Catalina pursed her lips. She whole heartedly agreed. Unfortunately there wasn't anything that could be done. "Beatrice was married to him a year before Kaillas came to court. He would have stopped it otherwise. But there's nothing he can do now without a public alteraction or Beatrice coming forward to him. And god knows she won't. She terrified of her husband. Everyone sees it but she'll deny it every chance she can."
She stepped back as the maids urged for the princess to the bed where her dress had been laid out for her to wear for the day. "I know everything that goes on in the palace, Your Highness. All you need to do is ask." She smiled and turned away so the princess could dress. She didn't need anyone else than necessary watching her dress.
"This first week is going to give everyone their first impression of you, Your Highness. You need to walk carefully in the public eye. Anything you do they will judge you and behave accordingly. You must be careful. At least until you go on your honeymoon." She refrained from saying that everyone would expect her to be pregnant by the time she came back. She knew Kaillas had no intentions of that. At least not without the princess wanting it first. But she was still so young. She hadn't even reached twenty. Catalina believed Kaillas to be a good man. She didn't think he would lay a hand on her until she was older.
Ophelia listens quietly, her brows furrowing with concern as she absorbs the gravity of the situation surrounding Beatrice. It saddens her to hear that the woman lives in fear and that her options for escape or intervention are limited. She couldn't help but feel a sense of empathy for the other woman, recognizing the weight of her responsibilities and the challenges she faced. It can't be easy to be trapped in a marriage like that.
As she allows the maids to guide her toward the bed where her dress awaits, Ophelia turns her gaze back to Catalina, appreciating her offer of knowledge and support. The weight of public perception and judgment presseds upon her shoulders, and she understands the importance of navigating this first week with caution and grace. She nods, acknowledging Catalina's advice. "I will be mindful of my actions. I understand that every move I make will be scrutinized, and I must strive to leave a positive impression."
She pauses for a moment, contemplating the unspoken expectations and pressures surrounding her marriage. Everyone will be expecting her to carry the next heir to the throne before the year is up and that's absolutely nerve-wracking. At least Kaillas has assured her that he won't pressure her into it. That makes her feel more at ease with the whole situation. When the honeymoon is mentioned, she chews nervously on the inside of her cheek, weighing her options. "Can I ask you something rather….embarrassing?"
Catalina turned back as soon as the princess was dressed enough. The maids were tying up her corset. "Be careful but don't let it control your life. You will crazy. You can be yourself around be. Around Kaillas. Around the princesses. And you will have the whole of your honeymoon to be yourself. You know as well as anyone how stiffling court life can be. Let yourself breathe every once in awhile."
She nodded her head, tilting slightly as she waited for the question. "Of course, Your Highness. You can ask me anything." She was there for her every need, just as she was for the king. Anything Ophelia needed, she would make sure of it.
Kaillas was still in the training yard. He had his sword in hand using it against a dummy. He had worked out his nightmare and his aggressions against his council for making him do this. He didn't want a wife. Not like this. He never saw himself getting married but if he did he wanted to find her on his own. Not have the council pick some girl out like a broodmare and present her to him. She was a child, raised to become someone's wife. Someone important. Someone like him. She should have been able to live before being shipped off to him. He vowed he would give her a life. He would let her live. Without any obligations to him or the crown.
The corset is her least favorite part. If she had her way, she would take every corset she owns, put them in a big pile, and set them on fire. She swears that they drain the life out of her. Luckily the maids seem to be showing some mercy. There is no doubt in her mind that she would be told no if she asked not to wear one so she doesn't bother. She lets out a breath when the darn thing has finally been laced up. It shouldn't be much longer until she's officially dressed and can be sent off to start her day properly. Though she is nervous for many aspects of it, she's also excited to get to know everyone.
Ophelia hesitates for a moment longer before working up the courage to actually ask what's on her mind. She needs to figure it out eventually and it's best that she hear it from someone she can trust. "About the honeymoon….I don't know what I'm supposed to do. no one ever told me," She admits quietly. Technically that was a statement and not a question but she wasn't sure how else to word it. Mentioning her ignorance on the matter is embarrassing enough. She didn't want to ask a poorly phrased question and make it worse.
"I know that it isn't your job to explain this to me and if you are uncomfortable, I understand and respect that," She adds quickly, not wanting Catalina to feel pressured into explaining things to her if she doesn't want to. The other woman is, of course, under no obligation to do so.
Catalina looked at her in surprise. This had been the last thing she had been expecting. Her mother should have told Ophelia what to expect, even if it was the most detailed of accounts. Cat had not been expecting this. Nor did she exactly know how to speak about it. It simply wasn't done. Though the princesses were much more vulgar than she would like but that was due to Kaillas. And we'll, he was King and there wasn't much she could do about that.
"I think we should sit, Your Highness." This was a conversation done better when not standing. She didn't want to make the princess feel faint. Not everyone took to this very well. "Before I start this conversation, I want you to know that Kaillas has no expectations of this for you. I don't want you to be scared. He will not use you or force you to bare his children." It was sad that it had to be said. Kaillas had done his best to advocate for women but there was too much generational culture. Or stubbornness as he often said to Cat.
Once they were sat on the bed, she put her hands in her lap. She was thinking of the best way to go about this. She might as well just be blunt. "I'm hoping you know about the human anatomy. Women have our opening and men have their…sword?" She cringed. This was already off to a bad start. "To consumate the marriage and well, create a child, a man will insert his…sword into your opening until he ejaculates. Which is a white fluid that will help create the baby." Catalina was suddenly very happy that she didn't have children. "This is also done purely for pleasure. And both Men and women can enjoy it. Women can take tonics to prevent pregnancy so that she can fully enjoy the experience."
The regret is isntantantious. The second she speaks her statement into existance, she wishes she could take it back. The look at Catalina’s fave tells her that this is not a subject that they should be discussing. She feels bad for even bringing it up. Her embarrassment over this is obvious. She knows that she should already have knowledge on this subject and it’s shameful that she doesn’t.
As they sit on the bed, Ophelia's hands fidget nervously in her lap. She appreciatesCatalina's straightforwardness, even though the subject matter makes her blush and feel heavily uncomfortable. It was clear that Catalina was doing her best to explain things in a way that she could understand.
"I… I see," Ophelia replies, her voice barely above a whisper, not so sure that she likes that answer. Despite the fact that she’s told that it can be enjoyable, it certainly doesn’t seem like it is. "Thank you for explaining it to me. I… I think I understand."
The news of the tonic relives her. She knows that it is her duty to produce children but she would rather not. Not for quite some time at least. She has heard many women complain about the miseries of childbearing so she isn’t eager to participate. Unfortunately for her, she knows that the kingdom will expect her to have at least one child.
Catalina offered her a sympathetic look. She wished she could offer more help but there was only so much she was comfortable sharing. Especially with the soon to be queen. "I know this wasn't the answer you were looking for. I wish I could provide more insight but…" She passed as a thought occurred to her. "Let me speak to the librarian to pull some books for you. She is discrete. I wouldn't suggest otherwise. But there are some books that have better descriptions and drawing that can provide you with more knowledge on the subject." And Cat had no doubts the princess Elora was going to be vulgar and blunt about the subject. But the books might help nevertheless.
"Alright then," she stood. "We have a some spare time before breakfast, it looks like. We can take our time walking to the great hall. Perhaps I can show you the courtyard. It might be a little crowded as the guards finish their workout but it is still a sight." She knew exactly what she was doing. She knew that Kaillas trained in the courtyard every morning. And she knew exactly what he looked like and how many of the women at court fawned over him. She was hoping to create an attraction for the princess.
Ophelia nods appreciatively at tje suggestion. The idea of books with more detailed descriptions and illustrations seems like a helpful resource to better understand the topic at hand. It’ll be infinitely less embarrassing as well. No one will have to know that she’s uneducated on the subject and she’ll be left to figure it out in peace. She has quickly put her trust in Catalina so she doesn’t doubt her judgment in finding discreet and informative materials.
"Thank you. That would be helpful," She replies, completely sincere. She can’t thank the other woman enough for being patient and understanding with her. This topic is an uncomfortable one and most people wouldn’t have been willing to explain anything to her at all.
The mention of taking a walk and exploring the courtyard perks her up. She would love to get some fresh air and better aquatint herself with the palace. Though she’s fairly certain she knows how to get to the dinning hall from here, that’s the only room she knows where is.
"That sounds wonderful," She agrees instantly. "I would love to see the courtyard, even if it's crowded. It will be interesting to witness the guards' training routine. “Is Kaillas with them? I know he used to be in the military….” She’s curious to see how much of his past bleeds into his current routine.
Catalina gestured for the princess to follow next to her. Once her shoes were on, she led Ophelia out kf the bedroom and into the hall. She had a knowing smile plastered on her lips. "Every morning," she said with a hum. "Like clockwork. His rest days are on Sundays and only because he had an incident that…well, he can tell you about that." She shouldn't go sharing the king's personal life without his knowledge
"He's in the courtyard at dawn every morning and stays out there just before breakfast. Most days he takes his meal in his rooms. This week is different because you are here." Cat made a note to change their schedule so that one morning they could have dinner in their private dinning hall. Other than a steward to deliver their food and the cook nearby, they could have some alone time. Perhaps it would soothe over some of their bumps.
Catalina didn't share what state they would find Kaillas in, deciding to leave that a surprise. Even with the scar, Kaillas had a handsome face. The scar only seemed to add on to it. And after years of training and hard work, he had a sculpted body. Catalina made be twenty years his senior but she could still admit that he was an attractive man. Even if she did see him more like her own son than anything. She saw his beauty in a motherly way.
"You will find that alot of his decisions are affected by the way his mind was molded by the army. He became a squire at such a young age." She shook her head. She missed the boy he used to be. "It's about time that this palace had a woman's hand guiding the decisions." Not that women couldn't be ruthless, but Cat didn't get those vibes from Ophelia. She found something else, fierce but kind and loving. And that's what this kingdom needed.
The look on the other woman’s face admittedly has her curious. She can’t quite pinpoint what it means and she’s not sure she should ask so she remains quiet as they leave the bedroom. As Catalina mentions the incident that led to the king's rest days, Ophelia's curiosity is piqued, but she respects the decision not to share further details without the king's consent. She knows it was important to maintain trust and confidentiality. “I hope that he will one day trust me enough to tell me about it.
A one on one breakfast with the king sounds wonderful. She welcomes the idea of spending some quality time alone with Kaillas, away from the demands of the court and the prying eyes of others. Yesterday she was much too overjoyed and tired from her travels to speak much with him. Today she feels refreshed and she has any questions about him.
Ophelia nods as Catalina mentions the influence of the king's army background on his decision-making. She recognizes the need for a different perspective, one that balanced strength with compassion and understood the importance of a woman's touch in ruling the kingdom. She hopes to bring that change and make a positive impact. “I will do my best to be the queen that this kingdom needs.” She has several ideas already but she knows that she must wait before she speaks of them.
As the arrive at the courtyard, she takes a look around, mostly hoping to spot her soon to be husband. She would love to say good morning and get a moment to gain insight into what his training looks like before they’re ushered off to the dinning hall for breakfast.
"One day, you will both be comfortable enough to share things with each other." Ehike her greatest hope would be that they would fall in love with each other, Catalina hoped at least for a great friendship between the two of them. Where they could be mutually comfortable with each other and feel safe to share such things with each other. Catalina could only imagine the horror Kaillas faced in the army. She remembered how violent his nightmares had been when he first came to the palace. Maybe one day he would feel fmsafe enough to confide on Ophelia.
After walking through a number of halls and down the flight pf stairs, they finally came across the courtyard. There was a wall of windows separating them from the courtyard. It was a way to give courtiers a view when it was too hit or too cold to venture outside. And it gave everyone a perfect view as the guards and king trained every morning.
And there he was, training, even as the other guards were wrapping up their workouts. Catalina knew what that meant. She knew he had a bad night, likely woken up by nightmares. It took everything in her not to let her smile drop. She only hoped he had worked it out and wouldn't be hostile against them. "Come, let's go say good morning." From a safe distance, of course. His Majesty was still swinging around a sword.
Kaillas was oblivious to the two women approaching them. He was oblivious to everyone but the dummy in front of him. The image of the man from his nightmare was still fresh in his mind and that was what he pictured as he swung that sword to the dummy. Over and over again. His sweat was making his chest glisten in the morning rays. Had he not been trying to murder a training dummy, he might have looked majestic.
With a finally swing, the head of the dummy fell off the shoulders and thumped to the ground. It was then, as he stood panting and sheathing his sword, did he notice Catalina and his soon to be wife standing a few yards away. This wasn't very proper of them. He wasn't even wearing a shirt, much her being present during training. But then again, Kaillas didn't lime proper very much. With the blade sheathed, he aporached the pair.
Hopefully Catalina is right. She doesn’t expect some great romance between them but she would at least like to be friends. They have to spend their whole lives together. It would be awfully lonely if they ended up disliking each other. With everything Kaillas has been through, he deserves someone to listen and care for him. If allowed, she would very much so like to be that person.
Approaching the windows from the courtyard, she takes a moment to appreciate the thought behind it. It’s rather clever to add windows here. If the weather is poorly, people will still have the perfect view to enjoy the courtyard without having to freeze. After taking a moment to admire the ingenuity behind the design, she turns her focus to finding her soon to be husband.
What she doesn’t expect is his half dressed state. She just assumed that he would be training fully clothed. She was wrong. Taken aback by this, she stands there, admittedly gawking for much longer than she should. She quickly pulls herself together, not eager to appear fullish. The brightly flushed face and the wide eyes of surprise remain on her face.
The timing of their arrival seems almost intentional but she can’t prove it. Though she feels a little guilty about it, she uses the safety of hiding behind the window to take a moment to appreciate how easy on the eyes Kaillas is. Seeing him like this makes her heart go crazy. She eventually pulls her gaze away and follows Catalina into the actual courtyard.
She’s had some time to compose herself though she doesn’t doubt that her face is flushed still. “Good morning,” She offers, having to focus on making sure that her voice is steady.
Catalina was doing everything she could to hold back that smirk. She had seen that starstruck face the princess had. While the king attracted many women, this was the only one that mattered now. Cat was hoping she could at least spark the attraction between the two of them now. Even if nothing happened for a while now.
Kaillas saw the glint in Catalina's eyes. He knew what she was up to. And if he didn't value her as much as he did, he would have chewed her out. And she knew that, and that's exactly why she did it. He grabbed his wite shirt and used it as a rag to clean his face and hands kf any sweat before aporaching. He still kept a distance, he couldn't imagine he smelt very good after training for a couple of hours.
"Good morning, Ophelia," he said, bowing at the waist for her. Never had he done that fir anyone since becoming queen. No one but her now. "I hope you slept well." He let his demeanor relax. Ophelia was safe. She was someone safe to be around. She wasn't going to try to kill him or actively undermine him. At least not yet that was.
Ophelia glances at Catalina briefly, noting the mischievous glimmer in her eyes, but she chooses not to dwell on it. Though a warning would have been nice, she isn’t going to hold this against her. She knows that she’s already embarrassed herself and she would prefer to just move on and pretend that it didn’t happen. As Kaillas approaches, she offered him a light smile, appreciating the effort he made to clean himself up before coming closer.
She curtsies in return to his bow, making sure to kind her manners. "I slept quite well, thank you. My room is lovely. Did you sleep well? I hope your training went smoothly."
It’s incredibly difficult for her to focus since Kaillas is still shirtless, having used his shirt as a rag to wipe away the sweat off. She doesn’t want to look directly at him for fear that her blush will never go away. She may be a bit naive but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t know how to appreciate what she’s seeing.
Kaillas studied her for a moment. His lips turned up onto a smirk as he noticed she wasn't making eye contact with him. In fact, it it looked like she was avoiding looking at him at all. And it must be because of his indecency. It was nice, almost. Most people just gawked at him. Women stared at his body, judging or lustfull. Men looked at his scars and thought to themselves what he must have gone through to get them. Or they looked at him in jealousy that they did not look as he did or had the title he did.
This shyness was nice. It was much different from what he was used too. And he was going to enjoy it greatly after they had married and it was more appropriate to be in such a state around her.
Kaillas didn't answer the question about his sleep. She wouldn't like the answer he would have to give. "My training has gone very well, thank you. I was just about to go my rooms to get ready for breakfast." He thought about asking for her to accompany him but a breeze came by and he got a whiff of himself. Maybe not. "I trust your morning has been good to you?"
Ophelia's heart speeds up in her chest as Kaillas studies her. She can feel his gaze on her, even though she avoids making eye contact. His smirk almost makes her squirm, as if he can see through her attempts to avoid staring at him. She would pay good money to know what he’s thinking right now. Just an insight into his thoughts would help her to relax at least a little.
She can’t help but steal the quickest of glances at him, taking in his striking appearance and the scars that adorn his body. The king is different from anyone she had ever encountered, and she couldn't deny the intrigue he stirs within her.
She listens to his words, noting his reluctance to answer her question about his sleep. It concerns, but she doesn’t press further. If he wants to share then he will. Instead, she nods politely at his response about his training. "I'm glad to hear that your training is going well. As for my morning, it has been nice, I suppose." She hasn’t really don’t anything interesting so far.
Kaillas clasped his hand behind his back, assuming a relaxed position. And he was relaxed. He worked his aggression out during his morning training and while he was still tired from lack of sleep, he knew how to function deprived of it. A little less sleep wasn't going to keep him from his duties.
He nodded his head. "Good." It was good her morning was alright. Better than anything he coukd have hoped for, really. She was likely still adjusting to the palace. She would be for quite some time. So good was better than anything else it could have been.
"I'll leave you to it then. Please, start breakfast without me. I don't want to hold you up because I'm still getting ready for the day. I'll join you a bit after." He needed to bathe and dress. And while it wouldn't take him ages, he didn't want the whole ofnthe palace waiting for him to show up before they could eat. Let them start and he would join them when he was done dressing.
It’ll certainly take her some time to get used to the new routine and a new place. It’s different than what she’s used to but not in a bad way. There are certainly a lot more maids around. Though she appreciates their help, she’ll have to figure out a way to be a little more independent. She can bathe herself after all.
Though she wouldn’t mind waiting for him to join them before eating, she can’t ask that of everyone else. “If you’re sure,” She agrees lightly. After a workout like that, she can’t blame him for wanting to take some time to clean up.
She looks towards Catalina, assuming that they’ll walk together. She isn’t quite sure how to get to the dinning hall from here and she would rather not get lost and waste time.
Kaillas nodded his head once. He was sure. And he didn't like to feel rushed getting ready. He done that enough during his time in the military. Not that he took very long to get ready. It should take him all of twenty minutes to walk to his chambers, bathe, dress, and walk to the dining hall. But that's twenty minutes that his people could rather be spending eating rather than waiting.
"I will see you soon." He bowed again for her. Only for her. Forever for her. She was to be his queen. He would treat her as such. Then he turned kn his heels and strode out of the courtyard and made the quick journey back to his chambers to get ready for the morning.
Catalina turned to the princess, smiling at him. "Oh, I'm glad we caught him. Sometimes he's gone by now," she said. "Come, let's get to breakfast before we're late. I'm sure everyone needs a little something to soak up their hangovers from last night." Because many of the courtiers had been drinking heavily last night. Not enough to be rowdy but enough to cause a hangover.
Ophelia smiles at Catalina's remark about the courtiers' hangovers. She is relieved that they had caught Kaillas before he left, as she wanted to spend more time with him. It was only for a minute or two but it was necessary in her eyes. The prospect of breakfast sounds appealing, especially if it could help alleviate the effects of the previous night's festivities. She hardly drank one glass of wine so luckily she isn’t feeling the effects of the night before.
"Yes, let's not keep them waiting," She agrees, falling into step beside Catalina as they head towards the dining hall. "I must admit, I'm looking forward to breakfast myself. The food last night was delicious. Last night was quite eventful, wasn't it? I hope everyone had a pleasant time."
As they walks, Ophelia's mind wanders. There’s so much going on this week. She wants to make sure that she’s prepared for it all. It’s important that everything goes off without a hitch. The people need to see her as someone capable of being queen. She doesn’t want to fail them.
Catalina followed just a step behind the princess yet still guiding her on the way to walk without verbally correcting her. "I am glad you enjoyed your dinner last night. Breakfast today will consist of eggs and meats and crepes and French toast. Omelets are made on request. This will be more of a buffet style meal than anything." Althoigh, hers and the king's food would always be in reach and no one else would touch it but the king and soon to be queen themselves.
They finally entered the dinning room after the princess was announced. It was much quieter today as the men and woman nursed their hangovers. There were quiet murmurs and whispers and none of the loudness that had been there the night before. The entire week would likely look like this. Party hard at night, regret it in the morning.
Catalina steps back as the princess makes her way to the head table. Only does she lean into to whispers, "Tell them breakfast is served." Food would not be served and no one would eat until they were told otherwise. If Kaillas wasn't there, Ambrose, his Hand, would tell them too. But now that was for Ophelia. Her first test as queen.
Ophelia glances around the dining room, taking in the subdued atmosphere. The remnants of last night's festivities are evident in the weary expressions and hushed conversations of the guests. She is grateful that she limited the amount of drinks she had last night so she isn’t sharing in their misery.
As she approaches the head table, she maintains a composed demeanor, mindful of the eyes upon her. She acknowledges the presence of the guests with a polite smile and a nod, grateful for their attendance despite their evident hangovers.
Catalina's whispered instructions reached Ophelia's ears, and she nods subtly in response. This is a test. She’s well aware of it. Granted, it could be a much more difficult test but the pressure to do this correctly still weighs on her shoulders.
"Good morning, everyone. I hope you have had a restful night despite the festivities. Breakfast is now served, a delightful buffet of eggs, meats, crepes, French toast, and made-to-order omelets. Please enjoy."
With all of that said, she takes her seat at the head table, aware that all eyes are now on her, observing her every move. It is a moment of transition, a test of her leadership abilities and her aptitude for commanding respect. She knows she’s done nothing to earn their respect yet but she hopes that she will soon.
Catalina is quiet from her spot behind the princess but she has a smile on her face. Perhaps this is what a mother feels like when her child does something to be proud of. The people sat in the chairs and began reaching for food, piling it onto their plates. A few mumbles of irritation as glasses were clanged too hard and hurting some heads. Cat couldn't help but smirk at that. The ones that hurt the most were the ones that treated the staff the most.
Breakfast passed for about twenty minutes before Kaillas showed. The king walked back to his chambers were a hot bath had been waiting for him. The heat of the water helped soothe any sores that could be forming with his tired muscles. He perhaps stayed a little too long in the bath. It had just felt so nice.
He had gotten put and changed into neutral clothing. It was still elegant clothing, even if it was on the simple side. His hair was styled and he slipped his shoes on and was out the door. He was striding down the halls until he finally made it to the Great hall. His name was announced and he coukd hear the scraping if chairs before he even walked in.
He raised his hand, signaling for then to sit. "Please, sit. Continue your breakfast." He walked to the head of the table and sat down in his seat next to Ophellia.
Everyone seems to have accepted her announcement without issue, something that offers her some relief. Truth be told, she’s certain that it’s more about them being starving than it is about them actually thinking she did well. She doesn’t mind. A win is a win in her book. She’ll take what she can get for now.
While everyone else digs into their food with gusto, she leaves her plate untouched. Though she had been told to go ahead and eat, she has decided to wait for Kaillas to join her. It may seem silly to some but she thinks it’s important to properly share a meal with him. Luckily for her, she doesn’t have to wait too terribly long before he arrives.
The sounds of chairs scraping against the ground certainly isn’t a pleasant one and she imagines it’s even more irritating to those nursing hangover headaches. When the king approaches, she offers a welcoming smile. She would never say this out loud for fear of being offense but she’s glad he decided to bathe first. The smell from the courtyard was quite….ripe. Now all she can smell is soap.
Now that he has sat down and is officially at the table, she lifts her glass to her lips and sips at her drink. She’s glad that she can eat her breakfast now. Everything smells and looks delicious so waiting was pretty torturous.
Kaillas brushed his hand against her arm, responding to her smile with one of his own. He sat in the chair next to her and settled into it. He raised the glass of water to his lips and took a small sip. He noticed that none of the food had been touched on their table.
"You could have eaten, Ophelia. You didn't need ti wait for me." As if to make a point, he took her plate and began to place a small bit of everything on the plate before placing it back in front of her. Only then did he pile his own plate with food. His workout had built up quite an appetite and he was starving.
But he didn't eat just yet. He waited until Ophelia took her first bite. Then he finally started to eat his food. He didn't shovel it like he would want to but he didn't eat like the king that ge was. It was something in between. But he was starving.
