A War.

Chapter 30.

~Karl~

Mother convinced me to let the doctors do their work. They assured me they would do their best to bring down Princess Katrina's fever. There was no reason to panic—yet I couldn't stop myself from doing exactly that.

I found myself standing at the entrance of the women's quarters, something I rarely did. By now, they must have guessed—I had a new favorite.

"Y-Your Highness…" A familiar voice called softly.

I didn't need to turn to know who it was. Fortuna.

I finally faced her. Her eyes were red and swollen, proof of how much she had cried. Guilt stirred inside me. She had always been by my side, through everything, whether I was right or wrong. She was more than just a partner—she was my friend.

"Forgive me, please," she begged, falling to her knees. More tears spilled down her face, and when I looked away, she clung to my legs.

This was difficult. But no matter how much I cared for her, what she did to Katrina was inexcusable.

"How many times have I told you not to lay a hand on my concubines?"

"Countless times, Your Highness," she admitted, her voice shaking. "But Katrina started this war. She humiliated me in front of everyone."

I sighed, watching her closely. How long was she going to hold onto this grudge?

"And what did I tell you that day when you reported her to me?"

Fortuna swallowed hard, her gaze shifting to the wall. She had no answer.

Because she knew—I had promised to handle it.

"You said you would punish her, but you didn't. Instead, you're making her—"

"Stop it, Fortuna," I cut her off, my voice sharp. "Katrina is in there, fighting for her life."

She flinched, but I wasn't sure if it was from guilt or anger. Did she even care that her revenge had nearly killed someone?

"You may leave. I'm not in the mood for this."

"Please, don't turn away from me…"

"You're starting to irritate me," I snapped, my patience slipping. "Get up and leave."

The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted them. I needed to stay calm. Losing my temper wouldn't help anything.

Fortuna slowly rose to her feet, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. But she didn't leave. She just stood there, watching me.

I was about to send her away when the door to the room opened.

Mother stepped out.

"The princess is out of danger," she announced. "She will regain consciousness later."

I exhaled, the weight on my chest lifting slightly. "Did the medicine woman say when?"

"No, but you should rest," she insisted. "You have meetings to attend."

"I'm fine," I replied, though exhaustion was creeping in.

"I insist," Mother pressed. She placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "I will let you know when she wakes up."

I hated to admit it, but she was right. Katrina was safe for now, and I had other responsibilities. Besides, she was a healer. Perhaps she would have the strength to heal herself.

"Fine, Mother. Just make sure she isn't disturbed," I told her, my tone firm. "There are people who don't want her here."

Fortuna's lips parted as if she wanted to speak, but I didn't give her the chance. Instead, I leaned down and kissed my mother's forehead.

"See you later, Mother."

Without another word, I left the women's quarters.

Next time I returned, Katrina would be awake. I was sure of it.

**

~Fortuna~

I did everything I could to get rid of that foolish princess, but nothing worked in my favor. Instead, I ended up on the wrong side of things. The king was furious—angrier than I had ever seen him. He looked at me as if I were nothing, just an ordinary servant.

For a second, I thought he might slap me. But he didn't.

No matter how cruel Karl could be, he wasn't the kind of man to hit a woman. If he were, I was sure he would have struck me because of Katrina. The way he cared for her…it was strange. I had never seen him act this way before.

I thought I could get away with this like I always had, but Katrina was different. His hunger for her was undeniable.

After the king left, I stormed back to my room, my mind racing. The only way to calm him down was to apologize to Katrina the moment she woke up. That would ease his anger.

If I let this go on for too long, his mother would take advantage of the situation. She would use this as an excuse to make Katrina his little pet.

"Forgive me, my queen. I had no idea the king would come here and—" Angelina started, but I cut her off.

"Do not worry. I'm fine."

"Is there anything you need me to do?"

I turned to the mirror, staring at my reflection. I looked awful. No wonder the women in the quarters had stared at me with such satisfaction. They were enjoying my downfall.

"I want to look beautiful tonight," I declared, stepping out of my dress. "A war has begun between Katrina and me." I headed for the bathroom, determination burning in my chest. "And when it's over, I will be the last one standing."

Angelina hesitated before speaking. "I understand how you feel, your highness. But you shouldn't do anything that will make the king angrier."

I spun around, narrowing my eyes at her. Who did she think she was to give me advice?

"Keep your opinions to yourself," I warned, my tone sharp. "And never speak without permission again."

She bowed her head quickly. "Forgive me, your highness. I misspoke."

I was about to step into the bathroom when she spoke again.

"The king's sisters just arrived."

I froze, turning back to her. "You're joking, right?"

She shook her head.

A slow smile spread across my face.

This was good news.

The princesses had always been on my side.

And now, they would take care of Katrina for me.

***

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