by Vivian Wood
The warmth of her body tucked into mine starts my day better than any day before. She stirs and I kiss her cheek. Rotating her body to face me, she places one long, sensual kiss on my lips. Caressing her arm and back, I move my rigid cock against her pussy, and she moans sweetly.
“You feel so good. Can we stay in bed all day?”
“I wish, Princess. You have more trials today, and I have more suitors to deter.”
The sound of her automated bedroom door I made sure to lock beeps from the only person with the code besides myself and Fiora—her father. With no time to do anything, I cover her with the comforter and prepare for the repercussions about to take place.
“Matheas?” His dark brows pinch inward with concern.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Fiora peeks out from the blanket. “Father, what are you doing here?”
“I’ll do the asking. Did you ruin her purity?”
He looks to me, his expression filled with worry.
“No, it’s intact.”
With the tension releasing from his broad shoulders, they lower, and his stance becomes much more relaxed.
“Good. I didn’t think you’d be weak and destroy her coronation.”
“I wouldn’t do that to her.”
“I believe you. Get dressed. Both of you. Matheas, come to my sitting room. We have things to discuss.”
King Gregory leaves, and Fiora bolts upright, dropping the comforter.
“This is bad.” Fear fills her eyes. “I’ll fight like hell if he tries to remove you as my bodyguard.”
“It’s all right. I know your father well. What we just saw wasn’t anger. He didn’t seem surprised by us together either. I’ll meet with him and see what he wants to discuss. Shower, have breakfast, get ready for the horse race. I promise to see you soon.”
With a kiss goodbye, I gather my clothes, wasting no time getting back to my room. With the quickest shower I’ve likely ever had, I put on a fresh soldier’s garb and get my ass to the King’s meeting room.
Inside, King Gregory, sits tall and regal at his dining table placed by the large window overlooking the gardens. Below, I see Melinda in the garden, handpicking flowers with two staff members behind her, holding baskets already half full of flowers.
“She insists on picking them herself. She loves those flowers.”
“Queen Melinda’s garden is the most beautiful in Anauka.”
“She knows and takes great pride in it. Sit,” he tells me, motioning to the chair across from him. “Have breakfast with me.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Plate with a hearty choice of foods, I take the seat across from him and await what he wants to discuss.
“Was last night the first you’ve stayed the night with Fiora?”
“No.”
“Was it the first you’ve been intimate with her?”
“Yes.”
“I’m not angry with you for being intimate with her, son. It’s good for her to learn how to pleasure a man.”
Tension tightens my chest at the insinuation I’m preparing her for another man. Staring at me, the wrinkles around his eyes double as his eyes narrow, studying me.
“You love her?”
“I do.”
“You’ve always loved her, haven’t you? Since you were teenagers.”
“I have, yes.”
“Your love for her is valuable to me. Do you know why?”
“Because I’ll do anything to keep her safe.”
“Exactly. What better person to watch over my daughter than a man who loves her as much as I do?”
“But I’m here to be reminded I can’t have her, correct?”
King Gregory shakes his head as he brings a forkful to his mouth. Chewing slowly, he points to my plate.
“Eat, Matheas. You need it.”
Taking a bite, I chew uneasily, unable to determine where this conversation is headed.
“You’re not here to be reminded you can’t have her because the truth is, I want you to have her.”
The fork stops on the way to my mouth. “Excuse me, Sir?”
“You heard me correctly. Eat, son.”
Taking the bite, I swallow the food, unaware of the taste. My mind is buzzing too wildly to comprehend anything but the words now coming out of the King’s mouth.
“When you have a daughter as beautiful, strong, and pure as Fiora, you have to do everything in your power to keep her safe. It’s why I chose you as her lifelong bodyguard. You come from a line of men who are loyal til death. It was when you both were young, I realized the potential to soothe all my worries. Not only do I have a daughter to protect, but I also have a territory to protect. With you protecting her and her protecting Anauka, everything would be peaceful and prosperous. The only problem is you don’t come from a Royal bloodline, so you can’t be a suitor, but there’s something in our laws that isn’t shared with the Royal families. Once Fiora is crowned, she has every right to choose any suitor for marriage, including a man not from a Royal bloodline. We just have to get her to her coronation, then you and I both get what we want.”
Placing my hands together in front of me, I rest my chin on my hands, absorbing everything he’s said.
“She can marry me after her coronation?”
“She can. All prior monarchs were convinced or fell in love with their suitors, but not my Fiora. It’s always been you, Matheas—whether she knew it or not. There isn’t a single suitor who is going to live up to you. You’re on a pedestal, no other man compares.”
“How do you know all of this?”
“My mother, Nina, is a gifted and observant woman. She also tells me what she feels is important for me to know. She’s been Fiora’s secret guardian all her life. Nina adores Fiora like no other.”
“What do you need from me? I’ll do anything to achieve our mutual goal.”
“You’re much stronger than other men, Matheas—physically and mentally. The fact you haven’t taken Fiora’s purity shows that. I need you to ensure no other man tries to take it before her coronation. If it’s taken, you know the consequence. She’d lose her crown, be shamed, and defiled. Be with her as much as you want. Take her intimately, gain her love, but never her purity. I’d much rather my daughter learn pleasure from a man who won’t hurt her.”
Reading the signals in his body language and words, I lower the bite I was about to take.
“What else? There’s more you’re not telling me.”
“You’re right. Not all the suitors want her. Some want the throne, to move the Kingship toward their house. She’d be a tool in their schemes. The conflict would bring our territory hardship. And there’s more. You know why I don’t let her travel. She’s too beautiful and valuable, and other territories know this. I’ve received offers from kings to marry her in exchange for permanent alliances and trade. I’ve turned down every one of them. That has led to animosity from another territory, the Iowans. The Iowan King has a son, Belore. He’s vile. I would never let him have Fiora. He’d disgust her, and she’d hate him and me. It’s not a good match. That decision is good for Fiora and the future of Anauka, but it’s not good for Anauka now. You see why I need you, Matheas? Why I’ve always respected and given you the freedom to remain at her side, no matter where or what she was doing?”
Finishing my bite, I grin.
“I’ve always known you to be a clever king. It’s where Fiora gets it from.”
King Gregory smiles proudly. “Indeed she does.”
With his plate empty, the King sets his fork down and sits back in his chair, his posture relaxed.
“Other important details. We have to play along with the suitor phase. I have to be seen as being fair and not favoring any house or any man. Now that you know it’s you I truly favor, do your best to relax and let the men try their best or worst, depending on the man. But still be diligent watching them. They push too hard or try to take what’s not given, cut them down.”
“Understoo
d.”
“And Matheas…”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Everything we spoke about today must stay between you and me.”
“Know my loyalty is without hesitation, my King.”
“I’m thankful for you and thankful my daughter has chosen you. Now, go find her and make sure she’s ready for today’s trials.”
“Yes, Sir. Thank you for our meeting.”
Leaving my nearly empty plate, I follow King Gregory’s gaze to Melinda outside. It’s the gaze of a man who truly loves the woman he’s looking at. With a much lighter feeling in my chest, I depart his sitting room.
CHAPTER FOUR
FIORA
Matheas enters the stables, and I rush to him. Catching me in his arms, he kisses my head.
“There’s nothing to worry about, I’m not going anywhere. The conversation your father and I had was a positive one. I can’t give you the details, but know everything is good between him and me.”
Releasing my breath, I tilt my head into his hand as it caresses my cheek.
“I’m going to stay with you again tonight if you’ll have me?”
“Yes, please stay with me. Another day of trials, and at the end of it, all I’ll want is to be in your arms.”
“You will be.”
Thumbing my lip, his eyes sweep the area, ensuring no one is around. Leaning forward, he kisses me quickly. When he pulls back, I go with him, raising on my toes, not wanting the kiss to end.
“Did you have breakfast?”
“No, I was too worried about your conversation with my father.”
“All right. Let’s get you something to eat, then we’ll come back here so you can give Artax a warm-up.”
“That’s perfect. The Vet is with him now, ensuring he’s okay to race.”
The sweet scents of breakfast rolls, bread, cheese, and fruits fill my nostrils as we walk along the vendor stands. Coming up to the tent of my favorite bakery in town, I stop and look at the plates she’s selling. Clicking my soul band, the digital screen comes up. Selecting the appropriate monetary value, I touch my band to hers, and the payment is made. Plate covered in Anaukin cake, my favorite cheese dip, and several fruits, I point to a nearby sitting area. Matheas joins my side as I devour my meal.
“Slow down, Fi. People are watching.”
With a chuckle, I bring the next bite to my mouth more slowly.
“You know how much I love this cake.”
Touching the charm dangling from the necklace he gave me, his expression switches to one of appreciation.
“I’m glad to see you like it.”
“You know my tastes well.”
He points to the new bracelet on my hand.
“Did Malark give you that as a gift?”
Raising it, I let him examine it.
“He offered for me to choose any piece from Mallory’s jewels. I personally picked it out. He and his house paid for it as a gift. With the horse race from his house, I thought it’d be respectful of me to wear it.”
“It is. It was a good choice to wear it today. Even though you don’t plan on taking a suitor, you still need the houses to respect and be loyal to you. These men could be a part of the Royal Faction when you’re Queen.”
“It’s strange knowing soon I’ll have to make decisions for all of these people. It scares me sometimes.”
“You won’t be alone. You’ll have me, your father, and mother to advise you.”
“I’m thankful I’ll have each of you.”
A familiar soldier’s garb comes into view. Behind him, I see my brother, Leon walking with Malark.
“Look who’s making alliances.”
Gesturing their direction, Matheas sees what I’m talking about, a small laugh escaping him.
“I can’t blame the guy for trying.”
Pushing my empty plate away, I huff. “What does he think my teenage brother can offer him?”
“Information. Anything your brother knows about you.”
“Let’s join them. I want to know what they’re talking about. Let’s approach from behind.”
“Well planned, Princess.”
Going around a vendor tent, we approach from the rear and listen.
“Do you know what her favorite food is?”
“Seared steak and vegetables. She loves Anaukin cake.”
“What about activities? Anything she enjoys that hasn’t been shared with us?”
“Mmm, I don’t know. My sister likes to try everything. If you tell her she can’t do something, it’s an invitation for her to do it.”
Biting my lip, I bite back a laugh. Despite the fact the man is a horrible kisser, I’m impressed with his homework efforts.
“Little brother.”
Malark and Leon turn toward my voice.
“Princess Fiora, good morning.”
“Good morning, Malark. I see you’re getting to know my brother, Leon.”
“He’s a nice young man. I ran into him this morning while he was assisting the stadium staff. He’s quite generous to his people.”
“He is. Leon is a philanthropist. With his training in social welfare, he’ll serve me well in the Royal Faction. He’s going to be my choice to represent my house once he’s ready.”
Leon’s cerulean blue eyes light up with joy. With swollen cheeks and a wide smile, he steps up to me, places his hands on both sides of my face and kisses just to the side of my mouth.
“Isn’t she wonderful?” Arm around my waist, he looks to Malark.
“She is.” Glancing at my wrist, his expression displays his approval. “I’m so glad to see it on you,” he says, pointing to the bracelet.
“Of course. I appreciate my gift.”
My attention is pulled toward Leon’s and Matheas’s conversation.
“Where are your brothers, Matheas? I’d like to have them join me during the race.”
“Dante is likely with the other arms men. Corey, best to call him. They’re both busy these days in training.”
“Are your younger brothers both arms men?” Malark asks him.
“Dante has recently joined. Corey is eligible to join in two years, but he won’t. He’s undergoing training for soul band technology. He has a way with technology.”
“Fascinating. Princess, would you mind joining me for a walk alone?”
Frowning, I shake my head. “I’m sorry, Malark, I have to go back to the stables. I need to warm-up Artax before the race. I never let anyone else ride him.”
“Of course. I understand. See you at the race, Princess. I wish you good speed.”
“Thank you.”
Taking our leave, Matheas waits until we’re out of earshot.
“He’s smitten with you and definitely doesn’t like me.”
“I noticed. You know every time I see him now, I can only think of that awful kiss. I’m afraid of his tongue.”
Laughing, Matheas puts an arm at my back, caressing me as we walk.
“Lucky for you, every one of them gets the chance to kiss you.”
“I know. Don’t remind me. Do all men kiss differently?”
“I wouldn’t know, Fi, I’m not going around kissing men.”
Laughter puts my hand at my stomach as it tightens with the ticklish sensation. Matheas’s mouth quirks and he laughs too.
“We all probably have our own technique. Watching him kiss you was a mixture of entertainment and rage. You looked so horrified when he was done, I was waiting for you to hurl on him.”
“You don’t know how glad I am I didn’t. I hope the rest of them get their kisses over quickly too. I’d rather they all be done.”
“You might like some of them.”
“I wouldn’t be disappointed if that was the case. I’d rather them not be like Malark’s kiss. You seem much calmer about the suitors. What changed?”
“My perspective.”
Reaching the stables, we enter to the Vet and a stableman bringing Artax out of his stall.
“He’s clear to race,” the Vet informs me.
“Wonderful.”
Beneath my hand, Artax’s hair is soft. Petting his neck, I nuzzle against his muzzle, and he lets out a happy snort and pushes back against me.
“We have a race today. All that matters is we do our best. Place doesn’t matter.”
Artax huffs and pushes his weight toward me as if to say he understands. Kissing his muzzle, I stroke his forehead.
“Okay, boy. Let’s do an easy warm-up.”
Climbing into the saddle, I lead Artax out to the exercise track. With a light breeze blowing his hair, he finds his rhythm in an easy trot. Looking over at the fence, I see Matheas standing and watching. Behind him, Leon and Malark approach.
—MATHEAS—
“She’s stunning in the saddle.”
Controlling my smirk, I greet Malark.
“She is.”
Placing his arms on the fence, he relaxes next to me, watching Fiora with interest.
“Having grown up alongside her and the person who probably knows her better than anyone, I thought it best we speak with one another.”
“What would you like to know?”
“How to win her love.”
My jaw ticks, but I keep my composure otherwise.
“Fiora isn’t the kind of woman you win her affections, you have to earn them.”
“Have you earned it?”
“As her friend and loyal advisor, yes. I’ve been alongside her since we were children.”
“I’m familiar with the details. Do you love her?”
“Is this an interrogation, or did you want to get to know Fiora better?”
“That many years together, as beautiful as she is, it’s a simple equation. I’m not here to question your intentions, Matheas. I’m aware she relies on you greatly. I’d like to be friends, you and me. I’ve never seen a woman as fascinating and beautiful. I genuinely want Fiora, not the throne.”
“Lucky for you, the throne comes with her.”
“I mean it. Throne or not, I want her.”
Looking at him, I fight the urge to clock him in the jaw.
“We should have a drink together tonight. I’d like to talk with you more. How does that sound?”