Katya raised her head as she heard Ophelia. She hadn't been expecting her to speak, much less about her garden. Not many asked about it. Elora didn't care for such things. She'd rather be with her guard that she thought no one knew about. It was alright. She would keep her secret. And her brother was so busy. He tried to make time for her but she understood. She was always understanding.
"Thank you," she said softly. "The spoil here is rich and perfect for gardening." And farming, which was their main source of income. "It took awhile to learn but I find I'm more comfortable out here than stuffed in there."
The palace. Where the walls closed in on her sometimes. Where she was forced to wear dresses and a crown and behave a certain way. She didn't like it. She wanted to one day find a cottage by herself and live there for the rest of her days in peace. She knew Kaillas would never allow that.
Ophelia finds the garden to be spectacular. It’s one of her favorite places in the palace. The beautiful flowers and just how well maintained everything is always puts her at ease. It’s the perfect place to get away from the madness. She can see why Katya enjoys being out here so much. If she weren’t a notorious plant killer, she’d ask the girl to let her help out on occasion.
“I can certainly see why. The palace is lonely but at times it feels suffocating, like a cage. And a glided cage is still a cage.” She knows just what she means. Even though they were both born into this, there’s nothing to stop them from longing for a different life. Being entangled in the snares of court and politics isn’t a life that everyone wishes to have.
“What would you want to do with your life had you not been born royalty?” The question sounds loaded. She realizes that after she’s asked. She means nothing by it, she’s merely curious. Even a blind fool could see that Katya isn’t entirely happy with her life here.
Katya spent as much time put here as she could manage. Between her lessons and royal duties, she didn't always have a lot of time but she made do. And when she wasn't there, she had specific duties for the gardners to do. As if it wasn't already their job to maintain the gardens. She coukd get a little protective over them. Kaiklas had to have a talk with her one day because she was scaring the staff.
She looked at Ophelia for a quiet moment before nodding her head. "Kaillas doesn't alway see it that way. He's trying to protect us, which I get, but he puts us on a glass pedestal sometimes. It's just hard. This whole…situation makes this hard and difficult."
They would never be safe. Not truly. They were royals. Someone was always going to be out to kill them. If not this then soemthung else. Even she understood that. She still wanted to be allowed to love her life. But customs and tradition prevented her from leaving the palace. Kaillas gave her as much roam as he could, letting her garden and such. But she felt like she would never truly be free until she left. She only hoped she married a man who accepted her passions.
Ophelia listens attentively to Katya's words, her expression empathetic and understanding. She knows all too well the struggles and conflicts that came with being a royal. The weight of duty and the constant need for protection can suffocate one's personal desires and aspirations. She hopes that both Katya and Elora will have the opportunity to live their lives the way they want to.
"It’s a difficult balance you have to maintain, Katya," She replies softly. "The desire for freedom and the longing to pursue your passions can often clash with the responsibilities that come with your position. I know how frustrating it must be to feel confined within the palace walls."
“Kallias loves you and your sister so much. If he could find a way to let you two do what you want and still be safe, he would let you do it.” She’s certain of that. Unfortunately, with how things are in the kingdom right now, it’s not an option. It like won’t ever be an option.
Where Elora was a free spirit, Katya was a gentle soul. She pittied the soldier that loved the princess. Her sister was more than a handful but she had seen the looks he gave her, even when they thought no one was looking. She had seen how he had pined for her long before the princess had noticed.
Katya wanted nothing more than a warm home and to be surrounded by the people she loved. The palace just wasn't that. Not with vultures hovering or the snakes aiming to strike. She hoped one day she would get out of there, even if she would miss her brother.
She of course knew that Kaillas meant only the best for her. She didn't believe he did anything to purposely stifle her. "I know," she said quietly. "It's still hard. I don't remember then much, I was so young. But I still feel the void where my parents and brother used to live."
While Ophelia truly understands her frustrations about living in the palace and having so many expectations set on her, she can’t even imagine what it’s like to have lost so much family. Her brother died while she was quite young. While she does mourn his loss, her memories of him aren’t strong or necessarily fond so she doesn’t know what it’s like for Katya, Elora, and Kaillas.
“I am truly sorry for the loss of your parents and brother. It can’t have been easy to lose them.” She feels terrible that this family had to go through so much. What makes matters worse is that their troubles aren’t even over yet. The threat of war is looming over the kingdom like a dark cloud.
“I know that you don’t know me very while but if you ever want to talk, I’m here.” The offer has been made and she won’t push more than that. It’s surprising that Katya is willing to open up this much to her and she doesn’t want to ruin the progress that they’ve made so far.
Katya had been only seven when her parents and eldest brother had been lost to them. She didn't remember much of them. She couldn't remember her mother's laugh or her father's hugs. She didn't remember her brother more than the mere Kat on her head. The only reason she remembered what they looked like was because of the portraits hanging on the walls. Without them, she woukd have long forgotten what they looked like.
She sometimes realized that people had forgotten who had found her parents dead. It wasn't by any guard or staff. It had been Katya. She had a bad dream and had gone to sleep with her parents. She remembered sneaking through the door and climbing into bed. Climbing into their blood. She could still hear her own screams, remembered how sore it made her throat.
"Thank you," she said. She didn't know if she would take Ophelia up on that. It was a lot to go through and the queen was still so new to her. To them. She had I herniated a broken kingdom. She wondered if she could fix it.
Ophelia doesn't say anything else. She knows very little about the actual night that everything happened. Understandably, no one wishes to discuss it so her knowledge is limited to just knowing that the king, queen, and prince were murdered. She doesn't know any details.
The family has been through so much and though she wishes that she could help, she knows that her options are limited. The girls have a lot of bottled up emotions and they don't wish to talk to her about them. Which is fine. She completely understands. They haven't known each other for long so she doesn't expect them to trust her with such personal thoughts and feelings. She just wants them to know that if they ever feel comfortable with doing so, she's here to listen.
Now that they've settled into silence, she looks up at the sky. It's gotten pretty late in the day. They've been out here for much longer than she realized. She hopes that things are going well for Elora and Kaillas. Honestly, she's not sure if they're actually attempting to hunt or if they're just talking. Either way, it'll be good for them.
Katya noticed the Queen's gaze and tilted her head upward as well. She saw how far the sun had moved in the sky and realized they'd been out there longer than she had thought. She hadn't finished her food and knew she wouldn't. Her appetite had begun to dissappear with their talk.
"Don't take it personal," she said quietly. "You're new. To all of us. It will take time for us to get comfortable around you. Things will get better in time." Assuming that Kaillas didn't go away to war and die. That would make things so much more complicated.
"Let's take a walk. I'll bet by the time we're done they'll be back." Kaillas and Elora. She knew her sister and knew she woukd be hungry for lunch soon. And not whatever provisions they had brought but good food from the cook.
Ophelia glances over to Katya and offers a soft smile. “Don’t worry, I’m not taking anything personally,” She assures her. “I don’t except anyone to trust me after only knowing me for a few weeks.” Even after they’ve known her for years, she doesn’t expect anything from her sister-in-laws. They’ll decide for themselves what they think about her and she’ll accept whatever their decisions are.
“A walk sounds nice.” This conversation has run its course so it’ll be good to move around and take some time to just be in each others’ presence. She hopes that the morning they’ve spent together has helped them to bond but she honestly has no idea what Katy’s is thinking of feeling right now.
She stands up and brushes off her dress. While she didn’t eat all of her food, she did get some crumbs on herself from what she did eat. “Lead the way. You know your way around better than I do.” Katya will know all of the best paths.
Katya pushed away from the table, leaving their plates. A servant woukd come and gather it up. She could already see one ready at the edge of the garden, not wanting to seem too obvious. The princess approached Ophelia and locked her arm around hers. Then she began to lead her down a path she knew well.
"I like gardening," she said, "it gives me soemthung to do with my hands. I feel like I'm doing something important, something other than sitting around and looking pretty." For she was the sweetheart of her kingdom. She was doted upon. Her elder sister was a little more wild, a little more carefree. And while the people loved her, it wasn't the same as Katya.
"I sponsor charities and visit the homeless and the orphanage children. I walk through the market when Kaillas allows me and I buy goods and spend time with the people. But it's not the same. I feel like a figurehead, not a person. But gardening allows me to do that. It let's me be someone. And I like seeing the progress of my flowers."
Ophelia smiles warmly, appreciating the vulnerability and honesty in Katya's words. As they stroll along the garden path, the fragrance of blooming flowers filled the air, creating a serene atmosphere that helps encourage relaxation. She’s enjoying their walk so far.
"I understand what you mean, Katya," She replies softly. "Sometimes, the expectations placed upon us can be overwhelming. People see us as figures of authority, symbols of grace and elegance, but it can be difficult to feel like an individual beneath it all. Gardening is your way to connect with yourself, to be grounded in the present moment, away from the weight of responsibilities and public scrutiny."
“Your efforts to help those in need and spend time with the people, even if it's limited, means a lot to them. You make a difference, Katya, whether you see it or not." She doesn’t want her to feel as though her efforts are undervalued and unappreciated.
Katya looked up at the queen, smiling softly at her. Some light was returning to her eyes. Though even she knew her night would be plagued with more nightmares. She didn't see a proper night's sleep for herself for a while. It was going to get worse before it got better. It always did.
She knew that the people were grateful for her, for what she did. And she was happy to help them. But they always made her feel inhuman. They placed her on a pedestal and treated her like she was a god simply because of the blood in her veins and the crown on her head. It was difficult not to resent them sometimes.
"I am happy to help. I like helping. I like that I can do that with my position. But everyday I can't wait for the day I finally get to leave. Whoever court's me that Kaillas deems a proper suitor and wins my favor. But I don't want to be a lords wife nor even a king's. Perhaps a second son. A nobody. Someone who just wants to be instead."
Some of the tension leaves her shoulders as she notices the light returning to Katya’s eyes. She has been worried for her all morning. Thankfully, it seems as though this is a step in the right direction. It pains her to see Katya going through so much emotional turmoil. No one should suffer as this family has.
She knows that finding someone who genuinely loves Katya for herself, outside of her royal position, will be a challenge. There are a lot of men out there who will only want to marry her for status. But she also knows the importance of finding happiness and fulfillment in life. She doesn’t doubt that Katya will be able to tell who has true intentions and who doesn’t. The girl has a good head on her shoulders.
“I know that it’s expected of you to marry a lord or a king, but quite frankly, you should do whatever your heart tells you to do. It matters not what other people think. When you find the right person, be with them. You will always have the support of your family. Kaillas may have his opinions but yours is the only one that truly matters. This is your life. You decide.”
Katya supposed Ophelia wasn't so bad. She was encouraging and supportive. Just like her brother only gentler and less strict. Hopefully she could teach Kaillas to calm down. And while she fancied that lord's son, she had no intentions of courting him for than a few dances. Kaillas didn't really seem to care. He woukd ourselves the court of all young men if he could.
So with a bright smile l, she simple clutched Ophelia tighter. "Enough about me now, let's talk about your birthday ball. I want to make sure it's spectacular. And I want you to enjoy it. Tell me, is there anything in particular that you want? Anyone you want to invite? From your old home or here."
If there was one thing she was good, aside from gardening, it was planning a fantastic ball. Not by herself, of course, but she certainly but in her fair share of work. And she wanted to make this perfect. "I want you to enough it. So you and Kaillas don't sneak away from us again." Though she had no doubt that they would, for other activities she expected.
Ophelia is more than happy to invite the lord and his son. She knows neither of them but if the son is favored by her sister-in-law then they can’t be all that bad. Besides, she’s happy to encourage a little romance. It’s good for Katya and Elora to explore their feelings so long as they don’t do anything crazy. Both girls are smart and level headed so she knows they’ll be fine. It’s her husband who won’t enjoy her efforts. The man is a tad overprotective.
“There’s no one specific I want to invite,” She admits lightly. She never really made any friends in her kingdom since she was so sheltered. And unfortunately her parents are already coming so that pretty much sums up her guest list. She doesn’t care who all from this kingdom is invited. She’s liked everyone she’s met so far.
At the mention of her and Kaillas sneaking away, she laughs lightly. She knows that they’ll be ducking away at least once but she won’t admit to that. “I’m sure that whatever you plan will be amazing. I trust you.” It’s obvious that Katya is good at planning these sort of things.
Katya's smile faded as the queen adopted there was no one she wanted to invite. She knew then that she had no friends at home. That was okay. Because this was her home now and the friends would come. She'd be her first one.
Her grin returned as Ophelia laughed off her mentioning them disappearing. She wiggled her eyebrows at hed. She was a fourteen year old girl after all. With Kaillas as her brother who had given her a very detailed birds and the bees talk years ago. So she knew everything that happened. A little too much, in her opinion.
"Yes but it is your birthday. What colors would you prefer? What about the flowers or the food?" All important details of the ball. "What about a theme? We could do a masquerade ball perhaps?"
Ophelia is well aware that Katya knows exactly why she and Kaillas will be sneaking off. That doesn’t mean she’s going to admit to it though. It’s pretty embarrassing, especially when she’s talking to her sister-in-law. They’ll be subtle about slipping away but she knows that people will know exactly what they’re doing when they leave which isn’t a fun thought.
"As for my birthday, I hadn't given it much thought, to be honest.” Her parents refused to celebrate her birthday so she’s never had to figure out how to plan one. It’s a little shameful to admit so she won’t go out of her way to bring it up. She’s perfectly happy to let Katya do the planning.
She pauses for a moment, pondering the options Katya suggested. "A masquerade ball sounds absolutely delightful,” She agrees. She’s only attended a few masquerade balls before and they’ve always been fun. It might be nice to try one out for her birthday.
Katya just had a knowing grin on her lips. She and Elora both knew what they would be up to the moment they slipped away from the ball. And she wasn't so stupid to think that they wouldn't. She saw the way they looked at each other.
"Masquerade it is." She was already to plan what she wanted her costumes to be. "Now, before we send out invitations, what day would you like for it to be on? We can do it on your actual birthday, before, or after." Personalmy, she preferred to do it after. She liked to spend the day if her birthday with family and doing her favorite things.
Kaillas would always cancel her tutoring lessons. She would have breakfast in bed. Then they would go on a horseback ride, the three of them. They would garden, have cake, and eat sweets all day.
“Any day is fine, really.” Ophelia rarely does anything of interest on her actual birthday so she sees no reason to push the party back if that’s the day that works the best. Her most memorable birthday was when she got a cake one year. It wasn’t anything fancy but it excited her nonetheless. Was it from her parents? No. Her maids made it for her. It was greatly appreciated but she couldn’t help but be disappointed by the reminder that her parents didn’t care.
She envies those with tighten it family. It must be nice to have people to care about you so deeply. Though they aren’t very close yet, she’s excited to have married into a family where she’ll have a loving husband and two wonderful sisters. It’s the type of family she’s always wanted.
“Really, I don’t have many preferences for the party. You can go crazy and plan it however you’d like. I will truly be happy with anything.” She’s just grateful that she’ll be celebrating for once. Even just being told ‘happy birthday’ by someone is an improvement from how it usually goes for her.
Katya hummed. She would need to speak with Kaillas first about any plans he may have for her. Then she would settle on a final date and send out the invites. She would talk to him about it later this afternoon when he returned. Because she knew she was next for his attention.
"I still want it to look pretty for you." She didn't want to go over the top and make it something that Ophelia wouldn't enjoy. She needed to get with the cooks. She remembered that her favorite dessert was Cheesecake. Hence the name of her horse. The wheels were already turning in her head as she began her planning. She would give Catalina a lost of things they would need.
As they finally made the last bend in the garden, looping them back to where they had begun, Kaillss burst from the doors. He was looking, searching dor his wife. And when he saw her, he strode over to her as fast he could without running. He had missed her greatly.
When he reached her, he grabbed her by the waist and spun her around in the air before brining her down for a quick kiss. He did remember who was in their company.
“I’m sure whatever you put together will be wonderful.” Ophelia has no doubt in her mind that the party will be spectacular. She can already tell that Katya is going to be putting a lot of effort into it. That’s something that she really appreciates. While she may not be good at planning thing for herself or making any decisions, she’s certain that Kaillas will be able to help would with her preferences.
Noticing where they are, she realizes that their walk is coming to an end. That’s alright. They’ve had a good time. She’s glad that they’ve had this opportunity to talk and get to know each other a little better. She hopes to have this chance sometime with Elora as well. She thinks that it’s very important for her to get to know them and bond.
She startles as the doors burst open and Kaillas appears. What a way to make an entrance. She smiles as she watches him stride over to her. Deciding to help him out, she steps forward and goes to meet him halfway.
She laughs as he picks her up and spins her around. She wraps her arms around his neck, holding onto him. Feeling his lips press against hers, she happily kisses him back. Due to their present company, the kiss is kept short and sweet.
Kaillas had missed his wife. And he was on better spirits after his hunt with Elora. They had talked, they had cried, and then they had eventually brought down a boar that would be used for dinner. And while he still needed to have that talk with Katya, he was still feeling much better.
He would have gladly continued to kiss Ophelia had his sister not been standing there looking bemused. She shook her head at the two of them. "I'll see you inside for lunch," she said before walking back towards the palace. He took that as an invitation to kiss Opehlia again.
He placed her feet firmly on the ground before cupping her cheeks and kissing her deeply. The few staff members in the garden had thus made themselves scarce to give the king and queen their privacy.
"I've missed you," he murmured against her lips. They hadn't really had the night to themselves. They hadn't gotten to sleep next to one another. He had only gotten to say goodbye to her before the sun had risen before he and Elora had left. Tonight he woukd sound with his wife. Hopefully, neither of his sisters would require him.
Ophelia’s face flushes when she notices Katya standing off to the side and shaking her head at them. It’s even more embarrassing considering that they were just talking about her and Kaillas sneaking off. She sighs softly, a tad relief when the girl ducks inside. It may be selfish but she’s happy to have her husband to herself for a few minutes.
With her feet properly on the ground, she returns Kaillas's kiss deeplt, her arms wrapping around him as she leans into his embrace. The absence they had endured us amplifying their desire to be with each other. While they may have been together the night before, their time was interupted and prior to that, it had been three long weeks since they had seen each other.
She savors the tranquility of the garden, appreciating the privacy that they have been granted. The staff's discreet departure allows them to be enveloped in a sense of intimacy, as if the world has melted away, leaving only them behind. “Ive missed you too,” She murmurs as she cups his cheek.
Kaillas released her cheeks and slipped his arms around her waist, tugging her into his chest. He held her close to him, his fingers clutching at her gown like he never wanted to let her go again. He broke their kiss only press one to her brow.
"How have you been? Did you sleep well?" He wished he could have been there with her. He woukd have loved nothing more than to sleep later. He had barely gotten any sleep last night. With their activities then Kayta's nightmare. He had been up for hours clutching his sister and reminding himself that she was safe. When he had heard her screams he had thought the worse.
He peered down at her as he had pulled back just far enough to look at her face. He smiled gently at ger, some of the light returning to his eyes. He looked better, despite being tired. It was a like a small burden had been lifted off of his shoulders after his talk.
Ophelia melts into Kaillas's embrace, feeling the strength of his arms around her and the affection in every touch. She revels in the closeness they share, cherishing this private moment with him. As he presses a kiss to her brow, she closes her eyes briefly, savoring the attention. She’s missed these moments that they share. Often time they have to sneak things like this.
"I've been alright," she replies softly, her fingers tenderly caressing his back. "The night was lonely without you, but I managed.” She makes no mention of waking up to find Katya in bed. It feels like something she ought to keep to herself out of respect for the other person. If Katya wants to share with Kaillas then she will do so.
“How did the hunt go? Is Elora doing alright?” She prompts lightly. She won’t ask for any details, nor does she expect to hear them. She merely wants to make sure that Elora is mentally in a better place. Last night sounded pretty bad and she’s been worried about everything.
Kaillas felt a flash of guilt pass through him. He had wanted to spend the night with her, limbs wrapped around one another, listening to each other's breathing. But his sister had called him away with her nightmares and he wasn't going to leave her to deal with them alone.
He wrapped her braid around his fingers, playing with the ends. He had half a mind to pull the tie out and let her hair fall down her back undone. He preferred it down. "We will have tonight." Hopefully. "And every night until I al called away again." Because he would. It was highly likely that he would be pulled away.
"It was good. She's doing better." She wasn't okay yet but she was well on her way there. Their talk had helped alot. "It will take time for all of us. But once we get this over with once and for all hopefully we will find some peace."
Ophelia isn’t upset with him by any means. While she does wish that they had been able to spend the night together, she doesn’t fault him in the slightest for leaving when he did. His sisters needed him and she would never expect him to ignore their needs for her.
A small smile rugs at her lips as she feels him playfully tugging at her braid. That smile is quick to die when he mentions being called away again. She’s aware that it’s going to happen but she doesn’t want to think about it. She hates the idea of Kaillas having to leave for weeks at a time again.
“I’m glad that your talk went well.” It’s good that they had the opportunity to do so. With how crazy and busy things have been, it’s surprising that they were able to run off for a good chunk of the day. She’s glad for it though.
Kaillas knew he would be called away again. It was only a matter of time. And if he wasn't, he would leave anyways. He wouldn't let his men die in a battle while he was safely behind his palace doors. He would be shoulder to shoulder with his men. He would die for them as they would for him. His only regret would be leaving behind his family.
He finally tugged out that tie that held her hair together, combing his fingers through it so the braid was undone wholly. He grinned, pleased with himself. "Elora will let herself drown in her emotions and sorrow. She's not very good at asking for help. But if you push her just enough she'll give in and let it go." He was telling her this for when he wasn't there.
"Katya is a little better at hiding it than Elora. Which saddens me to say when she is so young. It's harder to guess what she is feeling. She's so good at looking happy all the time. It's best to catch here in her garden. She let's her be herself here." He twirled a strand of hair around his finger.
Ophelia would find a way to bring him back from the dead just so she could kill him for dying on the battlefield. She doesn’t went to lose him and she knows talk well that his sisters don’t either. They’ve had more than enough loss in their lifetimes. She truly doesn’t know what she would do if he never came home.
Feeling him tug at the ties at the end of her braid, she raises her brows. She doesn’t know why she bothers putting her hair back anymore. It seems as though he always finds a way to free it. She finds it endearing so she allows his cheekiness to continue. Besides, it doesn’t take her long to put it back up if she needs to.
She listens to him as he describes his sisters and the way they handle their emotions. It worries her how much stress is weighing on their shoulders. If it weren’t for Kaillas, she’s not sure that they would be copeing at all. Their lives have been so difficult and heartbreaking.
