by Nina Levine
And with that, she was gone, disappearing into the building leaving only the subtle scent of peach on the air.
Katherine
Queen's Bedchamber, The Royal Palace
I lay awake, staring at the ceiling, the pain in my temples refusing to subside as I replayed Jon's words over and over.
As the warrior who saved your life, I ask for the right to invoke the akaternok ah yalonel.
Akaternok ah yalonel, the marriage claim.
A tradition of my ancestors, I'd not heard of it being used for centuries, not since the tribes had merged during the industrial revolution, or, perhaps, even earlier.
I ask for the right to invoke the akaternok ah yalonel.
I groaned, turning on my side, scrunching my eyes shut as I tried to banish both Jon and the headache from my mind.
A claim of akaternok ah yalonel could only be granted if it met three criteria. First, the man or woman had to have rescued that person from a life-or-death situation. Second, the warrior wanted to invoke akaternok ah yalonel to offer a lifetime of protection. The final condition was that the rescued party had to agree.
The akaternok ah yalonel didn't include a provision for love. It didn't force me to honour and obey. It didn't ask anything but for me to be committed to the person who had saved my life for the rest of my days.
And for them to do the same.
As the warrior who saved your life….
As Monarch I couldn't just meet those three criteria and be done with it. I needed to consider if he would be the best candidate for Prince Consort. If he would work with me for the good of my people.
I closed my eyes, pinching the bridge of my nose in the dark, considering all I knew of Jonathan.
A lifetime ago, we'd been children who played together while our mothers lunched. Not because we dwelled in the same spheres of influence, but because my mother had championed Mallory House, the charity his mother had founded.
As we grew older, those playdates had changed in tone, and for a while I'd nursed a small crush on Jonathan. Then his mother had passed away and he'd enrolled to serve in our military forces, and life had moved on.
It had been many years since we'd seen each other, and many more since we'd had any form of meaningful conversation.
He'd have to resign. He'd be forced into an untenable position, and so would you. This could be seen as favouritism or worse— collusion. And he's a conservative. Is that what you want, Kit? To be tied to a man whose own party brings forward bills you're forced to send down?
I didn't have any answers.
I have to marry— now more than ever. The danger is so very real, and my siblings? I wouldn't wish this responsibility upon them.
My child would be groomed as the future Monarch from birth, unlike my siblings who had neither the temperament nor the interest in ruling. Their education had drastically deviated from my own. They'd been free to attend parties and sneak out with few repercussions. It would have been a cold day in hell before those same freedoms would have been allowed for me.
His proposal solves many issues. It balances the conservative and progressives, shows that common ground can be achieved. It's a romantic story that would play well in the press and will likely increase tourism in the lead up to the wedding. He's a citizen and a known and respected entity, few could deny that, particularly after tonight.
And he can give you a child.
I swallowed, a new pain blooming in my chest, distracting me from my headache.
If you say yes there'll have to be terms. A contract will need to be drawn up that makes it clear what the expectations of his office shall be. He'll be Prince Consort. Your Prince Consort. He'll be offered riches and opportunities all in an effort to gain access to me. Clear guidelines, clear expectations. It's the only way this will work.
And a baby. At least two. An heir and a spare, as is my duty.
I wanted to distance myself from my future children. I wanted to consider them as nothing but names in what would be a long lineage of future royalty.
But I could not. My heart ached for these future babies. They would be the love I would never find. I wanted to shelter and protect them. Adore them. Love them more than my heart could know.
So, it's settled. Victoria can organise for the lawyers to draw up the contract. If Mr. Tuhana agrees, then we shall be married before the election. That will allow time for a small honeymoon prior to the swearing in of the new Prime Minister. We'll be married in the Murmuranay on whatever weekend is available. There will be a public holiday, as is tradition, and we shall retire to the summer house at Kilgarie for our honeymoon.
I nodded as if it were decided. As if I had any say in the matter. As if it were a decision about brunch rather than the rest of my life.
My hand absently rubbed at the skin above the ache in my chest.
I'll talk to Victoria tomorrow. All will be settled when I next meet with Mr. Tuhana.
I closed my eyes determined to fall asleep and ignore the deep well of sadness radiating from where my heart used to be.
Katherine
Morning Room, The Royal Palace
I lifted the tea cup to my lips to take a sip of the smooth brew. Around the breakfast table sat my mother, my siblings, Victoria, and the head of Palace security.
"And you're sure he was a lone actor?" My brother pressed for the fourth time in as many minutes.
"We cannot rule out the possibility of him being a part of a larger organisation, but at the moment we have no intelligence to tell us otherwise, Your Highness."
"Leo, stop." My mother sighed in exasperation. "The poor man has answered your questions. Tim has nothing more to add. Am I right?" she asked.
Tim nodded. "I'm sorry. I wish I had more but until the intelligence agencies complete their assessment I can't offer anything further."
Mother reached across the table, patting Tim's hand. "That's quite alright, Timothy. We appreciate all your efforts."
Charlotte shook her head. "I just don't understand how he slipped through. Surely the background check would have picked this up."
"It appears we were misled about his attendance. He used his cousin's name, the two being remarkably similar in appearance. The cousin lives in New York and is horrified by this incident."
"And the knife? How did he get that through?"
"We're still investigation. Tim cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably on his chair. "If there's nothing else then I'll be going."
"Thank you, Tim. That will be—"
I interrupted my mother.
"Just one thing, actually." I set my tea cup in the saucer with a small click, then settled my hands in my lap, forcing calm and reassurance into my voice. "I should like to discuss a particularly sensitive matter that cannot leave this room."
The room immediately cleared of the two bodyguards and one waiter who'd stood off to the side, they knew the process for this sort of request.
I waited for the door to shut before focussing on Tim. "I have decided to marry."
My brother stuttered, choking on a mouthful of coffee. Charlotte dropped her spoon, her mouth agape as she stared at me.
Victoria immediately opened her notebook, pulling a pen from the messy bun on her head and holding it at the ready as she watched me.
Good woman.
Tim and my mother showed zero reaction.
"And who is this man?" Mother asked, reaching for the salt.
"Mr. Tuhana, actually. Following last night's incident, he offered akaternok ah yalonel. Pending an extensive background check, risk assessment, and a signed contract outlining his role and the responsibilities that come with being Prince Consort, I expect us to be married before the election."
Silence dominated the table. I persevered.
"Victoria, can you please organise a private meeting with Mr. Tuhana for tomorrow evening. I'd also like a contract drawn up, a prenuptial arrangement. It should also outline the expectations of his station."
She
nodded, rapidly taking notes.
I turned to our head of security. "Tim, will that give you sufficient time to get the necessary screening checks completed? I should like to know if there are any skeletons in the closet, I should be aware of."
Tim nodded, his face flushing. "I'll do it myself, Your Majesty."
I nodded. "Thank you. Your discretion is appreciated."
"Victoria, Tim? Could you please give us the room?" Mother asked, her dark eyes focussed on me.
"Of course."
They both stood, bowing, then took their leave, hurrying from the room and leaving me with just my family.
Strong heart, Kit. Do not back down from this decision.
"What are you thinking?" Leo exploded, slapping a hand on the table. "Jonathan Tuhana? The man's a conservative! Worse, he's a fucking politician!"
I reached for my cup, waiting for them to get over their excitement.
"Do you love him, Kit?" Charlotte asked, reaching out to touch my arm. "I mean, you knew each other years ago. Have you reconnected?"
For a moment I wanted to lie to her.
"No," I admitted. "I'm sorry, Lottie."
"Is it love at first sight then?"
I shook my head. "You know I'm not built that way. And it's quite hard for me to love someone I hardly know. But he offered and I accepted. He seems like a good man. I expect that love will come with time."
A memory flashed, capturing my attention for a moment. Jonathan rearing back to punch the attacker, his giant bicep pulled back, his body strong and hard.
A little sparkle of desire shimmied down my body to pool deep in my abdomen. My thighs clenched together, my body tightening in response.
Lust and love are not mutually exclusive.
"Have you told anyone?" Leo asked urgently. "Anyone besides those in this room?"
"No, but don't try to talk me out of it, Leo. I've made my decision and I'm quite determined to see it through—pending any outcomes of the background check of course."
"Of course," echoed Mother, her eyebrows raised in amusement. "I should have known you'd go about this marriage business in much the same way as you do everything— efficiently and without grand circumstance."
Charlotte rolled her eyes. "Grand circumstance? Really, Mother?"
"You're the one who fell in love with a prince in a week in Morocco. Where is Frederick, by the way?" Leo asked.
"At his summer house, if you must know." Charlotte sniffed, glaring at him. "He's wining and dining some exporters."
Leo snorted. "Is that what they call it?"
"Do you have a problem with my fiancé?"
"Yeah, I do actually. He's nothing but a goddamned—"
"Children!" Mother snapped. "This is about Kit. Focus!" She twisted back to look at me. "Will you be happy, my darling?"
I paused, considering my answer. "I will," I said, swallowing a lump in my throat. "I may not have the love you and Father enjoyed, but I'll have a peaceful kingdom, a man who will be a sufficient prince consort, children, and you all."
I looked around the table, taking in my family – my sister's watery eyes, my brother's mutinous face, and Mother's calm acceptance.
"I know you all wished more for me but this is what I must do. I love you, and I have no doubts about this direction."
"I don't think you should be making rash decisions following a shock," Leo said, crossing his arms.
"And yet, if I had died you would be King. Are you ready for that, Leo?"
His face paled but his resolve hardened—I could tell by the stubborn set of his jaw.
"I'd do my duty."
"As must I."
This is my cross to bear, and bear it I will.
I pushed back from the table, smoothing hands down my thighs as I stood. "As wonderful as this has been, I'm afraid duty calls."
Mother rose, crossing to press a kiss to my cheek and offer a hug.
"I trust your judgement. But darling, just remember, no one is forcing you to choose between your heart and your head."
"The parliament may. The constitution demands I declare an heir." I pulled back, dipping to collect my phone from the table. "And after last night I expect they'll be calling for my nomination."
She watched me closely. "I knew his mother, Kit. I'm not sure if you remember that."
"I do."
She nodded, a strange expression crossing her face. "His mother spoke about him highly before her death. From all I have heard, he's a good man."
"I expect he is."
Leo slung an arm around me. "This conversation isn't over."
I elbowed him, chuckling when he doubled over. "Yes, it is. Now I really do need to go."
They called goodbye, sitting down at the table to finish their breakfast. For a moment I wanted to stay, joining them for a chat and linger over coffee.
The urge to ditch my duties was strong, nearly overpowering.
You are Queen, Kit. You don't have that option.
I suppressed a sigh, straightened my shoulders. "And Mother?"
"Yes, darling?"
I grinned, throwing her a wink.
"I give you permission to plan the entire event."
She smiled, her eyes twinkling. "Then I expect Victoria and I shall have a rather busy day ahead."
Jonathan
National Arboretum, Sommerland Park
"Ah, it appears the Queen has arrived." Patrick threw me a side-eye. "Were we expecting her after last night?"
I watched Katherine enter the room, noting with approval, and no small amount of relief, her additional guards.
"I expected it. And if you didn't then, honestly, I'd question your political prowess, Pat. She's going to want to send a message after last night. The attack won't derail her."
"Strength and might. I can get behind that."
No. Resilience and fortitude. Perseverance and responsibility.
While I'd not doubted her commitment to presenting a 'business as usual' face, I had to admit surprise at her appearance.
Except for a slight darkening under her eyes, the Queen looked no different than any other day.
"A consummate professional," Patrick sighed, admiration clear in his voice. "Do you think she'd ever renounce the throne and consider a run for the Prime Ministership?"
I snorted, shifting to give him my driest stare. "Never. But it's nice to know where your loyalties lie."
He grinned, slapping me on the shoulder. "Unlike some men, I'm not encumbered by such meaningless trivialities as loyalty and mateship. You and I are of the same ilk. We're out to win."
I glanced back at Katherine, my body tightening as the crowd around her began to grow.
"Perhaps winning isn't all it's cracked up to be."
Patrick started, choking on air. I slapped his back, perhaps slightly harder than I should.
"Not all it's… Jonathan! What the fuck are you saying? This is all you've wanted for years."
I lifted one shoulder in a dismissive gesture. "Perhaps last night changed my priorities."
"More like you have a concussion and none of us realised. I'm calling the doctor. We can't leave this to chance."
I waved him off, focussing on our Queen.
My Queen.
She made her way gracefully around the room, ensuring each of the attendees got a slice of her time.
This is what she does. This is what you will have to reconcile.
Her days would forever be the people’s.
But her nights?
Mine. All mine.
I wanted to kiss her brow, soothe the tension I saw hiding there. I wanted to brush the stray hair from her cheek even as I guarded her back, providing another layer of protection.
As if sensing my thoughts, Katherine raised her head, her eyes meeting mine across the room. For a moment our gaze held, and I saw something I hadn't ever expected— desire.
Then the moment was gone, disappearing behind the collegial mask of meaningless banality that she wore.
Lust flared, my body humming, my cock thickening as primal triumph fired my blood. A near overwhelming desire burning in me to walk across the floor and claim my Queen.
"Patrick?"
"Mm?"
"Call a caucus meeting for tonight. I have something I need to do immediately."
He frowned. "What’s that?"
I turned away, striding for the door, the priorities of my day shifting. "Resign."
10
Jonathan
Private Dining Room, The Royal Palace
The woman across the table considered me over her wine glass. She'd greeted me with the same ready warmth that she offered to every person she met, but I wanted more.
I want lust and love. I want desire and flushed cheeks. I want glassy eyes and panting breaths. I want her under me. I want her nights and her days.
I want her heart.
My cock pressed against the fly of my slacks, hard and insistent. It'd been so since the moment I'd walked in the room.
My Queen had dressed for seduction.
She rarely wore her hair down in public, but tonight her long locks flowed like silky midnight water down her shoulders, and over her breasts and back. She'd occasionally brush a stray lock away from her face, the ends trailing along the swells of her breasts before being discarded.
Yet another thing she rarely revealed in public. In fact, while most of her outfits were dresses or nicely pressed slacks and tailored blouses, the Queen rarely revealed her figure—often being compared to a primly dressed school marm. Rare were the times she showed any decolletage, and, casting my mind back, I could only think of evening events where ballgowns were paired with her peripuni.
"Kari?"
The guard started, the sole occupant of the room beside ourselves.
"Majesty?"
"Could you give us the room please?"
She hesitated, then nodded. "Of course. I'll be outside, call if you need me."
We both waited, the Queen sipping her wine while the bodyguard exited.