🥀🤎ENCHANT
ME🤎🥀
{The king’s Betrothed……}
THEME;Kiss Me Under The Moonlight
CHAPTER;37~38
By, Shindara velvet D
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(Later that night)
Caterina was carried out of the bathroom by king Romano as he dropped her on the bed
Caterina let out a small yelp as she was dropped on the bed, but she couldn’t help but laugh.
“What was that?” she asked, trying to catch her breath.
“A little game I like to call ‘Trust Me’,” King Romano said, a mischievous smile on his face.
“I think you might be enjoying this a little too much,” Caterina said, but she couldn’t stop herself from smiling.
King Romano laughed, and Caterina felt her heart flutter.
“You’re right, I am enjoying this,” he said, his voice low and seductive.
“But not nearly as much as I’m enjoying spending time with you.” Caterina felt her cheeks flush, and she suddenly felt very shy.
“You’re quite the charmer, Your Majesty,” she said , looking down at her hands.
“Your meeting with the Queen’s worldwide is tomorrow,are you ready or you want me to change the date”Romano asked
Caterina took a deep breath, steeling herself for the challenge ahead.
“No, no need to change the date,” she said, trying to sound confident.
“I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.” King Romano smiled, and Caterina felt a rush of gratitude for his faith in her.
“Good,” he said. “You’ll do great. Just remember, you’re an intelligent, capable woman. You have nothing to be afraid of.”he said
Caterina felt a wave of determination wash over her.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” she said. “You’re right. I can do this. I’m ready to face the world.” King Romano squeezed her hand.
“That’s the spirit,” he said, his eyes shining with pride.
“You’ll show them what you’re made of. I know you will.” Caterina’s heart swelled with pride, and she felt like she could take on the world.
“I haven’t stepped out since morning,I miss everyone”Caterina pout
“Well not like you don’t like it,you can just step out tomorrow it’s late already”King Romano said
Caterina sighed, knowing he was right.
“You’re right, I’m just feeling restless,” she said. “But there’s no need to worry. I’ll be fine.” King Romano’s expression softened.
“It’s okay to feel that way sometimes,” he said.
“Old Queen is here your highness”The Royal announcer announced
King Romano sat up a little straighter, his face growing serious.
“Show her in,” he said.
“And informed Tedros to clear my schedule for the rest of the day.” The Royal announcer bowed, then left the room.
A few moments later, Queen Alice entered, her back straight and her eyes sharp
“Mother”Caterina stood up and hug her
“My darling,I came to see your face since your hubby wouldn’t let you come out”Queen Alice smiled
King Romano laughed loudly
“I should be given enough time to spend with my wife”He said
“Well you’ve had enough time with her and now I’m taking her away cos she need to know what to say at the meeting tomorrow”Queen Alice said
“What!” King Romano exclaimed
“It’s late already mother”He said
“Common let’s go my darling”Queen Alice said ignoring King Romano as she turn to walk out with Caterina
Caterina hesitated for a moment, her eyes meeting King Romano’s.
She could see the concern in his eyes, but she also knew that her mother was right.
She needed to face this challenge head on.
“I’ll be fine, Your Majesty,” she said, giving him a reassuring smile.
“I promise.” With that, she turned and followed Queen Alice out of the room, leaving King Romano alone with his thoughts.
As the door closed behind them, King Romano sat back down in his chair, his brow furrowed.
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(Outside the palace)
A lady dressed in a maid uniform could be seen tiptoeing to a car that was parked far away from the palace
“Why did you take so long to come”the lady said to the man, who was now revealed to be Maxim, turned to look at the woman, a sly grin on his face.
“I had to make sure the coast was clear,” he said, his voice low and husky.
“I didn’t want to risk being seen.” The woman rolled her eyes.
“You’re such a worrywart,” she said, but there was a fondness in her voice.
“I just want to make sure we’re not caught,” Maxim said, his tone serious. “This is too important to risk.”Maxim said and gave her a bag
“Make sure she drink it,it will prevent her from getting pregnant”Maxim said
“The lady’s eyes widened.
“You’re sure it will work?” she asked, her voice hesitant. Maxim nodded.
“It’s the latest technology,” he said.
“It’s completely undetectable, and it’s guaranteed to be effective.” The lady bit her lip, still unsure.
“I don’t know why you want to attack the queen,she knows nothing about you”The lady said
Maxim’s expression turned cold, all traces of warmth disappearing from his face.
“I have to clear her first before I can strike with Romano,” he said, his voice hard.
The lady shook her head, her heart pounding in her chest.
“You’re talking about murder,” she said, her voice trembling.
“You can’t do that.” Maxim’s eyes narrowed, and he leaned forward, his face inches from hers.
“I can, and I will,” he said, his voice low and threatening.
“You’re either with me or against me. And I suggest you choose wisely.”
“What are you saying,I’m with you for sure,I just thought the queen doesn’t deserve that”she said
Maxim stared at her for a long moment, his eyes unreadable. Finally, he let out a long breath, his shoulders relaxing slightly.
“I know you’re with me,” he said, his tone softer now.
“I have to go now,my work starts tomorrow”She said and open the cart door
“See you”Maxim said and the lady walk inside the darkness
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(Next Morning~Queen Caterina’s suite)
Caterina’s maids are dressing her up making sure they give her the best taste up to her satisfaction,she was dressed like a complete royal. Her light makeup look so heavenly,her dress smells like wealth and royalty.
Her hair was packed into an amazing style with royal beads all over it,she smell of sweet fragrance and oil.
“My lady,we are done” Vikky said
Caterina turned to Vikky “Thank you, Vikky” she said, her voice soft and grateful.
“You’ve done an amazing job.” Vikky beamed, her cheeks flushed with pride.
“It’s my pleasure, my lady,” she said.
“You deserve nothing but the best.” Caterina couldn’t help but smile.
“You’re too kind,” she said.
“Now, let’s not keep our guests waiting any longer.”
“You have just ten minutes left before the dinner my lady” Mary said
Just then,the door opened and King Romano came in
“Your Majesty!” The maids immediately bowed and ran out
Caterina got up from the seat and smiled at Romano,He’s also dressed up for his meeting and dining with the kings,He’s looking as handsome as always
Caterina turned around
“How do I look?” She asked
“You’re the most beautiful queen I’ve ever seen” King Romano said and Caterina moved closer to him
She gently hugged him
“I feel nervous,I’m going to meet with the Queens for the first time. Do you think I will do well?” Caterina asked
Romano gave Caterina’s hand a reassuring squeeze.
“You will do just fine, my dear,” he said, his voice gentle and encouraging.
“You are kind, intelligent, and beautiful. The Queens will be charmed by your presence, and you will leave a lasting impression.” Caterina felt a bit of her nervousness subside, and she gave Romano a grateful smile.
“Thank you, your majesty,” she said. “You have such a way with words.” Romano chuckled, a sound that was warm and genuine.
“Your majesty,it’s time” They heard Tedros’s voice and they broke the hug
“Let’s walk together,then we can separate on the way” King Romano said and Caterina nodded
He held her hand gently and they both walked out of the suite,they got outside and both the King’s guards and Caterina’s guards and maids followed behind them until they got to the spot where they have to go separately
King Romano kissed the back of her hand before releasing her
“Be confident and don’t think they are better than you,okay?” He said and Caterina nodded
He gave her his most charming smile before walking away and the guards followed
“My lady,this way” One of Caterina’s guards immediately directed and led the way,
Caterina followed and other guards also followed behind her.
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THE QUEENS DINING HALL**
The moment Caterina entered,all eyes fell on her but like she was taught,she carried herself with so much confidence as her eyes roam around the room and the table,checking every queens out. They all look older than her and it’s obvious she’s the youngest of them all.
She could feel the eyes of the queens upon her, and she did her best to remain composed and walked to the only vacant seat at the center of the table,two guards stood behind her while others waited far from the hall
“Good Evening Everyone,I’m Queen Caterina Marino and it’s a great honor to be here with you” Caterina said,smiling just normally before sitting down
“It’s so good to meet you Queen Caterina” One of the Queens said and Caterina smiled
“You look so beautiful Queen Caterina” Another one said
“Well I can see it’s the same as the rumors,you’re too young to become the queen” Another one said
“I may be young,” Caterina replied, her voice clear and strong, “but I am wise beyond my years. I have been trained from a young age to be a queen, and I am more than capable of carrying out my duties. Do not underestimate me because of my age.” The other queens looked at her with a new respect, and Caterina knew she had won them over, at least for the moment. But she knew that the true test would come later, when the competition began.
The table was set with the finest china and silverware, and the food was exquisite.
“Why don’t we just eat and continue?” One of them suggested and everyone started eating
“So,how did you met the king?” Someone asked and Caterina looked up
“I was betrothed to him from birth”Caterina replied
The other queens were clearly surprised by this revelation, and some of them looked at Caterina with new interest.
“You were betrothed to the king from birth?” one of them asked, her voice full of curiosity.
“That is quite the honor. What was it like, growing up knowing you would one day be queen?” Caterina took a sip of her wine, savoring the taste before answering.
“I was informed recently and that was why we got married”Caterina replied
The other queens looked stunned, and their eyes widened with interest.
“So you only recently found out you were to be queen?” one of them asked, her voice filled with disbelief.
“That must have been quite a shock.” Caterina nodded, her eyes shining with emotion. “It was,” she said.
“But I have accepted my destiny, and I am ready to fulfill my duties as queen. I know that I have much to learn, but I am eager to take on the challenge.”
The other queens were silent for a moment, absorbing what Caterina had said. Then, one of them spoke up, her voice filled with respect.
“It is clear that you are a woman of great strength and determination,” she said.
“I think we will all learn much from you during our time together.” The other queens nodded in agreement, and Caterina felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had won them over, at least for now
The conversation continued for hours even after they finished eating.
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(Hallway)
Clara and Clark could be seen in their school uniform as they headed to their room
“I missed Queen Caterina”Clara pouted
“Do you think we should sneak to her suite to see her”Clara asked Clark
“You can go alone,I’m tired”Clark said and walk faster to their room
“I’ll go later”Clara shrugged and followed him
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(Queen Caterina’s Suite)
One of the queens maid rush to the room and look around then took out a substance out of her pocket and pour it in Caterina Favourite bottle water
Caterina’s eyes widened in horror as she watched Sophie pour the liquid into her water. She knew she had to act fast, before the maid had a chance to do any more damage.
“Sophie!” she cried, her voice sharp and commanding.
“Put that down immediately!” Sophie’s hand froze in mid-air, the vial still hovering over the water. She turned to face Caterina, her face pale with terror.
“Please, your majesty,” she pleaded. “I didn’t mean any harm.”
Caterina’s blood ran cold at Sophie’s words. She had never seen the maid act like this before, so cold and callous. Something was very wrong.
“Guards!” she shouted, her voice shaking with fear. Within seconds, the door burst open and two burly guards rushed into the room.
“What’s going on?” one of them demanded, his hand on the hilt of his sword. Caterina pointed to the water on the table.
“The water has been poisoned,” she said, her voice shaking. “Get it tested immediately!”
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To Be Continued……