The Adulteress Queen

Chapter 8

I woke to the sound of birds chirping and squinted my eyes at the bright sunlight streaming in through my window. It was by far one of the most pleasant ways to wake up. I shifted in the bed, enjoying the feel of the soft fabrics against my limbs and the fluffy pillow beneath my head as I rolled to my side. I settled in comfortably, sighing in content. The backlash following my antics at dinner last night had been difficult, but I was expecting it. I had come to accept Sebastian's bark with an open mind. I did not let it rattle me. It was his bite I feared, which I had only suffered once thus far. I stretched lazily as my door flew open and Launch walked in, seeing me awake.

"Good morning, your Grace." Launch sang cheerily with a bright smile. I smiled back as I rose from the bed.

"Good morning, Launch. I am expecting a visit from Lord Bane today. Find me something attractive to wear. I do not wish to look as I have over the past months anymore." Launch nodded dutifully, opening my wardrobe in search of said attire. I headed into the bathroom, washing up to begin the morning. Launch found a lilac and burgundy dress for me to wear, which I approved of as I began dressing. This one certainly showed more cleavage than I was used to, but I did ask her to find me something attractive. I sighed harshly as Launch pulled my corset tight, and I turned to my vanity, adding makeup and jewelry to my dress as Launch braided the front of my hair into a bun, leaving the rest of my silky strands sweeping down my back. I smiled in approval when it was done and headed down to the dining room for breakfast.

I was surprised to find Sebastian and his mother alone in the dining room, surrounded by untouched plates of food and looking very somber when I arrived for breakfast. Sebastian had his hand on his mother's shoulder and she was nuzzling her face into his chest. I felt it was inappropriate for me to intrude on what was clearly an intimate moment and turned around to exit the dining room.

"Katarina, come here." I spun around, startled at the sound of resignation in Sebastian's voice. He had never genuinely spoken to me in such a tone before. It was almost bordering on softness. Almost. I walked to the mother and son, concerned deeply about what had happened to cause such a drastic change in Sebastian's attitude. Something serious must have happened for them to be acting so out of character. I sat next to Sebastian, eyeing his mother worriedly. I had never seen her like that. She was usually such a stern and controlling woman. Now she seemed as frail and unstable as a house of cards.

"What happened?" I finally breathed out after the silent tension was too much to bear any longer. Sebastian's mother looked up at me, her eyes red and swollen from crying. Her lip trembled just when she was about to speak, and she broke into heavy sobs, wrapping her arms tightly around Sebastian. He lightly patted his mother's back as he looked at me with a very serious expression.

"My father died this morning." Sebastian informed me in a cold tone. "My mother is a mess." He sounded almost disgusted by her behavior. "I want you to deal with her so I can address the kingdom. I already sent for Lord Piccolo; he will arrive here shortly to handle the funeral arrangements." Sebastian never ceased to amaze me with his lack of caring. How could he try to throw her into my lap? His mother despised me; he knew that.

"Sebastian, she needs you. I will make the address to the kingdom." I insisted as Sebastian's eyes burnt into mine with loathing. Ah, yes. I was giving him orders again. Fine. I would pay for it as he so readily threatened. Better that than babysitting his cold, weeping mother. I turned to leave, noting Sebastian moving to follow as his mother clung to him tighter and he was unable to pull away from her.

"Katarina! Get back here!" Sebastian bellowed at me across the vast room as I approached the doorway to leave. I heard a thud and turned around, shocked to see that Sebastian had shoved his mother away from him. "This is my kingdom! I am king and I will address the people." Sebastian demanded as he approached me hastily, leaving Kenya kneeling on the ground and sobbing inconsolably. I crossed my arms stubbornly, standing rigid when he drew near.

"Fine. Go address your kingdom." I conceded. "But good luck dealing with that when you get back." I warned, uncrossing my arms and gesturing with one towards the puddle on the floor that was his mother. I turned to leave again, not giving Kenya a second glance. If Sebastian did not want to take responsibility for dealing with her, it did not mean I should have to. Sebastian followed me, grabbing me by the wrist and spinning me around to face him again.

"I can't believe you!" Sebastian yelled irately at me. "My father just died! You dare to fight me on this right now?!" I stared at Sebastian disbelievingly for a moment, then blinked as what he said finally registered. Was Sebastian honestly playing an emotional card with me? He and I both knew he didn't have a loving bone in his body. I was probably more upset about his father's death than he was. The irony was too much to bear. I felt a buildup, trying to contain it, but suddenly burst out laughing.

I was laughing so hard that I was clutching my stomach, my eyes were closed and tears were streaming down my face. 'My father just died'. Like that meant something to him. My stomach grew sore after a while; my face hurt from smiling so widely. Then, taking me completely by surprise, I was knocked back, feeling extreme pain across my cheekbone, as well as weaker pain in the surrounding areas of my face. I staggered forward, holding my face, all laughter ended abruptly with the fierce onslaught of pain. Sebastian lowered his hand in front of me, looking incensed. The brute hit me. He really hit me!

"Go deal with my mother." He grumbled as he brushed past me. I stood there shocked for a moment, then turned swiftly after Sebastian. Before I knew what I was doing, I was chasing after him, screaming.

"I hate you, Sebastian!" I yelled as he entered the room he was headed for, slamming the door in my face. I pulled on the handle and pounded on the door furiously. "Open this door! Come out here and talk to me!" I yelled, repeating myself a few times in the futile attempt to call Sebastian back to the locked door so I could win the argument. As I continued pulling on the handle and pounding on the door, I was surprised when a gentle hand landed on my shoulder. I ceased my efforts and turned to see who it was.

"Queen Katarina, please." Tien beseeched me, his eyes speaking volumes as he requested that I drop it. I frowned remorsefully at him. I didn't know what to say. He nodded understandingly. "Why don't we leave the king to deal with his own problems." Tien said, an obvious tone of resentment towards Sebastian notable in his voice. Tien looped his arm around mine and slowly stepped down the hall, away from Sebastian, away from the dining room where we left his mother. He led me down the hall, and I realized we were heading towards the throne room. I wondered how much Tien knew. I didn't care what Tien knew really. I just wanted to be left alone right now. But his mother…

"If I don't see to his mother-" I began before Tien promptly cut me off.

"Don't worry, your Grace. I'll send Launch to take care of her. She handles people well, all types of people." Tien said with a smile. I smiled thankfully at him. I was so happy that I brought Launch and Tien with me when I came to this kingdom. It was such a relief at times like this to have people who supported me. I was lost in my thoughts when I realized Tien just said something else to me.

"What was that, Tien?" I asked.

"I said you have a visitor, your Grace. He is waiting for you in the throne room. He said you were expecting him?" He questioned me, sounding doubtful. My surprised visage probably had him thinking he was wrong to bring a visitor into the castle without my knowledge. A visitor…Faustos!

"Sir Tien!" I exclaimed, halting my footsteps suddenly. "How long has he been waiting?"

"Not long at all, your Grace. I came to retrieve you right away when Lord Bane arrived. That's why I was there when…" Tien trailed off, rubbing his head and looking uncomfortable as he avoided recounting the earlier situation. I was thankful. I didn't want to talk about it either.

"Good. Thank you, Tien. Please send Lord Bane to meet me at my chambers." I said, feeling butterflies in my stomach at the prospects of seeing Faustos. My mind was a whirlwind, so busy with thoughts of Faustos that the rattling encounter from minutes ago was quickly fleeing from my mind. I couldn't even remember why Faustos was coming here. I just wanted to be alone with him. I wanted him to wrap his arms around me and comfort me at that moment. I looked at Tien, who was still standing before me, looking unsure of himself.

"Your chambers, your Grace?" Tien asked me warily. I frowned angrily at him. He had no right to question me. "I prefer to keep out of Sebastian's sight right now." I told him sternly, clearing any suspicion of my reasoning from Tien's mind as he smiled in relief and nodded unquestioningly. Tien left to see to Faustos while I continued down the hall unescorted towards my chambers. As I progressed down the hall, I passed a few guards, nodding kindly to them along the way. To my surprise, one of them dared to stop me as he gently grabbed my arm.

"Queen Katarina." He said as I spun to face the tall guard indignantly.

"What is it, Sir Brolly?" I asked as I met his eyes which were searching deeply into mine. I stepped away from him and shook loose from his grasp, the familiarity of his mannerisms making me uncomfortable.

"I am sorry for your loss, your Grace." He answered sweetly with a satisfied grin. I contorted my brows in confusion as I stepped away from the peculiar guard without answer. His words and his behaviors did not match. I didn't think I would ever get used to Sir Brolly. I shook off the strange encounter as I stalked away and closed in on my chambers, where I was sure Faustos was waiting already.

I quivered excitedly as I reached for the cold steel handle before me, opening the massive doors. I couldn't believe I could finally see Faustos alone and be with him. I had so much to say to him. I opened the doors and saw the back of his well-dressed, handsome form standing in front of me. Seeing him, the man I had been waiting to see again, standing in the very room where I had spent the past months in solitude and bitter despair, made something snap inside me. He turned to look at me with such a light hearted smile. And his face dropped upon seeing my expression. His carefree manner only added fuel to my fire. It was his fault that I had suffered for so long. If he was here like he should have been, he could have helped me sooner. He could have saved me from my loneliness and wallowing.

"Katarina, what's wrong?" Faustos asked warily, deep concern lacing through his voice as he recognized my expression.

"Don't you dare address me so casually. I am your queen, Lord Bane!" I spat back at him. He cringed in utter surprise at my hostility and cold formality. I didn't care if he didn't expect that. He should have. I stepped closer to him as I spoke while the doors swung closed behind me.

"Sorry, my queen." He apologized with a bow, though I was sure by the expression on his face that he was completely perplexed as to what he was really apologizing for. I needed to enlighten him.

"Sorry is not enough!" I shouted at him as I closed in, now only a step in front of him. "Do you have any idea what I've been through since you disappeared?!" I asked, letting all my bottled up emotions spew at him. The rage had been building for so long, and I couldn't hold it in any longer.

"N-no." Faustos answered as his brows furrowed in confusion. "What happened to you?" He asked with his eyes large and full of wonder. I stammered and blinked. How could I have opened my mouth like that? I didn't want Faustos to know what happened to me, never! And to top it off, his demeanor and his calm, innocent expression were just impossible to yell at any longer! I growled in frustration, more at myself than him. Faustos, seeming to make his own conclusions about my flustered lack of response, reached a tentative hand to my face, gently stroking my cheek.

"Katarina," he said in a low, husky voice that was pleasing to my ears, "are you okay?" He paused to wait for a response, but I stared at him, my mouth slightly agape as I stared into his eyes, lost for words. His expression became more concerned and serious. "I didn't know you would be so upset about me leaving and missing the wedding. I won't leave you again like that if you don't want me to."

With a heavy, calming sigh, I reached my hand to take his from my face, pulling it close to my lips and kissing his palm. That was the sweetest promise anyone had ever made me. Faustos smiled a sweet smile, though hidden behind the sweetness there was self-satisfaction, like he knew he just calmed a savage beast. Which would be me. But I didn't care anymore. I waited months to see this man again, and he was here now, and I was here, and we were alone, and that was all that mattered now. I raised myself on my toes and connected my lips to his, sighing on contact.

I could not believe how wonderful his lips felt against mine. It had been far too long of a wait. He parted his lips and his tongue gently licked at mine. I smiled into the kiss before parting my own lips and deepening our kiss. Faustos wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me close to him while I sank my fingers into his silky black disarray of hair. We separated, simply for air, and I quickly kissed him again, refusing to accept the loss of contact so soon.

He moaned into my mouth and I tilted my head back, closing my eyes as I basked in the pleasure of finally having what I had waited for so long. His hands glided to my hips, caressing up my sides and eventually cupping my breasts, kneading them wantonly. He broke our kiss and looked down, and I blushed when I realized that Faustos was taking quite an appreciation to the exposed cleavage of my dress. He bent his head down and kissed my neck, then my shoulder, my collarbone, and trailed down to my chest, licking up the line of cleavage that poured above the neckline of my gown. I shivered at the sensation. Faustos quickly spun me around, attempting to unfasten the ties on the back of my gown. I knew they were tricky, as Launch spent quite a bit of time putting them on. If Faustos did manage to get the dress off, I was sure he would never be able to put it back on without help, and I was not ready to explain to anyone why I was half undressed in the middle of the day while visiting with a nobleman. I quickly spun back around, placing my hands on Faustos's chest.

"No, Faustos. The gown is not coming off." I said with finality while Faustos's face faltered as if I just took a delicious feast from him. Maybe in his eyes, that was just what I did. I giggled at the thought before quickly kissing him again. We could still do that with our clothing on, and I needed more of it. I still felt the need for comfort. I did not expect Faustos to love me, not yet. But some semblance of feeling, some inkling that he cared, was what I needed.

Taking me by surprise, Faustos playfully threw me to the bed on my back. I laughed as he climbed over me with a wide smile before lightly kissing me again. I hadn't intended for things to lead to this so soon, but as his kiss deepened and his hand reached beneath my dress and skimmed up my thigh, I felt my heart race with excitement. I lightly pushed against his chest and broke our kiss as I thought we should not be doing this again, not while I was unsure of his feelings towards me. But his lips softly met my neck as his hand continued slowly skimming up the side of my thigh, lifting the fabrics of my dress higher, and I froze as I carefully anticipated what he would do next. I didn't want him to stop. As his hand roamed higher to caress my rear, he ground his hardened erection between my legs through the fabrics of his pants and I moaned wantonly as my physical desire won over my rational decision.

I reached for the waistband of his pants, lowering them frantically as my body craved fulfillment, that pleasant sensation I remembered him giving me. Faustos pulled down my undergarments, apparently as anxious to find his completion as I was. He spread my legs with his knees and positioned his hips right above mine, his length finding my entrance as he entered me with one hard thrust. He groaned into my ear, and began grinding his hips against mine, pulling back and entering again as I gasped in pain and pleasure. There was some pain, but it was nothing like my first two experiences. After only a few thrusts, the pain dissipated and the pleasure was greater than I remembered it being the first time. My eyes rolled back in my head and I panted heavily as a pressure built in me that was too much to hold onto. I called Faustos's name quietly as I climaxed, wrapping my arms around his muscular shoulders and pushing my pelvis as tightly against his as possible to ride out the waves of pleasure I felt.

Faustos kept a strong and steady pace above me as I wrapped my legs around him. His face turned as his lips sought mine. I kissed him readily, and his tongue and mine thrust together just as our bodies did. I could not believe how amazing it felt! The sensation of his delicious tongue swirling and sucking on mine heightened the rapture I was feeling in my core while Faustos's thrusts increased speed. I felt a complete loss of control as I enjoyed his grunts into my mouth and the way his body was moving above mine. I felt that amazing sensation building again and embraced it, grinding my hips against Faustos's to get him as deep as possible inside me. I screamed my second climax into Faustos's mouth and felt him tense above me as he cried out as well, both our sounds muffled by the tight embrace of our lips. Faustos collapsed above me, being careful not to crush me with his weight. Once our high subsided, he pulled out and rolled over to lie beside me, then looked to the door and back to me with a curious expression.

"Should we be worried about anyone walking in here?" Faustos asked with only a mild amount of worry. One would expect him to be much more worried about being found indisposed in bed with the queen.

I laughed heartily at his question. His lack of fear was so refreshing. I wondered if Faustos ever let anything scare him. I smiled at him when I finished laughing, and he looked back with a warm smile of his own. As if he realized the answer to his own question, Faustos stood from the bed and hurriedly cleaned himself up and straightened his clothing, his eyes encouraging me to do the same. Regretfully, I rolled off the bed and headed into the washroom.

I emerged from the washroom after cleaning up and fixing my attire again. I smiled at Faustos as I emerged, relieved to find him still waiting in my chamber for me. I half expected him to leave without saying goodbye. However, he did not return my smile. Instead, he looked back at me with a very serious expression.

"So, are you going to tell me what happened to you?" He asked with a penetrating gaze. I froze as my heart raced at the question. Thanks to my big mouth, Faustos knew something happened. He stepped in front of me, bringing his hand to caress my cheek. I sucked in a breath as his touch brought an unexpected tenderness. I felt bruised. Oh. That. Could he see it?! Did Sebastian leave a mark on my face? I was tempted to run to a mirror and see for myself, but that would only confirm what Faustos might have suspected. I placed my hand to my cheek, caressing the sore spot as I winced in pain and Faustos watched me with unease. I didn't want his pity! I stepped back and he stepped towards me.

"No! I will not tell you what happened!" I yelled stubbornly at him, smacking away his hand which was reaching for me again. "It is not your concern!" I took an extremely defensive tone, and Faustos frowned in annoyance, but backed away.

"Alright." He submitted. I furrowed my brows in confusion at his easy acceptance. I truly did not want him to know, so I was not sure why it upset me so for him to drop this. But if he had feelings for me, he should have been fighting more to find out what happened to me. Was it not obvious that I had been attacked? He was willing to leave me like this? I glared furiously at the insensitive fool who I was sure now was simply using me for s*x.

"Get out!" I yelled at him, pointing to the door. He jumped at my harsh tone and sudden fury.

"Katarina-" he started with a wary smile, his tone amused.

"No! I said out!" I yelled, refusing to hear his rebuttal. I walked to the door, opening it to find Tien waiting outside. I gasped at the unexpected presence, and wondered just how long he had been there. What did he hear? I had no time to think about that. Right now I needed to get rid of my selfish lover before his lingering presence became suspicious. Or my emotions took over and I said something I shouldn't in front of prying ears.

"Excuse me, your Grace." Tien apologized to my startled visage. "I returned just recently to guard your door. I did not feel safe leaving you unguarded." Tien leaned forward to look past me, gazing curiously towards Faustos in the room. "I take it Lord Bane is leaving?" He questioned politely. I frowned, rolling my eyes at Tien. It was obvious he at least overheard the ending of our conversation; I had certainly yelled it loud enough. Faustos brushed past me, taking me by surprise.

"Yes. You can call me Faustos. What is your name?" Faustos said to Tien, completely amicably as he left in an ostensibly pleasant mood with the guard. I watched their backs as they traveled down the hall, completely flabbergasted by Faustos's easygoing mood. He was beginning a friendly conversation with Tien, and just as I was about to retreat into my chambers, he looked over his shoulder at me. He smiled and winked at me, and I could not stop myself from smiling back at his gorgeous smile. Damn him and his stupid charm.

I closed my door, leaning against the wall as I struggled to process everything that had happened today. I was a mess mentally. The day started with the death of the ex-king, an argument with Sebastian which resulted in the arrogant asshole hitting me, and then there was Faustos. He was truly an enigma. My emotions were such a mess around him. He probably thought I was crazy. Why did he risk so much to be with me? If it was really just about s*x, he would be better off messing around with just about anyone else. At least some other woman would not behave as maniacally as I did, and if he were caught, the punishment would not be so harsh. He must have had feelings for me; that had to be it. I sighed with the pleasant, hopeful thought as my eyes landed on a foreign object atop my bureau.

I c****d my head as I approached the wooden object with curious fascination and suddenly recalled the reasoning behind Faustos's visit. He really did have a gift for me. I removed the royal blue ribbon wrapped around it and held the small bStarsands, inspecting the intricate carvings of an elaborate border and a detailed dragon image on the lid. It was surprisingly heavy for its size, and I opened it with guarded curiosity. Inside the bStarsands, the silk-cradled object inside came into view and my eyes brightened at the pretty sight. I lifted and observed the solid marble sphere which fit precisely in my palm, shining and orange in color with the shape of a star carved into it. I found it hard to believe that Faustos would find such a trinket while hunting. Yet it was so different and beautiful, and it was my first gift from him.

I placed the ball back into the bStarsands on the bureau and happily retreated to bed. I was feeling content and exhausted as I decided to catch some rest before Sebastian returned from his address to the kingdom, when the day would surely continue with more exhausting drama over the late king's death and my recent spat with my belligerent husband. Thanks to my temperamental reactions, I never did have the chance to ask Faustos about what went on between him and Sebastian the other night. I only hoped his feelings for me won over whatever loyalty he might have had to the king and his mistress.