Consummation Night II.

**

~Katrina~

My heart pounded as I heard the words from Princess Rania. Was she trying to ruin my night? Why would she say that?

I knew Fortuna wouldn't send me to the king unless it served her purpose. She never did anything without a reason. If she wanted me in Karl's bed, it meant danger was waiting for me there.

Tonight, Karl had been a different man. The way he spilled blood in the arena—merciless, unshaken—was not the Karl I knew. He terrified everyone, including me.

And I had rejected his gift earlier. Marissa said he wasn't pleased. What would he do to me now?

I forced a smile. "I think you misheard Queen Fortuna. There's no way she would send me to the king. You must be mistaken."

Rania sat on my sofa, her dark aura eerily similar to her brother's. "Aren't you Katrina?" she asked, tilting her head. "There's no other Katrina in the palace, or in all of Xylonia. So tell me, how am I mistaken?"

I sighed, wishing she was wrong. Just as I opened my mouth to protest, the door creaked open.

Queen Fortuna entered with effortless grace, her smile polished and perfect—too perfect. Everything was going well for her, except for me.

She had a way of walking through life as if she carried no sins, yet I knew better. I knew what she was. A murderer.

"I see Rania has delivered my message," Fortuna said, scanning the room. "You should get ready."

Rania stood, heading for the door. As she passed, she glanced back at me. "Make my brother happy tonight, Princess."

I wanted to tell her I wasn't the reason for Karl's unhappiness, but she was already gone. Now, I was left with Queen Fortuna.

She stepped closer, her eyes cold despite her smile. "Everything will be perfect. You know how the evening ended for Karl. Do not make him angry."

Her voice was light, but the warning was sharp.

"Be ready in ten minutes. He's waiting," she added, turning toward the door. "And I have no idea how he'll react if you're late."

"I just recovered from my illness. Do you really think it's best for me to spend the night with the king?" I asked, hoping she would reconsider.

Fortuna's expression didn't change. "Aren't you the healer, Princess? I'm sure you must have healed by now." Her words were sharp, dismissive. Before I could protest, she turned to Marissa. "Get her ready. It's the king's command."

I wanted to shout that I didn't care about the king's orders, but I bit my tongue. I knew my place. No matter how much favor Karl had shown me, I was still the debtor's daughter, drowning in lies. Sooner or later, they would find out—the truth about me, about my past, about my so-called healing powers.

I took a quick bath and sat in front of the mirror. My hands trembled as I thought about spending the night in the king's chambers. How was I supposed to share a bed with him?

"Are you sad, my lady?" Marissa asked, laying a yellow gown on the bed. It was the gift Karl had given me earlier.

I nodded. "Queen Fortuna nearly had me killed, yet everything is still going her way."

"You don't want to spend the night with the king?" Marissa asked, watching me closely. "I thought you two cared for each other."

"Yes, but…" I sighed, running a hand through my hair. Fear clouded my thoughts, making it impossible to think straight.

"This is what you wanted, isn't it?" Marissa reminded me. "You wanted to get into the king's chamber to find your father's letter."

I had completely forgotten. My face lit up as realization hit me—things were actually working in my favor.

"The king is finally on your side," she continued. "You might not see it, but you're the only one he wants to be with. Use this opportunity wisely, my lady. That's what I think."

I was beginning to think Marissa had a sharper mind than I did. She saw things clearly, quicker than I ever could. She was right—tonight was my best chance to get the letter.

In less than twenty minutes, I was ready. My face was lightly made up, my hair neatly styled, and my skin glowed with the oil Marissa had applied. She called it "glassy." I didn't care about looking beautiful—I just wanted to get through the night.

We left the quarters quickly, hoping the king wouldn't be angry about the delay.

"Princess Katrina."

Prince Elvin's voice stopped me in my tracks. He sat among a group of men outside the main quarters, drinking and sharing old stories.

I turned toward him and curtseyed. "Greetings."

I tried to move past, but he wasn't done with me. I knew why.

"Where are you going?" His gaze held mine as if searching for answers.

"To the king," I said, looking away. My words were simple, but they cut deep—I think he had feelings for me.

"Are you happy doing this?"

His sudden question silenced the men around him. They turned to watch, surprised by his boldness.

I opened my mouth to respond, but the words wouldn't come. I just stood there, heart racing, unsure of what to say. I knew Elvin loved provoking the king. After what happened at the maze today, I had to be careful. One wrong word could put me in danger.

Before I could gather my thoughts, Lord Rowland appeared. "Prince Elvin, if you'll excuse the princess…the king is waiting."

I let out a quiet breath of relief.

Elvin frowned. "Rowland, you should—"

I didn't wait for him to finish. I walked past him, Lord Rowland following closely behind. He seemed annoyed, though I wasn't sure if it was at me or the situation. He didn't say a word until we reached the king's doors.

"Finally, we're here, my lady," Marissa whispered, her voice filled with excitement.

"You can go in, Princess. But alone," Lord Rowland said firmly.

I turned to Marissa, surprised. "I thought you would come in with me. At least for a little while."

She shook her head. "I'll return to the quarters."

I hesitated, then nodded.

Stepping through the doors, I knew my fate was sealed. Whatever awaited me inside, I would have to face it.