Wings of Ambition Shackled by Fate

Valeria and Katherine locked themselves in the bedroom while the two knights slept soundly on the ground outside, guarding the door. They had so much to catch up on, and Katherine wasted no time, bombarding Valeria with questions.

"Tell me everything that's happened since I saw you last! I heard you got hurt or something, but no one ever gave me the details," Katherine began eagerly.

Valeria frowned at her friend's words. How could Katherine not know anything? She had written everything in her letters. Katherine had even mentioned earlier that she hadn't received any news about Valeria's well-being. Something didn't add up.

"Wait a second, Katherine. Did you not get any of my letters?" Valeria asked, confused.

Katherine looked just as bewildered. "What letters? Did you send me letters? No one ever gave me any."

Valeria's frown deepened. She had sent the letters every time with the knights. There was only one explanation.

"Those bastards didn't give you my letters!" she exclaimed, sitting upright in frustration. "I'm going to kill both of them. Why would they do that?"

She couldn't think of any reason why Asher and Elias would withhold her letters. She was ready to storm out and demand answers, but Katherine grabbed her hands gently, stopping her.

"I don't know what their reasons could be, but let's not waste our precious time together thinking about those two," Katherine said soothingly. "You can still kill them later."

Valeria sighed and settled back against the pillows, nodding in agreement. "You're right. We only have a day before you have to leave again."

Katherine laid on her side, propping herself up on one elbow. "So, tell me everything. How have you been these past months?"

Valeria let out a deep sigh. "There's not much to tell. It's all been very dull. I've just been sitting around, reading the books and letters you sent me. By the way, your choice of books? Just perfect. They've helped me keep my sanity. Thank you."

"You're welcome. Anything for my best friend," Katherine replied with a warm smile. "But I heard that you were hurt. I didn't got any details but I hope it wasn't anything serious."

Valeria shrugged as if it were no big deal. "I got hurt on the journey here. Wolves attacked us, can you believe that? One chased me, and I had to run for my life. I got scratched up pretty badly, but Asher saved me."

She kept her tone light, downplaying the ordeal. There was no point in worrying Katherine unnecessarily. Besides, the incident still annoyed her. The scars on her chest and stomach were a constant reminder and would likely never fade completely.

Katherine's reaction was immediate. She leaped forward, wrapping Valeria in a tight hug. "Oh, Lord, that's horrible! Are you okay now? Do you still feel any pain?"

Valeria hugged her back, savoring the comforting warmth she'd missed. "I'm perfectly fine now. Don't worry about me. Can we talk about something else, though? I'd rather not dwell on my miserable life. What about the gentleman you mentioned in your letters—the one who caught your eye?"

Katherine pulled away, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Oh, Valeria, you don't know. He's perfect. He makes my heart race and my head spin."

She threw herself dramatically onto the bed, and Valeria couldn't help but laugh at her antics.

"And will you tell me who this perfect man is?" Valeria asked, her curiosity piqued.

Katherine's gaze flicked briefly to the bedroom door before she answered in a quieter voice, "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but it's a secret. Besides, it won't be anything serious since he isn't of noble birth."

Katherine sighed, staring at the ceiling. Since they were little, Katherine had always been drawn to handsome faces, falling for random boys while Valeria was far more reserved. But this time, it felt different.

Valeria lay down beside her, staring at the ceiling too. "It seems like you'd want it to be serious. Do you like him?" she asked softly.

"I like him very much… but it'll never work." Katherine's voice wavered, and she turned to look at Valeria. "Promise you won't tell anyone?"

She held out her pinky finger, a gesture they'd used since childhood to seal their promises. Valeria intertwined her pinky with Katherine's. "I swear," she said, even though she had no one to tell.

There was a moment of silence, and Valeria waited patiently. Finally, Katherine blurted out, "I kissed him."

Valeria's eyes widened in shock. "You what?! Katherine!" she whisper-shouted, her tone a mix of disbelief and concern. She knew Katherine had a freer spirit than most, but kissing a man before marriage? The thought startled Valeria. What about her reputation? If anyone ever found out, it could ruin her chances of ever finding a husband.

Katherine's cheeks turned red. "It sounds worse than it is. It was just a small kiss. But… I think I love him."

Valeria's expression softened as she saw the tears welling in Katherine's eyes. She pulled her friend into another hug.

"It's okay. No one saw you, right?"

Katherine shook her head.

"Good. As long as you're happy and he didn't force you, then I'm happy for you too. So… are you really in love?" Valeria asked gently.

Katherine sniffled and nodded. "He didn't force me. And yes, I love him. My heart feels like it's going to burst whenever I'm near him."

Valeria smiled softly. "How was it? The kiss, I mean?"

Her curiosity got the better of her. The king had kissed her a few times, but it had always been forced, leaving her too stressed to even focus on the experience.

Katherine's face lit up as she recalled the moment. "It was amazing. I didn't really know how to kiss, so he took the lead. His lips were perfect against mine, and… he pushed his tongue into my mouth. At first, it felt strange, but then… it made my stomach flutter."

Her whispered words were filled with wonder and excitement, as though confessing a sinful secret. Valeria listened intently, captivated. Would she ever feel something like that? It sounded so romantic.

The two friends stayed up talking through the night, forgoing sleep as they caught up on everything they had missed.