210 Smiling at Your Enemy

Still nervous but much more confident than before, Katherine arrived at the place where the entourage gathered. Her lips twitched into a grim smile when she saw the people bow. They were exactly the ones who had brought her to Nathaniel months ago, up to the last person. Even the mute maid was the same. Was this Ethan's message to her, saying that nothing changed? If yes, then this was his delusion.

Pondering what to do, Katherine let the people hold their positions longer than usual. The person in question was not yet back, probably exchanging pleasantries with the commander one last time. Finally, Katherine called the arrogant maid and the fat, glib-tongued man, who tried to sell her off like a bag of meat to the Earl's mansion.

"I hope you will be happy to hear that I remember both of you. It was such a nice journey, wasn't it? Alas, I won't need your help this time, since I just employed a new maid who I cherish dearly. To reward you for your efforts in the past, you may use my carriage anytime. I won't be needing it, since I prefer horseback riding. If you would be so kind as to bring me your horses, I would be very pleased."

The maid, elated by the seemingly generous offer, bowed her head. The man, meanwhile, gave Katherine a pondering glance while stroking his bloated stomach. His eyes were greedy, but he was suspicious, knowing that he, at least, wasn't the Lady's favorite in the past. However, feelings could change. A triumphant smile spread on his face as he thought so. "If Milady wishes for it, it shall be done."

He called for their horses. Seeing the small gray steeds, Katherine thought that they gained the most out of it since both she and Lady Brandon were much lighter than the fat man. Like this, everyone was happy, at least for the moment. Katherine knew that when Nathaniel would attack, the tables would turn. The servants would be the sitting ducks in the carriage, while she would have all freedom of movement. The only problem was...

Her hand wandered to her stomach, but when she realized it, she stopped the movement. Hopefully, the journey wouldn't be too hard on the baby. She had to somehow conceal her morning sickness, or else Ethan might catch on.

Speaking of Ethan, the man now strode toward them, his gear accelerating when he caught sight of Katherine. Opposite to before, his expression lacked any sign of happiness. "Dearest cousin, I was informed you came here with another man?"

Katherine's back straightened. "With my husband, yes. Though we married much later than you made me believe when you sent me to him."

"Sent you to him..." Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Oh, I see now. And here I was thinking your fake marriage was some kind of scheme. How hilarious! Sorry, Kit - ah, Katherine, see, I can put up with your wishes - but the thing about marriage was just a joke. I only told you that you would marry him to make you flustered and avoid him like a pest. Guess it backfired somehow. Regardless, the marriage is invalid as long as I, as your guardian, don't officially approve it. Really, as if I would give you away to some stranger. I just gave you some time to clear your head before returning to the family."

Hearing Ethan so carelessly dismiss the topic, anger rose in Katherine's throat. He thought he could break off her marriage, and she would return to the 'family' just like that? What family was left for her? Hilarious! And how come her threats turned into wishes when rolling over his lying tongue? The audacity!

Really, every word of him riled her up more! It was no wonder Nathaniel didn't fear repercussions for housing her without a marriage contract though. Only some excess knowledge stopped her from screaming her anger out loud. Namely, that any marriage was valid regardless of the family's approval as long as it was done by a king with both parties as his subject. Triumphantly, she remembered that King William had made sure to process the documents of her changing citizenship before her marriage. Ethan's approval wasn't necessary anymore.

Tenaciously, she smiled. "It looks like I misunderstood you. You only ever wanted the best for me. Surely, my parent's death was in my best interest as well. I'm just sad because you send me sooo far away from you."

His signature smile bloomed on Ethan's lips, so brightly that Katherine was mortified. "This is absolutely right. I would never hurt my Kit- em, cousin without reason. I just needed you to be safe somewhere, while I managed things for your return."

Barely, Katherine dodged the hand reaching out to pat her head. Her face was screaming what her mind thought: HELP! HELP! THIS MAN IS BATSHIT CRAZY!

Luckily, Ethan was too deep in his delusions to notice. It only took a few words from her and he believed she was over her parent's murder and prepared to treat him sweetly again. Of course, Katherine of the past would carry her heart on her tongue and was unable to hide her grievances, so maybe this played a part in his belief. Anyway, Katherine's fingers itched to take her dagger and see if this person before her was human inside.

When she found her composure again, she imagined herself as her younger version, blinking up at him with admiration. "Why? Wasn't it safe beside you?"

Inwardly, she thought: Was there some enemy she could ally with? Now that Ethan came to take her personally, Katherine couldn't push the thought of him having a bloody 'accident' out of her mind. She even entertained the idea of taking the position of duchess and being the one who supported Nathaniel in the fight against the organization.

However, she rapidly noticed troubles in this plan: A new position didn't mean that she would instantly gain the support of her subordinates, and the organization was too powerful to be defeated by someone without connections, even if it was a duchess. So, if it was against Ethan or the organization, a mighty Dragsean ally would be wonderful.

Yet, Ethan's answer wasn't helpful. "It is safe again, so you don't need to concern yourself with that. I am almost done. When the Princess is my wife, the deal will be completed."

"What deal?"

"Secret ~," he said with a finger on his lips. "I heard you want to ride a horse? Then I will accompany you as well. Carriages can get stuffy. Come on!"

When Ethan turned to get in the saddle of his brown gelding, Katherine secretly rubbed her belly. Every second by his side stressed her, wanting to protect the little life inside her.

"I will back you up," Lady Brandon whispered beside her and took Katherine's hand to keep her from touching her flat stomach. "If Nathaniel did well, it will only be for a few days."

"I'm just afraid of the mornings... it might be better if I skip breakfasts."

"You won't be skipping meals on such a tiring journey! We will manage it somehow, you'll see."

"And if Nathaniel isn't ready yet? What if he doesn't come?"

"He will. He is not someone that can be held back for long."

Katherine nodded thoughtfully. Though she also wanted to believe that, she was anxious how many veins the dark power had blackened by now. Would his state deteriorate again to break her out of Ethan's hold?