by Vivian Wood
Rising to my full height, I tower over him, my gaze unyielding.
“No. We need to talk first.”
“Of course. What would you like to talk about?”
“Your garden escapade.”
“Shit, I should’ve known you of all people would catch me leaving. Please understand, Matheas, I have no intention of hurting the Princess or pursuing her. I’m here by obligation of my House.”
“Do you want the throne?”
“No. When the trials and suitor phase are over, I want to return to my home and be with the man I love. I want to see Fiora end up with someone who truly is a match for her. I’m not that man.”
“Does your House know about your relationship?”
“No, I planned to tell them after the trials and suitor phase is over. I figured if Fiora didn’t choose me on her own it would make it easier for me to tell them what I truly want. Are you going to tell her?” Hands beginning to tremble, his fear is getting the best of him.
“Yes, but she won’t share your secret. I can guarantee this. She’ll understand you love someone else.”
“She will?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
When I pause, he leaps.
“You really do love her, don’t you? Malark was right, wasn’t he? Does she love you?”
“Yes, I love her, and I’ll do anything to protect her. Especially from men like him, and you’re going to help me with that.”
“Of course. What can I do?”
“Be my eyes and ears when I can’t be around. Tell me anything I need to know about the intentions of each suitor.”
“You have my cooperation as long as I have your discretion.”
“Then it’s time to let you back inside, but before I do, a word of advice.”
“Yes?”
“Keep your meetings with Cayall more discreet. If another arms man were to catch you, I can’t guarantee I can protect you.”
“Understood. Thank you, Matheas.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
FIORA
The moment Matheas enters my bedroom door, Demerick and I both sigh a breath of relief.
“Where have you been?”
Tilting his head, he gives me his best charming smile and approaches the bed, sitting at the end of it.
“Thank you, Demerick. I have things to discuss with Fiora. You’re relieved of duty.”
“Anything I need to know before I leave?”
“No, we’ll meet in the morning before Fiora’s first trial. Have yourself a good night.”
Demerick’s heavy boots pad across the floor. As soon as he’s gone, Matheas comes forward across the bed and lays his head in my lap.
“I have a lot to tell you.”
“I’m listening,” I reply, massaging my hand over his head and hair.
Raising his wrist in front of him, he brings up the digital monitor and touches the screen entering the code to lock my door. With the click in place, he puts his hands above his head, placing them on my thighs.
“Will you keep rubbing as I tell you?”
Bending down, I kiss his forehead. “Yes.”
“After dinner, I invited the men to shoot targets with me, then drinks in the sitting room. We played billiards and shared flasks of ale. I learned Malark is gluttonous with alcohol and becomes an ass after several drinks. He spent his time either provoking me or sharing out loud with the other men his sexual thoughts about you.”
“With a filthy tongue like his, this news doesn’t surprise me. What else?”
“Kellan doesn’t want to pursue you or the throne. He told me this in private after I caught him laying with another man.”
My hand stops massaging, and Matheas raises his chin to look up and check on me.
“That I didn’t expect. What did you say to him?”
“That we would keep his secret if he helped me spy on the suitors. He agreed, not completely out of fear either. He seemed like he genuinely wanted to help. I trust him.”
“My father trusts his father. I’ve always wondered what it is about Turi my father likes. I’m beginning to realize they’re loyal men and easily get along with us. When I’m Queen, I hope House Nevari will continue to be in union with our House.”
“I have no doubt both houses will be. I might need your help though. I told Kellan to be more discreet with his meetings. If he’s caught, I’ll need your help to protect him.”
“You have it. Anything else?”
“Something is off with Riorrick. When he first arrived, he was outgoing and seemed happy, now he’s getting quiet and irritable.”
“Keep tabs on him. Find out the cause.”
“Will do.”
“And Luther?”
The hand caressing the side of my leg stops.
“Nothing yet. I saw him kiss you today. You seemed to like it.”
“He is a good kisser and has a very relaxed and calm demeanor about him, but he isn’t you, Matheas. He’s too soft. He wouldn’t be able to excite me like you do.”
“Long walks in the garden and sweet tea by the river don’t do it for you?”
Giggling, I playfully pull the shirt of his uniform, revealing his lower abs.
“No, you know I’m far too spirited for a man like him.”
Rolling, he sits on his knees and lifts his shirt off, displaying his muscled chest for me to view.
“You’re right. He could never satisfy you like I can.”
With each movement of his arms, his muscles flex as he crawls across the bed toward me. I lie on my back, and he holds himself above me.
“There’s one thing I still need to do tonight.”
“What’s that?”
“Have you.”
Moving the blanket away from my body, he caresses under my shirt, finding my bare breast beneath my camisole as his tongue ventures into my mouth, warming my body with arousal.
“On my way back to you, I made a trip into town to get something for you.”
“What did you get?”
“Something to help make you more comfortable.”
“What is it?”
Lifting a flap on his pants, he pulls a small tube from his pocket and hands it to me. I look at it and read the words, numbing cream.
“Oh!”
With a salacious grin, he thumbs both sides of my shorts and slips them from my hips.
“With my size, I don’t want to hurt you. I want you to enjoy the way it feels to have me inside you.”
Handing him the tube, he collects it from my hand.
“Will you put it on me?”
“Yes, but not yet. We’ll get to that soon.”
Dropping the tube on the bed, he spreads my legs and places his head between them. My body buzzes to life, tingling all over as his tongue slips between my lips. A moan escapes my parted mouth, and I arch my body as the sensation of an orgasm starts to build. Switching to my clit, he works the sensitive nub with sucks and nips, alternates to rubbing it in circular motions, then returns to working it with his tongue. With a sexy grin, he watches me orgasm, tipping me over the edge. I lose myself to the euphoric sensation overwhelming my body and call out his name.
Lying on top of me, he smothers my moans with his kiss. Lazily coating his finger in my wetness, he presses against the tight hole of my backside, and I groan with pleasure alongside his lips.
Gently entering me, he keeps me pleasured with kisses as he slowly moves his finger in and out. Adding a second one, I whimper with discomfort from the pressure. Noticing, he withdraws his fingers and massages my ass cheeks.
“Turn over for me.”
Face down, I raise my butt in the air. The cool touch of cream is spread over me as he feathers kisses along my back. Entering me again, I feel pressure and fullness, but no discomfort. Another finger and he works my hole, stretching me, preparing me for him.
When he separates from me, my body craves his return. Turning to face him, I watch him remove his pants and take his le
ngth in his hand, stroking it as he steps back onto the bed. Lying above me, he holds his cock, lining up with my backside. Just as I feel the pressure of his head, his lips come down on me, loving my mouth with his. Placing his hands in mine, he intertwines our fingers as he thrusts further into me.
The feeling of fullness is exceptional. He pulls back and thrusts into me again, slowly filling me to his base. As our kisses grow with heated desire, his thrusts increase in pace. Our breaths deepen, and my body hums with ecstasy. The feelings he creates within me take me on a high like no other. The pleasure he gives is an addiction I won’t be able to fight. Lips swollen and aching for release, he thumbs my pussy, rubbing my clit with force as his cock pleasures me.
Giving over to the sensation coursing through my body, I cry out as I come hard, soaking his hand. Still thrusting into me, he groans through his release, sealing our incredible intimacy with a kiss that lasts through the final waves of my orgasm.
Remaining inside me, he nuzzles my neck, placing kisses along the side, up to my cheek, and back to my lips.
“That was indescribable, Fi. I’ve never felt anything so good.”
With emotion-filled eyes, he stares down at me. I see it in the way he looks at me. I know what he’s feeling. It’s a feeling I’ve been fighting for some time, but no matter how much I tried to ignore it or find excuses for it, I couldn’t. It’s been building. A need ready to explode. And now’s the time.
“Matheas… I love you.”
Gently pulling out, he turns us on our sides. Brushing my hair behind my ear, he caresses my cheek. Cupping my face, he kisses me affectionately.
“I love you, Fi, like nothing else in this world. You’re all I’ve ever wanted.”
“You have me. I’m yours. These trials, the suitor phase, they’re all just obstacles until I’m crowned. Until I can be with you without barriers.”
“Until then, I’ll do my best to remain patient. It’s difficult when I have to watch these men pursue you, kiss you, and talk about how much they’d like to lay with you. You’re mine, Fi. You always have been. None of them deserve you.”
“I’ll do my best to keep a balance between seeming interested and keeping them at arm’s length. If it becomes too difficult, have Demerick stay with me during the dates.”
“No, it’s my duty to protect you. I’ll put my anger aside because I know at night, I’m the one who will have you.”
“Will you stay with me every night?”
“Yes.”
His kiss is warm and affectionate, matching the way it feels to be in his arms.
“Let’s draw a bath. I’ll massage you and wash your hair. I want you to wake up feeling good.”
“I can’t imagine feeling better than I do now.”
“That’s a challenge I intend to take on.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
FIORA
Soft knocking on my bedroom door stirs me awake. Matheas is already out of bed, putting his soldier uniform on.
“It’s too early. Make them go away.”
“I will.”
Fully clothed, he enters his code to unlock the door.
“Good Morning, Matheas,” my Grand Nina sing-songs.
“Morning, Nina.”
“I see you two have been cozy.”
Matheas chuckles, pink flushing his cheeks.
“Her purity is intact.”
“I’m sure it is. I came to warn you both that Belore is meeting with your father now, trying to negotiate a marriage with you, Fiora.”
Bolting up, I hold the blanket above my chest.
“Father is refusing, isn’t he?”
“He is, but Belore is being insistent and not accepting the refusal.”
“I should join them. Make my stance known.”
“I advise against it,” Matheas instructs. “It’s best you stay away from him. You showing up can instigate him to fight harder.”
“Just like a child scorned, they disobey out of spite.”
“Exactly,” Matheas agrees with Nina.
“Fine, I’ll prepare for the maze race, but I warn you both. If given the opportunity, one-on-one, I’m making it clear to him, there’ll never be a marriage between us.”
“There won’t be any one-on-ones if I have a say.”
“You do, and I’ll follow your suggestion, for now,” I tell him.
Nina’s light cerulean eyes fill with warmth as she looks at us both. “You two do well together. It brings me relief knowing you’ll always be by her side to protect her.”
In his deep pool of blue is the gaze of a man who holds his secrets close. “She’ll always be mine to protect.”
Nina’s mouth creeps into a tilted smile as she looks at him staring at me. “That’s something we both know to be true.” Tapping her soul band, she reminds us of the time. “I’ll send your staff up to prepare you for today’s trials.”
“All I need is a tray of food and Ria to do my hair and makeup. I can handle the rest.”
With a huff, she throws up her hands. “If only she’d listen to me as well as she listens to you, Matheas.”
With a chuckle, he moves to her side, looping his hand through her arm, escorting her to the door.
“Let’s be thankful she has a mind of her own. A good Queen needs to be independent and able to fend for herself.”
“Such a wise young man, you are.” Patting his arm, she raises onto the tips of her toes to kiss him on the cheek. Angling toward her, he eases the effort of her short legs. Leaving us, the automated door slides shut behind her.
Matheas returns to the bed, removing his shirt as he climbs atop me.
“We have time before your breakfast arrives. Before then, I want to have mine.”
Lowering the blanket, he uncovers my naked frame, spreading my thighs apart.
Ria, having already put my hair into a French braid left moments ago. With the maze trial countdown happening in minutes, Matheas slips a blade into the hidden sheath in my pants, then another into the sheath of my leather top.
“Without knowing what the racers plans are, be prepared for anything. Their efforts will probably be physical combat or to push you in a direction you become lost. Don’t let them.”
“I won’t,” I assure him.
Grabbing a pair of open-fingered, leather gloves, I take the lead out of the preparation room to the entrance room. Inside the entrance room, I pull the leather gloves on and secure the wrist strap. Raising one of my hands to his lips, Matheas kisses my fingertips.
“See you after.”
With his departure, I have nothing but the countdown to watch. I wait, and above the door, the light flashes green. The view of the crowd is blocked by wooden walls too high for me to see over, but I have no doubt the stadium viewers can see me fine as the seats they occupy are higher in the stadium than the top of these walls. One thing I can see is a large digital clock suspended above the maze, and below that, my own live image. The clock is counting down from an hour.
Moving forward carefully, I reach an intersection in the shape of a Y. Looking down the paths, I try to determine the direction to go, but at this point, it’s a guessing game. Taking the right path, I turn right again and I’m immediately brought to a dead end. Returning to the intersection, I take the left path this time. I’m brought to several more intersections with the same situation, dead ends where I have to return to the second path.
Having not seen any other racers yet, I assume each of us entered different entrances at once, or at least I had my own separate entrance. With this thought, I hear the sound of feet quickly pounding the ground behind me. Glancing over my shoulder, I have seconds to duck. A short, muscular woman lunges forward. With her momentum forcing her, she rolls over my back and lands on the ground. I prepare myself for a fight and take my stance, feet apart and fists protecting my face.
She swings first, aiming for my face. Knocking her outstretched arm into the air, I punch back, clipping her jaw. Taking a couple of steps back, s
he bounces on her feet, recovering quickly. Lunging forward, her voice bellows in the air as she puts force into plowing into me, knocking us both on the ground. With her straddling me, I grab her shirt, pulling her toward me. She tries to scoot back, but I raise a leg, wrapping it around her neck while using my arms and hands to block her strikes. Squeezing my leg hard, drool seeps from the corners of her mouth. Her eyes bulge as she struggles for breath.
“Yield, now,” I order.
The blonde woman’s hand goes into the air, giving the signal of surrender.
Releasing my hold around her neck, she sucks in air. Touching her shoulder, I check on her condition before leaving her.
“You good?”
With a reassuring nod, she touches her hand to her throat. On my feet, I give her one last fleeting glance as I continue farther into the maze. Coming to another intersection, the walls change from wood to glass and mirrors. My senses automatically heighten because of my own movement in the reflections. It’s a strategic move, an effort to rattle my nerves. Movement in my periphery warns me there is someone passing along the wall parallel to mine.
Keeping close to the wall, I look up at the monitor and see her limber body on the other side. Within seconds she’s out of the camera’s view. With the time ticking down, I continue on, remembering what directions I’ve already taken. Several steps forward, a figure erupts from an empty panel to my left where glass was supposed to be. Her weight and speed crash us both into the glass to my right, cracking it.
With a hand to my elbow, I grimace from the pain throbbing there, but I don’t have time to work through it. Her leg is already sweeping my knees, knocking me on my ass. With a thud, I look up at an expression of delight. She’s thrilled to have surprised and taken down the warrior Princess. With my boot flying toward her, I kick her in the lower back, and she howls from the blunt force of it. With another kick, I slam my boot into her knee. It buckles to the right, and she drops to the ground, her eyes pinched closed in pain.
“Yield!” I demand.
With a shaky hand in the air, she gives the signal.
Rubbing the pain from my elbow, I glance up at the clock and see my time ticking away. Leaving the glass and mirror walls, I wander into wooden walls again. The first one has a ladder along the wall, and I take the advantage to get a good view of my landscape. Checking the monitor, I don’t see anyone on the other side of the wall. Taking the rungs with sturdy feet, I rise to the top. Viewing the landscape, I see the exit and begin memorizing the paths to get there. Hearing a whistle of a laser gun, I whip my head in the direction of its sound just as it sears my arm, in the exact place that was slammed into the glass wall. Jumping to the ground from the top of the wall, I hiss in a breath from my seared flesh.