by Vivian Wood
“Shit!”
I need to remember going forward House Cindora is clever and ruthless. Which brings me to the thought that Luther may not be as soft and boring as I thought. Moving forward, I see more ladders on the walls. They’re meant to give me an advantage to get farther along the maze paths, but now I know what the cost is. Looking up at the clock, concern tickles my gut. With how much I saw left of the maze, taking a couple ladders isn’t an option, it’s a necessity. With a deep breath, I ascend the ladder nearest to me and as soon as I come close to the top, I move fast, taking a leap off the top and over. The blast of a laser gun singes the bottom of my pant leg, but otherwise, I’m fine.
Taking several more paths, I decide it’s time to take another ladder. Doing so, I look up at the monitor to check the other side, and this time, there’s someone there. Continuing on, I search for another wall with a ladder. When I find it, I check the monitor, seeing it’s clear on the other side. Climbing it, I do the same as before, thrusting myself into the air and over the wall. A laser sears my ankle, and I curse as I land on my feet. Taking a few deep breaths, I work through the pain as I watch the time quickly counting down on the monitor, leaving me with little time left. Bringing my wrist within view, I click the button on my soul band and call Matheas.
“What’s wrong?”
“Remind me to give Luther a beating after this.”
“I’ll do it for you,” he seethes.
“The crowd is eerily silent.”
“You have them on the edge of their seats.”
“How much farther am I from the end?”
“About a mile.”
“All right, be ready to catch me at the end.”
“Fiora?”
Clicking the button, I disconnect.
Launching into a sprint, I do my best to remember the directions, only miscalculating twice. Finding another ladder, I climb without hesitation. Launching into the air, I take a laser in my side. Dropping to the ground, I roll, easing the pressure off my ankle and spit into the sand beneath me. Pain throbs in my entire side, making me wince when I stand. Pushing my body forward, I keep a steady pace running.
When I notice the walls ahead of me are changing to metal walls, I slow. Walking past the first wall, a blast of flames releases behind me. A warning shot. Letting me know what’s to come ahead. Running is now a much riskier option. Looking up at the digital clock, I curse. Ten minutes left to go. Running is the only option.
Keeping alert, I pick up the pace. Another blast releases behind me so close, the heat licks my skin. Ahead of me, I recognize the sound of another blast about to release. Lunging forward on all fours, I slide under it. With sand in my face, I brush it off and keep running. The wind-up sound of another flame blaster whines from the wall. This one is low, blasting out and forcing my reflexes to launch me into the air. I come crashing down on the other side, rolling in the sand, but free of any burns.
Breath labored, I push my fatigued body into a run once more. The clock above is ticking down the last three minutes. Exhausted, my lungs burn with overexertion, but I can’t stop. I’m so close. The whining noise is ahead of me, but I don’t slow. Flames, scorching red hot, sample my skin, leaving behind its memory in the form of merciless pain. With tears threatening to dribble down my cheeks, I breathe hard through my nose and exhale through my mouth. Seeing the end in sight, I pump my legs as fast as they’ll go, dodge one last flame blast as it screams behind me. Just outside the exit, I see the flag and behind it, Matheas. Seeing him gives me the energy boost I need. Ignoring the ache of my tired muscles, I sprint toward the flag, leap, and rip it from its pole. Body flying through the air, I come crashing down in Matheas’s waiting arms. The digital clock buzzes, and the sound of the crowd is a distant drone in my ears. Matheas lifts my body in his arms, holding me close to his chest.
“You did it, Fi.”
“Take me to the healing chamber,” I murmur. “I hurt too much to care.”
Inside the vertical booth, I grimace as the laser touches my wounded skin, reminding me of each injury. When it’s over, I step out, my body so sore Matheas has to help me to the bathtub. Placing my body in it, I let the healing liquids in the water and the pain relief injection work away my remaining aches. Laying my head back, I relax, closing my eyes. The lightest touch of lips brush mine. Opening my eyes, I see Matheas staring at me with a mixture of concern and adoration.
“That trial pushed you to your limits.”
“I’m afraid of what the Fire and Water trial will require me to do. It’s only a few hours from now.”
“After seeing you today, I believe you’ll pass whatever it is. You didn’t let pain or fear stop you from reaching your goal. The other trials were mere games. Today, you showed your real strength. You will again tonight.”
Touching his hand, I slide my fingers under his, holding them tight.
“Seeing you at the end, it helped me get there. I love you.”
Touching my cheek, he caresses it with his thumb.
“And I you. Tonight, I’ll take my time showing you that love.”
“Will you show me some of it now?”
“Without question.”
Rolling his sleeve up, he reaches below the water, finding my center. Mouth to mouth, he increases my arousal as his fingers massage my clit, easing away the last of my pain.
A knock outside the healing chamber door withdraws his hand from me. With a wink, he dries his arm on my nearby towel and lowers his sleeve. Leaving my side, he answers the door. My father’s voice distantly carries into the chamber.
“Is she all right?”
“She is. Completely healed. She’s soaking in the healing tub.”
My father lets out the breath he was holding.
“That trial was violent. Too violent,” he complains.
“Don’t let House Cindora know you feel that way.”
“I wouldn’t, son. As a King, I know better than to do such things. Our House can’t be seen as weak. I’ll see you both at the lunch tent. I wanted to ensure she’s well.”
“See you there soon, Your Highness.”
Returning to me, Matheas gathers a towel as I’m stepping out of the tub. With a drop of his gaze, he admires my naked body. Kissing my cheek, he hugs the soft towel around me, warming me with his own body.
“Only one more and the trials are over.”
“Thankfully.”
Putting my head to his, I rest comfortably in the safety and protection of his arms.
With a strapless gold dress falling to my feet, I gather the fabric in my hand as I step into the tent. By the time the fabric touches the ground, I’m surrounded by the Royal families.
“That will be a trial spoken about for years to come,” Luther says aloud, pulling me away from the crowd. Putting hands on both sides of my shoulders, he rubs them. “House Cindora is beyond honored you completed our trial with such skill and fervor.”
“Thank you for such a challenging trial. It was my honor to complete it,” I reply humbly.
Looping his hand through my arm, he stands next to me proudly. His mother, as tall and as fair-haired as him, steps forward, handing us both a glass of wine.
“To Fiora,” Luther starts. “A Princess as radiant as a precious stone. As fearless as a warrior. Who delights with her talents and charms with her character. You’re a woman worthy of love and respect. The kind I would be blessed to give…if you choose me.”
Ending his speech, he presses his soft lips to my cheek.
Behind us, a gathered group of onlookers burst out in applause and cheers. In front of us, the Royal families have expressions filled with mixed emotions, the gazes of the other suitors shooting daggers in Luther’s direction.
“To Fiora and Luther!” Luther’s father says to the crowd.
Behind a glass of wine, my father’s humored smile tilts his mouth. Everyone takes a drink, and beyond my glass, I seek out Matheas. He’s standing to the right of the crowd, by the entrance w
here he can see threats from both sides. His eyes are not on us though but something behind me. When his back straightens and his eyes narrow, I glance over my shoulder to see what is causing him tension.
Belore’s deadly gaze at my back crawls across my skin, alerting my senses to his looming presence. Entering the tent, he boldly steps up to me. Taking my hand, he kisses the top of it. The way his emerald eyes undress me churns nausea in my stomach.
“Princess,” the word rolls off his tongue like a snake’s, eerily slipping from its mouth. “You’re a magnificent woman.” Lowering my hand, I swiftly bring it back to my side. “Will you walk with me? There’s something I’d like to discuss with you beneficial to both our territories.”
With a quick glance at my father, his lip curls in anger. Giving him a silent, Please stay calm, I can handle this, I return my attention to Belore.
“It must be brief, Prince Belore. Our meal will surely be here at any moment.”
“Of course.”
With his gesture for me to leave the tent with him, I step out, leading the way. Joining my side, he walks alongside me, much closer than is customary. Without having to look, I know there’s multiple arms men with a view on me from several directions.
“Are you enjoying the trials so far?”
“I am. You’ve amazed me with your strength and skills.”
“You’re too kind.”
Looking at his side profile, his devilish smirk pulls at his lips.
“I’m not only here to support your trials. I’m here because I’ll soon be King of Iowan and will need to take a Queen. You and I are two very similar people. We’re both born to lead, both strong warriors, and both enjoy a challenge. I see you as a woman who matches me. Who could handle the man I am. However, it’s not only myself I’m thinking of, but of our territories as well. Our lands are connected on one entire boundary. Combined, our joined territories could dominate trade and have an army fiercer than the Free territory.” Stopping at a vendor booth, we face one another. “Together, you and I would be unbeatable and fiercely powerful.”
Staring into his dark emerald eyes, I see a dangerous man determined to achieve his goals. A man who will soon become a King to a neighboring territory, and at this moment, my answer will determine our fate, making him an ally or an enemy.
“You’ve given me a lot to think about. With a decision as impactful as my future and the future of Anauka, I’m sure you understand I need time to come to an answer.”
“Of course.”
When he steps closer, my skin prickles with goosebumps. Placing a hand at the nape of my neck, he leans in to say something private.
“I always get what I want, and I want you, Fiora. Give me your hand in marriage, and I can guarantee you pleasure like no man can. I can show your body that pleasure has no bounds.” Lowering his hand, he caresses my neck, his thumb grazing the top of my cleavage. “Between you and me, I believe you’re a woman who craves that kind of satisfaction.”
Blushing uncomfortably, I pull my gaze from his. Meeting Matheas’s furious eyes, I keep the contact. He approaches with quick steps, and I shake my head, stopping him. Returning my attention to Belore, I force a smile. Taking his hand in mine, I lower it.
“Careful, Belore. It’s not wise to assume what satisfies me.”
Raising one brow, he admires me, licking his lower lip. “I’d take great pleasure in discovering what you can and cannot handle.”
Discomfort at the thought whips up the back of my spine, squaring my shoulders in response.
“It’s time I return for the Royal lunch. I’ll consider your proposal. Enjoy the trials, Prince Belore.”
Feeling his eyes on my back, I don’t need to look to confirm it. Matheas puts his arm out for me to take it. Slipping my arm in his, I keep my gaze forward, my posture straight, regardless of the rapid beating below my chest.
“If he touches me again, hurt him.”
“You have my promise.”
Matheas moves his arm, placing it behind my back, comforting me with his touch as he guides me into the tent. Everyone’s conversations stop when I arrive. I know they’re worried, wondering what the Prince had to say.
“Thank you for your patience. Please do not concern yourself with the conversation between the Prince and me. Everything continues as planned.”
That satisfies the crowd. Chatter picks up again, and I take a seat to enjoy the meal prepared. At the end of the lunch, Kellan comes to my chair.
“Princess, could we walk together?”
“Of course.”
Giving him my hand, I stand from the chair. Outside of the tent, he leads me toward the pergola overlooking the pond. Intertwined through the white wood is a plethora of hanging purple wisteria. Beyond the pergola is a teal blue pond with two flawless swans swimming in the center.
“To me, this is the most romantic place in the palace,” I share. “It’s where I would want to get married.”
Kellan leans against the post, looking out over the water, admiring the swans as I am.
“It is a special place.” Letting out a deep sigh, he meets my gaze. “Thank you for not sharing my secret.”
“I never will,” I assure him. “It’s not my secret to tell.”
“I appreciate your point of view more than I can express.”
“Let your heart settle. You’re safe here. I won’t let anything happen to you. You just have to tolerate kissing me every once in a while.”
With a wink from me, his expression relaxes, and he smiles. The kind of smile that lifts a heavy heart and brightens the darkest days. The kind of smile that would likely flutter any other woman’s heart
“Can I have your loyalty, Kellan? In my world, I need all the allies I can get.”
Stepping closer, he takes my hand, rubbing it in his.
“You have it. I don’t have many people I can truly be myself with or even trust. I need you as much as you need me.”
Leaning in, I hug him. It takes him by surprise. For a moment, he stands still, arms in place. Relaxing, he wraps his arms around me, holding me close against him.
“If I didn’t prefer men, I believe I’d fall for you. You have a beautiful soul, Fiora.”
Releasing one another, I smile up at him.
“I have a feeling once I get to know you better, I’ll feel the same.”
Tapping my nose playfully, he grins.
“Just as long as you don’t go falling for me.”
“I think we both know that won’t be happening.”
“It’s true. If I’m correct, your heart already belongs to someone else.”
Nibbling my lip, I look away at the two picturesque swans. Kellan gently brings my face back to his.
“Your secret is safe with me, Princess. I guarantee it.”
“Thank you.”
Looping my arm in his, I gesture toward the Royal tent.
“We better get back. I have the next trial to prepare for.”
“Speaking of that. I got Riorrick talking. The trial is some kind of physical obstacle course. He wouldn’t go into detail, only said it will be the most challenging trial of all, and it will be harrowing.”
“I’m beginning to believe these men want to kill me so they can usurp the crown.”
“They’re trying to impress you by challenging you. We all heard great tales about you before arriving.”
“They were exaggerated.”
“No, they weren’t,” he winks.
Approaching the tent, he stops us, placing his hands on my face.
“Time to put on a show.”
Before I have time to react, he sweeps my lips with his. Keeping his tongue inside his mouth, he kisses me sweetly. Around us, people of Anauka watch and whistle. No doubt the display is drawing the attention of the other suitors. When his kiss ends, I grin up at him.
“Well played, Kellan, well played.”
Taking my hand, he gives it a friendly squeeze.
“Best to keep up appearanc
es.”
“Agreed.”
Matheas is leaning against one of the tent poles, watching us with a light-hearted smile. As we near, he pats Kellan on the back as if giving a stamp of approval. Others see this, and I know it gives the impression Matheas likes Kellan as a choice for me. These two are playing the crowd very well.
CHAPTER NINE
FIORA
Inside the preparation room, I fist Matheas’s hair as his mouth kisses between my legs, my orgasm coming to a blissful and satisfying end. Dropping my leg off his shoulder, he stands, wiping his mouth before sealing mine with his.
“Do you know what you taste like, Fi?” Looking at him he gives me a salacious grin. “Mine. Whenever, wherever I want you.”
“How does it feel to have the Princess of Anauka at the mercy of your touch?”
“Dangerous.” Lifting my legs, he wraps them around his pant covered waist, pushing his erection against my core. “But you and I never have liked things easy, have we?”
Pulling his shirt, I bring his lips an inch from mine.
“No, we haven’t.”
Crashing my lips to his, I smother his moan as I thrust my center over his cock. With a growl slipping from his lips, he stops pushing against me.
“Fi, we need to stop before I take your purity here and now.” Lowering my legs, he puts his hands on each side of me, palms flat on the wall as he takes deep breaths. “Get dressed. I need to get you ready.”
Pinching his eyes closed, I can see the struggle on his face as he controls his desire. Putting two of my fingers to his lips, he kisses them. Opening his eyes, the feverish need I saw moments ago has gone.