Transmigrated into the body of a poisoned queen

Javier's POV

"Your Majesty," Catalina murmured, her tone laced with quiet concern. "Forgive me, but you seem troubled."

I turned sharply, meeting her soft gaze. "That is not for you to trouble yourself with."

She faltered like a wilting flower, lowering her eyes before glancing back at me.

"But I am concerned for you, my lord," she said softly. "I could feel it, something weighs upon you, even as we lay together."

I met her gaze with cool indifference. "You overstep, Catalina."

"I know, and I beg your forgiveness," she continued, undeterred. "Yet my heart knows no restraint when it comes to Your Majesty's well-being."

Saying nothing, I strode toward my chair and took my seat, the weight of my thoughts pressing down on me. I no longer required her presence.

She took a hesitant step forward. "Your queen, my lord. I have heard of her fainting spell, and I cannot help but wonder if that weighs upon you."

My eyes narrowed. She had not attended the coronation, how had she come by this knowledge?

"And how is it that you know of this?" My voice was cold, measured.

Rather than answer, she lowered herself to her knees. "Does it matter? I care only for you, my king. You..."

A sharp knock at the door cut her off.

"Enter," I called.

A guard stepped inside, his expression grim. I didn't need to hear what he had to say; I already knew. That little thing had struck again.

"Su Majestad, disculpe la intromisión, pero la reina intenta ahogarse en el estanque de reflejos."

(Your Majesty, forgive the intrusion, but the queen is attempting to drown herself in the reflecting pool.)

I sighed.

"You may take your leave," I dismissed him, my voice void of emotion.

When I looked down, Catalina was staring at me with wide blue eyes. I held her gaze for a moment before speaking.

"Take your leave at once."

Without waiting for a response, I rose from my chair and strode out of the chamber.

Again, she was being reckless.

I had barely reached the reflecting pool when I caught sight of her, my queen. Draped in a flowing gown, the fabric clung to her as she waded deeper into the water, the moonlight casting her in an ethereal glow.

"Retrieve her at once." I ordered, my voice cutting through the idle murmurs of the ladies-in-waiting gathered at the bank.

She turned at the sound of my voice, her wide eyes locking onto mine for a fraction of a second, then she let herself sink, her body slipping beneath the surface just as the guards waded in after her.

For a moment, the water stilled.

Then, chaos.

The pool erupted in thrashing waves as she fought them, her struggles frantic and wild. They broke the surface moments later, holding her between them as she twisted and writhed in their grasp, her soaked hair plastered to her face.

And then she screamed.

A stream of frantic, guttural words in that strange foreign tongue.

"Let me go! I need to leave this place!"

I understood none of it. Nor did I care to.

The guards dragged her out, setting her before me like some pathetic, trembling creature. She stood there, drenched and shaking, her chest rising and falling with ragged breaths. Her gown clung to her form, soaked through, her anger burning hotter than the torches lining the courtyard.

Not even hours had passed since she tore apart the dining hall. And now this.

I let my gaze drag over her, slow, assessing.

"Have you finished?" My voice was quiet, devoid of any warmth.

She glared at me, her fists clenched at her sides. "I.."

"Because I grow weary of your theatrics," I continued, stepping closer. "If you intend to drown, then do so with dignity, not like some pitiful creature grasping for notice."

Her breath hitched, fury flashing in her eyes.

"Take her back to her chambers," I commanded, my tone like tempered steel. "Lock the doors. None shall enter. None shall leave."

She crossed her arms over her chest, shaking her head. "I'm not leaving. I won't go back in there, I.."

Her voice faltered. Her eyes widened, fixating on something behind me.

"What are you waiting for?" I snapped at the guards. "Take her…"

Before I could finish, she lifted a trembling hand and pointed past me.

"You," she breathed, her voice slow, almost disbelieving.

I turned, following her gaze.

Catalina.

The moment I turned back, the brat was already moving. She rushed past me in a blur, her bare feet slapping against the stone. Before anyone could react, she swung her arm, fist curling tight…

And struck Catalina to the ground.

Catalina gasped as she hit the ground, her hand flying to her cheek. A sharp silence followed, broken only by the ragged breaths of the drenched queen standing above her, fists clenched, chest heaving.

Then, without warning, she lunged.

Straddling her, she slapped her across the face with a vicious force, her voice trembling with rage.

"You bitch! It's all your fault I'm here!"

Another strike. Then another. Blood splattered from Catarina's nose, staining the floor as she whimpered.

I moved.

Grabbing the queen, I tore her off before she could do more damage. She thrashed in my hold, kicking and struggling like a wild animal.

"Let me go!" she screamed, her voice raw, slipping into that strange foreign tongue. "It's her fault! If she hadn't pushed me off, I wouldn't be here!"

I had heard enough.

With a sharp motion, I threw her to the floor. She landed with a gasp, her wet gown tangling around her.

Ignoring her, I turned to Catalina. She lay still, her delicate face smeared with blood. I crouched, lifting her into my arms with ease.

"Fetch the royal physician at once," I commanded the maid.

She bowed and hurried off.

Then, I turned back to the struggling queen as the guards restrained her.

Then, without hesitation, I stepped forward and struck her across the face, not hard enough to knock her down, but enough to remind her of her place.

My voice was quiet, cutting through the tense air like steel.

"Try this again, and you shall plead for mercy that will not come."