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.
A/N: Contains Sexual Content
"Resentment, hatred, self-pity, guilt, anger, depression, jealousy and so on, even the slightest irritation, are all forms of suffering. And every pleasure or emotional elevation contains within itself the seed of pain." (Eckhart Tolle)
"Anger and jealousy cannot lose sight of their objects of love." (George Eliot)
21st Century, BSAA HQ
By the end of the day, Piers was on his way to his car when he heard more people in the parking lot. He recognized the talking voices of a man and a woman - Chris and Kate respectively - and then he hurried into the car. In the distance, he watched the pair as they headed toward Chris's car.
He watched as Chris tucked Katerina's suitcase into the trunk of the car as the young brunette entered the passenger side.
One more rumor confirmed - Katerina and Chris were really much closer!
He bit his lip. As much as he knew that he and Kate were not exclusive of each other, her supposed relationship with his boss bothered him. He could not say what really bothered him.
Jealousy? Maybe, though, because he knew Katerina a little better, he felt Katerina was not a good influence for Chris. Katerina was too free for Chris's conservative spirit, and it surprised him that some time ago, Chris was the person advising him to be careful in getting involved with the beautiful brunette, and now he himself did not follow his own advice!
Katerina was good for a good time, for the fun, she was young and had a lot to live on yet. She didn't seem to be the type to fall in love and commit herself to only one person, after all she was still trying to keep in touch with him, the evidence was the many calls and messages he chose to ignore when he learned of the rumors of their involvement.
Besides, Katerina had many mysteries around her. She did not like to talk about intimacy, she did not talk about her family, about her past. He only knew of the existence of three people she had contact with: the best friend Lucy, the troubled brother Vlad, and the uncle who was the real owner of the apartment where she lived.
And knowing Chris, he knew he did not like lies and omissions. He was a sentimentally reserved man, but he was the honest sort. He didn't lie about his thoughts or feelings.
But Chris was a man and not the type to cry like a baby. He was single again and Kate could give him not exactly a consolation, but she could give him distraction. Fun. Maybe that was what brought them together.
While Cathy wanted marriage and exclusivity; they were practically living together. And Chris until he met her, didn't think about it. He demonstrated that he enjoyed living solitary in his apartment; or when he went fishing.
Analyzing them better now, maybe Chris and Kate past the initial difference, in fact could have much in common.
Even against their relationship, it was not for him to judge the choices of his superior, and only move ahead with his life.
He started the engine and left the BSAA building to meet his new love interest: Merah Biji.
Chris' Apartment, Early Evening
The drive home was silent except for the sound of the radio playing. Chris and Katerina remained silent throughout the ride.
In a delicate moment of Katerina, the atmosphere between the pair resembled that of the first time they met and the first time he had given her a lift.
There was a block of ice between them.
If it were not for the need, Katerina would not be there.
Chris parked the car in his exclusive parking spot in the underground garage, and took Kate's suitcase out of the trunk.
Katerina followed him quietly into the elevator.
"I'm sorry for the mess, my house cleaner lately has not had a specific day to come, and generally only comes once a week so it might be messy" he warned a little blandly before opening the apartment door
Katerina smiled amiably, "Don't worry Chris, that's no problem for me, besides, I'm the intruder here and I just have to thank you for everything you've done for me"
He smiled back, opened the door and reached inside to flip the light switch.
Kate entered and stared around. It was not a big apartment, but not so small. There was a comfortable atmosphere of living room, dining room and kitchen. It was what her field of vision allowed her to see at that moment, but something caught her eye, where was the supposed mess he had commented on? The place was as neat and clean as the apartment she lived in! Slob was Piers!
Chris led the way down the hall to the room she would stay.
A normal room with a bed, a drawer, a desk, a computer and a television. All clean.
"The door at the left is my bedroom, and the other door is the bathroom that you can use whenever you want and need. Make yourself comfortable and don't be shy or awkward to use the kitchen, the computer, you can go out whenever you want… and doesn't hesitate calling me if you need anything and don't mind if you see me spending more time in my bedroom, it's a habit of mine, but don't take it as if you're bothering me… Welcome home, Kate"
She smiled, "Alright, thanks"
"I'm going to take a quick shower and change, you can do the same before we go eat"
"Oh, I prefer showering after cooking…"
"Cooking?"
"Yeah…it's dinner time…you don't eat this time of the day?"
"Yeah, but you don't need to cook…We can order something or we can go out and eat something…"
"Oh, alright, let's do things your way…so I'll take a quick shower too"
He gasped, "My way? I only suggested ideas for our dinner because…if I'm not wrong, I don't think there's much home…I forgot to do the groceries…"
She laughed, "It's alright Chris. It happens…I just wanted to say that I don't mind cooking…I actually like it"
"Ah, good! I'll want to try your meal…but not tonight"
"Sure!"
Chris and Kate walked on foot on the local commerce on their way to Chris' favorite spot, and also Chris showed some local spots in the neighborhood for Kate to locate if she felt like exploring someday. Kate notices a sudden icy wind and comments with Chris
"It suddenly passed a cold breeze, do you feel it?" Kate commented crossing her arms
"Yeah…Probably because this part has a small local park…" he replied as they continued walking and at distance, they saw a lonely old woman sitting on a chair with small table before her, near a light pole.
"Do you want me to read your fortune?" the woman asked as they passed by her
"No, thank you" Chris replied with a nearly dry tone
"It's free…" the woman teased
"No, thanks" Chris replied again
Kate looked at the woman who stared her in a strange way. Katerina even felt uncomfortable with her gaze, as if reading through her
"Wait…" Kate said showing interest in what the woman could say
"The young lady wants to know her future…" the woman said
"Kate, come on. Let's go" Chris said looking back
"It's free…why not try it?"
"I'll be quick…" the woman replied
Chris rested his hands around his waist and walked away a little, letting out a sigh. A defeated sigh.
"What the young lady may like to know?"
"Whatever you can tell me"
"Do you prefer the cards tell you or your hand?"
"I guess my hands will be quicker, right?" she said pointing her face at Chris at distance, "I don't want to piss him off…"
"You have influence on him…a strong connection…As I saw you walking, I could see the encounter of souls"
"He's just my boss"
"It doesn't mean there's no connection at all"
Kate made a face.
The woman continued examining her hands, "And I can see a karmic encounter…bonds from previous lives…where there was a lot of love, and turbulences too…lots of jealousy, pride, resentment…hatred"
"I told you he's just my boss! We're not intimate…"
"But I'm not talking only about him…but a general scenario…it's in your hands"
"Ah, sorry… What else do you see?"
"A strong personality. You don't give up easily, you're determined and somewhat competitive. You give your best to everything you do, the problem is that you feel that you don't get what you want and you have to deal with a deep dissatisfaction…all fruit of the past choices…"
Kate was moved by those words, they were true. She really felt like nothing worked for her. There was always something that blocked her success.
"And how do I change that?"
"You have to be patient…You came from a past of abundance…but you certainly will succeed in your career. You're a hard worker…just play fair and things will start to fix to you"
"What about love?"
"You dream of having a family and finding your prince charming…but fairy-tales are only good because they don't show the after the marriage that usually ends the story. They don't show life continues and so the ups and downs. They don't show the routine after the bliss of enchantment of the start of the relationship, when princes and princess become frogs. Real people…they don't show the pain of labor, the waken nights sitting the babies, raising the children…Still…you feel the need to share your life with your ultimate lover"
"And will I find him?"
"Yes, and he's not that far…"
"Can you tell who he is?"
"All you have to do is to lower the wall of pride to see him"
Kate laughed, "And will we be happy?"
"No relationship is free from conflicts and conflict does not necessarily have to be something bad."
"Meaning?"
"Enduring happiness is an impossible goal, for the simple fact that absolutely nothing in life is permanent. As the seasons of the year follow each other in an endless cycle, our cells are renewed every moment.
Life is synonymous of change, therefore, things will never remain unchanged, and we will always be adapting to these transformations: everything that exists is born, grows, matures, deteriorates and dies. No emotion or feeling is enduring. With happiness wouldn't be different. It will always be coming and going.
Moreover, everything that reaches its extreme immediately begins to turn into its opposite.
Then we discover that happiness is not destiny, but rather the path itself - the act of walking."
Kate made a face. Obviously, that was a complicated thing for her to think that moment. In addition, she was feeling uncomfortable in making Chris wait.
"Look…I wish I had more time to ask more things…but I want to ask you something…"
"Sure"
"Does my hand tell you anything about a repetitive dream I have? I remember the first time I dreamt it, I was still a kid. It takes long to repeat, but lately it's repeating with some frequency…and I don't know what to think of it"
"What's your dream about?"
"A young couple who are immensely in love and they make vows of eternal love, but an accident interrupts their plans. Sometimes I have some weird sensations about the accident, other times I don't…but I always see the fisherman and a woman usually at a lake shore… I remember his face so vividly and I usually wake up feeling a strong pain in my chest or in my body when I dream it…a deep sorrow and emptiness that I can't explain…"
The old woman didn't move a muscle of her face and only moved her face to the side, "There's your fisherman" she said almost in a cold way
Kate's eyes widened in surprise and incredulous.
And out of nothing the woman completed, "The miracle you expect will come when the forgiveness and the change of old attitudes happen, because in a not too distant meeting you two failed with each other"
Kate was left speechless, and politely thanked the woman's words.
Rejoining Chris still thoughtful, her mind only listens to his question
"What nonsense thing did she tell you" he asked jokingly
"She actually said some interesting things, but what really made me thoughtful was her opinion on a dream I asked her about, but I don't want to get in detail now…"
"Never mind Kate, forget it. Those people are trained for this, reading body language."
"Why are you so skeptical? Did you ever tried some?"
"Actually I did…when I was much younger…I don't remember much, but I remember the woman saying I had been a fisherman in another life"
Kate's heart almost jumps out from her mouth, and she immediately paralyzed.
"You okay?" he asked looking back
"Yeah…continue…" she said recomposing herself
"The point is…that was obviously a lie and so stupidity she had said that because I was carrying a fishing rod that wasn't even mine…although I do enjoy the practice once or another"
Katerina was speechless. That was a coincidence. Chris was far enough to not have listened to their conversation. Yet, she couldn't remove that from her head the entire dinner, until they returned home.
In his bedroom, Chris opened his email in his laptop and noticed a different sender in name of Mr. Lionel.
"Dear Chris Redfield,
How are you?
I hope you manage to read this email on time.
I don't like being the one to bring the bad news or showing up like this…
Do you still remember of Mr. Lionel from Bohma?
As his personal assistant and best friend, I'm sending you this message in hope that you can pay a visit to Mr. Lionel…His health is not good, in fact, he's in his final days. He keeps mentioning his American friends and I'm contacting all the people he cares immensely so they can say goodbye to him, and also for him to be able to give personally some gifts for you.
I'm sorry for being the bad messenger, but if you can, we'll be glad for your gesture"
Chris didn't think twice and immediately replied the email, and also contacted the BSAA asking if the trip to Edonia could be anticipated.
18th Century
Arriving at a distant place, already on the border of the province of Arthena, the group separated. Leonard, Jillian and Cathy went to a safe place in the province.
Christopher and Katarina stood in front of the road that would lead to Bohma's castle with a few more soldiers waiting in order to retreat.
Since the separation, this was the first time the couple had been reunited.
"Have you decided what you're going to do now, whether you're going to go back to your house here in Arthena or go somewhere else?" Katarina asked, pretending to be indifferent.
"No. On the one hand I want to stay and find out what happened to Piers, but on the other hand I want to go back to Bohma to see my children, for it is not certain what you did to them by separating them from me like that."
"I did what I had to do"
"Did you do what you had to do? For what? Hurt me and hurt them too? They are my children!"
The soldiers turned away as they realized the mood of the couple.
"Clairy told me that Maddy was sick because of this abrupt separation!"
"Maddy is not even your daughter," she said cynically.
"She is! She has my last name! I was the one who created her, I was the one who took care of her since she was newborn, it was me who woke up at dawn to pay attention to her, I was the one who always defended her from you! I'm more her father than you were her mother! "
Katarina remained silent and swallowed any response she could reply. It was not worth continuing the discussion on such a worn-out subject.
"And you owe me explanations"
"I owe you nothing"
"Ah, you owe me many explanations Katarina, especially about what just happened. How did you know how to deal with those strange soldiers? What's your involvement with the Walkers?"
"No Involvement..."
"No Katarina? Would your ambition be so great for you to cause such a tragedy to rise to power once and for all? To be seen as heroine?"
"Shut up Christopher, look what you're accusing me of! If I had known all this, this tragedy would never have happened!"
"Do not lie to me! I'm not the idiot you think I am. I know full well of your secret meetings with Albert!"
"My encounters with him have nothing to do with these creatures! I was as much a victim of him as this city!"
"Oh yes? As in?"
"Because he was using me as a guinea pig with the medicines he provided me!"
"Remedy for that Katarina? I never saw you sick again!"
"Aging is sickness for me! I do not accept the marks of expressions knowing that I can get rid of them with that elixir of youth, and health too? Have not you noticed that your own health and the recurrent stomach pains have ceased?"
"Did you make me take the black pills?" He asked horrified.
"Of course! No one deserves a husband complaining of pain and being unproductive when one has so much work to do. I do not deserve an ugly old husband by my side! You should thank me for improving your health, for I also refused to lose you because of your fragility..."
"I can't believe I'm hearing such words... how absurd!"
"It is absurd to have an unfaithful and ungrateful husband!"
"I am not your husband!" He raged angrily.
She laughed, "Of course it is. Separation of bodies does not annul marriage!"
"This marriage never existed! My only wife is Angelique!"
She rolled her eyes impatiently. That name again. "I do everything I can to not argue, but you just insist on doing everything that hurts me!" She said, trying to control herself to the fullest.
"The only thing that hurts you is the truth, Katarina"
"The idiot redhead is dead, Christopher. Accept this truth!"
He laughed scornfully, and before he could say anything he could regret, he turned his back on her and climbed onto his horse, leaving her behind.
Katarina shouted his name several times, irritated. Very angry. Frustrated. For a moment she thought that the time of separation had softened his impetus, and that it was time for them finally to be reconciled, for she could no longer bear his longing. His absence was already torturing her even if she did not show it. At night, alone, when no one was around, she was crying in his arms. The only way she'd found him was to feel him close to her, to his scent.
He had disappeared on the road to Bohma. It was his duty to report the results of the mission.
Katarina felt more and more that she was losing him.
And that she would not allow. She would fight to the end to continue by his side.
.
.
.
That public argument resulted in the reinforcement on Katarina's bad fame.
What she took years to build, it was crashing in days.
Katarina's name was turning into disgrace.
The wheel of life was turning…
Some time has passed since the battle of Arthena.
Piers had been able to return to Bohma to stay with his family.
With the rumors of Katarina's involvement, the image of the old beloved brunette became more overshadowed, and as Charles recovered his health, he took his place as absolute sovereign of both kingdoms, Edonia and Bohma, while Chris, Piers and Katarina only kept the titles of nobility.
Katarina had reflected on Christopher's longings and had decided to do the right thing: bring the children back home. She and Christopher remained separate, despite their kind of friendly relationship, more than ever, Katarina felt she needed Christopher's support to deal with her name's defamation. And in order to mitigate all the rejection she still received from him, she surrendered to every wish he wanted, even allowed Vladimir to have more contact with his daughter, Maddy, even if the little girl still didn't know the true fatherhood of the doctor.
Christopher was still confused by all the events. He still continued handling the security of the realms at the highest post, alongside Piers.
He was happy to have the kids around again, all but Olly.
After returning to Bohma, he had sought out Angelique to resolve their legal situation, but he had heard that the Talbot family had moved to Lake Manor.
He considered the idea of going to that place to try to talk to Angelique, but ended up preferring to respect the privacy of the family.
And so, a few more weeks passed, and King Charles invited all the nobles for a royal banquet.
Katarina talked to some noble girlfriends
"I do not know how you tolerate his infidelities!"
"It's what men do…they have concubines" a woman said as they talked about marriages
"Because you allow it!"
"Christopher has cheated on you as well…" the woman replied
"Reason why we separated! I do not tolerate it!"
"I thought you reconciled…" another commented
"Not yet. I am giving him all the time he needs to realize we belong together, but he has to be sure and not make the same mistake again because I will not accept his cheating again!"
While Katarina was distracted with her girlfriends, Christopher talked to some friends when he noticed George Talbot waving at him.
"Excuse me…" he said as he followed the man
George and Christopher walked to a more private area at the labyrinth garden
"We need to talk, Christopher."
"About what?"
"You know very well, this conversation should've had happened long ago"
"I'm sorry, but I don't think I have anything to talk to you"
"You know this isn't true…you and I have something in common, Angely and Olly"
"Wrong, only Olly…I'm aware Angely has chosen you, but Olly…you gave him your surname"
"He needed a father name, and I could be there for him"
"I know…I know Olly's respect for you, but he's still my son and it hurts me I can't see him as much as I wish"
"You're not forbidden to see him"
"But if feels that way!"
George silenced for a few seconds. He couldn't judge him.
"I'm sorry my tone George, I didn't mean to yell at you"
"I know. No hard feelings here"
"No hard feelings here either. I know you're taking good care of Olly and Angely…"
"And that still hurts you, right?"
"It doesn't hurt me…" Christopher said looking away
George gasped, "Christopher, I'm not stupid. I'm a man and I know things…I know it still bothers you my relationship with Angelique. I know everything that has happened to you. I know of what has happened in the realms all these years. The way you were entangled and manipulated. But with your absence, Angelique and I became very close friends. I saw closely how much she suffered for you"
"I never intended for her to suffer"
"I know that, too, but I was by her side and I could see, more than anyone else, how much Angelique loved you. She spent months devotedly waiting for you, relentlessly. I saw you inside her, almost like a physical presence"
"And you were already in love with her…" Christopher added uncomfortably.
"I won't deny it's hard to see the woman you love suffering for the man to whom she promised eternal love until this man appears marrying another woman… But it doesn't mean I meant to replace you…I never did that"
"For you, I must be like a ghost who has returned to the life of the woman you love," commented Christopher
"You've never been a ghost to me, and you have not returned to Angelique's life. Her life has taken a different turn, by my side. You can be sure that I will always respect your bond to Oliver, above all else. I could never take your place as his father by right and blood"
"If it were not so, we would become declared enemies"
"I do not think it's good to become enemies... But we can have respect for each other in the name of Angelique and Oliver, especially Angely so that she won't suffer more than she has already suffered through all this, do you agree?"
Even though he was upset, Christopher accepted the peace agreement with his rival. "Of course I do, so be it, George, I know you care for Oliver with the same love, but always tell him I am his father, and that I love him very much"
"Nor could it be otherwise. Oliver will always be immensely proud of his fathers. Always!" Agreed the marques
Christopher nodded in agreement and stared the man before him, "George, I want to say from the bottom of my heart that you and Angelique be immensely happy. I learned to admire you. You're an honorable and worthy man. Like a few…" said Christopher
"I also learned to admire you, Christopher. You are a good man and just... I wish you to be very happy too. In the kingdom and in life! Everything in the most perfect harmony, but... be careful with Katarina…"
"I know... I'm aware that she can't know about Olly and Angelique... at least until Angely and I resolve our pendencies, and so I ask you to tell Angelique that I need to talk to her, and before you wonder what is, I'll tell you that it's about our divorce."
George made a face, "Are you really willing to conceive her the divorce?"
"Yes. As much as it hurts to say this… I prefer to respect her choice to stay by your side"
"Were you still hopeful that you could reconcile?"
"I won't deny that I did for a while! I spent years enjoying her ghost and neglecting my relationship with Katarina…"
"You abandoned Angely for Katarina!"
"No... I believed she was dead, for that is what they said to me"
"Who?"
"Her family"
George rolled his eyes.
"I know I was stupid to believe them, even knowing all they did to Angelique... but I didn't think they were capable of so much... I thought they would rather get rid of it by granting marriage permission instead of sent her to the convent, and because of their testimony, her death certificate was granted and our divorce decreed based on her death from illness and so I had no choice but to marry Katarina who claimed to be pregnant with my child... And I swear to you, George, I would never have abandoned Angelique if I had known she was alive and pregnant of me!"
At that moment, George Talbot realized that Christopher had not yet known the truth. He didn't know of the infamous Katarina's involvement in buying Angelique's death, but as things were being resolved amicably, he preferred to remain silent about that fact, after all, with the completion of Christopher and Angelique's divorce, his marriage to red would become legally valid.
"I understand... Anyway, what's done is done. I'll give your message to Angely"
"Thank you. I will be waiting"
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogantor rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13)
.
.
Castle of Bohma, Reed Chambers
Christopher had enough for that night and returned to his bedchambers after the conversation with George, which put the head of the royal security in a contemplative mood.
At the balcony looking at the dark landscape and sitting on a sofa, the man drank a glass of wine as he reflected about the future of his life.
Without Angelique. Without Katarina…
For a moment, he considered going after Cathy, as after seeing her in Arthena had moved him somehow and aware that he soon would be divorced from Angelique, he'd have his freedom back as his marriage to Katarina didn't seem to have a validation…and that made him have second thoughts.
He took another sip of the liquid, and heard strong footsteps coming closer. Footsteps he knew so well.
He didn't look back but waited the approximation of Katarina wearing a red nightgown with lace in the borders that designed the curves of her body and long loose wavy hair down to her waist, and no makeup. She still wore high heels though, and the cold breeze enhanced her hard nipples showing through the thin fabric. That thin fabric covered her bare skin. He knew that.
Her natural beauty and feminine posture illuminated by the lights of the lamps on the walls gave an extra touch to their atmosphere.
"What do you want?" he asked keeping the distance in his voice, yet his eyes focused on hers
Without a reply, Katarina just made one move and knelt before him and her face looking down, "I am sorry…" that was her reply. Sincerity noticed in her voice tone.
Katarina wasn't the type to kneel to anyone, but him. The man, object of her adoration and love. The only one that was capable to move her pride – not necessarily away, right?
Pride could have two sides. The pride to humiliate to him, and the pride to not let him go.
Rest to know which one was the real case for Katarina – if not true love in their twisted patterns.
"I had not been a good wife to you or a good person with you. I hurt you when I was out of myself and inflicted you pain when I myself was in agonizing pain as I continued reviving the dark past, oblivious to all the goodness you provided me and the dedication you gave to us, and now I live the true agonizing pain of not being by your side. You always stood up for me, for us, but I with that terrible flaw of mine named Jealousy that turns me into a dark person I really am not! But you know what to expect from me, as you have seen my character of a good wife. Suppose I tell you now, what I, in my turn, expect, and how you may best please me and make me happy.—Thus then I begin—Let me ever have the sweet consciousness of knowing myself the best beloved of your heart—I do not always require a lover's attention—that wou'd be impossible, but let it never appear by your conduct that I am indifferent to you… Because I cannot be ever indifferent to you, so I am here humbly begging for your forgiveness and the last chance for us to make things right and work between us"
"We have said "last chance" quite a few times, huh?"
"Only twice…for real…in twelve years, early thirteen"
"And all the times you screwed up. How can I believe this time will be different and the real last chance that will really makes us work?"
"There is no guarantees in love, Chris… but two people that love each other continue working through the adversities until death put them apart, although I believe in eternity I am absolutely sure I will continue loving you forever" she touched his knees as she looked up at him
"I cannot take your jealousy…it suffocates me"
"Are you that perfect, Christopher?"
"There are flaws that are impossible to bear, Kat…and your jealousy breaks us apart and that keeps me insecure on how to deal with you when you insist in seeing things that are not there, that are not real no matter how I try to prove you otherwise!"
"I will work on that! But it is very hard dealing with the thought that I will lose you…any time…"
"You lose me when you listen to your jealousy!"
She looked down and nodded in agreement, "I know…But I…I am willing to work harder in this flaw of mine that corrupts me…" tears cored down her face, "But I need you by my side…" she looked up
They exchanged gazes. His second thoughts before she arrived had showed him the possibility of really trying to commit with Katarina for real. It didn't mean his sweet Angelique would not be important to him anymore, because it was fact she would always have a special place in his life. She was the mother of his son and the person that showed him kindness and a different type of love, lighter, non-possessive. The love of the angels – just like her name and aura.
And before Angelique stepped into his life, there was Katarina. A woman that always moved him in different ways, and someone he always felt connected despite trying to run away several times.
A tougher love, more carnal. More troubled, but so intense that he had showed a side of his that Katarina had embraced like no other, and he was sure Angelique would be scared.
Angelique loved his temperance and sweetness. Katarina loved his darkness and toughness.
In twelve years:
He saw Angelique had become a strong woman – not that she wasn't before – but now she was aware of it.
He saw a tender and insecure side of Katarina behind all the mask of strong and independent woman.
However, Angelique had chosen George Talbot.
He still had Katarina…
And the truth: he missed her. He wanted her back. He missed the temperamental brunette.
In twelve years, they learned to be softer with each other and enjoy it, while mixing with their own darkness. There was a different type of chemistry that united them – a nameless chemistry – a strong bond. Maybe love?
Theories aside, he held her grip and smiled.
She smiled back.
He gently lifted her and pulled her to him, as she sat on his lap.
"Let's be happy now" he said enlacing his arms around her waist
"We will!" she replied enlacing her arms around his neck
They kissed for long minutes. Just kiss. All types of kiss. Their mouths made love like they never did, yet, they felt it so familiar. Savoring their lips, their saliva, their tongues, in slow and tender ways. In more paced moves, wetter. Sucking and nibbling their lips. Tongues. The skin around her lips reddish due to his beard brushing against it. She didn't care. They had no hurry. They missed kissing each other. Tasting each other –upper level for now. Caressing each other with their mouths, with their hands. Exchanging gazes. Smiles. Caressing their hairs.
Kind caresses.
Tender love between beasts.
They still were beasts…
He moved down the strap of her nightgown, releasing her hard nipples from its cage. He cupped her right breast with his left hand, thumbing her nipple, as his tongue licked the left and his lips sucked her left nipple. Nibbling it. And then he treated the right side the same way.
She moaned in his ear. It was like a lullaby.
He missed listening to that.
Her skin shivered with the combination of sensations. The hotness of his mouth and the cold breeze of the night.
But Katarina was a woman of action too and grabbed his hard member through the pants. Teasing him. Caressing him.
It was about time to explore more areas. Savor more skin.
Kneeling down before him again – oh yeah, the only thing that made Katarina O'Gregon kneel if not by lowering pride, was to please her man. And she loved pleasing her man. She missed that!
Releasing him from the cages of his pants, she licked her lips seductively as she looked up with a naughty gaze. But she didn't rush to it.
Why the hurry when the fun could be longer?
She teased him rubbing him. Giving him soft kisses on the head, down the long way to the base and back. With her tongue. With her lips combined with her hand moves.
She released the balls and played with them too, mouthed them. Sucked them. He loved it. She tasted all of him. She savored all of him. She ate all of him. His moans were music to her ears.
She stood up and lifted the nightgown, and then straddled him. It was time for some ride. He cupped her breasts and bit her nipple as he impaled her. She moaned in pleasure as she nailed his back.
They still were beasts that loved it rough. They loved when it hurt. When there were some bleeding…
Their burning skins didn't feel the cold breeze anymore, and the couple didn't mind if anyone could hear their love making in the balcony that wasn't just limited to the sofa. They used the parapet too. The wall.
Until he carried her inside, and as his gun reloaded, it was time to give her the same special treatment. He loved her so bald.
In their private nest, the O'Gregon-Reed made love in several positions of the Kama Sutra.
That night they conceived new heirs to the O'Gregon-Reed clan.
.
.
Thanks to Katarina's advanced fertility and age, as we know nowadays, that women after 35 have more tendencies to have pregnancy of multiples. Not a rule of course.
Unfortunately, those children of love didn't have much proximity nor memories of their female progenitor because one year and a half after their birth…
.
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River Province, Bohma
"And it was in that day that I started seeing things differently. I noticed how fragile the dreams are. That day, all those plans we had to share a future. To live in those lands, in those manors, progressively and suddenly changed. We still had the urge to stay together, but the destiny was molding our future – and here I say individual future – in different ways, without even letting us know or understand why the changes. Why not the dreams.
That day, my feelings didn't change for you, but I started facing them differently. Somehow, I was realizing that everything we had was been too good to be true and eternal. We could not freeze the time as we expected in the day at the lakeshore." (Angelique's Letter)
(*)
After having the marriage to Angelique annulled, without Katarina knowing of it, Christopher renewed his marriage vows to Katarina during her pregnancy. It was his way to validate their marriage legality without wakening her suspicions by using the excuse of their reconciliation.
Christopher and Angelique remained friends and told her he kept all her paintings in his land in Arthena that miraculously was spared by the flooding.
Katarina did seem to have changed and they lived a period of extreme happiness with their big family. She didn't control his steps like she did before, and now they lived in the house of her late parents, and where she grew up along with her sister Elizabeth.
Leonard divorced his wife, but continued visiting their child, and married Jillian. They were currently expecting their first child together.
Everything was in extreme peace for everyone, even for Charles that had a miraculous legit heir – probably because his wife drank the "special wine" too.
Bohma's territory was extended and a new province was created, and the most important village was the River Village, where Clairy lived with her new husband. And the place Christopher used as an excuse to meet Angelique and Oliver with more peace, as Katarina didn't know the redhead's real identity, despite knowing Christopher and the former royal painter talked eventually believing it was just a friendship due to the growing proximity of Oliver and Madeline.
Although, Angelique avoided seeing Katarina whenever she could, as every time she recalled The Letter, but then she remembered George's words on the matter, and also the evident Christopher's happiness at the brunette side. So she used all her self-control to not open her mouth about the truth, despite the bothering thought that Christopher being fooled. She hated feeling she was lying to him.
In a spring morning of 1712, Christopher walked to Bohma Grove Trails, a location in the River Province where he usually met Angelique alongside Oliver for occasional picnics or to spend some quality time in family. That location wasn't much far from where Clairy Reed lived.
That place always brought nostalgia to the thirty-eight year old man as he stared the trees around him.
Seventeen years ago, Christopher Reed ran through that exact forest to save his own life. That day his life changed forever.
That forest was a bit changed now.
From across those trees, he arrived in the end of that place – a cliff – where a river cored down through the rocks.
Down the way of the river, there was a bifurcation where the river divided in two paths. The left side continued the extension of it. The right side flew out in the lake area of the Lake Manor.
Seventeen years later, that river separated the two provinces: the Lake Province and the River Province.
"Christopher…" he heard a female voice calling him, immediately he turned around to face his angelic redhead wearing a long cotton white dress – she loved that color and pink – her hair was mostly loosen and only two straps of hair from each side were braided and tighten to the back
"What are you doing here?" she asked in concern, "I was looking for you as I didn't see you where we usually meet at those benches in the other side"
"I'm sorry… I don't know why…today I felt I needed to come this side…"
"This is the place you ran after that battle, right?"
"Yes it is…this is the spot I jumped not knowing where that would lead me…but led me to you…" he inhaled, "We were so young!" he forced a smile
She smiled faintly back and stepped closer to him, "Yes we were…"
"The water is crystalline but is fucking cold!" he spoke with a playful tone
She laughed, "I know! I remember!"
"Do you still know how to swim?"
"Yes I do! I still know how to do quite of those things, but in a slower pace"
They laughed
"We're old now" he spoke looking down the river
"But wiser" she replied resting her hands on her abdomen
"I never thought things would turn out this way, Angely…but there are moments like this that I feel like the twenty-one-year-old guy, who little about life and nothing about love, and had only a small idea of who I was, unware there was softness in that knight… now I'm this old man, hardened by life"
"You're still soft…"
"Only when I with you"
"I don't think so…Maddy, and all your children don't think either…you're a cool dad" she forced a smile
He didn't reply. He remained observing the woman next to him. She still looked delicate, but her facial bone features were more imposing of a woman's. Some lines of expression starting to show. His Angelique was not the youthful girl he met, nor skinny. She had curves now and her voice had matured a bit too.
"I know you don't like when I say these things… when I have my nostalgic moments…But today is one of those days…I'm sorry" he said apologetic
"It's not that I don't like…It's just that we owe respect to other people now, and the nostalgia lead us to live a moment we can't return…"
"We're not cheating anyone"
"But lately I'm emotional about things again…" she held her hands closer to her belly
His eyes widened as he had finally noticed the belly bump showing through her clothing, "Are you pregnant again?" he asked surprised
She nodded in confirmation
"Why didn't you tell me before? A bump like that I should've had noticed!"
She laughed, "Large clothes…"
"Congratulations, Angely!"
She nodded accepting the compliment, as she fought her tears.
"I'm sorry I got you emotional again"
"It's alright…" she said wiping her tears, "this time I'm really emotional… Crying rivers!"
"Maybe it's a girl…" he said pointing at her belly
She giggled holding it, "Maybe… Soon we will know…"
"Yeah, by the way, we should go back to the bench, Olly might be worried" he said
The couple, still facing the cliff, didn't notice the approximation of someone from behind them.
Christopher felt something touching his waist. Everything was too fast before his reflex could reason properly as Angelique's scream echoed in the forest, in the cliff.
He turned to see a silhouette in a long black dress carrying his knife, and blood on the blade. Angelique's blood as he noticed the red stain on the redhead's dress and belly level.
"Katarina!" he yelled in despair
With a sharp pain, holding her belly, trembling in despair, Angelique only caught the hatred eyes of Katarina, as if in slow motion as she heard Christopher yelling at the woman in black, and soon disarming her. Angelique felt the strong push at her chest, making her lose balance. She screamed again in a quick reflex trying to hold anything. In vain. Suddenly she only felt the cold hit against her back and heard at distance Christopher's voice calling her name.
"Surrounded by the flames of jealousy, the jealous ends, like the scorpion, turning the poisoned bite against itself." (Friedrich Nietzsche)
.
.
"He did again…" Katarina spoke shivering as hot tears cored on her face, as her blood boiled as she watched the couple from behind a tree, "He lied to me…again!" she cried in silence as disappointment hit her
Observing them in silence, trying to keep her control, many things crossed her mind.
A strong wave of anger took over her as she saw Christopher's words about the painter's pregnancy.
"Pregnant…" she whispered as her body burned in hate, "She just told him now…"
Her reason going away as if time paralyzed at that exact moment. She couldn't hear, or think anything else, as a strong wave of burning anger took over her and all her eyes could see was his combat knife in the sheath at his waist. In a quick move she took it, grabbed the redhead with one hand, and without any thought, she stabbed the woman in her belly – deeply. Soon after, he disarmed her, and then, in a quicker dodge she pushed the woman down the cliff.
"Angelique!" he screamed before turning his attention to the woman in black
Turning her face to the side, she recognized that name.
"Angelique…" her mind swiping the information – could it be Angelique the late wife?
Before she even considered an explanation, her hatred eyes met Christopher's
"Look what you did!" he yelled at her
"You cheated on me again with that slut!"
"She's no slut!"
"You'll pay for this Katarina!" he yelled raising the blade and without a second thought, he stabbed her in the chest in a fury wave
Then he ran to the border of the cliff and looked down trying to find Angelique who managed to hold on a rock
"Angely! I'll get you help…" he screamed again
Katarina choked with the blade into her chest, and watched Christopher at the edge – distracted.
"You want to stay with her? So stay in hell!" Katarina yelled in a swift furious move and pushed the man down the cliff
In agonizing pain, the woman in black could not breathe properly as she felt her strengths going away. At the border, she cried watching Christopher swimming until the redhead and their bodies flowing down the river, and a sudden wave of remorse took over her.
"Christopher!" she yelled realizing her biggest mistake
She lost him. What she most feared happened – thanks to her.
Once upon a time, that man himself warned her that her jealousy broke them apart. And it just did. Knowing there was no turning back, Katarina in a last gather of strength, she used both of her hands to remove the knife from her chest. Blood spilled out. She fell on the grass, and closed her eyes.
.
.
"Jealousy multiplies in doubts. When those doubts are transformed into certainties, then the passion ceases or becomes absolute madness" (Frances of La Rochefoucauld)
"Angely, please, stay with me…" he said holding her
"It's cold…"
"I'll take us to the right side of the bifurcation that drains in your lake"
"Our lake…"
"Yes, our lake…We're almost there…just hang in there…"
"Chris…Kata-rina…she tri-ed…kill…me"
"I know…I saw it…I was there…"
"No…she paid my…family…to kill me…she separated us…"
"What?"
"There's a letter…ask George…"
Their bodies continued flowing the river's route. Christopher stayed alert to the bifurcation. Angelique kept her eyes closed.
"Do you know…how to pray? Pray with me." She said with a weak tone of voice
"I don't believe in a God…"
"You need to have faith. I know how much you're hurting…"
"What God is this Angely? That seems to enjoy the suffering of the other, which allows those who love each other to separate. That allows you... who I loved...I never stopped loving..."
"I... I'm sorry, it hurts me so much to see you like this. I wished so much it was different. That everything was different."
21st Century, Chris' Apartment, Night
Chris woke up with a start, sweating, desperate. He looked to the sides to recognize the place he was, until finally realizing he was in his bedroom. On his king sized bed.
"Angely…" he whispered wiping his eyes
He listened to knocks on the door, and stood up to open.
"Kat…"
"Chris, are you okay?" the young brunette asked with visible concern
"Yeah…" he still seemed lost
"I woke up with your screams… I got worried…"
"I'm alright…thanks for the concern…"
"I'll get you a glass of water, you still seem out…"
"Don't worry Kate…I have a minibar here…Go back to sleep, we have a flight to take in a few hours"
"You do the same…it was just a bad dream…" she touching his arm in comfort
Unconsciously, Chris removed his arm abruptly. He could see the scare in the brunette's eyes.
"I'm sorry…I didn't mean to…" he said apologetic
"It's okay…I forgot the no touching rule…" she said walking away as she felt the sudden chest pain
"Kate…don't get me wrong…" he said going after her
"It's okay Chris. I don't get you wrong…" she said closing the door on his face
He immediately opened the door, and saw Kate holding her chest, "You don't seem well…Can I help you with something?"
"I'm fine…it's just a stupid pain I feel when I get tense…"
"Have you seen a doctor?"
"Yeah! All exams came clear…it's just stress…"
"I'm sorry…I really didn't mean to scare you…"
"I'm fine…" she muttered
"Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Just leave me alone"
He cleared his throat and inhaled heavily, let out the sigh. Without insistency, Chris left back to his bedroom.
Katerina cried in silence, embracing herself. Alone. In the dark.
Thank you Pin and silver scropion for the reviews! :D
The moster is ready and out! Phew...That was long, painful, sad...everything! My head is spinning now as I took a full day (14 straight hours) to write this because I wasn't willing to suffer for another day T_T
Plus, I try to stick to my words and I said only two chapters left to end the 18th xD So, let's face this in one roll!
I apologize for making you feel so much...Take your time because the next chapter is a long monster too! But softer! Phew...I can't take another dramatic and dark content more than this xD
Ok..I can...I love drama xD buuut, I need to breathe now...and sleep too because I have classes in the morning, lol
I actually am speechless right now...All this long path led to this fate... T_T
I always knew I'd suffer writing this, and I even considered for a second changing it...but that would change the essence and reason of this story... T_T
I'll def write a lighter 21st! xD Ahh, and not so long either - (I guess...)
I also used some philosophers quotes, a book quotes on a few parts
Anways, Thank you everyone for the support and let's move on! And let's hope for a different ending in the 21st! :D
Stay Tuned!