by Vivian Wood
“Will you fasten the back for me?”
The touch of his fingers graze my skin with each button he loops. Once finished, he caresses my arms, kissing my neck softly.
“You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
Spinning me to face him, he takes my hand in his and kisses it.
“Ready?”
“I am.”
Together, we enter the Royal dinner tent, and my eyes sweep the crowd, immediately noticing the newcomers. A man who appears close to my age and wears the Iowan symbol steps forward. Hair as dark as night, eyes as green as emeralds and as predatory as a wild animal, he takes my hand, giving it the customary kiss.
“I’m Belore, Prince of Iowan. I’m very pleased to meet you in person, Princess. You’re far lovelier than words have described.”
“That’s very kind. It’s a pleasure to meet you also. I’m honored you and your father came to view my trials.”
“And a spectacle it was. You were magnificent out there. Truly mesmerizing.” Raising my hand again, he kisses it once more, his devilish eyes capturing mine as his lips touch my skin. A sickly sensation crawls over my body, settling in the pit of my stomach. This man emanates danger. I can feel it reaching into my very bones. When Kellan approaches, I’m thankful for the excuse to get away from him.
“Thank you, Belore. Please enjoy the dinner this evening. We’ll speak again.”
Looping my hand in Kellan’s arm, I use him to walk away from Prince Belore. Glancing over my shoulder, I see him staring at my backside, his gaze wicked. Matheas’s stare is dangerously focused on him, hand at his thigh, his fingers lace the top of his blade I know is hidden inside the fabric of his uniform.
“Kellan, thank you for such an exhilarating trial today. The fireworks were a marvelous touch.”
“They were my idea, Princess. I’m pleased you enjoyed them.”
Taking my seat at the table, Kellan sits next to me, and within moments, Luther is on my other side. Smiling at him, I’m impressed to see him make an aggressive move over the other men. Whether it’s his or the instigation of his house, makes me curious.
“Tomorrow morning is the maze race. With how well you’ve been doing I’m eager to see you succeed through our trial.”
“How many others will be entering the race alongside me?”
“I can’t share the number, but I have no doubt you’ll come out first.”
“I appreciate your confidence. We’ll see how it goes.”
Touching my hand, I look at him surprised. Placing his fingers between mine, he stands, bringing me with him.
“We have some time before dinner arrives. Will you walk with me?”
“Of course.”
Glancing at Kellan, he doesn’t seem to mind Luther is stealing me away from him. He’s more focused on the conversation with Riorrick. Leaving the tent, several eyes follow us with many different expressions crossing their faces.
Fingers gripping my silky dress, I lift the fabric as Luther leads me in the direction of the palace gardens. Staying a short distance behind us, I take note of Matheas, Pollo, Demerick, and Dante all within eyeshot of us.
“Where are we headed?”
“Somewhere private where I can enjoy your company alone.”
Reaching the edge of the gardens, he stops and picks a pink rose and hands it to me. Bringing it to my nose, I inhale the sweet scent.
“Thank you. You’ve been so quiet, I’m surprised by the change.”
“I’m not the kind of man to aggressively pursue a woman,” he tells me, taking my hand again, leading me through the garden rows. “I prefer things to happen naturally, but I realized if I didn’t show you my interest, I’d be overshadowed by the men vying for your attention.”
“I’m glad you’ve decided to be more open with me.”
“Can I ask you something personal?”
“You can ask, and I can decide if I want to answer.” Giving a sideways glance, I see his mouth tilt in humor.
“What kind of man are you looking for to reign by your side?”
“A strong man, physically and mentally. A man who would be loyal and devoted to me and his territory. A man who above all truly loves me. I don’t want a marriage to a man who only wants the crown or who lies with me only for my body. I want an equal, Luther. Someone I can trust and love.”
“You want real love, not a marriage of convenience?”
“Yes.”
“I could give you that.”
“You could?”
“Yes.” Stopping us, he runs a hand over my hair, grazing my breast with the back of his hand before dropping the strands. “I genuinely care about you and love Anauka. I don’t think all the suitors do. I think some want the pleasure of laying with you and some want the throne.”
“What do you want?”
“I want the same as you. Something real. I don’t want to spend my life with a woman who doesn’t truly love me. I want what you’ve described.”
“We’ll be spending more time together in the coming weeks. You’ll have the time to prove that.”
Taking both my hands, he steps closer, looking down at me with his soft, cerulean blue eyes. Being this close, I notice how much taller he is than Matheas, how his sharp jaw and cheekbones are thinner. Leaning down, he moves in closer to kiss me.
Hand on my cheek, he holds my face tenderly as he kisses me. Moving his lips slowly as if time is in his control, he kisses with skill and passion. My body unexpectedly responds, my nipples tingling, my mind fuzzy.
When his lips pull away, I blink twice, my lips parted with quiet breaths. Swiping his thumb over my lips, he stares down at me, keeping me locked in the moment.
“I’ll think of you until we can spend time together again which I hope is soon.”
Placing his arm around my back, he walks casually, keeping his pace with mine, leading us back to the Royal dinner tent.
“Tomorrow is not a simple maze race. The intention of the racers is not to finish the race before you, it’s to stop you from finishing at all.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Because I want to help you win.”
“I appreciate that.”
Returning to the tent, his fingers caress up my back as I take my seat. While dinner is set out for us, he gives me a sideways glance, winking at me.
Throughout dinner, the men each enter into conversation with me, discussing the previous trials, the upcoming trials as well as dates they’d like to plan. The entire time, Matheas and Belore each watch with focused stares, but I know the thoughts of each man are significantly different. As the plates are cleared, I stand and excuse myself.
“Thank you for the lovely company during dinner. I’m going to return to the palace to relax for the evening. I hope you enjoy the rest of yours.”
Matheas remains behind with the suitors as we planned. Demerick flanks my side as soon as I step foot out of the tent, returning to the palace with me.
“Matheas insists I stay with you at all times until he returns.”
“Good, I’d prefer it that way. I don’t trust the Iowans.”
“I hear Belore is here to negotiate for marriage, not just to watch the trials.”
“His efforts are wasted. My father would never agree and neither will I.”
“That’s good, Princess. He’s not a good man.”
“So I hear. Why isn’t he exactly?”
“Talk spreads through the territories. He’s lethal in his reign and in his bedroom. Women have gone in with supple untainted skin and come out with permanent marks.”
My feet stop in my tracks.
“He likes to hurt the women he lays with?”
“Those are rumors, but I’ve heard them too many times not to believe them.”
“Why would he do that to them?” Bile pushes its way up my throat, and I force it back down.
“For some reason, he gets a thrill from it.”
“He’s a sick bastar
d.”
“Which is why your father has security on him every second.”
“Perhaps I should speak with him. Tell him the truth that I’m not willing to accept his marriage proposal.”
“No. Matheas gave direct orders you’re to have no contact with him unless publicly. Your father will handle refusing his proposal.”
“All right. Can you call and have horses prepared? You and I are going riding. I need a break from the palace and the business of the trials.”
“Of course.”
CHAPTER SIX
MATHEAS
“I hear you see the Princess naked on a regular basis. Is this true, Matheas?”
Inside the men’s sitting room, I’m surrounded by Fiora’s four suitors. With the fire blazing in the hearth, Malark and Riorrick are sitting across from me, comfortably drinking the best liquor Anauka has to offer. To my left, Kellan and Luther are focused on a game of billiards—that is until they hear Malark’s question. Switching their attention to me, they await my answer.
Adjusting in the fine leather seat, I bring the glass in my hand to my lips and take a slow drink of Anaukin ale.
“When, where, and how often the Princess is nude is none of your business.”
Malark’s lip curls fiendishly. “So, it’s true then. She’s gorgeous under those dresses, isn’t she?”
With the alcohol Malark’s consumed, I know his filter has been turned off, his desire for Fiora more evident than ever.
“He’s not going to tell you, Malark,” Luther responds, his tone etched with annoyance. “He’s loyal to her.”
“He loves her,” Malark snaps. “I know you all see it as I do.”
“He’s grown up with her,” Luther replies easily. “Why wouldn’t he love her?”
Watching them speak about me as if I’m not here brings a low rumble of laughter from my chest. Between their competitiveness, insecurities, and loose tongues, the liquor is doing my job for me.
“Why love a woman you can’t have? It’s foolish,” Malark replies, rolling his eyes.
Kellan sets his cue stick back on the stand and fills a glass with Anaukin ale.
“You should be more understanding, Malark. We’re Royals. It’s not often we get the luxury of being with who we want. She can only choose one of us. It means three others leave brokenhearted.”
“I don’t plan to be one of those three,” he replies, lifting his glass for another drink. Having kept track, I know that’s the fifth glass he’s about to finish. Another glass and he’ll be spilling his secrets at my feet.
“You’re too confident she’ll choose you,” Riorrick tells Malark, eyes narrowed to slits.
“You think she’ll choose you, Riorrick? I have yet to see you speak to her more than at meals. I’ve already kissed her.”
“Don’t be boastful, Malark. So have I.” Raising a brow, Luther dares Malark to retort.
Riorrick’s mouth twists into a frown. Raising his glass, he finishes off his ale.
“We have plenty of time to kiss her. It’s several weeks before she chooses a suitor,” he says matter-of-factly. “There’s no need to come on strong and shove our tongues down her throat.”
“Do you not like women, Riorrick? Why would you not be in a hurry to taste her? Do you not find her attractive? I certainly do. I want to taste more than her mouth.”
Tipping my glass back, I finish off the ale. Rising to my feet, I shove the growing hatred toward Malark down into my gut. King Gregory’s words repeat in my head. 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.
“Did I touch a nerve, Matheas?” Tone antagonistic, I ignore the taunt and fill myself another glass, remembering whose arms Fiora will be lying in tonight.
“Fiora encouraged me to spend time with each of you. She wants you to use that time wisely to get to know her well. She’s determined the man she marries be the right match for her. Is there anything of importance you’d like to know, or would you prefer to continue sharing the ways you’d like to violate the Princess?”
With a huff, Malark reaches to the stand and grabs the flask just as I’ve set it down.
“Like you haven’t thought of the things you’d like to do to her.”
“Careful, Malark, he is her advisor and one of the most skilled arms men in Anauka. It would be wise of you to be in his favor rather than antagonize him,” Kellan warns.
Glancing at Kellan, I tip my head at him in respect.
“If you’re so skilled, show us something. All I’ve seen you do is follow the Princess around like a pet.”
With swift movement, I remove the blade from its hidden sheath in my pants and hurl the blade at his feet. The blade pierces the floor with precision, parallel to his shoe. Jerking his foot, the blade keeps a slither of his leather shoe behind with it.
“That was close enough,” he growls.
The rest of the men snicker, not hiding their amusement.
“You asked. I obliged.”
Kellan steps up next to me, placing his elbow on my shoulder, leaning against me.
“That was delightful to watch,” he whispers.
“Matheas,” Riorrick draws my attention his direction. “Fiora is trained in many things. Her talents seem endless. Is there anything she’d like her husband to be able to do?” A hint of worry is evident in his tone.
“Yes, horseback riding. If you can’t ride a horse, I suggest learning now. And being strong enough to protect her. If you can’t make her feel safe, she’ll have no need for you.”
“What about political affairs? Anything that is indisputable for her?” Luther asks, the interest apparent in his voice.
“She has zero tolerance for extreme offenders, she wants to extend our trade with more territories, and she feels more monetary value needs to go toward the continued advancement of our technology.”
“Extending trade with more territories would undoubtedly need more security. It makes sense,” Kellan says aloud. “I think Fiora is sensible when it comes to political affairs.”
“She is,” I assure him.
“Well as lovely as this has been,” Malark starts off sarcastically. “I’m ready to return to my room.”
“I’m going to do the same. Our trial is tomorrow morning. Best I’m prepared,” Luther shares, returning his cue to the stand.
“Same here,” Riorrick says, placing his empty glass back on the tray with the flask.
“And things were just getting good. Shame,” Kellan quips.
Malark glances over his shoulder, glowering at Kellan as he leaves the room. Luther looks back at us with a slight smile quirking his lips. Riorrick follows them out, his shoulders slumped, clearly with a lot on his mind.
The sound of liquid splashes into a glass behind me. Kellan hands me a glass with a small amount of ale, then fills another for himself.
“Thank you for the good company, Matheas. It was enjoyable to see Malark put in his place. It’s clear that man doesn’t care for Fiora. All he wants is the pleasure of laying with her and wearing the crown. He’s as transparent as glass.”
“More so when he’s drunk.”
“And more of a jerk. I don’t imagine Fiora would tolerate how disrespectful he becomes after drinking.”
“She wouldn’t.”
Swallowing the ale in one long gulp, he sets the empty glass down and walks toward the door.
“Have a good night, Matheas.”
“You as well.”
When Kellan leaves, I press the touchscreen monitor on the wall, putting out the fire and turning out the lights. Closing the door behind me, I notice Kellan exiting the bottom of the stairs, checking his surroundings as he goes. That direction isn’t to his room. Following, I take the steps quickly and silently. Avoiding the front doors of the palace, Kellan slips down a corridor that leads to the door to the gardens.
Keeping to the shadows, I watch him enter his guest code at the monitor. The doo
r slides open, and he steps out. Waiting a few moments, I enter my code and leave through the same door. With the light of the waning moon, I catch a glimpse of his hastily moving frame headed toward the gardens.
Knowing the gardens as well as the palace, I take a parallel route to his, following the sound of his feet across the ground. His steps come to an end when he’s reached a private area with hedges too high to be seen over.
“Did anyone follow you?” A man’s voice asks, his uneasiness apparent.
“No, they’ve all gone to bed. I made sure no one saw me.”
“I’ve missed you, Kell.”
“I’ve missed you too.”
The sound of lips coming together passes through the hedge.
“I know I shouldn’t have come, but I couldn’t stay away.”
“I’m glad you came. It’s been torture pretending while I’m here. I wish I was home with you in bed.”
“There is somewhere we haven’t laid together yet.”
“You’re a wicked lover, Cayall. It’s why I love you.”
“Do you want to here in the gardens?”
“Yes. My cock is already growing hard from the thought of it.”
The sound of kissing and quickened breaths are followed by buttons unfastening. Licking and sucking become mixed with the moaning of Kellan’s voice. The sucking slows, and more kissing and movement stir the silent night. Soon, pelvis-to-ass slaps repeatedly, and both men cry out in pleasure.
Having heard enough, I move through the gardens, my feet quiet and light. Returning to the door Kellan escaped through, I press my soul band. With the screen raised, I lock the door only to be opened by my code. Taking a seat against the terrace wall, I await Kellan’s return.
Forty-five minutes later, I hear him climbing the steps. Passing me without any realization I’m there, he touches his soul band, enters his code and quickly becomes alarmed when the door doesn’t open.
“Evening, Kellan.”
Whipping toward the sound of my voice, Kellan’s eyes widen in fear. Immediately composing himself, he stands tall and adjusts his shirt.
“My code doesn’t appear to be working. Would you mind letting me back in?”