The Adulteress Queen

Chapter 14

Shortly after the birth, we had a formal naming ceremony where all the lords and ladies in the kingdom came to meet their new prince. It was a proud moment in my life, though it was dampened by Sebastian's stubbornness. The issue of choosing a name was quite a battle, but as would be the case with almost every battle where my son was involved, I won. Sebastian insisted on naming him Sebastian after himself, as his father before him had done, and was always done in his family. I understood the importance of such a tradition, but it was impossible for me to recognize Faustos's son by the name of Sebastian. Any name but that. Sebastian, not being able to conceive any other name as a possibility, threw up his hands and stormed angrily from the room after a long argument, leaving it in my hands when he finally was done with the discussion and decided he cared not what we called the boy.

I named the baby for my father's late childhood friend and Hand, a man who was like an uncle to me when I grew up. His spirit was so kind and open and caring, like Faustos. It was the closest I would come to naming my son after Faustos without divulging our secret. Prince Gohan of house Elite would be his name. My Gohan would be the prince, he would think Sebastian was his father, but I would give him as much influence from my roots, from the Starsands Kingdom, as possible. I was thrilled to be a new mother, and enjoyed every minute of caring for and learning about my infant son. Sebastian was content to have an heir, though he showed no affection for the boy. It was like he was merely a prop to him, a tool to continue his line. But I would provide plenty of love for my child on my own; his father's affections were not required.

I found the months following Gohan's birth very peaceful. It was restful in those months to spend so much time with a babe, admiring the lack of worries or cares he had. Gohan and I were visited frequently by Lady Rebekah and Lady Bunny, Lady Lazuli, Lady Gine and Lady Videl, and occasionally by Lady Maron, who all enjoyed the little prince. The feminine company was refreshing, as I had not indulged in it much since first arriving to the kingdom.

Lady Gine must have suspected that Gohan was her grandchild. Being a mother, I knew she must have seen his face and recognized the resemblance to her own sons' baby faces. I saw the adoration in her eyes every time she greeted him and looked upon him. But the woman kept silent, leaving me to wonder on the issue. Perhaps I only perceived adoration in her eyes because I expected her to adore him. Either way, I kept silent as well towards her on the issue; it was in my best interest. It was in Gohan's best interest that no one acknowledged his true parentage.

Raditz kept me informed on the happenings of his family regularly, as per our agreement, though I suspected he was still protecting their deeper secrets. I saw Lord Bardock around the castle as he returned to his duties as the Hand of the king; only on a few occasions in those months did I see Faustos, briefly and publicly. Faustos understood why he rarely saw me that year. By Raditz's accounts, he seemed continually content. Raditz claimed that his brother trained more than ever, becoming more skilled with a sword than any man he had ever seen. Lady Gine reported the same when I would see her; she was certainly proud, and frequently mentioned the approach of Faustos's marriage to Videl Satan. The girl was only thirteen by then, but developing into a woman, as anyone could see. Videl was also known to boast of her engagement to the handsome Lord Bane. The girl was very sure of herself, and apparently not at all intimidated about being promised so young. It bothered me deeply to think of Faustos marrying her, and I think Lady Gine found joy in enflaming me about it. She certainly thought our affair had met its end.

When I was not entertaining visitors or spending quiet moments with my son, I often strolled through the castle, admiring the gardens and observing the comings and goings of small council members and Sebastian's visitors. He was certainly content at that time. I would say happy, but to me, Sebastian only appeared happy while sparring. I was certain he and Lady Rebekah had resumed their relations. I had thought with her marrying Lord Yamcha, it may have ended, but now I was certain that her marriage was not enough to tear them apart. When she visited me and Gohan, I did not see her leave the castle until hours later. She had no other business in the castle, none that I was aware of, and she was always in an excellent mood when she left. So was Sebastian. She would be joining us with Yamcha for the name day celebration. It would be interesting to see his reaction if I implied to him the nature of his wife's activities in the Harrenhal Castle.

A month before Gohan's first name day, shocking news spread through the kingdom that Lord Lapis Gero had been found murdered in Red Ribbon, his own castle recently inherited from his father. Krillin Frate quickly confessed to the murder a week later, and was taken to the dungeons by Sir Nappa while awaiting his trial. Lazuli became understandably quiet and downcast, which I witnessed on her visit to the Harrenhal Castle following his capture. After her commentary at her father's funeral two years earlier, I suspected that the inheritance was the reasoning behind the murder of her brother. Though, I was surprised to learn that Lord Krillin had done such a thing. He did not strike me as a killer, but I was learning quickly that people were often not who they appeared to be. Lazuli seemed to find relief from her woes in seeing her little Marron play with my baby, even hinting towards arranging a marriage between them. I did not see that happening, especially in the midst of the scandal marring their name. My son would marry only the best, and on that I was sure Sebastian agreed with me.

Just days before Gohan's name day celebration, I found Faustos taking quite a beating from an extremely aggressive Sir Brolly on the fighting grounds. I regularly watched the guards sparring just beyond the castle walls, from my comfortable balcony, or from a safe distance on those very grounds, when I was in need of reprieve from my usual activities. Maybe it was nostalgia from all the times I'd practiced that made me want to watch so closely. But if I was being honest with myself, it was because Faustos occasionally frequented the castle to join them in training that I chose to watch so often. I had been tediously planning the name day event that day and was taking a break at the time I chose to visit the fighting grounds. I watched for a while, though it was difficult to watch the viciousness with which Brolly repeated struck at my lover. I was turning to leave with relief, just as Faustos was bowing out of the fight and Sir Nappa was stepping in. I was surprised when I rounded a corner to find myself face to face with Faustos, sheathing his sword and seeking my gaze.

"Katarina." Faustos panted breathily, still sweating and recovering from his earlier exertion before he glanced over his shoulder, catching sight of a curious servant passing and amended his address, "Your Grace. May I have a word?" He asked me with a long exhale before his breathing steadied. I nodded slowly, curious and somewhat concerned about Faustos's serious tone. He couldn't have been concerned about Gohan. He had seen his son for the first time at the naming ceremony, and several times during the year, though he easily kept his distance from us, a wise move under the gaze of many watchful eyes at the time.

"What is it, Lord Bane?" I asked carefully as we walked towards the castle gardens together.

"It's about Lord Krillin, your Grace." Faustos said quietly, and I stopped abruptly at the mention, crossing my arms and glaring at him dubiously.

"Is that all? You come to speak to me about him? A man who murders his own brother-in-law?" I asked seethingly as we resumed walking at a slow pace. Of all the things he could speak to me about, which were of much higher importance to me, he went out of his way to speak about his little friend in whom I had no interest.

"He is not a murderer." Faustos said forcefully as we passed a maid whose eyes widened at his tone towards me. "Your Grace." Faustos added as his eyes met mine with a determined look, much more serious than his usual appearance.

"I'm sorry, Lord Bane, that you worry for your friend. But he did confess." I admitted impatiently as we resumed walking.

"I believe he confessed to protect someone, your Grace. I know Krillin would never murder anyone in cold blood like that. Can you do something to help him?" He asked me with a beseeching gaze. I sighed heavily. Though I had no interest in helping Krillin, I found it difficult to say no to Faustos. He seemed to detect my wavering opinion and quickly pounced on it. "Please, your Grace. For me." Faustos said as he grabbed my hands and stopped walking. I turned my head away from him, not wanting him to see my conflicted expression.

"Fine. I'll see what I can do." I relented as I finally turned to see Faustos's face, already beaming a beautiful, appreciative smile at me. I smiled back, wishing I could have made his smile last longer.

"Thank you, your Grace." Faustos said genuinely as he took my hand in his and kissed it while his eyes met mine with a thankful appreciation like I had never seen before. He left with a bow and I carried on alone, through the halls thoughtfully. I was not sure how I would go about helping Lord Krillin, though I did know where my suspicions began. It seemed I had a task for Korin.

Gohan's first name day was a celebration which threw the entire kingdom into excitement when the day finally arrived. I demanded the best for the monumental occasion, and Sebastian accommodated it, though he had no interest in involvement with the planning. I busied myself with final preparations early that day before tending to my little one, as Launch fawned over him and set out several outfits for him to wear for the occasion, in case of mishaps which might have required a change. She changed his diaper before assisting me in dressing myself, as I chose a purple gown with scalloped edges, intricate beading, and velvet draped detailing to wear to the celebration. Gohan would be the center of attention, but I had to look my best as well. A while later, Tien formally announced a visitor I had been awaiting eagerly. I immediately dropped what I was doing, losing control for a moment as I beamed expectantly towards the doorway.

"Katarina! You look beautiful!" He exclaimed in his booming voice, beaming as he entered the room and scooped me into his massive arms with his regal presence filling the room.

"Father! I've missed you so!" I exclaimed, hugging him back as tightly as I was capable, which was not very, given that I could not even wrap my arms around his enormous back. He laughed at that and pulled away.

"Where's my grandson?" He asked, turning his head from side to side as he searched for Gohan. Launch was just finishing dressing him, and clasped the last button on his deep red velvet attire, which was absolutely adorable on my growing baby. She picked him up in a smooth motion and glided gracefully across the room to my father, handing over a giggling Gohan. I smiled warmly as my father took him into his arms, embracing him tightly and smiling with a light in his eyes of which I never tired. My father babbled and cooed at Gohan, whose wide eyes were appreciating and inspecting his grandfather with great curiosity. I stood back, allowing them to reacquaint. The last time my father saw Gohan was his naming ceremony nearly a year ago, so the name day meeting was like a first meeting to Gohan.

"Queen Katarina. The banquet hall is prepared." Tien announced, standing formally in the doorway. I nodded and waved him off, knowing Tien had no interest in staying close for too long. A few months earlier, Launch had proclaimed some affections for him. I did not know exactly what transpired between them, but there was an obvious discomfort between the two since then. If it continued, I might have needed to replace my guard, as much as I loved Tien. Perhaps I could send him home with Father in exchange for another guard he brought along for his trip. Launch gathered Gohan's belongings, which were amazingly much more than any adult would require, and we headed for the banquet hall to begin the celebration.

I arrived to find Sebastian impeccably dressed and commanding orders to the guards, demanding security around the palace for the grand event. It was wisely executed, and I fully entrusted Sebastian to those types of matters. Lord Piccolo was standing near a podium, reading from his scriptures as I approached with my father, Gohan, Launch and Tien. He looked up as he sensed our approach, and gave a small smile to our group.

"Queen Katarina, King Starsands." He greeted with a formal bow. He turned to Gohan in Launch's arms, who was now within his reach. He reached a finger towards Gohan, who aptly grabbed it tightly. "Prince Gohan." Piccolo greeted with a warm smile. Something about Gohan seemed to soften Piccolo. I certainly had never seen the man smile warmly towards anyone else, not even other babies. He did not bother to greet Launch or Tien in any way. I think Piccolo only bothered to address royalty, nobility and congregations.

"Are your preparations made for our celebration today, Lord Piccolo?" I asked him quickly. I was anxious to begin the celebration already, but of course it would start with a blessing from Lord Piccolo. Formalities.

"Yes." Piccolo answered quickly as he shut his book with a loud thump and slid it aside. He looked very serious as he turned his face to meet my eyes. "I will be blessing Prince Gohan's first year, as well as the good fortune of his parents, the king and queen, in raising this child to be our next king." Piccolo narrowed his eyes intensely at me when he said 'parents', causing me some discomfort. The man always gave the impression that he knew much more than he should. Piccolo always knew all the latest rumors and never seemed surprised by what anyone said. If only I could find out who Piccolo's spies were, I might manage to better protect my secrets from his knowledge, though the chances of that happening were highly unlikely. I cleared my throat, trying to abate the nervous feelings that Piccolo was causing.

"Good." I said with a sharp nod. "When more have arrived, you will begin." I said commandingly, quite proud to regain my dominant voice over the man. Men like Piccolo and Sebastian were always trying to control and dominate. They occasionally needed reminding that I wielded quite a bit of power as well.

I glanced around the room to confirm that indeed the room was filling. It was an enormous banquet hall, hardly used but for those grand celebrations. Castle servants spent the past month creating a beautiful scene in the room with not a speck of dust to be seen, even on the ceilings. The table setting and décor were executed to perfection, with cute papered purple dragons all throughout the room. A stuffed dragon called Icarus was the inspiration for the décor, as it had quickly become Gohan's favorite toy. I could tell he was elated to see the creature all over the room. I hoped he would outgrow the infatuation quickly though, as I had no taste for the purple dragon. I demanded no less than perfection, and was happy to see that the servants succeeded in meeting my expectations. I would need to replace any servants who could not fulfill my requests.

Once the hall filled with over fifty noblemen and ladies, Piccolo proceeded with his blessing. I gladly sat at the table with Sebastian once the lengthy blessing ended, indulging in the incredible feast before us. Servants were busily shuffling to and fro as they tended to our guests, clearing plates and refilling goblets. After an hour of feasting and drinking with my father by my other side and Gohan just a reach away from the table as Launch fed him intricately diced food, our dinner had ended. It was time to socialize, the part I was looking forward to, as I was finally free to circulate the room with my son and show him off. I spent quite a while doing just that, having short conversations as I passed such people as Lady Maron, Lord Satan, Lord Yamcha, and Lady Rebekah and Lord Yamcha. Sebastian joined me by my side once I joined that pair. I sighed in annoyance, knowing Rebekah was the only reason that Sebastian was by my side suddenly. He had remained separated from me since we finished dining.

"Sebastian, so kind of you to join me." I stated derisively as Sebastian feigned interest in Gohan, probably putting on a show for Rebekah. He ignored my prodding.

"Lady Rebekah, you look exceptional tonight." He said as he lifted his eyes from Gohan, meeting Rebekah's smile and ignoring Yamcha's deep frown. I could not believe he dared to toy so outrageously before my eyes like that.

"Thank you, your Grace." Rebekah answered, her smile expanding with true happiness sparkling in her blue eyes. Yamcha stared astutely at Sebastian as Rebekah turned her attention to Gohan, cooing and tickling him until he beamed at her and let out a small giggle.

"And happy name day to you, Prince Gohan." Rebekah smiled, tilting her head fondly at the smiling face of my adorable son. "I recognize that smile." Rebekah said, meeting my gaze with a mischievous smirk. "Though, strangely, it does not resemble King Sebastian's. I wonder why I recognize it?" Rebekah then raised an eyebrow at Sebastian, whose lips pressed into a tight frown as he stared back at her.

"Funny, I did not realize Sebastian had a smile." I retorted as I smirked at my husband, catching stifled snickers amongst the surrounding eavesdroppers of our conversation. Sebastian glared towards the sounds and people immediately hushed, some gasping and stepping away cautiously. I smirked back at Rebekah as she pursed her lips at me in annoyance. "If you have seen it, perhaps you know my husband better than I, Lady Rebekah." I said haughtily as Rebekah frowned back at me, keeping her lips sealed tight. I knew she had a very witty retort she was dying to unleash. Perhaps I should have pushed her further and saw just what she really thought of me.

"Enough, Katarina!" Sebastian scolded me. Me! I glared at him resentfully, my teeth clenched in fury. Yamcha and Rebekah gazed warily in silence at our wordless exchange before I whipped my head away from Sebastian, growling and storming off angrily with Gohan in my arms. I did not say one more word to any of them, knowing I would say something I regretted and cause a scene. I had no intentions of ruining Gohan's name day celebration. I had enough of those people and besides, Gohan was rubbing his eyes. I knew that meant he was getting tired, and it was getting late. I was planning on having Launch put Gohan to bed that night while I continued with the celebration, but I needed to cool off. Putting Gohan to bed was just what I needed; it would relax me.

I absconded from the busy hall unseen, absorbing myself in the peaceful visage of my weary child cradled in my arms. He yawned heartily and I smiled at the adorable breathy sound he emitted as I passed through the halls, past the few guards lining the walls. Once reaching his room, I was happy to see Tien standing guard. He must have foreseen bedtime approaching for the little prince. I could not possibly leave Gohan sleeping unguarded. I smiled silently at Tien, as Gohan was already drifting to sleep in my arms and I did not wish to disturb him. Tien opened the chamber door for me as I entered the room, swinging it carefully and quietly closed as I approached Gohan's crib.

I laid Gohan down gently, holding my breath as he squirmed at the loss of my warm embrace when I separated from him. I let out a relieved sigh when he settled back to a deep sleep, throwing his arms up by his head as he slept on his back, his pouty little parted lips covered in a glossy layer of drool. His skin was dewy and smooth in the weak starlight shining through the window, with his wispy black hair laying like strands of silk across his forehead. His lashes fluttered slightly as his eyes trembled, probably dreaming already. I could stare at that beautiful child all night.

"He is amazing, isn't he?" I gasped loudly, spinning in shock at the voice from within the room where I thought I was alone with Gohan. I trembled nervously, fearing for myself and my son as I wondered what man dared to lurk in my son's bedroom. "I didn't mean to scare you." I immediately heaved a sigh of relief as I recognized the voice. "I just wanted to see my son, to see you." He said as he approached me with silent footsteps. I watched as his face emerged from the shadows and the light from the window cast across him. He seemed serious and calm. It was unusual to see him so docile.

"Faustos, did anyone see you come here?" I asked cautiously, deeply aware of the one presence just outside the room. "Tien must have seen you." He shook his head and reached for my hands with both of his.

"No. No one saw me. No one was here when I came. I've been here for a while." He admitted in a whisper. I realized that could have been true. I only saw him enter the banquet hall, and after that I did not see Faustos, even when I spoke with Lord Bardock, Lady Gine, and Lord Raditz. I was so used to his disappearances, I guessed I did not question it.

"This was careless of you, Faustos." I scolded in a harsh whisper. If not for my anger at Sebastian and Rebekah, Launch would have been there, not me. "You could have easily been caught. You are lucky to find me here." Faustos looked surprised, then shrugged apologetically at me.

"Maybe it was. Sorry." He said, though I sensed no sincerity in his apology. "If someone else came, though, I wouldn't be caught. They would never know I was here." Faustos stated boldly, a cocky smirk on his face. Somehow I believed him, impossible as it seemed. He turned his gaze to the crib, and I followed, unable to tear my eyes from the boy I loved with all my heart. We stood there together, just silently holding hands and looking into the crib for a moment, then Faustos tore one hand from mine, and I turned to him as his hand caressed my cheek. He kissed me and I closed my eyes, melting at the contact. It had been so long since I was last kissed. A real kiss with feeling behind it, not the public ones Sebastian coldly inflicted on me. I wrapped my arms around his neck, kissing him back needily. Because I needed him, I needed him so badly and he knew it. I think he needed me, too.

Faustos pulled me away from the crib, into the privacy of the sitting room which was subdivided from the main chamber. We collapsed on the cushioned cloth bench in the room, our lips never separating from our passionate kiss as we descended. We were panting with desire as our lips locked fiercely together. It was not enough. His hands wandered over my form and I moaned quietly in appreciation of his smooth touch. I wanted to feel him, feel all of him. I remembered that I had spare clothing in Gohan's chamber, as I often slept with Gohan on nights when he did not sleep well. I stood quickly and turned my back to Faustos.

"Take it off." I told him, hoping he would hurry. The separation from him, even for a moment, was like torture. I needed to be back in his arms, his hands on me again. Fortunately, he quickly removed the garment, though I thought I heard something tear as he pulled the bodice of my dress to my waist. I cared not about that at that moment. He could shred the entire dress; it was nothing to me. I stood and wiggled the dress down, stepping from the crumpled material on the ground as Faustos did the same with his pants. I quickly removed his satin coat and tunic, wanting to finally see him, see all of him, even in the dim lighting of the faintly candlelit, small chamber. Just as I suspected, he was like a work of art, finely chiseled and absolutely perfect in my eyes. We removed our undergarments and Faustos wrapped an arm around my back, guiding me to the ground as he hovered above me. The pile of clothing we threw below us made a soft surface, along with the fur rug already adorning the floor of the small chamber. I sighed as Faustos kissed my neck, sucking lightly in a sensitive spot before traveling his lips up to lightly nibble on my ear.

I allowed my hands to wander all over his body, feeling all the crevices and grooves of his amazing muscles. It was marvelous to feel his naked skin against my body, my n*****s rubbing against his solid chest, his thighs skimming mine as he moved. He smelled amazing, I just wanted to taste every part of him, I wanted our bodies to become one if it was possible. Faustos reached a hand below my ass, fondling my cheek with a harsh grasp as he slid forward, positioning himself for the thrust I was dying to feel. He finally fulfilled me, plunging deep inside me as we both moaned into each other's mouths, both enjoying the kiss and attempting to stifle any noise that might wake the baby or alert anyone outside the room.

I was in heaven with all the sensations I was feeling, all my senses alight with pleasure. His musky scent, the tactile sensation of fur and cloth below me while warm, dewy skin covered me, his smooth and delicious lips and tongue devouring mine, the sounds of our panting and moaning as we rocked in a steady rhythm, and the sensation of being fulfilled to the core, his hard c**k sliding in and out causing the most amazing sensations I missed more than I'd realized.

It did not take long. I had been deprived for far too long, we had been. I did my best to make the pleasure last as long as possible, biting Faustos's lip as I struggled to let him ride me longer, but I finally released with an outcry, much too loudly to my dismay. Faustos immediately followed, thrusting with a pace of desperation as soon as my release became obvious to him. He groaned into my ear as he trembled and continued rocking into me for a while, the longest lasting orgasm I think he ever had. I closed my eyes and let my head fall back to the ground, working to catch my breath after that. I thought how nice it was, that maybe Faustos could fall asleep with me there, I could sleep in his arms like I did with Sebastian once. He would just need to leave before anyone saw us there, which would not be until morning. That was, until I opened my eyes, shocked and mortified to see someone standing over us.