CHAPTER 85: A MISUNDERSTANDING

After a very long day, Viktor was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to lie down on his bed and fall asleep immediately. He yawned for the tenth time as he made his way to his chamber, when he suddenly ran into Kathryn, who was also just returning from an outing. He tried to walk past her, but she stepped into his path, blocking the way. He shifted direction, but she mirrored him again.

He sighed, clearly drained. "What is it this time, Kathryn? I really don’t have the time or energy to entertain you this evening," he said in a tired voice.

Kathryn cleared her throat. "I have something important to speak to you about."

Viktor raised a brow. "Speak with me? Since when did we ever discuss anything important? Are you sure you’re not mistaking me for the prince?"

Kathryn frowned, then forced a tight smile. "No, I’m not. It’s you I wish to speak with."

He crossed his arms over his chest, studying her curiously. "What is it you wish to discuss?"

"It’s a private matter. Would you have tea with me in my chambers? I’ve been out for hours—I’m quite cold."

His eyes narrowed, as though trying to read her thoughts. Kathryn understood his suspicion, this was the first time she’d initiated such a conversation with him.

After a pause that felt far too long, Viktor finally replied, "You have only a few minutes. I must retire soon."

"Very well," Kathryn said, leading Viktor into her chamber. There was a sitting area with two chairs and a round table between them, placed in front of a window.

"Please, sit," she offered, and they both settled opposite each other.

"Cassidy, prepare us some tea," she said to her maid, who bowed and exited the room.

They sat in silence until Cassidy returned with the cups. Kathryn thanked her before turning her attention back to Viktor.

"I know we started off on the wrong foot. Perhaps it’s time to begin again. I think we could actually be good friends."

"Is this what you call a matter of importance, Kathryn? I’m certain you don’t need my friendship, nor do I need yours. Can you just get to the point? Why am I here?" Viktor asked, clearly unimpressed.

Damn you, Harriet, Kathryn cursed inwardly, her fingers tightening around the teacup as she brought it to her lips. That woman was making her do things she would never normally consider.

She forced a smile as she placed the cup back on the table. "You’re quite impatient. Anyway, I saw you staring at one of my friends at the ball."

His brows furrowed together, "I don’t remember doing that."

Kathryn chuckled softly. "You don’t have to be shy, Viktor. It’s perfectly normal for men to admire beautiful women. And Harriet is a beautiful lady."

His frown deepened. "I don’t understand—what are you trying to say?"

"I saw you staring at my friend Harriet at the ball," Kathryn said plainly.

"I wouldn’t call it staring. I looked in her direction once, and that was it," Viktor corrected.

"Did you know that Harriet’s father is a very wealthy man? He owns vast stretches of land, numerous livestock, and a factory that produces penny papers for his town," Kathryn added.

"Why are you telling me this? I honestly don’t care about her father," Viktor replied, raising a brow at her.

"I’m simply saying that she comes from a good family. In case you’re interested in pursuing her," she said with a shrug.

Realization dawned on Viktor, and a burst of laughter escaped his lips. "Oh, dear gods. You think I fancy Harriet? Is that why you’re telling me all this?"

"As I said, she’s an attractive woman. I wouldn’t be surprised if you did," Kathryn responded.

Viktor laughed again, running a hand through his hair. "You’ve got it all wrong. I don’t fancy Harriet at all, never have. Forgive me if I gave the wrong impression, but I have no plans to court her," he explained.

"Why not? Do you think she’s not good enough? She’s intelligent, graceful, beautiful, and, let’s not forget, wealthy. She’s a perfect candidate for a partner," Kathryn argued.

"I have no doubt she’s all those things," Viktor said calmly, "but I simply don’t want her as a partner. You must understand, I hold no ill will toward Harriet. I just don’t see her that way."

Kathryn leaned forward. "How about you take some time to reconsider? Spend a little time with her. I promise you’ll find she’s a remarkable companion."

Viktor shook his head without hesitation. "There’s no point in reconsidering. My opinion of her won’t change. And if she’s under the impression that I’ve shown interest, then I ask that you extend my sincerest apologies. It was clearly a misunderstanding."

Kathryn studied him closely. He was resolute and that kind of certainty didn’t come from indifference. It came from desire... for someone else. Her fingers curled slightly around the teacup. "Is there another woman?" she asked, her voice sharper now.

"Yes," Viktor said without pause, his voice low. "There’s someone I’ve had feelings for, for a long time. She’s the only one I want."

Kathryn exhaled, slowly, deeply. There was no use dragging this on, not when the answer was so final. "Very well. Thank you for clearing up the misunderstanding."

Viktor stood, offering a respectful nod. "My sincere apologies if I caused offense. I’ll take my leave now, I need to rest."

"You didn’t drink your tea," she pointed out.

His eyes flicked to the cup, then back to her. "I hate tea. Good night, Kathryn." With that, he turned and walked out, closing the door behind him with a soft, final thud.

Kathryn sat in silence for a moment before letting out a weary sigh. "That was exhausting," she muttered, rising to her feet and moving to her dresser. She removed her jewelry slowly, her reflection frowning back at her in the mirror.

Poor Harriet. If she truly wanted Viktor, she’d have to go after him herself. Kathryn had played her part—more than she cared to, actually. And now, it was out of her hands.