The Adulteress Queen

Chapter 17

My son was growing into a well-mannered, handsome boy, and he was heir to the throne of the Harrenhal Kingdom. He was born into a fortunate life, and the people surrounding him seemed to love and adore him. Even my cold and vapid mother-in-law clearly loved her grandson. Tien guarded him more than Nappa and Brolly, who were the only two in the castle to seem indifferent to their prince. Launch doted on him like a second mother, and to my surprise, Lord Piccolo had taken fondly to my boy.

I could not figure out Lord Piccolo, but I certainly did not trust him. I never knew the man to get along with children, or spend time amongst others aside from where his duties required it. He was a man of solitude, and why he suddenly took such an interest in my son bothered me. Now that Gohan was more talkative and educated, Piccolo came to take him for walks around the palace, educating him on the flora and fauna around the castle gardens, which I was surprised that Piccolo even knew so well, and the Gods and histories of the sects, of which I fully approved. That was where my approval ended.

"Erasa, when do we expect Gohan to return?" I asked one night as Launch fixed my hair before heading down for supper. Erasa had joined us, expecting the prince as she prepared to dress him for dinner upon his arrival.

"He should be back by now, your Grace." Erasa answered in surprise as she realized the time. "Would you like me to go look for him?" She asked with a concerned expression. I scoffed and rolled my eyes, knowing exactly where he was. Of course he was with Piccolo still. They were walking together earlier, and I specifically told them when Gohan was to be returned to his chambers. I would have to have a talk with Lord Piccolo about that later in the evening.

"No, Erasa. Launch, finish my hair, and we will head down to the dining room. I am sure Sebastian is waiting for us already." No doubt, he would be just as riled as I was about Gohan's untimeliness. Especially when he realized that Gohan was with Piccolo. I think Sebastian was just as distrustful towards the quiet clergyman as I was.

Launch finished my hair shortly after, and I reached the dining room to find Sebastian, Gohan, and Piccolo there already. That was certainly a surprise. Gohan was sitting with perfect posture, silently waiting as Piccolo and Sebastian conversed quietly. Neither of them were smiling, but given who was talking, that did not implicate an unpleasant conversation by any means.

Piccolo and Gohan stood as I entered the room, Piccolo bowing while Gohan returned to his seat. Sebastian only grunted in greeting as his relaxed eyes met mine and he returned his attentions to Piccolo who retook his seat.

"Mother, may we eat now?" Gohan asked me quietly, being careful not to interrupt the adult conversation while I took my seat in front of him. Sebastian sat at the head of the table, as his father once sat, Gohan on one side of him and me on the other. Tonight Piccolo was joining us, apparently, as he sat beside Gohan. Usually my mother-in-law sat there, but…

I looked up from the table as I heard a door open, and the woman I was thinking of entered the room, slowly staggering her way to the table with the assistance of her nurse. Kenya's health had diminished drastically over the past few years. It almost seemed she no longer had the will to take care of herself with her husband gone. At least she was finally off my back, now that Sebastian had an heir. She mostly ignored me, which was fine by me. I craved to be invisible around that woman.

Perhaps, if I was lucky, she would allow this illness to take her sooner rather than later. I did not enjoy how close she brought herself to my Gohan, trying to manipulate his opinion towards me in a bad light. I would have none of her negative influence pushed upon him. She sat beside me, and I gave her a weak smile, the best I could offer to her as she ignored me and smiled at Sebastian instead.

"Mother?" Gohan asked, and I realized I never answered his earlier question as I looked into those hopeful eyes. The boy must have been hungry. He certainly had the voracious appetite of a growing boy.

"Yes, Gohan. We can eat now." I answered. Sebastian, overhearing my answer, clapped once in the air, summoning the castle staff who barged into the room with heaps of food to serve. I smelled the delicious scents of heavily spiced meat and potatoes, and realized I was quite hungry as well. Gohan beamed as he eyed and smelled the food, and I was happy to see him so happy. I noticed Piccolo observing Gohan as well, and he smiled in the same appreciation as me. I supposed the man may have truly cared for my son, as odd as that seemed to me.

"Katarina." Sebastian called my name, and I was immediately distracted from my plate before even taking a bite. It was rare for Sebastian to address me so directly, so whatever he had to say must have been important.

"What is it, dear?" I asked. I recently began addressing Sebastian by that endearment. It set a good example of what an appropriate relationship between husband and wife should be for Gohan. I could not have him grow up to marry and treat his wife as Sebastian and I used to treat each other. It seemed my kindness helped Sebastian act more like an appropriate husband, because he had no reason to be angry or aggressive towards me. Sebastian placed his utensils down and dabbed his face with a napkin before gazing at me with a serious expression.

"We have company coming to the castle within a fortnight." Sebastian paused with a deep frown, his scowl looking quite miserable with his thoughts, and I worried for who could be coming to give Sebastian so much grief. "A raven arrived last night, and I discussed it with the small council today. It seems we need to be diplomatic about this…for now." Sebastian paused and met Piccolo's understanding eyes with a deep sigh. "King Frieza wishes to see me. He is already on his way here." Sebastian grumbled angrily as he glared at his plate and angrily stabbed his meat. I was surprised to hear from the Ice kingdom. They had kept their distance from us since King Cold's death years ago.

"King Frieza? We have not heard anything-" I began with surprise as Sebastian shook his head and abruptly cut me off.

"We have had eyes on him for years, Katarina. Since before you came along." Sebastian said forcefully, seeming almost angered by the memory of my arrival here as he spoke of it. That anger had better not be directed towards me. Sebastian cleared his throat and looked at Piccolo. "Lord Piccolo, tell the queen what you know." Sebastian ordered as Piccolo looked at Sebastian carefully, apparently dubious about sharing his information with me. I resumed eating as I watched Piccolo carefully. I could not imagine what Piccolo could know, but I was quite offended that he intended to continue keeping me on the outside.

"Your Grace, I have a spy in the Ice kingdom. He has been reporting their activities to me discreetly, and I share them with the king and the other small council members whenever I receive news from him. From what he has relayed to us," Piccolo paused and cast Sebastian another dubious look, to which Sebastian quickly nodded for him to continue, "it seems that King Frieza has been working on strengthening his forces in the past years, recruiting more men for his army since being crowned king. We are worried that he is preparing to attack us." Piccolo said solemnly, casting a concerned glance at Gohan who was busily eating and mostly distracted by his meal.

But I knew he was listening worriedly to the conversation. I believed Piccolo realized that as well. I frowned deeply at Piccolo and exhaled a deep, angry breath as I tightly clenched the utensils in my hands. For them to know of this for years and keep it from me, and now to be relaying such worrisome information in front of my young child, I was thoroughly vexed. Piccolo and Sebastian both noted my reaction quickly.

"Escort Gohan to bed." Sebastian ordered to Erasa quickly, who was standing behind Gohan's seat at the table. He turned over his shoulder to see Nappa and Brolly standing guard behind him. "And bring my mother to bed as well!" Sebastian ordered them as they prepared to escort Gohan from the table. Gohan warily scooted his chair from the table and looked at me with worry, to which I gave a comforting nod. I would not let my little boy worry.

"Goodnight, sweet prince." I said to him with a warm smile, happy to see that it comforted him a bit as he returned the smile to me. Kenya stood to leave as well, with the assistance of her nurse. She did not say a word as she slithered her way to the guards.

"Goodnight, Mother. Goodnight, Father. Goodnight, Lord Piccolo." Gohan said politely as he quickly bowed from the table, noting his father's impatience for him to be gone. The three of us watched silently as the others left, and then the room suddenly filled with a heavy atmosphere.

"When they arrive, Katarina, you need to be as docile and inviting as possible. Do you understand?" Sebastian said warningly, clearly unconvinced that I could do so.

"Will it be difficult with them?" I asked curiously. I could not imagine what kind of man King Frieza was. I only knew that his family had planned to take both our kingdoms' lands for years, but that was his father's decision, not his. For all I knew, he could be an honorable, respectable king.

"My informant tells me that King Frieza…" Piccolo trailed off uncomfortably, shaking his head and frowning before he carefully chose his words. "You know the royalty of the Ice kingdom come from a long line of interfamily marriages, your Grace." Piccolo said as I nodded. Yes, I was well aware. "Do you know the effects that can happen to the products of inbreeding?" Piccolo asked me. I thought carefully for a moment as I stared back at Piccolo's questioning expression. I was not sure I had heard everything about it. The only thing I was aware of was some sort of insanity. Oh. He couldn't mean that. "Yes." Piccolo said bluntly as he saw the worrisome expression that crossed my face. "Their king is known to be sadistic and cruel."

"And he is coming here." Sebastian added, shaking his head with a disdainful expression. "I hate Frieza." Sebastian muttered to himself as Piccolo and I exchanged a worrisome glance. "But you can't show him that. He claims this is a friendly visit. So let him be friendly." Sebastian sneered decidedly as he lifted his glass and took a hefty swig of wine. He sighed in content from his drink and gazed at me intently. "You will behave in front of our royal guests." He ordered me. Usually I would fight him on speaking to me in such a way, but I had to agree with him that time. I had no intentions of angering a cruel, psychotic king.

"I will." I agreed quietly, frowning deeply with my own thoughts of the impending visit.

"One more thing." Sebastian said as I pushed aside my emptied plate and prepared to leave the table. He raised his eyebrows at me, and I knew to prepare for more bad news. He was going to force something on me I would not like. "It is time the boy starts training. A prince should be able to defend himself, and he is old enough now. You need to stop babying the boy." Sebastian was giving me another order, and this one I could not agree to. Would he never stop giving me orders!

"Sebastian." I said as I clasped my hands together, smiling and fighting to contain the rage I felt building inside. "Gohan has barely begun his education. You know how important that is to me. And what you suggest is much too violent for a boy his age." I scowled at Sebastian while he appeared to ignore my arguments. I huffed angrily. "Gohan will not train, and that is final." I understood Sebastian's point, Gohan could not be weak and defenseless if a war was coming, but he was still too young.

"Woman..." Sebastian growled in that ominous tone that usually foreshadowed one of his acts of violence.

"Queen Katarina." Piccolo interrupted him, sternly but diplomatically. I stopped eating to meet his eyes, and his expression became smug as Sebastian looked at him, shocked by the interruption. "Prince Gohan is coming along very well with his education. I am quite impressed with the boy's knowledge for his age." Piccolo's compliment was an obvious ploy to get on my good side, but I could not help the softening of my resolve that it caused. "Perhaps he can train with the guards and his Grace a few meager hours each week. I will even oversee his training for safety if it comforts you, your Grace. Gohan's studies should not be interrupted by this." I frowned at the persuasive argument, trying to find some way to refuse without coming across as unreasonable. When I came up with nothing, I groaned in acceptance as I rubbed my temple with irritation and worry.

"Fine." I acquiesced, hearing Piccolo sigh haughtily in triumph. Sebastian sighed triumphantly as well.

"Good. We'll begin the training tomorrow. Every day for an hour." Sebastian commanded before taking another swig of wine.

"With the exception of Saturday, your Grace." Piccolo added with a nod as Sebastian glanced up from his plate briefly to glare at Piccolo for the intrusion. "Unless you are not attending the wedding?" Piccolo asked smartly, knowing very well we would be there. He smirked at me after he said this, as if he knew. I would need to speak with Lord Piccolo alone sometime. I'd had enough cryptic messages and slight implications from him over the past years. They were never blatant enough to confront, but they were always there. Even then, I was fortunate that Sebastian cared so little for me and was constantly busied with ruling the kingdom and his training, and his own mistress. I was sure if he took any interest at all in my comings and goings, he would have discovered my affair.

"Yes." Sebastian groaned irritably, drawing my attention from Piccolo. "We will attend Bane's damn wedding. I forgot about that." Sebastian was very disappointed; I was sure he had something more pleasurable planned for that day. But I was sure he could not match my disappointment towards that wedding. That supper certainly ended on a sour note. I had no idea just how much worse the night could get.

I kissed Gohan goodnight and returned to my chambers after dinner, dressing into my nightclothes and preparing for a night of sleep as there was a knock on my chamber door. Assuming it would be Launch checking for any last assistance I may have needed before bed, I announced for the visitor to come in as I began blowing out the excessive amount of candles surrounding my bed chamber.

"Queen Katarina." I startled at the deep voice addressing me, turning from the candles to face my visitor. To my shock, Sir Brolly was allowing himself into my chambers and closing the door behind him.

"Sir Brolly. What is the meaning of this?" I asked abrasively as I wrapped my hands across my chest to cover my inappropriate exposure under thin fabrics from the castle guard. To my displeasure, he slowly stalked towards me in an intimidating manner, his armor clanking quietly as he moved to stand against my bed, which stood between us. I could not imagine what had come over him, to think he could approach his queen in her private chambers that way.

"It seems we had a security problem at the dinner the king held for the nobility a few days ago, your Grace." Brolly said with an amused smirk as he made a point of smoothing some wrinkles on the bedsheets before him. A few days ago, we had many visitors, it was a rather large dinner.

"We will address it in the morning, Sir Brolly. I am preparing for bed. You are dismissed." I answered haughtily to the guard who looked up from the bed to me with hungry eyes. I felt my heart rate increasing nervously upon seeing that look. Something wasn't right.

"It was Lord Bane, your Grace. It seems he was seen by some of my men discreetly leaving the castle long after everyone had supposedly left." Brolly said as he stepped around the bed and began approaching me. "I don't believe you want to address that with the king in the morning, your Grace." Brolly's eyes skimmed up and down my body and I cringed in disgust. Was he actually trying to extort me? He had nothing!

"I'm sure Lord Bane was visiting with his father. The Hand has been keeping long hours at the castle lately." I said dismissively as I expected Brolly to retreat from my chambers. Lord Bardock had his own tower in the Harrenhal Castle, for the days he would not return to Montpaus. There were many times Faustos would visit him, though that night, he was with me. To my disbelief, Brolly stayed fixed in his place, lowering his chin as he smirked at me.

"I've been paying close attention to you for the sake of your safety, your Grace. This is not the first time I've noticed Lord Bane lurking about in the castle halls near you." He smiled widely, shining his jagged teeth at me, just before he licked them. I shuddered and glared at him admonishingly.

"Sir Brolly!" I said sternly, glaring back at the guard. "I do not appreciate what you are suggesting. Do you forget to whom you are speaking?"

"You think I have no proof." Brolly deducted, halting his approach and placing his hands on his hips as he casually faced me. "Perhaps I don't. But do you really want to test King Sebastian's reaction to my accusations?" Brolly asked as I could not hide a terrified expression at the thought. Though Sebastian would take no stock of Brolly's word, the threat was very valid. Surely Sebastian would seek proof of the accusation and then he might have even discovered the truth about Gohan. Brolly smirked in arrogant satisfaction at my visibly fearful reaction.

"King Sebastian is an intelligent man, when he wants to be." Brolly said smugly as he dropped his hands to his sides and gave me that lecherous look again. "But it would be such a waste, if something happened to you. Maybe you can convince me to keep this between us?" Brolly added as he approached me again, until he was only an arm's length in front of me. I looked up at the guard with nervous breath as my heart continued racing in fear.

"It would greatly endanger your son's life if King Sebastian knew about you and Lord Bane." Brolly whispered to me as he leaned forward until his face was nearly touching mine. He brazenly ran his fingers through the length of my loose hair while all traces of my fear were dissipated by my anger at his statement. I scowled furiously at his threat. No one threatened my son! "Bane." Brolly added disdainfully under his breath, paying no attention to my deathly glare. "He has everything I want and could never have. His fortune, the queen, and soon, Satan Castle and Lady Videl." I frowned deeply at Brolly's jealous complaints as the man glared distantly into the air, his face still only a breath away from mine. I especially abhorred his last complaint. Brolly could take Lady Videl from Faustos for all I cared. I trembled as I glared at Brolly.

"You've cornered me, Sir Brolly." I conceded as Brolly stepped back with a content smile. "Remove your armor." I ordered in cold resignation as I stood with my chin high and faced the guard with my arms by my sides. Brolly smiled and pulled his armor overhead, gently placing the heavy items on the ground as he avoided causing any commotion to alert the other guards or servants that might have heard the noise outside the chamber. I could not have anyone else discovering what was happening in my chambers. If someone walked in and this had to be explained, my secret would be exposed for sure.

"I've always wanted to f**k royalty." Brolly said with a pleased smirk as he eyed me again and removed his sword. I sneered at him in dissatisfaction before setting my gaze on the discarded items on the ground.

"And just how many times will I need to convince you to be sure you stay quiet?" I asked seethingly, knowing very well this man could continuously hold this over me and threaten to tell Sebastian again. I looked from the armor to his face again as he looked at me with a meaningful lascivious smirk as he stepped towards me again, now free of his armor. That was it! I was the queen, and would not be used as some w***e to a disturbing, conniving guard. I knew from first meeting that man that he would be trouble.

Brolly reached for me, grabbing my rear tightly before I pushed him away. He glared at my resistance before I knelt down before him, a lump rising in my throat as I looked up at him, forcing a lustful gaze which he appreciated with a smug smile. Brolly began untying his pants and tossed his head back with a heavy sigh of satisfaction as I reached for the ground, pulling his discarded sword from its sheath.

I would have never imagined how delicate the human abdomen was to a sword. As I thrust the sword upward into the gut of the unsuspecting extortionist, I gasped at the pooling blood along the weapon and the disgusting sensation of what I'd just done. Brolly grunted and lurched in pain and looked down at me with disbelief, then rage. I had to finish him, or he would end me. I clutched the hilt of the sword tightly with both hands as Brolly's hostile hands grasped my throat and I prepared to push the sword in even deeper. With a grunt of effort, I twisted upwards, piercing deeper into Brolly's chest and noting the gurgled cry of pain Brolly released as his hands released me and fell limp to his sides. I quickly stumbled to my feet as the dying man fell to his knees. I glared hatefully down upon his face while blood spewed from his lips, until his head fell forward and he crumpled to the ground. I stared at him and the darkening floor surrounding him, I know not how long, in complete shock at what I'd done. After I gathered control of my senses, I immediately called for the one person that could help and understand the situation.

"Sir Tien!" I yelled loudly, knowing my guard should have been near enough to hear my call if it were loud enough. My voice was shaking, and I could not believe how rattled I sounded, when I had behaved so calmly through the act. Tien likely was not keeping post outside my door, since Brolly had claimed that position for himself in order to pull this off, so it was unsurprising that it took a moment for him to show. "Sir Tien!" I yelled again for good measure as I suddenly felt the need to steady myself while the blood pooling on the floor sickened me. I felt my stomach churning violently as the reality of what I'd done became apparent to me. Tien crashed into the room after my call with his sword ready in his hands, throwing the doors open in a rush and gasping at the bloody scene before him as his eyes landed on Sir Brolly, then me with a deeply concerned expression.

I was shaken on the days following that event. Tien and I easily concocted an explanation for Brolly's death. We told Sebastian that Brolly had gone mad and attacked me in my chambers. We simply altered our story to explain that Tien heard the scuffle and my cries for help and killed Sir Brolly in my defense. Tien and I both agreed that it looked better for both of us that way. We would not want Sebastian to assume Tien was an incompetent guard if he didn't come to my rescue, and the truth would likely spark questions that may have resulted in Sebastian discovering my secret. I also appreciated the element of surprise I had against Brolly. If anyone else were to try something like Brolly did in the future, it worked in my favor that it was not common knowledge that I could use a sword.

Having no care for the slain guard, who was the bastard son of the late Lord Paragus and an unnamed w***e, Sebastian easily accepted our explanation. He replaced Brolly with another carefully-chosen guard; a tall, masculine knight named Tora. Sir Tora's presence did not evoke from me the same uncomfortable feelings that Brolly's presence always did, so I was content with the replacement. Sir Tora was appointed to Brolly's position in the kings guard just a day before the Son-Satan wedding. I was quite miserable in those days leading up to the wedding. No one questioned why I was so upset about the upcoming wedding, because my unhappiness and anxiety were masked by the traumatizing ordeal I had suffered by Sir Brolly. I had to endure my misery, nevertheless as that wedding day finally came.