by Vivian Wood
Through the rover craft windows, I view all of Anauka territory below. It’s widespread with forests, fields, and homes with the royal city at the center, all under a fortified shield dome. It’s the home I was born into and the only place I’ve ever known. As the Anaukin Princess, traveling isn’t an option for me until I’m crowned as the new monarch. It’s Matheas’s duty to travel for me and learn everything there is about the politics, geography, and topography of other territories so he can be my most trusted counsel.
It isn’t safe for a Princess to travel without a crown. Outside of Anauka, I’m valuable to other territories who would want to sell me to the highest bidder or use me for ransom against my father. Until I’m crowned, Anauka is where I must stay, but it won’t be long. A few weeks from now, on the last day of my twenty-fifth year, I’ll be crowned the new monarch of Anauka—whether I’m ready for it or not.
“This is why you have the trials. They help prepare you. Word has spread your talent exceeds the Royal Faction’s expectations.”
The Royal Faction, a group of men and women collected from each royal family in Anauka, represents the people during meetings with the King and Queen.
Penetrating the shield, the palace grows closer in my view, and I grimace.
“I feel like my tasks are for their amusement.”
“Some are,” he agrees.
The rover craft comes to a stop, landing on the grassy plain outside of the palace, parked parallel to the others. The automatic door raises, and I step out, taking in the thicker air of the palace grounds. Scents of outdoor food vendors and store shops create a smoky cloud above the tents.
“The festival is well on its way, I see. All in preparation of the main attraction.”
“You’ll do fine, Fi. I’ll always be within view.”
That knowledge settles the nerves tumbling in my belly. Side by side, we enter the palace. With high ceilings, the exquisite chandeliers are able to hang low. Along the walls are paintings from our most talented painters in Anauka and some from my family’s travels to other territories. With our advanced technology, I appreciate the paintings even more. It’s a talent I’m fond of, one that is simple and relaxing—just brushes, a canvas, and beautiful colors used to make anything the imagination can think of.
Barely through the door, I’m greeted by palace staff. My headmistress, trainer of the arts, bows, her tightly woven hair-do not moving atop her head. In a pretty, knee-length dress, she looks over my attire. I’m wearing my usual go-to brown leather riding boots, brown riding pants, and my favorite red shirt with cut-out shoulders and sleeves to my elbows. A frown etches her mouth into shape.
“You need cleaned up. You look like you’ve been riding a horse all morning.”
“For part of it, I have,” I smile unashamed. “I needed to relax this morning before I begin my trials.”
One of my favorite people pushes through the horde of palace staff surrounding Matheas and me. Slightly shorter than me and with a long, light gray braid over her shoulder, my Grand Nina waves her hands at everyone.
“Give my granddaughter space. She’ll be crowded enough today.”
With a wide smile, I open my arms for my Grand Nina. Enclosing me in her arms, her hug is warm and comforting. With a hand still on my shoulder, she motions to the nearest two members of our staff.
“Have a warm bath prepared. Fill it with lavender and vanilla.”
“It’s not needed.” I release a heavy sigh. “I can run my own bath just fine like any other day.”
Nina pats my shoulder. “Today is not like any other day nor will tomorrow or the next day. You’re in your trials. You’ll do nothing yourself for the next few days. Best to deal with it, darling.”
Attention turned away from me, she looks to Matheas. “Wait for her upstairs. I need to speak with my granddaughter alone.”
Everyone disperses, including Matheas, moving onto their jobs as Nina takes my hand, walking me slowly up the stairs.
“I had a prophetic dream last night,” she whispers.
“Should I be worried?”
Raising my hand, she kisses the back of it.
“Every new monarch has dangers lurking ahead of them, but this dream felt like a warning. Something is coming, Fiora, but whatever it is, I know for certain you’ll survive it.”
My skin tingles with worry. Nibbling my lip, I look ahead to the top of the stairs, seeing the back of Matheas just before he disappears.
“What of Matheas?”
“What of him, darling?”
“Did you see anything of him in your dream?”
Stopping on the stairs, we turn to face one another. With my hands in hers, she holds them together in front of our chests.
“That man will always choose to stay by your side. No matter the sacrifice. You can trust him to protect you. It’s his sole purpose in life.”
“That seems unfair. I'm supposed to marry, and he doesn’t get to have a family of his own. Instead, he’s supposed to watch over me all his life.”
Continuing up the stairs, she gives my hand a squeeze. “As a monarch of Anauka, you’ll be free to choose whomever you want to lay with.”
“Nina, is that really true?”
“Ssh, darling, some things are not meant to be spoken until it’s time.”
Hearing the secret brings excitement coursing through me. I’d been made to believe I must choose someone from the royal families. I know my Nina would not lie to me. Each step up the stairs becomes lighter with this new knowledge.
Approaching my room, the automated door slides open, and I enter to the soothing aroma of lavender and vanilla. Standing near the wall, Matheas’s attention turns to me the moment I enter. Eyes centered on me, he steps forward and joins my side as I walk toward the bathroom. Inside, he moves to the long, wide windows and peers out as the two servants who filled my bath approach me. They move their hands and arms in an effort to undress me. Annoyed, I wave their hands away.
“Enough. I can undress myself just fine.”
Matheas’s side profile reveals a smirk raising the corner of his mouth.
With my boots off, I toss them aside and remove the rest of my clothing. The women move behind me and untie my braid, loosening my hair and resting it on my back.
Matheas stops his inspection outside the windows and looks at me. His cerulean blue eyes linger over my body, seeming to take in every detail. A pink hue forms on his cheeks, and he fidgets where he stands, unlike his usual sturdy stance.
“Ladies, I’ve had enough pampering. Please wait outside.” The two staff members are quick to depart, leaving only Matheas and my Nina with me.
“What is it, Matheas?” I ask him, walking to the tub in the center of the bathroom.
“I don’t like that you’ll have to stand naked at the splendor ceremony for all the Royal suitors to see.”
Nina chuckles behind me as I lower into the hot water.
“Get used to the idea, son. It’s tradition.”
“Nina, can you leave us for a while?”
“I can, darling. We’ll come back to do your hair.”
“Thank you.”
The automated doors slide open and close with her departure.
Matheas walks to the tub, stopping behind me. Placing his hand under the automated dispenser, shampoo fills his hand. Placing it atop my head, he lathers it in my hair, the touch of his strong hands soothing and arousing, my nipples hardening in response. Lowering my chest, I hide them beneath the water.
“I can wash my own hair, you know, but I’ll be honest, I love it when you do it.”
“I know you do. It’s why I do it. I’m glad you had Alayna and Ria leave. I’d rather it be me to take care of you.”
“You always have been possessive of me even when we were kids. Remember when Thomas kissed me? How you knocked him down and punched him?”
Matheas laughs, deep from his chest.
“I’ve never been kissed since. Every boy was afraid to after tha
t.”
Wringing the soap out of my hair, he lowers my head into the water. When I sit up, hair rinsed, he squats down next to the tub.
“Do you want to be kissed?”
Looking at his handsome face, I stare at his eyes. They may be the same color as every Anaukin, but his eyes are far more expressive than anyone I know.
“I do. I’m going to be Queen soon. I’ll be forced to meet with potential suitors, and I have no idea what it’s like to be kissed by a man. You’ve had the opportunity to lay with women. I don’t even know how to properly kiss.”
Leaning forward, he cups his hand under my chin, raising my lips to his.
“Then it’s my duty to teach you, Princess.”
Warm lips cover mine. Instinctively, my mouth parts, and his tongue slides between my lips. The heat of the water is nothing compared to the fire that ignites and spreads throughout my body. Placing my arms around his neck, I partially rise out of the tub, my bare chest visible. One arm goes around my back, the other lost in my hair, holding the back of my neck. Like an uncontrollable force keeping me tied to him, I hang on as the kiss continues, his tongue dancing with mine, feeding my rising desire.
When he pulls back, my face is hot, my cheeks flush. Tingling lips and an ache between my legs leave me wanting more. There’s a moment of silence, his eyes staring into mine, his breathing slightly elevated.
“You won’t disappoint any man, Fi. Your kiss is like a smooth liquor. It touches in all the right places.”
A giggle escapes me, and I lower my arms from his neck. Gaze lowering to my chest, I notice his pupils expand before he returns his attention back to my face.
“Will you kiss me again?”
“Yes, but not now.”
“Why?”
The automated door opens, and he winks.
“What are you two chattering about? You should be bathing, darling.”
Matheas gently swipes his finger under my chin and grins.
“My fault, Nina. I was giving her a lesson.”
“Mm-hmm, what kind of lesson?”
Nina examines me with scrutinizing eyes, but her smile is playful.
“Nothing that ruins her purity.” I notice the playful wink he gives Nina. “Are Alayna and Ria still waiting outside?”
“They are.”
“They’ll have to wait longer. Fiora isn’t ready for them. Give her another ten minutes.”
Nina accepts his instruction and leaves us.
“Better get to work. There're thousands of Anaukins waiting to see their Princess successfully complete her trials.”
With a growl of annoyance, I settle back in the tub and reach for a sponge.
“When we’re practicing our fights, do you let me win like you did when we were kids?”
Arm resting on the edge of the tub, his fingers tap the frame.
“No, when you use your speed and wits, you best me. Make sure to use that during the combat trial.”
“Do you know how many Anaukin arms men I have to fight?”
“I did do some recon. You’ll have a choice. Two women or one man.”
“What should I choose?”
“The man. It’ll make you look stronger, braver to choose a man as your opponent.”
“Do you think I can beat him?”
“Yes.”
“Do you think the Royals will be happy with me as their Queen?”
Touching my cheek, he caresses gently.
“I do. Everyone adores you—even when you’re rebellious. It’s part of your charm.”
Lifting my leg out of the water, I soap up and down, and Matheas watches contently.
“Why don’t you want the Royals to see me naked?”
Attention swiftly brought to my face, his eyes darken.
“It’s a crude ritual. They just want to see how beautiful your body is. I don’t like you being treated as an ornament for their viewing.”
“Thankfully, it doesn’t last long, and it’s only the Royal suitors.”
“Who’ll be gawking at you, imagining what it would be like to lay with you.”
“Too bad for them, they’ll never find out.”
Matheas’s smile raises the corner of his mouth. “You still plan to never take a husband?”
“Yes. You’ll be stuck protecting a virgin Queen.”
Waving my hand over the sensor, the tub latch switches and the water drains. Standing, Matheas reaches out his hand, helping me out of the bath. He gathers a towel from the nearby stand and wraps it around me. Below my feet, the soft carpet slides between my toes. Wiggling them, I enjoy the sensation. Matheas laughs, pulls me to him, and kisses my hair.
“I’ll let the women in to fuss over your hair and outfits. I’ll be outside. I have some calls to make.”
“All right.”
As he walks out, I watch his ass and enjoy the view. In a soldier’s uniform, he’s covered from head to toe in black and brown with metal lined fabric intertwined in the garments. The technology is connected to his soul band and is strong enough to deflect most weapons. Once out the door, it’s only moments before Nina and the two women join me. After choosing my outfits for the trials, they spend an uncomfortably long-time putting fancy braids and loose waves in my hair before adorning it with dainty flowers. When they reach for the makeup, I give them a warning glance.
“Keep it subtle.”
They follow my instructions well and barely coat my face with makeup, just enough to keep to the tradition of the trials. My first outfit is a long, white dress with a slit up my leg, revealing my muscular thigh. The front is a halter top design, the back open with a plunging V. My other two outfits are placed in a bag carried by Ria.
“You look breathtaking,” Ria smiles genuinely.
Pulling her in, I give her a hug.
“Thank you for getting me prepared.”
Turning to Alayna, she gives me a brief hug before quickly distancing herself. Noticing the change in her demeanor since the last time I hugged her, I tilt my head in curiosity, wondering the cause. Making a mental note, I decide to come back to it later.
Nearing my bedroom door, the automated door slides open, and I step out into the hall. Matheas verbally ends his call and looks at me. Coming close, he takes my hand in his, raising it to his lips.
“You’re stunning, Fi. No other woman compares.”
Blushing, I raise on my toes and kiss his cheek.
“Thank you.”
Next to me, Alayna looks irritated. Glaring at Matheas, several emotions cross her face—anger, lust, hope. He never looks at her, and it seems to vex her even more. The body language she displays tells me she has a crush on him. Jealousy courses through me briefly. She’s free to lay with him if she pleases, and I hate her for it.
With my hand in his, Matheas escorts me down the grand staircase. The palace is empty now that everyone has gone to the festival. They’ll shop, eat, and enjoy the light entertainment until I arrive. Outside the palace doors, my horse, Artax has a wreath of white roses around his neck along with festival paint on his hind end displaying the Anaukin emblem. It’s the same branding I bear on my left hip—a circle with a twisted tree inside and above the tree is a compass. The only difference between Artax’s paint and my tattoo is mine permanently marks me as an Anaukin soul.
Matheas stops before Artax and puts his hands together, letting me step into them and onto Artax. Doing so, I sit like a lady with my legs off to the side as Matheas takes the reins and guides us to the festival. Behind us, Nina, Alayna, and Ria follow.
Entering the festival, I observe the hundreds of flowers decorating the curved metal double arch. Inside, the Anaukin people stop what they’re doing, smiling and waving, hoping to catch my attention. I attempt to make eye contact and wave to as many as I can. Flowers fly through the air in front of us, making a path of white roses as Matheas leads us to the center of the festival.
Reaching the center, I’m now in the open stadium. Helping me off my horse, Matheas
follows behind as I step up to the center stage. With a thin microphone, I speak to the waiting public.
“Thank you, citizens of Anauka for coming to view my trials. I feel blessed to be your Princess and hope at the end of my trials, I will have made you proud. I’m honored to be the future monarch of our beautiful and prosperous Anaukin territory. I promise to honor our way of life and to continue to serve you as well as my father and mother have.”
Straight out in front of me, I can see my father, mother, and younger brother sitting under the Royal tent. With an expression of satisfaction, my father smiles at me. Raising his hand, which I know has a tiny microphone in it, he speaks to the public.
“Let the trials begin.”
The stadium erupts into cheers and whistles. Matheas escorts me off the stage and stays by my side as I do the customary walk around the stadium, greeting and acknowledging each Royal family in attendance. This is their opportunity to briefly introduce me to their sons who will become my suitors for the next several weeks. After introductions and schmoozing are complete, Matheas leads me out of the stadium to my preparation room. Inside, Alayna and Ria are waiting with my battle outfit. Behind me, Matheas unclasps the part of my dress around my neck, and the dress falls to my feet landing on the soft carpet. Ria hands me my pants and I slide them on. As I’m finishing, she’s already handing me the top. Matheas steps out of the way so Ria can tie the corset back. Gathering my leather jacket, Matheas helps me into it and pulls my hair out from beneath it. A light kiss feathers my cheek before he moves to face me and fastens the metal clasps on the front of my jacket.
“Do you know who I’m fighting for the premiere trial?”
“I don’t. They kept that information secure. My guesses are either Pollo, Demerick, or Sederick. They’re of equal age and won’t go easy on you.”
“What weapons should I choose?”
“Two shortswords or the trident laser gun. Both match your fighting style. Fi…”
“Yes?”
Matheas takes my trembling hands in his and kisses my fingers.
“Don’t be nervous. Remember your training, stay calm, breathe, use your wits. And if it’s Demerick, he won’t hesitate to hit you in the face. He’ll show no mercy, so go for his tender spots immediately.”