The Adulteress Queen

Chapter 6

I hate to give away the plot in the notes here, but I do have to give the warnings: There is

sexual content in this chapter, as you probably expected. There is also

violence, which I do not in any way condone. If you are familiar at all with Game of Thrones, the inspiration of this story, every character goes through a little hell of their own at some point along the way, and it molds their character. It was the middle ages, and people could be extremely cruel. Try to keep an open mind if you decide to read.

Sebastian walked to a table, uncorking a liquor bottle and pouring himself a small glass. "Do you want some?" He asked me. I tensed at what I thought was a crude insinuation, until I realized he was just offering me the drink. I forced myself to get a grip and shook my head no as I watched him drink. My new husband was stoic and thoughtful as he stood there, far from the bed. I expected him at any minute to come to me and ravish me, and I prepared to go along with it. After a few overwrought minutes, I realized he was not going anywhere.

"Sebastian, what are you waiting for?" I asked shyly. It was not like I was in a hurry, but I would rather get this over with than drag out the anxiety all night. He looked at me with a resigned frown, then set his glass down, pouring a refill as he spoke.

"Not tonight." He said before gulping down the whole glass in one quick swallow. I stared at him in confusion. Not tonight? Did he really say that? This was our wedding night, it had to be tonight. As tempting as it sounded to be free of that marital obligation, the kingdom would be expecting an heir and…ohhhh no. If I became pregnant and Sebastian never even touched me…

"Sebastian, it has to be tonight." I answered insistently.

"I said not tonight!" He yelled, slamming his empty glass down and glaring at me. What did I do to deserve this? This was the most unbearable man to be married to. He seemed to calm down after a few moments of silent glaring. "No one else will know whether it happens tonight or tomorrow night, or any other time. I am not doing this tonight." Sebastian answered firmly as he began to undress for bed. "Go to sleep." He ordered me. I'd had enough of his orders. Now I had to continue anticipating this for who knows how much longer? I was all worked up, mentally preparing for this to happen tonight. If it didn't happen tonight, I didn't think I'd ever have the nerve to try again. I couldn't come back in here tomorrow, or the next day and go through this again. I couldn't take the chance of waiting too long, either. I was already going through it, and we had to get it over with.

"No." I answered him stubbornly, standing from the bed. He scoffed loudly at me as he continued undressing, turning his back to me while he slipped off the remainder of his clothing. This was not going to work. But it had to work! I couldn't let this marriage go unconsummated, no matter how appealing the notion. Sebastian slipped on his nightclothes, still with his back to me. I decided I needed to give him a harsh push or this would never happen. "What's the matter, Sebastian? Impotency?" That got his attention. He snapped his head around, looking over his shoulder with his eyes narrowed at me.

"You are playing a dangerous game, woman. Back down." Sebastian growled eerily. The drink had gotten to him, his speech was slurring and he staggered a bit as he stepped towards me in an intimidating manner. My skin crawled at his threat, and I knew he was right, but I really didn't have a choice in the matter. This would be so much easier if he would cooperate. Why was he making this so difficult? He stepped right up to me, glaring in my face, and I gulped nervously at what I was about to do. I only hoped he reacted like a decent man should. I kissed him, closed my eyes and pulled my body tightly against his. The thin fabric of the nightclothes he was now wearing allowed me to feel much more of him than I was expecting to, even with the heavy fabric of my wedding gown still covering my skin. I pushed away in a nervous reaction as Sebastian grabbed my arms tight, growling at me like a furious hound. My eyes widened in shock. I realized I'd pushed too far.

"Fine!" Sebastian snarled as he pushed me forcefully to the bed so I fell across it on my stomach. Confused at his action, I pushed myself up to stand from the bed, but Sebastian pushed me back down, pinning me to the bed with his body.

"Sebastian, what are you doing?!" I yelled at him in both disbelief and annoyance. I couldn't see him with my face shoved in the billowy fabrics of the bed linens, but I could feel his torso wiggling against my back while he continued pinning me down with his body weight. He did not answer my question, but started violently pulling up on the skirts of my dress, gathering them around my waist so my undergarments were exposed. "Sebastian, stop!" I yelled desperately, hating the loss of control. I tried to swing an elbow at him, but without the leverage I needed, there was no power behind it and I hardly hit him. He just continued ripping down my undergarments harshly.

"Sebastian!" I yelled again helplessly as I violently struggled to get up. I felt Sebastian's naked skin pressed against my rear and yelped in surprise. Sebastian pushed his body weight on me more heavily as I struggled more, using all my strength to try to get him off of me. He clasped a hand over my mouth as I tried to scream, hoping one of the guards might hear and come stop this. All my efforts only produced a muffled cry.

"Shut up! I'm giving you what you asked for!" Sebastian yelled at me. It happened so quickly that I was gasping in pain before my mind processed what happened. Sebastian forced himself inside me, and the pain was incredible. I was dry and tense, and it did not at all feel like it did with Faustos last night. He was thrusting violently into my core as tears welled in my eyes and I continued futilely struggling to pull away from him. His hand clasped tighter around my mouth as I continued screaming into his hand, and he partially covered my nose, making it difficult for me to breathe. My arms had been thrashing the whole time, hitting Sebastian here and there, though he was ignoring it and continuing with his thrusting. I ceased my efforts of hitting him to pull his hand off my mouth. His grip was iron clad. I couldn't even budge him with both of my hands. His pace quickened, and I collapsed in defeat with the realization that this would be over soon. I felt him tense and throb inside me as he groaned into my ear, and I dropped my head on the bed as he finally slowly released his hand from my mouth. Sebastian collapsed his body over my back, now only gravity and his weight holding me down, unlike the applied pressure he used before. He sighed and breathed into my ear.

"There. It's consummated now." He grumbled somberly. He shifted his weight and pushed himself up from the bed, pulling out of me and heading into the washroom. I laid there stunned, waiting for him to return. I refused to let him see how that affected me. After a while with no return of Sebastian, I pulled myself back together, fixing my clothing and staggering to my feet. My knees felt like they were about to buckle, and I decided to sit back down on the bed. I sat staring into space for an immeasurable amount of time. I caught a glimpse of movement off to the side, and slowly shifted my gaze without turning my head. Sebastian was slowly staggering out of the other room, holding his head and staring at me. I'd say, by his expression, that he was dumbfounded. I didn't know what his problem was. He was the one who did this to me.

"Do you have something to say?" I asked hollowly while still looking straight ahead, refusing to face him. He frowned deeply and seemed unable to face me as I waited for him to say something.

"I'll…send your maid in to clean you up." Sebastian mumbled as he continued his slow pace to the door. He regretted what he did. He should have. He must have known I would never tell anyone about this. After the spectacle I caused at our wedding, this would completely ruin this fragile front we were working so hard to create about our marriage. At least I didn't have to worry about Sebastian discovering I was no longer a virgin. I knew he made me bleed. I would never want Faustos to know about this; he might be brash enough to do something stupid. I would take it quietly for now. But I would make Sebastian pay for treating me this way. I had the rest of our lives together to make him pay.

In the following months, I isolated myself. The days following the wedding were the most difficult, as my father expected to see me and I refused. I could not face his infectiously cheery visage just days after the rape. I wished he was still here. Now I could face him…I thought. He was back where he belonged, though. I wished I was there with him. Unfortunately, my cold behavior precipitated rumors about me throughout the kingdom. Launch, Tien, and Sebastian's mother regularly informed me of the latest gossip. They were the only people I saw regularly in those months, in addition to seeing the ailing elder king on occasion. Launch told me that Sebastian had named Bardock Son as his Hand. It seemed a decent choice, as the man was calculated and thoughtful, and rude enough himself to tolerate Sebastian's presence on a regular basis. The queen mother particularly enjoyed goading me with the details of how the people already perceived me as a heartless b***h of a queen. Not her words, but I knew that was what she was thinking. I was sure the people never perceived her in a better light. They could think what they liked. I would not let the peoples' thoughts or Kenya's prodding bother me.

I kept a separate bedroom from Sebastian, and hardly saw him around. I would not have the option of refusing Sebastian if he came to see me, but he did not come. I spent most of my time in my quarters reading and sleeping. If I was anywhere else, too many people tried to socialize with me. On the few occasions I came across other people over those two months, I asked about Faustos. I kept it discreet, asking about Lord Bane as most people knew him. No one had seen him. He had mysteriously disappeared for all I knew, and forgotten about me.

I sighed as I looked up from my book I had been reading before my thoughts overtook my mind. It took me much longer than it should to finish a book, because I was constantly doing that. I glanced out the window, enjoying the view of the beautiful gardens. I insisted on keeping the same room I was given as a guest here, despite Sebastian's parents' insistence to give me a grander room. I liked this room, and it was far from Sebastian's.

I spotted Sebastian's father hobbling through the garden with the assistance of his nurse and Sir Brolly. I was shocked to see him out. His illness had progressed rapidly after the wedding, and was in the final stages now. He had been mostly bed bound since the wedding. I gave the royal family space. I may have been part of the family now, but I still felt like an outsider. I didn't know how I would react when Sebastian's father finally passed. He was the one member of the royal family that actually showed me a scant amount of kindness when I arrived here. I was broken from my reverie by the startling sound of my chamber door slamming open.

"Queen Katarina!" Launch exclaimed as she barged into my room. "Lady Rebekah is here to see you. Will you please see her, your Grace?" Launch pleaded with me; she had been very worried about me. I used to always spend time with the people, outdoors, doing what I pleased. I must have looked like a wreck to her with my behavior lately.

"Launch, I'm sorry. I just don't want to see anyone." I answered; an answer Launch knew was coming.

"Well, if you don't want to see anyone, just visit with her for me, then." Launch suggested with a pleading smile. I turned to her with my eyes wide at her suggestion. Launch had never asked me to do anything for her, and what she was asking now was not really for her; she was asking for me. She shrugged shyly at my fixed gaze on her as I considered her request. I rubbed my head and sighed dejectedly. Launch had been far too sweet and loyal to disappoint over something as simple as receiving a visitor.

"Fine, send her in." I said, noting a huge smile gracing Launch's lips. I smiled in return. I could not remember the last time I'd seen someone smile like that.

"Yes, your Grace!" Launch exclaimed as she hastily ran out of the room with a sloppy bow of the head. I sighed and stared into the gardens again, noting the absence of the ex-king. Sebastian's father must have returned to his chambers for more rest. It was strange how he and I both must have seemed to the public to have disappeared at once. A few minutes later, a beautiful blue haired woman came prancing into my chamber with Launch.

"My queen!" She exclaimed giddily with open arms as she approached me.

"Lady Rebekah." I responded guardedly as I stood and accepted her hug. She gave me a kiss on the cheek and I pulled away. I drank in the sight of her. She was glowing and gorgeous and seemed extremely happy. She even seemed genuine in her happiness about seeing me.

"We've missed you, the ladies and I. It has been so long since we have seen you." Rebekah remarked as she took a seat on the chaise in front of me and I sat again as well. There was a question in that statement, but I was not ready to satisfy Rebekah's curiosity.

"I've missed our lunch in the gardens. We will have to do that again sometime." I answered, evading the need to return the sentiment. I did not miss anyone; I had been avoiding them, after all.

"Yes, definitely, your Grace." Rebekah said as she crossed her hands over a knee, looking at me expectantly. There was an awkward silence, and I looked to Launch, who was blending into the wall, overseeing our conversation.

"Launch, would you get us something to drink, please?" I asked her, feeling the need to get my companion out of our presence. She read into the hint and nodded and obliged, leaving Rebekah and I alone. I looked at Rebekah again, who was still waiting for me patiently. What did she expect? I refused her visits so many times and now I was just going to divulge everything to her? She was lucky I even let her in. The brightness of her countenance told me that my husband had been keeping her company while I'd been 'ill', making me feel even less open to speaking with her.

"Katarina, are you okay?" Rebekah asked, her expression suddenly becoming worried as she reached a hand out to touch mine.

"I'm fine." I answered sharply, pulling my hand back before hers made contact. "Why are you here, Rebekah?" I asked rudely. Rebekah scoffed and looked like she was about to say some retort, but shut her mouth and took a moment before speaking.

"I am your friend, Katarina. I was worried about you. Sebastian won't tell me what is wrong with you; he won't talk about you at all. Did you two have a fight?" I snorted, then laughed bitterly at the question. There was so much to say about that, but I bit my tongue.

"No, we did not have a fight. We are newlyweds." I answered as if that explained everything while nervously spreading the materials of my bunched skirts across my lap. I quickly changed the subject; I would not speak about Sebastian with Rebekah. Besides, I had enough of her patronizing tone. "What have you been doing lately, Rebekah? I know you have come to see me, and I apologize that I could not receive you. I have not been well, but I am feeling better now." Seeing Rebekah so cheery and content while I suffered was sparking a fire inside me that I thought I'd never feel again. I would not sit and mope in here any longer. That was only allowing them to win.

"Me? Not too much, your Grace. My father has been teaching me so much about his creative business, though I cannot partake officially. It is engrossing! I've been getting involved in all sorts of fascinating research. I don't think I've ever told you about my penchant for research and innovation." Rebekah said. I sighed heavily, feeling she was rambling, which she quickly read into as she reached her point. "Actually, I am so glad you are feeling better. My parents and I are having a gathering tonight at CapsuleHall; all of my closest friends are coming. I was hoping you and Sebastian might come." Rebekah's invitation was a surprise. I had never been to her home before, and certainly had not left this castle in quite a while. But was I ready for a party so soon? Maybe there would be too many people. It seemed Rebekah noticed my inner conflict as she startled and waved her hands frantically.

"Oh! Please say you'll come!" Rebekah pleaded, and I shook my head regretfully. I thought it was too soon. "But Katarina, I know you've been asking about Faustos. Do you not want to see him?" I held my breath for a beat as she mentioned his name. Did she really just say that? How was she so familiar with Faustos?

"You mean…Lord Bane?" I asked carefully, unsure whether I should recognize that name if I didn't know him as well as I did. Rebekah nodded with a relieved smile. "He will be there tonight?" I clarified, playing my attitude off indifferently. Rebekah seemed to be seeing right through the act, judging by the expression on her face.

"Yes, and his family, Lord and Lady Frate, Lord Satan and Videl, Lord Yamcha Puar, and hopefully you and Sebastian." She kept doing that. Calling him by his first name. She could at least pretend to not be sleeping with my husband. I shook my head, and then a question came to mind.

"Lord Puar, I've never met him." I said thoughtfully. Maybe I had, but I'd forgotten.

"No. No one has, except my family. He just moved into the vacant castle near my home. His story is," Rebekah shifted in her seat excitedly as she became more animated, "that he was a bandit in the north, stealing from travelers for a living. He stole such a fortune that he finally decided to settle down, and settled in his own castle here in the Harrenhal Kingdom. His family name is not notable, because he is mostly self-made. The castle has been abandoned for a long time, but it is huge. He lives alone. He is young and handsome." Rebekah seemed smitten by this newcomer. I raised my eyebrow at her skeptically as she carried on about Lord Yamcha Puar. If I weren't certain of her feelings for Sebastian, I would think she wanted to court Lord Yamcha. Maybe that was just what she wanted me to think. That was exactly it! She really was clever.

"Oh. Are we considering marriage, Rebekah? He sounds perfect for you." I cooed with a sly smile. Rebekah blushed notably, and I was impressed. That was quite an acting job. She seemed convincingly entranced by this man.

"I don't know…I don't want to end up an old maid." Rebekah said coyly. Rebekah looked my age, and these days, most noblewomen were married within a few years from now.

"How old are you, Rebekah?" I asked curiously.

"I'm nineteen." Rebekah answered proudly. Just two year older than me. I wondered how old Faustos was. "I wonder how old Yamcha is…" Rebekah pondered, mirroring my own thoughts. I couldn't help laughing. "What?" Rebekah asked self-consciously.

"Nothing. I haven't laughed like that in a while. It would be good for me to be around you and the others. I will come to dinner." I answered with a smile. Rebekah seemed content with this answer.

"And Sebastian?" She asked. Oh, I forgot about him. Did I have to talk to him?

"I'll see what I can do about Sebastian." I answered, considering creating an excuse for his absence without talking to him. But this was Rebekah I was dealing with. If I didn't talk to him, she would. I wouldn't be able to get away with lying about it. I really would have to talk to him.

"Excellent! See you tonight, then, your Grace." Rebekah said, rising from her seat with another gorgeous smile. I kissed her on the cheeks this time, feeling relieved to have someone show me consideration again besides my servants.

"Launch! I need to wash and dress for dinner tonight!" I ordered as soon as Rebekah left and Launch returned with the drinks I had sent her for earlier. I shooed her with my hands to discard the drinks somewhere. "And deliver Sebastian a message for me. Tell him we are going to dinner at CapsuleHall tonight." That should suffice; I could avoid seeing or speaking to him for a while longer. I would not see Faustos again for the first time in months looking as pitiful as I had, so I immediately set to work, making myself over. I thought about Faustos while doing so, and could not understand why he had been gone for the past two months. Maybe he missed me for all this time just as much as I missed him.