by Vivian Wood
“I love you. For me, there is no life without you.”
His words and the pleasure he’s given my body have me dizzy with love and affection. Looking up at his beautiful, cerulean blues, I kiss him long and passionately.
“I love you like the day loves the sun. One cannot be without the other.”
Kissing me back, he pulls me a little tighter to him.
“I’ll have dinner brought to your room. I’m not letting you out of my arms.”
Nestled against his warm and protective body, I don’t want to leave any more than he does.
“That’s perfect. Tonight, all I want is you.”
“I’m all yours, Princess.”
Eyes fluttering open, I look over at Matheas asleep and sexy lying in my bed, one arm above his head, the other around me. His eyes slowly open when I move. Bringing me against him, he kisses my forehead.
“It feels good to be waking up with you again.”
Matheas’s soul band vibrates. The screen comes up with a call from my mother, and my lip curls in irritation.
“Don’t answer that. You’re done being her drudge. You work for my father and me, not her.”
I click the dismiss button on his screen, and he lowers his arm.
“She’s had me planning all the security for your coronation. The work has been important.”
“I believe it has been, but she can wait. I still want you to myself.”
“I’m not going to argue. There’s only one place I want to be.”
Lifting the blanket, he slides beneath it, positioning himself between my legs. Pressing his erection against my center, he watches the pleasure cross my face.
“Not much longer and I’ll be able to show you my love every way I want to.”
“That’s something I crave.”
Pulling back, he takes a moment, looking pained, I’m sure reminding himself to be careful. Reaching down, I take the length of him in my hand and his expression changes, becoming a mixture of relaxed and aroused. Grabbing a pillow, he raises my hips, placing it under me. Taking his own length he rubs it up and down my center, becoming slick with my arousal. Pressing his head to my backside, he holds my legs as he gently pushes in.
“I’m not too much, am I?”
“Every time you enter me, it feels better than the last.”
With a wolfish grin, he thrusts forward. My body clenches around him, accepting him greedily. In and out, he pleasures me. The lack of numbing cream gives me a new sensation, slightly painful, but nothing compared to the pleasure. Lowering, he sucks my nipple into his mouth, teasing it with his tongue as his thrusts go deeper. My body shudders, the sensation rushing through me overpowering my senses. Our moans are a duet between our heated kisses. With his lips, he burns a trail of love across my skin.
“You’ll always be mine, always,” he whispers before sucking my lobe into his mouth.
Placing his thumb on my clit, he works it in circles, enhancing my mounting orgasm.
“Don’t stop,” I beg.
Harder he thrusts, his thumb playing my nub with skill. Crashing, I fall into ecstasy, my moan loud and satisfied. Covering my mouth with his, he follows me into that ecstasy, his own moan filling my mouth.
A knock pounds at my door, and his movements stop abruptly, drawing a whimper from my lips.
“This better be important,” he groans, irritated, pulling out.
I yearn for him to return.
“Put on your robe,” he motions to it lying on the floor.
Quickly, he dresses, the pounding growing louder and more impatient. He reaches the door before me. My mother, in a red day dress with two familiar arms men, head to toe in the soldier’s garb, rush past my threshold.
“Detain him!” she orders.
Pollo and Nathanial look at Matheas hesitantly. Matheas places his hand at his hidden blade, his other arm protectively holding me at his back.
“Mother! What are you doing?”
“I heard the two of you!” Her narrowed eyes focus in on him sharply. “You couldn’t wait a few more days?” she screams. “Detain him, now!” she barks. “He’s taken the Princess’s purity.”
I move in front of him, putting up my arms. “You will not touch him! My purity is intact. The purity scan will prove it. Pollo, Nathaniel, wait outside my room, please.”
Relieved to be away from this situation, their feet move swiftly across the floor. The door slides shut behind them, and my mother steps forward, her eyes narrowed slits.
“Are you telling the truth? Will the scan prove your purity is intact?”
“Yes! Calm down. What you heard isn’t what you thought.”
She takes a breath, her hurricane of emotions settling.
“Did anything I say make a difference, or did you rush back into his arms the moment he came back to you?”
“Mother, I love him.”
My head whips to the side as the sting of her palm slaps my cheek. Matheas grips her wrist, his anger-filled eyes fixed on her.
“Queen Melinda, touch her like that again, and I’ll report it to King Gregory. I understand your emotions with everything that is going on, but it’s no reason to strike her.”
“You’re part of the problem.” Yanking her wrist from his grip, she scowls at him. “Don’t you see that? The more time she spends with you, the more danger you put her in. She needs to choose a suitor as her King. If she doesn’t, the Royal Houses will turn against her. You won’t be able to protect her then. If you truly love her, you need to let her fulfill her destiny as the ruler of Anauka.”
“She doesn’t need a King to rule.” Matheas squares his shoulders, his heated gaze matching her seething one. “Fiora can run our territory on her own, and she’ll always have me at her side.”
“You’re both being careless, letting your hearts lead you. It only takes one wrong person to discover what is going on between the two of you, and she won’t make it to her coronation. If the Royal Houses were to discover you're intimate with her, they’ll still consider her tainted. Their sons won’t want her. They’ll say she’s sullied, unworthy of them, and unworthy of being trusted to be Queen.”
“There isn’t anything for them to discover. My private chambers are exactly that, private. As long as you’re not screaming to the palace that Matheas has defiled me. That is what is careless. I understand how much you love me and care about my future, and I understand that’s why you’re angry and scared, but I’m no longer scared. Matheas is the man I want. If I have to, I won’t choose any man to marry until Anauka believes me to be the ruler they anticipate. Once I fulfill their expectations, I’ll marry who I see fit.”
“You’re playing a dangerous game, Fiora. The Royal Houses won’t accept your decision not to marry one of their sons. They’ll call you eccentric and weak. Accuse you of being an unstable ruler. They’ll plant a seed of doubt in the Anaukin people. They’ll watch you closely and find reasons to nurture that seed. Then at the right moment, they’ll strike. They’ll use the fear and doubt of your people to dethrone you.” Taking my hand, her eyes plead with me. “I don’t hate that you love him. I hate how that love could threaten your life and your future.”
Wiping a tear from her eye, she turns to leave. Stopping, she speaks with her back to us.
“I’ll give an explanation to the arms men. After I walk out this door, I’m done trying to save you. Your decisions are yours to live with.”
The door slides and shuts behind her. Matheas takes me into his arms as tears escape my eyes.
“She’s right.” His hand soothes me, caressing over my hair and back. “I’m being selfish and careless with my love for you.” His pain seeps through his voice. “I’ll have Demerick guard you for the remaining days until your coronation.”
Holding my head against his chest, he kisses my forehead, his lips lingering. Reluctantly letting go of me, he walks to the door.
“Matheas, don’t go,” I beg, tears cascading down my cheeks. “I need you.”
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Standing still, he briefly glances at me sideways, his voice filled with anguish. “I know. I’ve failed you. My first duty was to protect you, to train you to never need anyone. Now I’m risking your safety to satisfy our needs. I won’t jeopardize your reign. I love you, Fiora, so much so, I know what I’m doing is right. It’s the only way to keep you safe and to fulfill my duty.”
When the door slides shut behind him, my heart shatters. Falling into my chair, I sob into my hands. I cry for too long before collecting myself and drawing a bath. Afterward, I dress in my usual riding gear, styling my hair in a simple over the shoulder braid. Headed to my usual pre-ride purity scan, I leave my room to find Demerick posted outside my door.
“Princess,” he nods politely, noticing my puffy, red eyes.
“I’m going riding. Please invite Kellan to ride with me this morning.”
“Of course. I’m here for anything else you need, day or night.”
“Thank you.”
Coming from the palace kitchen, I find Kellan already at the stables, a stableman preparing the horse of his choice, Profit—sweet disposition with fine dark brown hair, his build muscular, his body made for short, quick speed over agility. A smile tugs at my lips. I believe the rider often chooses a horse that is a match to their own personality and body type. Artax is chocolate brown, darker depending on the light. His body is muscular, and he’s gifted with speed and endurance. Like me, he’s curious, adventurous, and likes to be free to run and roam.
Kellan climbs atop Profit, waving to me as I approach. My stableman leads Artax next to Profit. I attach the satchel in my arms to the saddle, and with a thank you to my stableman, I take his reins and climb atop. Leaving the stables, I glance back to see Demerick and Sederick both riding a distance behind us. Leading them to Willow Winds, I let the cool breeze and the music of songbirds settle my emotions.
“Thank you for inviting me out. I needed it.”
“I did too.”
“You seem somber,” he observes, his voice gentle. “Want to talk to me about whatever is troubling you?”
“I do. Honestly, you’re the only friend I have to talk to. Matheas had always been my best friend and confidant, I never needed to confide in anyone else. Now, things are different. He wants to protect me, and in doing that, he feels it’s best to keep his distance from me. He doesn’t want the Royal Houses to suspect us of intimacy.”
“Have you been intimate?” Giving me a sideways glance, he winks at me, his expression playful.
“Some things are better left unspoken.”
“All right,” he smiles. “Fair enough. His decision hurt you?”
“Yes. He made the decision for both of us. He didn’t let me have a say.”
“I think that man’s love for you runs so deep, his choice is no doubt hurting him too.”
“Do you feel the same about Cayall?”
“I do. It hurts him I’m here pretending to court you, and the fact he’s hurting, hurts me too.”
“But you still do it? Why?”
“To protect us both and our future. My time here courting you is temporary. I’ll return home and declare my interest for a seat in the Royal Faction. If I’m granted that seat, I’d like for Cayall and me to live together here in the capital. If I were to share with my family I prefer to lay with men and not fulfill my duty of being your suitor, I could lose their support. The strength of our Royal House could falter, and my family doesn’t deserve that because of my choices. For the best interest of everyone, I need to see this through. Once you’re crowned, I’ll be free to pursue my aspirations.”
“Our situations are very similar, have you noticed?”
“I have, and I admit, it’s a relief to have someone who understands me.”
“I’m glad you came to the palace.”
“I am too.”
Leaving the fields outside the capital, we enter the woods, a clean trail making it easy for us to pass through. Reaching a fork in the path, I lead us left over a rougher, less traveled path. Ahead of us, I hear rustling in the leaves. Artax huffs a warning. Breaking through the branches, a large bull elk blocks our way.
“What should we do?” Kellan asks nervously.
“Nothing at all.”
The elk watches us a moment, observing our intention. Artax adjusts his stance, ears perked and curious about the creature. At the sound of Demerick and Sederick approaching, the elk trots off, disappearing into the trees.
“You okay, Princess?” Demerick asks.
“Yes. It was a bull elk is all.”
“Are you headed to Willow Winds?” Sederick asks with interest.
“I am. I brought a picnic for us.”
“We won’t interrupt your time together, Princess. We’ll be fine. We can eat when we return to the palace,” Demerick tells me.
“Nonsense,” I reply, moving Artax into a trot. “You’ll join us.”
Leading the men, we ride for a couple more miles before the forest breaks open to a giant, circular field of wildflowers. Beyond the wildflowers is a river with willow trees decorating the edge. Putting Artax into a run, I let him go free, sprinting toward the river. Kellan flanks my side, enjoying the rush as much as I do. Smiling, I push Artax harder, keeping our lead ahead of the men. Nearing the river, I ease Artax into a canter, then to a walk. Coming down from the saddle, I tighten the reins around the horn and let Artax get a drink from the river. Untying my satchel, I set it on the ground, pulling a thin blanket from the saddle bag, and lay it out near a willow tree.
Unpacking the satchel, I withdraw a small flask of ale, four sandwiches, and a bundle of sweet grapes. Handing each of the men a sandwich, they smile appreciatively.
“Thank you, Princess,” Kellan tells me, taking a seat next to me.
Arm behind my back, he kisses my cheek.
“That was kind of you to think of all of us.”
Pulling a chunk of my sandwich from the rest, I eat it slowly, enjoying the flavors.
“It’s the least I can do. They spend their lives protecting mine.”
Demerick and Sederick stare at me, their expressions grateful.
“It’s our honor,” Sederick replies.
Lifting the flask, I take a long drink then pass it to Kellan. The drink is passed between us all before coming back to me. I take another long drink and set it down. With the ale warming me, I lie on my back, touching the silver and blue stone charm around my neck. Looking up at the sky, I wonder what Matheas is doing now. Wishing it was him and me beneath the willow tree, I imagine him making love to me.
“Princess?”
“Hmm?” I ask, my eyes still closed.
Kellan leans down and whispers in my ear.
“It’s all for show.”
Warm lips touch mine, kissing me softly. Placing my hands around his neck, I give into the kiss, imagining Matheas’s mouth on mine. Slipping my tongue between his lips, Kellan twitches slightly then gives in, kissing me back. His kiss is skilled and pleasant, arousing me to some extent. We pull apart, and I wink at him. Leaning forward, he quietly speaks.
“I feel used.”
With a giggle, I give him a peck on the lips.
“You’re a little right.”
Kellan laughs, caressing my hair affectionately.
“Would you like to go for a swim?”
Standing from the blanket, I walk toward the river, glancing behind me to see if he’s following. Lifting his shirt off, he reveals a muscled chest and arms. Not as chiseled at Matheas, but still nice to admire.
“Yes, I would.”
Demerick and Sederick both stand.
“Careful,” Demerick warns Kellan. “Stay honorable beneath the water.”
Kellan laughs, taking his pants off.
“You have my word, I won’t touch her intimately.”
Looking back at them, the humor of the conversation tilts my lips. Lifting my shirt off, it flutters to the ground. Kellan walks past me naked, and I get a glimpse of his
well-endowed equipment as he passes. Without hesitation, he runs and jumps into the river. Head bobbing to the surface, he flicks his head releasing excess water into the air.
“How does it feel?”
“Refreshing. Get in here.”
Unzipping my boots, I toss them aside, then unfasten my riding pants. Lowering them off my hips, I glance over my shoulder to see Demerick and Sederick watching intently. Kellan follows my gaze to them.
“Perhaps it’s best to have your attention elsewhere for a moment,” he suggests politely.
Sederick distracts himself checking the horses while Demerick scans our surroundings. Slipping from my pants, I walk into the water, then dive below. Coming up, I’m face-to-face with Kellan.
“If you didn’t prefer men and I wasn’t in love with another man, I believe I would choose you to be my King.”
“I believe I’d feel the same for you. You’re growing on me, sweet Fi.”
“As you are me.”
Kissing his cheek, I push off in the water, swimming down river, Kellan following with steady strokes. Farther downriver, we stop and rest along the edge.
“Have you decided what you’re going to do about Matheas?”
“I have. Talking with you today helped me understand his point of view, and why he made the decision he did. I was angry because I want to be with him and felt he was abandoning me. I know this is hard for him, and I don’t want to make it any harder. I’ll do my best to keep my distance until after my coronation, but it won’t be easy, I’m used to him always being there.”
“Any time you need me, call for me. I’ll fill in for him the best I can.”
“Thank you, Kellan. I value our friendship immensely.”
“As do I.”
Flicking my hair playfully, he wiggles his toes over mine, and I laugh.
“What about Luther?”
“What about him?”
“There’s something between the two of you. I’ve noticed it the last week during the group dates.”
“I am attracted to him, but I don’t trust him.”
“Why not?”