"A Knight's Journey: Chapter 3"

#NoBeta #HimboEnergy #TiredKatrina #ShortUpdate

They talked for what seemed like decades all in the span of a few hours. Years of past exploits from Katrina and Nicolai unfolded like letters sent to loved ones. There were tears and laughter that graced the old study, some from Katrina, most from Nicolai, but how the two relished the time they spent together after decades of being apart. They were finally a family again.

"Oh my, the sun's been down for how long now? We even had our dinner in here." Nicolai looked at his pocket watch, a gift from the king of their neighbouring kingdom, Galatea.

"Shit, we should head to bed then, Nico. You need your rest for tomorrow. You must have a lot of work to do."

"I can arrange my schedule to make time for us. I'm sure Loraine wouldn't mind helping out."

Katrina stood up and stretched. Her long worn out limbs popped a little at the action. "Don't worry about us Nico, we have time...but,"

"But?" Nicolai got up from his desk and walked over to her, curious of what she needed to say.

"I'll have to leave tomorrow, there's somewhere I need to go."

"But you just came back home! Y-you can't leave now?" Nicolai knows he's acting like a child but he was at least allowed to be just that with all he's faced. He can't lose Katrina again.

A soft expression washed over Katrina as she took Nicolai into her arms for a warm embrace. She spoke in a hush tone.

"I'm here, baby brother, I'm here. I won't let you face this alone anymore. But I have to tie up some loose ends after Matheus' death. That's the least I can do, for Luna."

Nicolai hugged her back, a pained expression on his face. He knew how much Katrina loved Luna, and how the other loved her as well. But fate was cruel to them as it was to him to see his sister leave him.

"I-I understand. I'm sorry. You must be in so much pain. I was shocked to learn of Luna's death as well." He released himself from the embrace and sighed.

"I'll be right back after that, alright. I'm only going to Galatea for a visit. I'm sure to bring you a souvenir."

At that, Nicolai chuckled. "Bring me word of Sol's and Celeste's health. They've been working to the bone for the upcoming celebration of their child's birth. I'll be coming in a few days, but I understand if you wanted to go early to discuss some personal matters with them."

"As you wish, brother. Now let's retire for the night. These bones aren't what they used to be and I-"

Before Katrina could finish a knock was heard on the door as Loraine shyly peeped through the door, opening it just a tad.

"Uhm your majesties, I'm sorry to have bothered you but there's someone here to see you. He insisted on meeting Katrina especially."

Katrina threw a surprised look towards Nicolai and Loraine. Nicolai assured Katrina that it was alright before she made the next move.

"Well let him in then. He should meet the king first and foremost. Especially coming at such an ungodly hour."

Loraine nodded and opened the door to him but the man was quicker. Just as the door opened he bolted in and slammed himself onto Katrina, crushing her in a warm embrace. Katrina stiffened, stance still stable and strong, knowing exactly who it was from the small yet muscular physique and the smell of fresh earth and pine.

"Bedivere?!"

He tightened his embrace onto her, not caring of the unruly display he was showing off to the king of Rojoda.

"I thought you were gone for good. You left Delphine with so little words I thought you were going on a pilgrimage to find inner peace!"

At that Nicolai snickered which elicited a stern look from Katrina. Nicolai laughed even harder.

Katrina slowly pried Bedivere off from her, a difficult task at first as the man was not willing to let go, but Katrina was much stronger and with a little force was able to get the clingy man off of her.

She placed two strong hand on each of Bidevere's shoulder and gave him a stern look.

"What are you doing here, Bedivere?"

As if it was second nature to him, he immediately slammed a closed fist to his chest and straightened himself.

"As second in command, it is my duty to accompany the head of the royal knights at all times. I am here for orders, your ladyship!"

Nicolai really was having the time of his life witnessing this scene unfurl. The grin on his face was evident of that.

"Well your ladyship, what are your orders?" Nicolai interrupted the two.

Bidevere scooted closer to Katrina, whispering comically towards her. "My lady, who is this incredibly dashing man?"

"Oh my." A slight tint was evident on Nicolai's face as he heard the compliment from the brash soldier.

Loraine was outside the door, snickering at the entire display before heading out to retire for the night. Her worries melted away knowing that the stranger was a friend of Katrina's.

Katrina sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose, feeling the incoming headache. "This is my younger brother, Nicolai. The king of Rojoda."

At that Bedivere went straight towards Nicolai before falling on one knee, head bowed and hand over his chest.

"Your excellency, I humbly apologize for my unexpected arrival and uncouth display just now. Might I add, your most dashing majesty has a lovely study area."

"Stop saying that!" Nicolai can feel the heat rising in his cheeks as he placed a hand over his face.

"Saying what, your most blindingly brilliant?"

Katrina picked up Bedivere by the collar and hoisted him up to his feet. "Alright enough with bullying him, Nico's about ready to combust."

Bedivere gave off a confused expression before looking at Nicolai once more. The other man was a blushing mess. That finally registered in Bedivere's mind which then made him blush as well as he let out a soft "Oh.".

Katrina shook her head at the two and cleared her throat. "If the both of you want to keep blushing all night, by all means do so. I'm going to bed."

Before Nicolai or Bedivere could say anything, Katrina was out the door, waving.

"Have fun kids."