"A Knight's Journey: Chapter 2"

#NoBeta #mentionsofdeath #SiblingBonding

The graves in front of her were modest, for royalty that is. No tomb or mausoleum just maroon and gold marbling outlining the head of the tombstones with jewels adorning its cursive lettering. The tombstones read the names of the deceased, their titles and who they were in their past lives. Strong and fearless words for the king and compassionate words for the queen. It was funny to have these words be the telltale persona of the deceased as the last time Katrina had saw them, they had banished her from the kingdom. Expressionless and stoic faces had graced their features but their eyes showed it all, disgust and disappointment.

“Hello mother, father, it’s been a while. I suppose me being here as I am now would make you squirm in your graves.” A dark chuckle left her. She grimaced, trying to hold back the bubbling anger she thought she had buried ages ago.

“I guess you’re wondering why I’m here, don’t worry I won’t take much of your time. I just came here to-” She took a deep breath and stared up into the sky, exhaling heavily. She gazed back down towards the grave, a pained smile visible. “I came here to forgive you. I wanted to tell you that I’m living my life as best as I can and although I know you would never see me as your son ever again, know that it’s because I was never your son. I am your daughter, and a fucking strong one at that.”

Her voice cracked as she spoke, she knelt down towards the tombstones and kissed both of them before standing up and sighing. “Mother, father, I’m doing alright. And I hope you are too.” She made her way back towards the castle and saw Nicolai patiently waiting for her. He opened his arms wide, inviting her into an embrace which she willingly accepted.

Katrina was a warrior, one that others could easily say has faced the devil himself and spat at him. But right now, she was just a girl, a girl that was never given the luxury to morn. Morn of lost time and lost experiences that any child should have been given by their parents. The tears and soft sobbed muffled by Nicolai’s shoulder was evidence of that.

Nicolai stood there, arms strong as he embraced his beloved sister. He could never know of the horrors that had befallen his sister along the passage of time. But right now, all he long for was to see his sister happy again, and if it meant holding her for as long as it takes as she let out years of unshed tears, so be it.

~~***~~

Katrina swiped a curious finger through the spines of the books on the shelves. There were hundreds of them in the study. When she was young she would spend hours trying to read them all. Though the number didn’t compare to the ones in the royal library, the quality and rarity was surely something to marvel at.

“I haven’t been in here in ages.” Loraine poured a cup of tea for both Nicolai and Katrina before heading out. However not before giving a Katrina a little pinch when her hands wandered to the more ornate and fragile sculpture in the study.

“Ow! What? I was only looking.”

“You were touching, and although you are graceful in the battlefield, you’re careless with most other things.” Katrina was about to object to that when flashes of her exploits with Bedivere all resulting in broken potion bottles and destroyed potteries came to mind. She was only able to nod solemnly afterwards, receiving a loud guffaw from Nicolai. After Loraine had left, Katrina took a seat in front of Nicolai at his desk and sighed. The days of travel finally getting to her.

“Maybe you should rest first, Nana. We can talk on another day.”

Katrina shook her head as she took a sip of her tea, savoring the floral taste and the warmth that spread out to the tips of her toes. “It’s alright brother, I won’t keep you waiting any longer. I know you’re dying to hear where and what I’ve been up to.”

“I’m that easy to read is it?” Nicolai chuckled

“On the contrary brother, I’m sure you are as unreadable as you are a silver tongued fox.

Nicolai choked on his tea and sputtered. Quickly taking out his handkerchief and wiping at the dribble of tea that left his lips.

“I’m sorry?! Silver tongued?”

“Oh dear brother, I’ve heard the rumors. The king of Rojoda, with his beautiful smile, sharp tongue and quick wit, no wonder the kingdom’s armada is the most powerful in all the Three Kingdoms.”

“We were already strong when father ruled.” The young king said with a pout

“Yes but all of you were feared, now you are respected.” She smiled. “Father left a lasting impression on the people of the kingdom and beyond, but so have you. Rojoda and Rojodians are seen as kind and compassionate, loyal to a fault when it comes to protecting others, and that’s all because of you. You showed the people what a true king is supposed to be.”

A sad smile crept its way onto Nicolai’s features. “Sometimes I feel like I’m not doing enough, that I’m too soft.”

Katrina practically slammed the tea cup down, it rattled on its saucer plate but did not break. “Nonsense!”

“Who would face the tyrannical ruler Delphine and offer aid to its people, knowing that war might be the outcome. You’re smart, Nico, I know you could’ve seen such a thing to happen. But you stood your ground, for the sake of Delphine’s people. That's a noble and strong king if I’ve ever seen one.”

Nicolai blinked in surprise, a moment of silence followed suit before he erupted in laughter. He placed his cupped down and reached for his sister’s hand, which she gave with zero resistance. He squeezed her rough hand, worn from battle and hardships, his smile blinding.

“Thank you, sister. You have no idea how wonderful it is to hear those words from you.” His smile turned hesitant when he continued. “But I am not so much as the benevolent king you have depicted me to be. All that I did, the type of kingdom I have created,” He squeezed her hand once more, gaze unwavering, “Was so that you can come home to us again.”