by Vivian Wood
Hair dried, I choose a fancy braid over my shoulder and pretty it up with a jeweled hairpiece above my ear. With Matheas at my side, I’m guided into the Royal dinner tent set up outside the stadium. Usually, Royal dinners are held in the palace, but not at the festival. Here, we’re accessible to the people while they enjoy their dinners and the evening festival activities.
Stepping into the tent, Matheas clears his throat, and the Royal families quiet down, moving to give me space to walk through. Claps ensue as Matheas escorts me farther into the tent. I’m handed a glass of wine from my mother, Melinda. Cupping my chin, she kisses my cheek.
“You did a wonderful job at the battle, Fiora. You’ve made us all proud.”
“Thank you, Mother.”
“We didn’t doubt you. Not with the training you’ve received from Matheas. You’ve made her into a strong warrior, just as we hoped,” my father says to him.
“I’m honored to have been chosen as her bodyguard and her trainer.”
“It was a perfect match. We know you’ll do well to protect her as she rules.”
“That I will.”
My father hands Matheas a glass of wine and pats him on the shoulder.
“Before we begin tonight’s dinner, tradition calls for a gift of a kiss.”
My father motions to Sederick, standing farther back in the large group of people.
“Sederick shall receive a kiss from the Princess for his display of strength, bravery, and Anaukin spirit.”
Glancing over at Matheas, I see his jaw twitch. It’s not enough to be noticed by anyone else, but I know him well. He’s not happy about this.
Sederick steps forward and takes my hand and raises it to his lips, giving the customary kiss of respect and affection. Lowering my hand, he removes the space between us. Nerves combust inside my belly as his hand rests between my jaw and neck. With a slight tug of his fingers, he pulls me forward, placing his lips on mine.
When his tongue slides between my lips, I’m taken by surprise. Cheers and claps egg him on, and he continues his kiss, invading my mouth with more vigor. Keeping a balance between not disappointing those around me and not angering Matheas, I give into the kiss enough to please the viewers. Sederick pulls back slightly for a breath, and just as quickly brings his lips back to mine, claiming my mouth for another kiss.
Behind him, my father laughs. “Easy now, Sederick, I know my daughter is beautiful, but let’s not make the men jealous.”
“Sorry, Your Highness. She is breathtaking.”
My father pats him on the shoulder. “Exactly why she must remain pure. If every man had her, no one would want her.”
Tilting my head, I scowl at my father’s comment. Winking at me, he raises his glass.
“To my daughter, Fiora, our future Queen.”
Everyone raises their glasses. “To Fiora,” they say in unison.
As the glasses lower, the crowd moves in closer, discussing the trials from each of their houses and how eager they are to have me complete them. Each Royal house takes every opportunity they can to include their sons in conversation, sharing their skills, their political training, and their views. Soon, the names and information blur together. Just when I’m ready to excuse myself, my father announces dinner.
Taking my seat, I’m relieved to have Matheas next to me. Touching his leg, he slides his hand under mine and caresses it with his thumb. Withdrawing my hand, I smile at him. Leaning over, I whisper.
“All I want is to be alone with you.”
“Soon.”
Riorrick, son of Royal House Tuller, with a round face and medium-length red hair, looks across the table at us.
“Fiora, would you like to go riding with me sometime? I hear you’re a skilled rider and enjoy riding often.”
“I do. I enjoy simple pleasures, riding being one of them.”
“We’ll make plans then. Dinner and riding.”
“Of course.”
Matheas raises his wine glass and takes several gulps, finishing it off. I’m realizing now how difficult being by my side must have been for him—always wanting, but never expressing it. And now the monarch trials and suitor phase are only going to make things more difficult. I hate seeing him in any discomfort. Tonight, I hope to show him how much it’s him I want.
The dinner continues with more efforts by the suitors and their families to lock in dates with me. Each wants to ensure their time with me, in hopes I’ll fall for one of them or even like them enough to choose them to reign alongside me. If only I could announce to them all that their efforts are futile, I’ll never choose any of them. Unfortunately, it’s customary for me to give them all their time. It’s expected of me, and I’d be shamed for not choosing a suitor. I’ll hold off on my decision until I’m crowned. After that, no one can challenge my choice.
Dinner comes to an end, and everyone is relaxed, full of wine, and satisfied with food and good company. I excuse myself, letting everyone know I need to rest for tomorrow’s trials. Before I can slip away, Malark—son of House Levore, dark-haired with a strong jaw and handsome features—takes my hand, stopping me.
“Princess, will you take a walk with me?”
Inside, I’m screaming no, but on the outside, I smile pleasantly. “Of course.”
Keeping my hand in his, he guides me out of the tent. Glancing behind me, I expect Matheas to join us. He sees us leaving and moves to follow. My father places a hand on his chest, stopping him.
“She’ll be all right with him.”
Matheas’s jaw clenches as he watches, an expression of frustration revealed on his face as Malark takes me away.
Casually, we walk hand in hand. For being as tall as he is, Malark’s stride is easy, relaxed. He doesn’t seem nervous, and I’m glad. It’ll make the time with the suitors more enjoyable if they’re relaxed.
“I’ve been told you’re a talented painter.”
“You can at least tell what I intended to paint.”
“And you’re humble.”
“Sometimes.”
Mouth tilted in a half-smile, he looks over at me, staring at me as we come to a stop in front of a vendor booth.
“And very beautiful.”
“I’m beautiful because I’m the unattainable. There are many beautiful Anaukin women.”
“None that have the beauty, strength, skills, and charm you possess.”
“Don’t spend all your time flattering me.”
“I won’t. I also want to buy you a gift.”
Motioning toward the vendor booth behind me, I see it’s a jewelry shop from in town. The dark-haired woman who owns the shop smiles pleasantly at me.
“As a gift from myself and my Royal family, I offer you anything you see before you.”
Looking over the jewelry, I do my best to find something moderate. Too inexpensive and I’ll insult Malark and his family. Too expensive and I’ll appear vain. Lifting a bracelet of pretty blue beads from the table, I admire the swirls in the beads.
“This piece is lovely. Crafted very nicely as well.”
The shop owner’s eyes crease as she smiles. “The beads are urealean stone. They’re a symbol of courage.”
“It’s a nice fit for you, Princess,” Malark says behind me.
“It is, isn’t it?”
Placing it on my wrist, I touch the beads, running my fingers over the smooth stones as Malark touches his soul band and brings up a digital screen. After selecting the options he wants, he touches his band to the shop owner’s soul band, and the payment is made.
“Thank you, Malark. It’s a beautiful gift.”
Taking my hand, he rubs his thumb over my skin.
“If you choose me to reign with you, I’d ensure you’re always happy and taken care of. I mean it, Fiora, I’d want us to have a loving relationship.”
“I’d want the same from the man I choose to be King. I’m not looking for a man whose desire is to sit on the throne. I want a man whose desire is to love me and be by my s
ide.”
“Spend more time with me and I’ll prove to you that’s the kind of man I am. We can truly get to know one another and see if we’d be a match.”
“We’ll spend more time together, I promise you.”
“That’s all I ask. Well, I admit, there’s one more request.”
“What is it?”
“Come with me and I’ll share it.”
With my hand in his, he leads me through vendor alley, taking me in the direction of the palace.
“Tomorrow, when you complete the horse race for my house, you’ll be against our best riders. The black horse, he’ll push your horse hard and try to break him. On the turn, the riders will close in on you and try to intimidate you, don’t let them.”
Malark’s kindness has taken me by surprise.
“Thank you for the advice.”
“I want to see you succeed. Today, you were impressive. My eyes were glued to you the entire time. I imagine tomorrow will be the same.”
Reaching the palace, he guides me around the outside balcony until we reach the backside, facing the gardens behind it. Every so many feet, a lantern sits atop the metal wall, adding to the romantic ambiance the moon and garden already set. The breeze of the night brushes over my skin and I shiver. Malark notices and comes closer. Placing his hand at my cheek, he brushes a few strands of stray hair the breeze has caught away from my face.
“My request is for a kiss. Every suitor is allowed one request for a kiss. I might be a fool, but I’m making my request early. I want you to remember me through your time spent with the other suitors.”
Taking a breath, I have no choice but to agree.
“A kiss it is.”
Looking down at me, he places his hand at my neck, tilts his head, and leans in. When his lips touch mine, I notice how soft and full they are. The kiss is sweet, enjoyable until he darts his tongue into my mouth rapidly and repeatedly as if sucking on candy. Alarmed at the strange sensation, I pull back, and he moves with me, keeping our kiss going, tongue slipping in and out between my lips so quickly and awkwardly, I silently beg for it to be over. When he pulls back, he caresses my face, a giant grin swelling his cheeks.
“You taste sweet, Princess.”
Nausea churns my stomach. That kiss was in no way pleasant for me. His tongue moves quickly like a lizard catching its prey. Taking a moment, I fight down the sensation of hurling all over him.
“Thank you for a wonderful evening and for the gift. It will be my pleasure to see you at the trials tomorrow.”
“And mine, Princess.”
Leaning in, he kisses my cheek.
“Let me walk you to the door.”
“No need.” Matheas appears like a ghost in the night, a figure from the darkness. The light illuminates his muscular frame as he steps into it. Malark seems as surprised as I am.
“Of course. I’ll leave her in your care, Matheas.”
Holding my stomach, I grimace as I watch him leave. Matheas places his arm at my back and leads me in the opposite direction.
“Did you enjoy that?”
“Not in the slightest.”
“I can tell,” he laughs. “Are you going to be sick?”
“I hope not, but I sure as hell want to wash my mouth out. Five minutes sooner, next time. Five minutes, Matheas.”
He laughs deep from his chest as we enter the palace.
In my bedroom, I exit the adjoining bathroom, my mouth now minty fresh. Matheas is sitting on my bed with a cool glass of water in hand. Taking it from him, I gulp it down, then set the empty glass on my nightstand.
“At least I know Malark is off the list.”
Sitting next to him, I frown.
“None of them are on the list. I’m going through the motions. Holding it together the best I can.”
Touching my arm, he strokes down from my shoulder, caressing me affectionately.
“If you think I want this, I don’t. It’s unfair, not having a choice of what I do with my body, of who I lay with, who I marry. I’ve always been envious of your freedom to lay with who you want.” Falling back on the soft, red comforter, I stare up at the dome ceiling of painted glass. Through the lighter colors, I can see the moon, full and bright. “I fired Alayna. I was jealous she could have you, and I admit, I don’t want her anywhere near you.”
Lying next to me, he wraps a strand of hair around his finger and tugs, bringing my attention to his face.
“Now you know how I feel each time a suitor takes your attention from me. I worry one of them will sweep you off your feet and take the one woman I’ve always wanted.”
“Always wanted?”
“Yes, since we were young. It’s why I let you best me in battles. Why I threatened every boy who came too close.”
“You threatened them?” I laugh and he smirks.
“I did. Thomas was the only one brave enough to kiss you. I made an example out of him. Your father kept me from following you and Malark tonight because he knows the men are afraid of pursuing you with me around.”
“I can imagine their first request as King would be to remove you as my bodyguard and advisor. That’s exactly why I don’t want to marry. I always want you by my side.”
“Is that the real reason you don’t want to marry? Because you don’t want to lose me?”
Reaching up, I touch his cheek, the day’s stubble graces his strong jaw. Rubbing my thumb over his lips, I stare up at his intense blue eyes.
“Yes, I never want to lose you. I want to be able to have you, to lay with you, to know your love.”
Putting his hand over mine, he caresses my hand with his thumb, slowly rubbing down my arm. Wrapping his arm around my back, he rolls us, putting us on our sides, limbs tangled around one another.
“I want the same, Fi. I want you all to myself, to never have to worry about another man taking you from me. I want to lay with you and feel what it’s like to have your love, night after night.”
“Then let’s begin with tonight.”
When his lips touch mine, it feels right, arousing, soft, sensuous, and fulfilling, yet at the same time leaving me aching for more. Hand lost in my hair, he gives into the kiss as much as I am. Against my thigh, I feel his erection. My curiosity draws my hand down. Over his pants, I rub him, and he growls into my mouth.
“Too many clothes, Fi, there are too many clothes between us.”
Hand sliding up my shirt, I follow his lead and raise my camisole up and off. Pressing me down to the mattress, his mouth covers my right nipple, sucking and biting as his hand massages my whole breast.
Arching my back in uncontrollable desire, my body becomes a puppet to his every whim. Feathering kisses down my center, he leaves a trail of pleasure to the top of my shorts. Tucking his hands into them, he pulls them from my hips. Gaze focused between my legs, he places a hand on each thigh and spreads my legs for him to see everything.
“I’ve always liked that you keep it trimmed.”
“Do you?”
“Yes, Princess, I like everything I see.”
Hands under my ass, he slides me up the bed. Remaining where he was, he lowers between my legs. The warm touch of his tongue meets my clit, and I let out a quiet, short squeal of satisfaction. The next few minutes are a blur of sucking, nibbling, licking, rubbing, and me losing all control. The touch of his lips stops when my fists clench the comforter and I moan through my orgasm.
“You’re absolutely gorgeous when you’re coming from my touch.”
Pulling him down to me, he lies between my legs, and I feel his erection pressing against me. Pushing my hips up, I press him harder into me.
“I want more.”
“I can pleasure you, Fi,” he rocks against me, and I tilt my head back, moaning from the sensation. “but I can’t enter you.”
“You can have me another way.”
Looking down at me, his pupils expand, his desire evident.
“Would you let me have you like that?”
“Y
es. I want to feel you inside me, but it’s only fair you let me taste you first.”
Lifting his shirt off, he reveals a defined and muscled torso. With his handsome face and muscular body, I could stare at him for hours. His handsomeness is the kind that draws the attention of every woman he walks past, and I’m blessed he only wants mine. Caressing the ridges of his abs, I lower my hands to his pants, unfastening them and folding them down over his hips. Part of his erection is visible—thick and hard, ready to burst free. Pulling him out, I take a moment to admire his cock and take in the detail of the vein running down the long length. I lean forward, sucking the pre-cum from the tip. Hand in my hair, he tilts his head back.
“I need more, Fi. I’m aching to be taken in your mouth.”
Parting my lips, I take as much of him as I can and suck hard. Taking him further into my throat, he lets out a deep moan. Keeping my pace, I swap between sucking and sliding him down my throat. Minutes later, I feel him thicken and slow my pace.
“Fi, I’m going to come hard.”
Hot cum shoots into my mouth, and I swallow it down, licking him clean, and kissing his tip. Hands on my shoulders, he lowers me down onto the mattress, his spent cock laying against my pussy lips.
“I didn’t expect it to be that good. You’re exquisite.”
Caressing my face, cheeks, and lips, he stares down at me, his eyes full of affection.
“You’re going to turn me into an addict. I’m going to want you to suck my cock like that all the time.”
“I’m willing to negotiate. I did enjoy every minute of it.”
“Thankfully. I might’ve shed tears if you said you didn’t.”
Laughing, I kiss him, nipping at his lip when I pull away. Rolling us to our sides, he continues to caress me and kiss me, each time looking at me with more affection than the last.
“Please don’t fall for a suitor, Fi. I couldn’t take losing you after finally being able to have you.”
“You have nothing to worry about. None of them have what you have.”
“What do I have?”
“My heart.”
CHAPTER THREE
MATHEAS