I've seen powerful love stories starting with annoyance… you guys have chemistry" the friend spoke with irony
Katerina rolled her eyes, "That's never gonna happen! Chris Redfield keeps me away from him and away from him I will remain!" she said rushing to the bathroom
(*)
B.S.A.A. Headquarters
Katerina checked her watch several times during her run from the bus stop to the main building. Dammit! The tight business skirt and the heels didn't help her. Her speed was like a baby's.
"Great way to start the new function, Kate, great way! 30 minutes late!" she cursed herself, "If I had a car!" she murmured
The 24-year-old brunette was wearing a green business outfit. She knew green was the favorite color of her new boss. She wanted to cause some good impression on the grumpy captain of the B.S.A.A., as despite he had helped her the night of her ankle accident, their proximity remained distant. They greeted politely and often he ignored her when Piers and her were talking.
She didn't like that man. She heard and witnessed how much the coworkers admired the so called captain and one of the original founders of the B.S.A.A., but for her he was just a moron juicer.
Right now, she regretted accepting the opportunity to replace Greta, his personal secretary due to her maternity leave.
But she needed the money. Her current condition didn't allow her to choose much. She had her goals and needs. She couldn't depend forever on Douglas' "good will" to give her things in trade of her sexual company to him. She wanted to break that chain. She was in her limit and often not being able to disguise her bad will to entertain him. She deserved better! She couldn't be forever the mistress of a billionaire.
She knew she had the capacity to achieve her goals and a better condition in her life. In need, she accepted the opportunity to work in the B.S.A.A., it was a way for her to have her own money for other necessities as Douglas not always gave her money.
In the B.S.A.A., she could make a career, but she had to start from the bottom and she saw the opportunity to replace Greta as a chance for her to show her skills, even at the cost of having to deal with Chris Redfield and his annoying girlfriend, Cathy White.
Both women had mutual dislike.
Katerina didn't know why Cathy, every time she could, acted like she owned Chris and needed to impose her significance to the captain in her face. What an idiot that insecure woman was! Why would her want anything with that grumpy juicer? He wasn't even her type! She didn't like all those muscles… he smelt good – ah he did smell good and she remembered that!
Well, Piers smelt good too!
Yet, Cathy White was an insecure bitch! She couldn't stand the short-haired agent!
Her necessities spoke louder, she was willing to stand the weirdo for a few months, and hopefully that would grant her a promotion or a salary increase after the period of being Chris Redfield's personal secretary. Knowing that man lived for work – he arrived early and left late, she counted with the extra-hours in her bank account. Somehow that was also a good way for her to stay longer away from Douglas as she would had the "working" excuse.
She reached the elevator's doors and prayed Chris Redfield would be late for work so he wouldn't notice her delay.
The doors opened.
Her eyes widened in scare. She noticed the gaze of the man checking on her from head to toe, and serious demeanor. Her legs felt heavy as she tried to step in in the cabin. She wished she was invisible right now.
"Good morning" she greeted him as her voice nearly failed and she looked down in embarrassment
"Good morning"
The doors closed. Strangely, there was just the two of them in the cabin. She was ready for the lecture.
"I'm sorry I'm late… I missed the bus…" she anticipated his lecture
"It's okay… It happens…"
"It was a bad way to start my first day with you…"
"Yeah I hope that won't happen again. I like to know what I missed in my absence and to know all the messages and tasks with anticipation so I have a better control of my routine and paperwork." His tone was soft but firm
"It won't happen again! I will be your eyes and ears to everything and always be there whenever you need me."
"Good. That's what I need. I need someone I can trust in my absence with all the paperwork"
"You can trust me! Just show me how you want it and like it, and I'll do it precisely"
A giggle escaped him. He noticed her nervousness. He was aware she wasn't a woman to get late. He had observed her. He was aware she was a woman of talents and deserved an opportunity to show her skills. Reason why he didn't show any objection when he was informed she was selected to replace Greta, his longtime secretary. He could've had said no. actually they even asked if he was according with their choice. He didn't oppose.
And there they were, alone in the elevator's cabin on their way to his isolated office at the end of the hallway. Both were late for their first day together as boss and employee.
"Relax Kate" he place his hand on her shoulder
She jumped in scare. A weird sensation cored her body. Her spine stiffened.
"I know depending on bus suck. There are things we cannot have control, so if you notice that you won't get on time, call me or send me a message… I'm not that inflexible"
The doors opened.
Now both were stiffened. Chris immediately removed his hand off Katerina's shoulder.
"Hey babe, good morning" he greeted the woman staring them with a very serious expression as he stepped out of the cabin
"Good morning" her tone was dry. Evidently nothing good from her side.
"Did you sleep well?" he asked as he leaned to give her a quick kiss
"Yes, I did" the woman replied not taking her eyes off the young brunette stepping out of the cabin, who evidently demonstrated discomfort. Why such discomfort?
"Were you looking for me?" he asked knowing Cathy didn't work in that floor and the only reason for her to be there was him
"Yes, I was, but there was no one there your phone was disconnected" the woman replied noticing the younger following them at some distance
"Ah, the battery died. I'm going to recharge it now… By the way, Kate is my new secretary"
"What? Really?" she looked back and noticed the young brunette forcing a smile to her as Chris had spoken loud enough for her to hear her name in their conversation – and she was late too…
"Yeah"
"So I guess Piers will have one more reason to spend more time with you then…" Cathy commented with sarcasm
Cathy knew the younger coworkers were having a thing. She confirmed it the night Chris had given a ride to the brunette. That information gave her some relief and an extra push for her to forgive Chris for his "intimacy" with the other girl. Yet, why was his hand on that one's shoulder? It was quick, but she noticed it.
All the way to his office, Katerina remained in silence. Thinking of several reasons why she should tolerate the annoying and insecure bitch named Cathy White.
18th Century
Castle of Bohma
The following morning, Christopher woke up feeling a strong headache and sensitive to the lights entering through the windows illuminating partially his bare chest. He wanted to stay longer in bed. He wasn't ready to start his day as the memories of the previous day came to his mind. His argument with Cathlyn and the illusion of Angelique.
An illusion…
Flashback
He sat on the bed beside her and began to pull off his boots. She ran her fingertips along his naked back and waist. Her fingers gliding over the scar he still bore from the wound she treated when they met. His muscles contracted involuntarily with her touch.
"Does it hurt?"
"No", he whispered, "Your touch is healing me"
She sat up and leaned against his back, kissing his shoulders.
God, this girl had not only made him forget the awful mess he was dealing with, she had made him feel like a man who was capable of taking care of her, of protecting her, of being there beside her each day. She had loved him like no matter what happened tomorrow. He was all that important.
His chest felt tight with fear for what the morrow would bring, yet Angelique had comforted him and left him more satisfied than a man had the right to feel. She was everything a man could want in a woman. All his doubts had just been dynamited into the atmosphere.
"You alright?" she asked, her voice soft
How could he answer that question? His heart was in his throat, filled with satisfaction, emotional attachment, and something that turned easily into love for this woman. He was also bereft at the knowledge of his duty at the court. His obligation as a knight and the man of trust of the king.
"I'm good" a sigh escaped from his tightly closed throat, "Angely, being with you is the best damn thing that has ever happened to me on the worst day of my life. I'm so messed up inside, yet here you are, soothing me better than any doctor could ever help. I just wish things were different…"
End of Flashback
Christopher knew that morning would not be good. Angelique made him feel like she would always be there. That she would wrap her arms around him and soothe away the day's hurts.
Christopher postponed his return to Edonia as per a request of Charles.
The thirty-five years old man and new representing of King Charles watched the training students of the military academy and future guardians of the kingdom. He remembered his training days with joy and satisfaction, despite the nostalgia it brought him.
He continued his round through the castle. At distance, he saw Cathlyn talking to some women. He felt ashamed for the way he had spoken to her, but still wasn't ready to apologize to her. She didn't notice he had seen her.
Continuing his round. His mind still had a hard time accepting that all of that will soon belong to him. He never imagined he could go so far and become a public figure. Yet, all that was only possible due to Katarina's efforts. She and her skills had put them in that pedestal. She was a smart woman and full of talents, besides being extremely beautiful. Many years had passed since they knew each other and Katarina didn't seem to age that much. She definitely had a more mature expression, but her beauty was still practically intact. She had always being a vain woman since they were young. She took care of her body and health. Her skin still impeccable even after four pregnancies.
He really had the most beautiful woman at his side. The most brilliant too. With her, he lived the glamour of being nearly untouchable. Unreachable. They were the most strong and influential couple of Bohma and Edonia. Probably of the whole Europe.
Ah, but the times he most enjoyed were the moments they spent as a family. As a couple when no one was watching them. When he could simply wear a light robe. He hated to constantly wear those heavy and tight luxurious outfits to present to people whom superior he was. Even wearing those outfits, he enjoyed walking in the streets and help people. He enjoyed being a part of them.
But soon that would drastically change. The responsibility of the head of state would delimit who he was and who the people were. The walls and gates of the castle would be the frontier between the luxury and the simplest.
He never dreamed of that.
Reaching the art gallery, he saw all the paintings of the family of Charles. The good-hearted king was soon to be the last of his dynasty.
Christopher studied the paintings. The history being told.
Things would be so different if he still was with Angelique…
The day before he thought he had seen her. Watching his misery. His misery in the luxury.
Why couldn't he forget her? Why couldn't he go after her? Reach her?
If the official painter Angely Reed was Angelique, how could they be so close but so distant at the same time? Where had their love gone? Why did they act like two strangers now?
The nun's word still echoed in his mind. His hear could feel Angelique was still alive. Somewhere, and not only in a deep whole inside his heart. His heart and some evidences screamed to him that Angely Reed was his Angelique. Now Lady Talbot.
Before his anger could be triggered by that surname, he heard a noise coming from behind him.
He looked back quickly and smiled warmly.
"Olly!" he greeted the boy who carried a small painting
"Mister Christopher…" the boy spoke surprised
The man smiled larger. He really enjoyed when the boy called him that way. Oliver always made him laugh and smile. Feel lighter.
"How are you?" he asked
"I'm good and you?" the boy replied
"I'm good too"
"Where's Maddy?"
"She's home"
"Ah…"
"But soon she'll come."
"Really?"
"Yes"
The man noticed some shyness or something different about the boy. He wasn't the typical hyper kid he used to be.
"Is everything alright, Olly?" he asked in concern
"Yes, why do you ask?"
"For nothing… I just had the impression that… never mind Olly… I guess the problem is me…"
The boy made a face. The man did seem altered. And the curiosity got the best of him, "Is everything really alright with you?"
He let out a sigh, "Don't worry about me Olly…"
"I can't help it Mister Christopher… what affects you, affects me…"
"It's just adult's stuff, Olly… By the way, what's that in your hands?"
"A portrait"
"May I see it?" he asked kneeling before the boy
The redhead boy nodded in agreement, yet slightly hesitant. Christopher saw a lake painting and read the signature: Olly Reed.
The man's eyes widened. Confused. His heart racing in his chest. What did that mean?
Both male were motionless. Speechless. As if the time had stopped. Right at the lake scene. Something like had happened so many years ago. Christopher Reed felt like being dragged to that past. The past that he recollected so well… when he and Angelique made love by the shore of the lake. The last moment when they had really been completely happy. Before the storm that separated them.
The phase he never removed himself out and climaxed inside her. Not fearing his seed could be planted in her.
A seed that he could be possibly be standing before, right now.
He stared the boy who stared him back. Hesitant, but fearless.
He looked for traces. The smallest ones. The pale skin, the red hair and the green eyes got the most attention and easily trapped him to notice the other traits.
The jaw. The face shape. The forehead. The lips… there they were… they were always there and he failed miserably seeing it before.
He didn't see any of George's features. He had noticed that before, but he didn't really give much attention to it back then, but now…
His heart was racing. His intuition screaming…
If Angely Reed and Angelique were the same person… Olly was his…
His seed of love.
The forbidden fruit.
The multiplied love…
"I have to go now Mister Christopher… I'll be waiting for Maddy… she's like a sister to me and I miss her…"
Christopher swallowed dryly. Affected by those words, "You're like a son to me too…Olly…"
The boy smiled slightly, "Would you like to be my father?"
"I'd be flattered Olly! I'd gladly be your father!" he spoke emotional, controlling his emotions
The boy smiled largely, "So you don't mind me using your Reed in my paintings, do you?"
"Of course not! You're a part of the Reed's!" the man forced a smile. Affected smile.
"So I see you soon… Dad…" the boy whispered before leaving the gallery
Christopher sat on his knees, holding the small painting. He was back to the lake. He passed his fingers on the screen, feelings every texture of the ink. At last, he passed his fingers on the name. On the signature.
"You're a part of me… Son…" he whispered emotional
Christopher stood up after hearing footsteps approaching the gallery. Recomposing himself quickly, he saw the messenger passing the door.
"His Majesty, letter for you"
Christopher grabbed the paper, and frowned.
Pierce had asked him to return…
Christopher Reed found himself in a crossroads.
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