Kitanna
Chapter 19: BENEATH THE NIGHTSTAND

Chapter 19: BENEATH THE NIGHTSTAND

[MUSIC RECOMMENDATION: ANGEL ~ NLE CHOPPA, KODAK BLACK, JIMIN, JVKE, MUNI LONG]

The kingdom of Morado remained steeped in mourning for Kitanna, even long after her burial.

Khelan was the most deeply affected by the princess’s demise, and his mind was constantly occupied with thoughts of what might have gone wrong.

He knew Kitanna could be annoying at times, but she had never provoked anyone to the point of wanting to harm her in such a brutal way. He wanted to investigate further into the case because attacking anyone from the royal family was high treason and the culprits were decapitated at the town center. When he started the investigations, his mother objected to it, her reasons made sense because she thought it will be a disrespect to the soul of Kitanna.

Kehlan was used to listening to his mother’s advice, so he let the burial hold and he ended the search for the culprits. Yet his heart felt heavy everytime he thought of his sister.

"Your royal Majesty, the Queen, your wife seeks an audience with you." The head enunch who stood at the door, announced to Kehlan in a low voice.

Kehlan was surprised to hear that Larel came to visit him, since Kitanna’s burial they have not seen much of each other.

"Send her in," he ordered, after he positioned himself on his work chair and acted like he was engrossed in reading a scroll.

"Long live the king," Larel greeted with a bow as soon as she entered.

She decided it was time to take matters into her own hands and create an heir, given the mounting pressure from her own family and the Queen Dowager.

"What brings the Queen to my chamber at this odd hour?" Khelan inquired, his attention still on his scroll.

"My king, you have been preoccupied with official matters these past few months, and we have not even shared breakfast together in a while. I thought I might join you for a late night drink and keep you company," Larel explained, her voice sounded like a whisper.

Khelan looked up at her, and even without the adornments of her regal attire, she radiated a distinct beauty. She was dressed in gold and silk, exuding elegance. Her pale shoulders were left bare, with her supple full lips beautifully coloured with shiny lip balm.

"I still have a lot of work to go through...I am not sure I have the space for drinking " he said finally after looking at her for a moment, he wanted to send her back to her quarters.

"Ok then I can keep you company by talking, or just sitting over there" Larel pointed at the sitting pillow that was far from where the king sat, she was not planning on giving up tonight. She thought to herself.

Khelan let out a subtle sigh and rose from his work chair, closing the distance between them as he approached the queen. Larel could feel her heart pounding, almost leaving her chest, she pressed her sweaty palms together.

Since their wedding night, they have not been alone together in a room. However, she felt compelled to make a move as the Queen she was, even though Queen Almaria still claimed the title. And if she keeps calm, she risked the advice of concubines and mistresses being given to the King.

"Larel, do you enjoy living in the palace? Do you find satisfaction in being Queen? And do you have any affection for me?" Khelan asked, looking at her with great curiosity.

The King had just called her by her name, and this is the first time. Larel shuddered at his words but continued looking down.

"When one is born, they are first required to fulfill their filial duty before anything else," Larel replied gracefully.

"Filial duty...hum" Khelan whispered, gazing out of the window in deep contemplation.

"Did I say something wrong, my king?" Larel inquired politely.

"No, my Queen. I was merely thinking of my sister. Kitanna never paid heed to filial duty. She only pursued things that brought her happiness," Khelan said, a tear escaping his eye.

Out of instinct, Larel reached out and tenderly wiped the tear from his face. Realizing what she had done, she tried to pull away, but Khelan was quicker, he held her hand and brought it closer to his face closing his eyes for a moment.

"I miss her terribly. The palace feels vast and unfamiliar without her," Khelan sobbed softly.

"We all miss her, my king. While I did not get to spend much time with her, during the brief moments I did, I found her to be an amazing person. She possessed the spirit of a free bird and cherished her freedom," Larel spoke gently, attempting to comfort him.

"That’s Kitanna... That’s my Kit," Khelan sobbed.

Larel moved closer and gently patted his back, Khelan pulled her to a hug. They remained in that comforting embrace for some time until Khelan began to relax.

"I have a wine I only open on rare occasions do you want to have a taste?" The king asked with a smile.

When Larel nodded in agreement, the servants were called in, to set a table for a late night snack and wine.

"Hahahaa... Who would have thought the Queen could climb trees? Quite intriguing!" Khelan laughed heartily as he poured another wine for himself.

"Of course, and I can even hunt," Larel added, folding her palm on her laps shyly.

"Well, it appears I have a partner for the next hunting season!" Khelan tilted his head.

"It will be an honour" She pressed her lips. Larel thought of the rumours she heard about the king before now, she wanted to confront it at the same time, she did not want to the king to get her wrong.

"W-who held your heart, my King? You mentioned someone on our wedding night," she asked, broaching the sensitive subject. She was not expecting an answer from the king, but then she heard him speak.

"Oh, it was a fair lady I met in the village. But, I haven’t heard from her in a while. I suppose she moved on when she learned of my wedding," Khelan replied, his thoughts drifting to Calissa. She came for the wedding but that was the last time he heard from her. And when he asked Kitanna, she said it has been taken care of. He raised his eyes to look at Larel. The girl must have heard stories about him even before their marriage.

"What about you, my Queen? I heard you also had someone" he asked gauging her expression.

"O-h Well, that would be my brother’s best friend. We grew up together, but after my wedding, I heard he got married, and his wife is expecting," Larel replied, a tinge of sadness in her voice. She did not want to tell the king about the threat she got from his mother because for all she knows, Khelan only listened to his mother.

"Ah, I see. Is that good news, or....do you still wish to be with him?" Khelan asked, curious.

"My home is where the king is," Larel replied with a smile.

Khelan smiled in response and decided to take a bolder step. "May I request that the Queen spends the night in my chambers?"

Larel was taken aback by the proposal, but after a brief moment of contemplation, she nodded in agreement.

Khelan closed the remaining space between them, bringing their bodies together. He gently pressed his lips to hers, savoring the taste and the moment.

The King and Queen spent the night together, creating a royal bliss that harmonized with the night’s serenade of chirping crickets. They moved in sync, changing positions and deepening their connection, sharing the warmth of each other’s presence.