Chapter 13: The battlefield is no place for a woman with such high status such as yourself.

Damien and I arrived at the Palace of Cross before nightfall. The Capital wasn't ugly at all. In fact, the Capital was filled with beauty. The Palace of Cross was also mesmerizing. It was equal in size to my home but had different architecture. His parents met us at the entrance of the castle with open arms and warm smiles.

"You've arrived," the King says happily, "I am glad that you're safe."

The Queen smiled warmly, pulling me into an embrace. "You're glowing, my dear," she says, "Do we have a grandson on the way?" I looked at her. I still can't believe that I wasn't aware that she is the King's second wife and not Damien's real mother.

"Please," Damien says, taking my arm, "Do not pressure us into becoming parents. We've only just arrived."

"Your rooms have been prepared," the King says, "Now, shall we have supper?"

We followed the King into the dining hall. It was grand indeed. The place was decorated with chandeliers and flowers, giving it a lighter tone than the dining hall we have back in the estate.

"You have a beautiful palace, my king," I said, taking the seat next to Damien.

He smiled. "It's your first time here, am I right? Please feel at home."

I looked at Damien who was presently scowling. He obviously didn't want to be here. I put my hand over his, gesturing for him to say something. He sighed, saying, "I have a request during our stay."

"What is it?" asked Queen Grea.

Damien looked at them sternly, making it clear that he will not take no for an answer. "I would like for you not to pester us about having a child. I assure you that my wife and I are performing our duty."

The Queen laughed mockingly. "I have eyes on you, my boy," she says in a wicked tone, "I know you haven't been faithful to your wife, and that you don't touch her at all." I didn't know that the queen could be quite... hostile. I could already tell that this is going to be one hell of a family dinner.

"We've been well," I assured them, "Please. I assure you we'll have a child soon. You needn't worry about the treaty."

"Good," she says, "After all, what good is a wife if she can't provide at least one child."

Damien chuckled, glaring at her. "For once, I agree with you," he says, "What good are you to my father? You failed to give him any children, have you not? You're nothing but a pretty fuck."

I placed my hand over him, signaling him to stop. The King sighed, also forbidding his wife from speaking further. I sense that Damien doesn't have the best relationship with his stepmother. I wouldn't be surprised to find out if she's the one who sent him away to live in the estate.

"I will not tolerate disrespect at the dinner table," says the king. "End this conversation now, or I will both have you punished."

Changing the topic, I asked, "Please fill us in. I would like to know the status report of the people who tried to assassinate us."

The king replied, "As you know, not a lot of people were in favor of peace. Some of our former supporters wanted to end the war by finally crushing the other. Something which you would've done, Princess, if you hadn't spared my son."

"Yes," I said.

"They mean to disrupt the peace between us and to start a new war," he explained, "Tomorrow, when everyone's present, we're to prepare for the war that's to come."

"Well, will I take part in it?" I asked, "As you know, I am the White Knight. I even defeated the fiercest warrior that is your son, your majesty. I would become an asset to the battle." I don't like war, but it's all I have ever known. I would be lying if I said that battles didn't excite me. It's one of the things that make me who I am.

The king coughed, looking at his wife. Judging by it, I may not like the response they'll give.

"We prefer you to stay here in the Capital or in your home in Palace White," said the Queen, "The battlefield is no place for a woman with such high status such as yourself. Not to mention, the possible heir you're bearing in your belly."

As expected, they intend to keep me locked up. I didn't bother to hide the displeasure on my face, but I did try my best to hold my tongue. I know nothing good would've escaped my lips if I let my emotions get the best of me.

"Do you disagree?" the Queen asked. The expression on her face makes me question if she's taunting me or just genuinely asking.

"With all due respect, I do," I said, taking a sip from my wine. "All women in my family are warriors. I am a warrior. Not a single princess or queen ever lost a child either."

"But you're a lady of House Cross now," she argued, smiling innocently.

"Actually," I fought, "I am a woman of House White and House Cross. I can go to battle on behalf of my country since I am to become the next White Queen. I have enough power to decide my fate, but out of respect for your family, I will consider your thoughts and decide tomorrow." I looked at my husband who— to my surprise—was smiling at me. No, he was smirking at them. "I believe my husband agrees with me," I said.

He nodded, facing them. "I'm afraid my wife is right. She is the future Queen of White, therefore she has power over her own fate." I suppose he said that only to vex them, but still, the gesture was much appreciated.

The King sighed, nodding. "I suppose we shall decide tomorrow," he says, "But, I will tell you now that I would much appreciate it if you stay in safety."

"My wife is the opposite of safety," says Damien, "She's the most dangerous person in the room. Remember, she managed to defeat me in battle. In addition to that, she gave me such an awful scar on my chest." Everyone could tell that he was enjoying the conversation. I suppose he loathes his stepmother so much that he's very happy to side with me. It's just too obvious.

"I'm sure that she'd become a great Queen here at Cross when the time comes," he adds, "For certain, she's the woman this Dynasty needs."

"Thank you, husband," I said, shyly smiling at him. For certain, I have now made an enemy of the Queen of House Cross. If looks could kill, I'd be dead by now. I could feel her wrath circling me.

"I do not wish to offend you, your grace," I told her, "I apologize if I have."

"I do not take offense," she said bitterly, chugging on her wine.

"But your face says otherwise," Damien scoffed.

"Enough," I said, holding his hand. "I do not wish to make an enemy of your mother," I whispered.

"The thing is," he says, "She is not my mother!" His mood had turned from playful to pure rage. The look in his eyes was somewhat demonic—nothing I'd ever seen before. To think that I've seen his most monstrous side on the battlefield... Boy, am I wrong?

He removed his hand from mine, standing.

"Do not start, Damien," his father scolds. "Sit down. You haven't eaten yet. I'm sure."

Damien cut his father off, saying, "My wife and I will retire to our bed-chamber, enjoying marital bliss as you so expect us to. Feel free to order the servants to bring the food to our quarters." With that said, he dragged me off with him, leaving his parents to dine by themselves. I dare not go against him knowing the current mood that he's in. The last thing I need is for him to go astray during such a turbulent time.

He slammed the door behind him once we reached our bedroom. "They will send us food," he said, "Don't worry."

"It's fine," I said, sitting on the couch. "I have lost my appetite."

Hera knocked on the door, entering. "Your majesty," she greeted him with a curtsy. She then turned to me, helping me get dressed. I felt a bit embarrassed as Damien lay here in bed, watching me.

"I heard you did not eat dinner," she said, "The servants will come shortly to bring you food and wine."

"Thank you," I said, dismissing her. "Have a pleasant night."

"And you," she says.

I turned to face Damien who was in the process of taking off his shirt. "Why are you undressing?" I asked, stepping back.

"Aren't we off to bed?" he asked, "You know I sleep naked, right?"

"Will it kill you to put on a robe, at least?" I asked, handing him the robe that was already set up for him. He smirked, taking off his pants. I looked away whilst he put on the robe I had given him.

"Thank you," I said, finally meeting his gaze. "No one was convinced that you were on my side at dinner, you know that right?"

He groaned, jumping on the bed. He was exhausted and just about done with everything.

I lay next to him, pulling the blanket over me. "Queen Grea will certainly hate me thanks to you," I say, shifting to face him.

He stared blankly at my eyes, pushing my hair away. "It's better to have her as your enemy than as your friend," he says, "She is a snake, love. You do not wish to have her as a friend. If she doesn't kill you, she will find a way to destroy you."

"You're protecting me now?" I asked, trying to lift the mood.

He smiled, touching my face. "You don't need my protection from anyone; I know that much."

"Will you tell me why you loathe her at least?" I asked, eager to listen. All knowledge is good knowledge. Perhaps it's selfish of me to take advantage of him, but I'll take what I can get. When the time comes, knowing his weaknesses is a tool I can use.

Sighing, he nodded. "I suspect that she has something to do with my mother's death," he says, "She befriended her because she wanted her station, and she got it. That's the reason why I loathe her."

"Was she also responsible for sending you to live in the estate?" I asked.

He nodded, closing his eyes. "Everything happened because of her. So please, stay the hell away from that evil bitch."

"Alright," I agreed, "Tomorrow, at the meeting, do you think they will let me go to battle? I think that the supporters of your family will strongly suggest that I stay behind. Truth be told, now that we're married, I don't know if my parents will grant me permission to go to war. I suppose they will care more about the child we don't know I'm carrying."

"Would you still go if you knew you were with child?" he asked, "Be honest."

"Of course," I said without hesitation, "Queens have done it before. I can certainly do it as well." I then asked him sternly, "If I was with child, would you let me go? Or, will you go knowing that I am carrying your child?"

He seemed to be caught off guard by my question. It took him a while before replying, "I would like to keep you and the child safe before all else... The kingdom will have to wait."

"How could you say that with such ease?" I asked, "You would put us before your kingdom..."

"That is if you're with child," he says, pinching my nose, "But that is your body; not mine. The final decision is yours to make. Should you decide to go, I will back you up in tomorrow's meeting."

"Do you swear it?" I asked, raising my pinky finger.

"What are you doing?" he asked, pointing at my finger.

I wrapped my finger in his, explaining, "If we wrap our fingers together like this, it means we made a promise. Now, do you promise you will back me up tomorrow if I decide to go?"

"Fine," he nodded exasperatedly. "You made me do a lot of things for you, Angelique. Even things I don't like."

"Hm?" I asked. I never forced him to do anything. I was sure he did them at will.

"Can you do something for me tonight?" he asked, pulling me closer. He wrapped his arms around me, keeping my body against his. "Will you stay like this with me until I fall asleep?"

I didn't question it. The least I can do is stay. He did swear to help me tomorrow. "If it pleases you," I replied, closing my eyes.

The feeling is... different. It's warm and cozy. I actually like it—being here like this with Damien. I don't know why, but somehow it feels natural. This intimacy is far different from the ones we shared. I want to stay like this, but I know my limits. I can't let myself get used to this. I know it won't last. Damien Cross will always be Damien Cross. Love is something he could never give.