Dr. Killian's hurried steps echoed through the grand staircase, the polished marble cool beneath her sensible shoes. The weight of the tardy hour pressed on her as she descended, from the quarters that had be designed for her to stay in for the time being, on the lower floor. It was her first time to wake up this late being on duty
Downstairs, the familiar bustle of the mansion greeted her. Not everyone was already there, it was clear the Queen arrival had lower things a bit.
Martha's, the ever-efficient housekeeper, bustled past with a tray of steaming pastries, her smile strained as she acknowledged the doctor with a hurried nod, this was not a simple breakfast today, all things had to be perfect, Killian understood why, even her felt a bit different.
Norman, head of security, who had became in a matter of hours a stern-faced , stood by the entrance, his gaze really calml,he just acknowledged her with a curt nod, which she responded to.
"Good morning, Dr. Killian," Mr. Kamali who sat not far from her, in a large couch, greeted her, his voice laced with concern. "You think everything alright?" Assuming he was talking of the ever present moon of the last night, thinking she had already seen Lorelei the man added looking intensely at her then in the direction of the large staircase, rather nervous.
Dr. Killian offered a reassuring smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Just running a bit behind schedule this morning, Mr. Kamali. Urgent matters, I need to tackle today, you understand."
He nodded curtly, she was a renowned surgeon they had kept for themselves for a long period of time, it was clear others needed her attention, but she had stayed with them cutting all interactions with the outside world.
worry etched on his face at the unusual nature of the situation, a weight aggravated the venue of the Queen. With a brief exchange about Lorelei's condition, mostly the voiced worry of her father about his fear for her to relapse, Dr. Killian reassured him, but pressed on, her brisk pace quickening as she reached the upper floor.
The plush hallway stretched before her, sunlight streaming through the expansive windows and casting long shadows across the opulent decor. Her destination â the large, ornately carved oak door at the end of the hall â loomed before her, and a silent tension hung heavy in the air.
Here, Dr. Killian's determined stride faltered slightly. She straightened her black pantsuit, a silent act of composure, before approaching the imposing figure of Sloan, Lorelei's and the Queen's personal guard, who stood sentinel in front of Lorelei's bedroom door. The doctor's professional demeanor took hold once more.
"Dr. Killian here to see Miss Lorelei," she announced, her voice firm yet respectful. She knew this was now a matter of deference, and respect of rule, Lorelei may have been slack concerning that but this was how it work, so she indulged.
Sloan internally breathed out thankful for the woman who was more Understanding than the others, early it was Mrs Kamali who had looked at him like he had grown two heads thanks to kayley who was there to tell her he was just doing what he was pay for.
While he remained silent, his gaze unwavering. He raised a hand, his fingers brushing against a small, discreet device strapped to his forearm. A faint blue light pulsed on its surface, a silent request for confirmation. Inside the bedroom, Lorelei slept peacefully, oblivious to the silent exchange happening outside her door.
Queen Katiandra watched the interaction unfold through a hidden security monitor. Her fingers lingered on a similar silver device resting on the dresser.
A notification flashed on the screen â "Access Request: Dr. Killian." Katiandra knew the drill. This was her silent conversation with her guard, a confirmation of the doctor's identity and purpose, but also an opportunity to convey any additional information.
With a thoughtful frown, Katiandra tapped a message on her device:
"Dr. Killian. Urgent?"
The message appeared on Sloan's band, replacing the initial request. He glanced at Dr. Killian, a silent question in his eyes.
Dr. Killian understood. "Miss Lorelei hasn't woken yet," she explained, her voice low and urgent. "There was full moon last night, she is out of her unconscious state, normally she would have waken already. I should make sure there are no negatives developments, and I need to discuss with Her Majesty.
Sloan nodded curtly, relaying the message back to the Queen with a simple tap on his device: "Dr. Killian reports Miss Lorelei not awake may be negative. Requests urgent discussion."
Katiandra pondered this for a moment. Uncertainty flickered across her face, but concern for her lover outweighed her hesitation. With a deep breath, she pressed the button on her device. A faint green light emanated from the screen, mirroring the one pulsing on Sloan's band. It was a silent code, a signal that read,
"Access Granted, urgent."
Dr. Killian pushed open the ornately carved oak door, the heavy silence of the hallway giving way to a soft murmur of peaceful wave welcome. Her gaze swept across the room, taking in the opulent furnishings and the large four-poster bed that dominated the center. There, nestled amidst mounds of silk sheets, lay Lorelei, fast asleep. But it wasn't Lorelei who stole Dr. Killian's breath away.
Standing by the window, bathed in the soft morning light, was Queen Katiandra. Gone were the regal robes and crown Dr. Killian had seen in portraits. Instead, the Queen wore a simple white nightgown, the fabric clinging softly to her curves. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back in loose waves, framing a face devoid of makeup. It was an unexpected, vulnerable sight, a stark contrast to the powerful persona Katiandra usually projected.
Dr. Killian swallowed, momentarily caught off guard. How things had changed since her arrival! The Queen, once a distant figure shrouded in mystery, now stood before her in such a familiar, intimate setting.
"Your Majesty," Dr. Killian managed, her voice a touch too loud in the hushed room.
Katiandra turned, a flicker of surprise crossing her face before it was replaced by a warm smile.
"Dr. Killian, please, call me Katiandra. We're practically family now, aren't we?"
Dr. Killian felt a blush creep up her neck. The Queen's informality was disarming. She thought what had been done was just to mend the eternal thanks she could never repaid the woman, but it seemed she did not think of it the same way.
"Of course, Ka..tiandra. I apologize for the intrusion."
Katiandra dismissed her apology with a wave of her hand. "No need for that. Come, come, let's not wake the sleeping beauty."
She gestured towards a plush armchair near the window. Dr. Killian sat, her gaze drawn back to Lorelei's peaceful form.
"So, tell me, Doctor, what brings you here so early?" Katiandra asked, her voice soft.
Dr. Killian explained her concern about Lorelei's extended sleep. As she spoke, Katiandra listened intently, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
"Ah, the long sleep," Katiandra chuckled, a melodic sound that filled the room.
"Lorelei used to do this all the time when we lived in Porys. She's a light sleeper, very sensitive to her surroundings. But once she knows I'm around, she feels safe enough to truly rest. She wouldn't wake up until noon at least, sometimes even later."
Surprise flickered across Dr. Killian's face. This was a side of Lorelei she hadn't seen. All the time here, her family always complained to the doctor that she rarely sleep.
"Really?" she asked, a hint of amusement creeping into her voice.
Katiandra threw her head back and laughed in a lower tone, a genuine, carefree laugh that surprised Dr. Killian even more.
"Oh yes," she said, wiping a tear from her eye. "We used to joke about it. I'd call her my sleepyhead, and she'd grumble about how I stole her morning sunshine."
The shared laughter hung in the air for a moment, a bridge built between two women who, just a short time ago, were strangers.
"Kilian," katiandra's began looking right in the doctor eyes, "I know this is a lot to ask, but would you mind staying with Lorelei until I return from my bath? I wouldn't want to leave her alone for too long."
Killian's smile softened. "Of course, katiandra. I wouldn't dream of it. In fact, I would appreciate it. I need to check her⦠and if you do not feel comfortable leaving Lorelei unattended I will be happy to stay."
The Queen nodded witn a smile for a moment, then added, "Besides, I trust you with her implicitly. You've already shown such care and dedication."
Dr. Killian felt a warmth spread through her chest. This trust, from the Queen no less, was unexpected and deeply touching.
"Thank you, Katiandra," she said sincerely. "I won't let you down."
Katiandra squeezed her hand gently. "I know you won't. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must get myself ready for the day."
She turned to leave, disappearing through the en-suite doorway.
Moments later, the sound of running water filled the room, since she had left the door opened.
Dr. Killian's mind raced wondering what was happening to her, one day she collided with this woman, her life had changed in the process.Now she was in her bedroom looking after her precious lover.
Shaking her head at all the predicament she would have never thought possible many years ago, after she was pushed in that excuse of marriage with a man who did not give one care of how she felt. In that moment in time, she had thought that her life was dumped.
Now seated in this dreamed room, a strange sense of peace overtaking her , she doubled check it was really the Queen that was speaking with her minutes ago, she did not see it coming she knew how the woman was with her love one, she had seen her crying for kayley so what she could do for her lover, Killian had no answer for that but knew it certainly measure up with the impossible she could make happen for Malone.
'Impossible' the world taunted her as she sighed, looking around the room, Killian could only dream giving the half of this to her wife Malone. She then closed her eyes, knowing, she could not give her the only thing she really wanted.
The plush white towel clung to Katiandra's form as she emerged from the bathroom, the scent of lavender soap trailing behind her. A playful glint lit her eyes as she saw Dr. Killian, cheeks flushed and gaze firmly flitting right a way fixed on the floor.
"Doctor, have I startled you?" Katiandra teased, her voice laced with amusement.
Dr. Killian stammered, mortified. "Y-yes, Your Majesty, I mean, Katiandra. I⦠I wasn't expectingâ¦"
Katiandra raised an eyebrow playfully. "Expecting a normal queen?"
The doctor normally strong head woman, could only manage a weak nod, still flustered.
Katiandra's smile softened. "Please, Doctor, there's no need for formalities. I am also a human. In need to my beauty set" She gestured towards a nearby chaise lounge.
"Why don't you check o Lorelei while I moisturize? We can discuss Lorelei's condition."
Dr. Killian, still flustered but unable to refuse, rose from the armchair and made her way to the chaise placed near the bed. As Katiandra began applying lotion to her toned arms, a question bubbled up on her lips putting aside what was to be their conversation.
"Tell me, Dr. Killian," Katiandra began casually, "how are things with your wife, Malone? Is she still enjoying her work in the government?"
A flicker of sadness crossed Dr. Killian's face. "Malone is... well, she's doing well at work. But things haven't been easy between us lately. I may say, coming here had certainly saved us from..."
Katiandra paused, her brow furrowing slightly. "Is everything alright? You can tell me, you know. Consider me a friend."
Dr. Killian hesitated, then took a deep breath. "We both want children, desperately, in fact she does, I do to, I can see how sad she is to see me interact with my daughter," she confessed, her voice a low murmur.
"But... it seems like every clinic we approach refuses to perform artificial insemination for same-sex couples, you will think my reputation could allow us that but it is completely impossible wherever we go, law enforcement are tightly made..."
Katiandra's gaze sharpened with a flicker of understanding and a hint of anger. The privilege she enjoyed as Queen felt suffocating in that moment. She could have what ever she wanted, whenever it was. Here was a kind, intelligent woman, a dedicated physician who cared for her soulmate, facing such a basic hurdle.
"That's absurd," Katiandra stated firmly, her voice laced with indignation.
"There's no medical reason to deny you that, Dear you are a brain surgeon who defy the law of life everyday, you should know impossible is a word for weak people. You are far from that. In fact, I can make it happen, Dr. Killian. Consider it a small token of my gratitude for everything you've done for Lorelei, and for being such a good friend."
Dr. Killian's eyes widened in surprise.
"But... how?"
Tilting her head unable to understand how desolation could destroy someone abilities to think right, Katiandra smiled, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Let's just say, my word carries a bit of weight in this country too. There's a private clinic I know, one that prioritizes discretion and inclusivity. I'll make the arrangements myself."
A wave of warmth washed over Dr. Killian. This unexpected gesture, this offer of help from the Queen herself, was a ray of hope in an otherwise frustrating situation.
The tension in the room eased as Dr. Killian met Katiandra's gaze. A flicker of doubt still lingered in her eyes, but it was mixed with a spark of gratitude.
"Katiandra," Dr. Killian began, her voice hesitant, "I⦠I can't thank you enough for this. It means the world to Malone and me. Her smile will come back, she had been depressed lately. "
Katiandra reached for another bottle of lotion, the familiar scent of lavender filling the air. "Think nothing of it, Doctor. A thriving family is a precious thing, and it shouldn't be denied to anyone."
As she massaged the lotion into her skin, Katiandra continued, "Besides, consider this a chance for us to even the score. You took such good care of Kayley when she was hurt, and now, I get to offer you something you desperately need."
Dr. Killian's heart ached at the mention of Kayley. The woman's memory bringing up the conversation they had last night, a constant reminder of the love Katiandra had for her child who only need to see it to finally be free to be the woman she had grown to be .
"Kayley is lucky to have you," Dr. Killian said softly. "She is a wonderful person, full of life and light, she only needs to be reminded of it, aside of that she is good."
Katiandra nodded, a small smile gracing her lips.
"She is. And I know she will be thrill to see the bond we've formed, she love you too, that even a blind person can attest when she is speaking about you."
That was another reason her wife had been bitter, she wanted a child that came from her, thinking one day the love they shared will stop for lack of children, Killian thought but smiled knowing it was not a problem anymore.
There was a comfortable silence for a moment, broken only by the soft swish of the lotion bottle and the rhythmic hum of the air conditioner. Lorelei, still asleep, seemed content nestled in the large bed.
"Speaking of differences," Dr. Killian started, then paused, seemingly gathering her courage. "If you don't mind me asking, Katiandra, how do you⦠manage it all? Being a Queen, for many you will always be, leading so may activities at the same time, while also beinga mother and... lover?"
Katiandra met her gaze, a hint of vulnerability clouding her eyes. "Duty, Doctor. That's what keeps me going. My love for Lorelei, for my children, my responsibility to my people. But let me tell you, it's not always easy."
She sighed, a deep breath that spoke volumes. "There are moments when I longed for a life of normalcy, for simpler joys. Moments where the crown, had felt heavy and the weight of expectation threatened to crush me."
Dr. Killian listened intently, her own experiences as a surgeon with years lists of operations to do was reminded to her consciousness, giving her a newfound empathy for the powerful woman before her. Perhaps, beneath the stoic exterior and royal bearing, Katiandra yearned for the same things most people did â love, friendship, and a sense of belonging.
"But you have Lorelei, you family" Dr. Killian said gently. "And now, you have⦠a friend."
Katiandra's lips curved into a genuine smile. "Indeed I do, Doctor. Indeed I do."
The air in the room crackled with a newfound understanding, a bond forged not just by their concern for Lorelei, but by the unexpected vulnerability they had shared. In that simple act of applying lotion, the Queen had revealed her humanity, while doctor Killian had found for once in her life a friend, though in the most unlikely of places.