by Vivian Wood
“I worry his intentions are to seduce me, that he might not be genuine.”
“Last night, the four of us were in the men’s parlor, drinking and playing games. Malark had too much to drink and whined you don’t seem into him, that you won’t kiss him like you kiss the rest of us. We’d all had plenty to drink and engaged in a conversation about you. Luther said he feels you have a wall up you won’t let him past. Every time he tries to break it down, you build it farther up. He was genuinely miserable about it. Riorrick expressed his heartache and concern he’s not your type. He felt Luther and I were the ones you’re most interested in.”
“What did you express as your concern?”
“I told them we hit it off instantly, but I’m worried about the sexual chemistry. I told them I feel like I’m in the friend zone. All three of them seemed pleased to hear that. I think they see me as their biggest threat.”
“I’m fine with them thinking that.”
“Me too. So tell me why won’t you kiss Malark?”
“This remains between you and me. He kisses like a lizard. It’s unpleasant for me, and each time he tries, I find an excuse to avoid it.”
Kellan busts out laughing.
“I wouldn’t have expected that. Between his confidence and good looks, I assumed he has a lot of sexual experience.”
“He probably does. Just because I don’t like the way he kisses, doesn’t mean other women don’t love it.”
“That’s true.”
“You believe Luther truly has feelings for me?”
“I’m afraid to answer that in case I’m wrong, but yes, I do.”
A large male frame blocks the sun, and I look up to see whether it’s Demerick or Sederick. Demerick squats down, placing our clothes on the bank in front of us, and the sun bathes my skin in warmth once again.
“I’m here to check on both of you.”
“Thank you, Demerick. We’re probably both ready to end our swim.” I look at Kellan for an answer.
“Yes, even though I don’t want to end our time together.”
“Then we won’t. We’ll spend the day together. We’ll go into town.”
“I’d like that.”
Demerick walks away, giving us privacy to exit the water. Taking my hand, Kellan assists me as I step over the wet rocks to the grass. Gathering my clothes, I redress, tugging the dry clothes over my damp skin. Fully dressed, I join Demerick and Sederick. Sederick is atop his horse already while Demerick is securing my satchel to my saddle, the picnic packed up and secured inside of it.
“Thank you. You didn’t need to do that,” I tell him.
“It’s fine, Princess,” Demerick replies, no emotion in his voice.
“If you’re going to be spending a lot of time with me, it’s important for you to know I don’t treat my staff like servants. I treat you as equals. I don’t expect you to do anything for me.”
Demerick lifts my chin firmly, bringing my gaze to his, speaking quietly but clearly.
“We’re not equals, Princess. If we were, I’d have the opportunity to lay with you, to be in the water the same as Kellan was. But I’m not your equal, none of us arms men are. It would be wise for you to remember that.”
Demerick drops my chin as Kellan approaches his horse. Getting back on my horse, a heavy weight fills my chest. So much is changing too fast. Before the trials, the suitor phase, and preparation of my coronation, my life as a Princess was simple. I was given some freedom to come and go from the palace, and my biggest worries were ensuring I excelled at all my training. Everyone sees me differently now while I’m still trying to hang on to the simple life I had.
In my heart, I want to lead my territory. I want to rule for the good of my people, but I’m learning once the crown sits atop my head, my life will drastically change, and the unknown of what will come after truly frightens me.
Arriving back at the palace, Kellan heads to his room to freshen up while Demerick escorts me to the healing chamber for my customary purity scan and remains with me as I return to my room. Demerick greets a kitchen staffer at my door, having asked them to bring us fresh water and fruit.
“Thank you,” he tells the server, taking the tray from her hand.
Inside my room, he sets the tray on the tea table in front of my two sitting chairs, pouring me a glass. Taking it, I study his masculine features. Under short, dark hair, his cerulean eyes are bright. A wide line splits his full lips. Following his round face and jaw is a body full of strong, hard muscles, muscles larger than any other arms men.
“What you told me at Willow Winds, what did you mean by that?”
Taking a step back, he sits comfortably in a chair, holding his own glass. Plucking a strawberry off the tray, I sit in the chair across from him.
“You know I’m the only man Matheas trusts to be alone with you beside him, don’t you?”
“I do.”
“Do you know why?”
I shake my head as the flavor of the strawberry rolls around in my mouth.
“I take my duties as seriously as he does. I know I’m here now instead of him because temptation became too much of a struggle for him. You possess qualities every Anaukin man desires, and the fact none of us can have you only adds to that desire. To treat any of us as equals gives false hope we could have you. That’s dangerous for you.”
In silence, I look out the window, watching the rover crafts in the distance as they freely go where they please. Looking back at Demerick, my emotions dampen my eyes.
“My entire life, I envied other women, their freedom to come and go from Anauka as they please, to lay with whomever they desired. To keep my purity intact, I was closed off from everyone and everything, saved for four strangers I don’t know and don’t love. All I ever wanted was to be equal to everyone else, it’s why I always treated staff as though you were my friends. I desperately wanted to be like you.” A single tear rolls down my cheek. Rubbing his stubble, he studies me, his expression thoughtful.
“These men are strangers now, but one will become your King. His duty will be as much to the Anaukin people as it is to you. You won’t be alone anymore, Princess. Through him, you can take pleasure in everything you’ve ever wanted. Pick the suitor who will lay with you at night and cherish you until the sun rises over the next day.”
More tears silently cascade down my cheeks as I think of the last time Matheas and I laid together.
“What if I don’t see that in any of them?”
“Give them a chance. You’re as stubborn as you are beautiful. Stop being stubborn and let yourself feel for them. A man’s strength is revealed when he’s the closest to temptation. You’ll quickly discover who you can trust.”
“What if I let them in and still don’t want any of them as my King? I fear the consequences of my choice with the Anaukin people and the Royal Houses.”
“You should. If you don’t choose one of their sons, they’ll revolt. They’ve spent years of time, energy, and money raising their sons to be King. For you to turn them all down would insult their Houses and their efforts. The conflict would negatively affect your reign.”
“What if I choose differently for my King?”
“What do you mean?” Brows pinched inward, he stares at me curiously.
“What if I chose an arms man? Your status is just behind the Royal Houses. The Anaukin people would surely be satisfied with my choice.”
“I admit, I desire your body, Fiora, but I’m not going to marry you,” Demerick chuckles. “To commit to that would put a death mark on my head,” he adds more seriously.
Mouth tilted, I smile at him. “I wasn’t specifically saying you.”
“I know,” he winks. “I assume you mean Matheas.”
“Perhaps or any arms man. I want to be able to choose my King, not select from four suitors forced on me.”
“That’s not a luxury you have, Princess. It’s best you come to terms with it and soon.”
Rising from the chair, he sets h
is empty glass on the tray.
“You have an afternoon date to prepare for. Will you be having dinner with Kellan in town?”
“Yes.” Wiping my face dry, I place my empty glass next to his. “Make plans for us to enjoy the local shopping, dinner at Mellaire’s, then we’ll tour the art museum.”
“Of course. Enjoy your bath. I’ll return shortly after lunch.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
FIORA
The morning rays stretch across my room, casting warm light across my skin. Opening my eyes, I sit up in bed, admiring the beautiful landscape beyond my window. An ache creeps into my chest, wishing I had woken to Matheas lying next to me. My bedroom door slides open and my heart leaps, hopeful. Demerick enters, a mug in his large hand. Taking a sip, he sits down in my chair.
“Morning, Princess. Which suitor will we be spending time with today?”
A frown draws my lips down. Disappointment of my reality is an uncomfortable sting.
“Luther.”
Lifting his wrist, he presses his soul band. Typing into the screen, he doesn’t look at me.
“Where are we going with Luther?”
“Melody Park to listen to the musicians.”
Pulling his gaze from the screen, he smiles at me.
“That’s thoughtful. I hear Luther is fond of music.”
“He is. I plan to take a picnic for us to sit and listen.”
Tossing the blanket off, I head to the bathroom. Walking past him, I look at the reports filling his screen.
“How’s Matheas?”
“Working hard as usual.”
“Where?”
“He’s been with Tether and Pollo, preparing to lead the security team while the King and Queen attend Belore’s coronation.”
“He’s going with them?”
“Yes.”
The ache in my chest pulses. It hurts how easily he’s able to distance himself from me. Does he not think of me? Doesn’t he know how much his absence hurts me?
“What if I need him here?”
“Then that is something you should discuss with him.”
“Perhaps I will.”
Wearing a yellow day dress with halter straps and loose fabric around my knees, I add short boots and a thin tan scarf. Demerick gives me a grin of approval as I exit the closet.
“You look lovely.”
“Thank you.”
Escorting me down the grand stairs, we meet Luther waiting for me by the palace’s main entrance, holding a single yellow rose. As I approach, his smile brightens his eyes. Handing me the rose, he places a hand on my back and brings me in close to kiss my cheek. A warming sensation rushes up my back, my stomach fluttering at the touch of his lips.
“You look stunning.”
“Thank you.”
With the rose in one hand, I slip the other into his extended arm. Giving him a sideways glance, I find him attractive in his long sleeve blue shirt and casual tan pants. Catching me admiring him, his mouth tilts, his eyes expressive and pleased I’m staring.
“I appreciate the date you prepared for us.”
Tugging his arm, I stop us both.
“I forgot our picnic.”
Demerick gives me an I got this expression, then disappears down the hall toward the kitchen. Standing still, we exchange glances, a heated tension resting between us. Touching a strand of my hair, he puts it behind my ear, the gentle touch comforting.
“A picnic too. Even better.”
“That’s if you like what I packed.”
“Is there meat?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’ll like it,” he winks.
“You’ll like Melody Park too. It has three different areas where musicians play. I thought we could explore them all, see if we enjoy the same kind of music.”
Demerick returns, handing Luther the picnic bag who takes it with an appreciative nod.
“That’s perfect,” he tells me, putting his arm out again.
Crossing a wooden bridge over a small river, we enter Melody Park. The outside has a paved trail that follows next to the river. Past that are small hills and luscious green trees. Heading toward the center, there’s a playground for children, beyond that a flat, grassy area with three wooden pergolas placed far apart. In the very center is an outdoor eatery. The scents of smoked meat and popcorn fill the air with the melody of beautiful music.
Luther’s eyes are bright with enjoyment. Gaze sweeping the area, he leads me toward one of the pergolas. On the raised platform, a group of three men tap their feet and belt out vocals, the music moving. Swaying my hips, I tap my boot to the rhythm.
“How’s this? Want to set up here?”
With my approval, he takes my hand and finds us a cozy spot beneath a tree. Removing the blanket from the bag, he lays it out for us. We both sprawl out on it, our feet facing the singers. Sitting close, his long arm crosses my back, his hand overlapping mine. When I look at him, he stares at me, his eyes filling with affection. Leaning forward, he kisses me, and the sensation of his smooth and skilled lips stirs my desire.
Slowly, he withdraws. Still gazing at me, he places his hand to my cheek, bringing me to his lips again. Another kiss and my wall cracks.
“Thank you for this date.”
“My pleasure.”
Behind me, his hand gathers the picnic bag.
“Are you hungry?”
“I am.”
Taking everything out, he lays out the roast beef sandwiches, fruit, and ale. Sliding the top of the container open, he withdraws a strawberry, dips it in the accompanying chocolate syrup, and brings it to my lips. Taking a bite, I savor the flavor of my favorite sweet treat.
“This would be better if we had Anaukin cake.”
Luther’s humored smile raises the corner of his mouth.
“Your brother told me it’s your favorite dessert.”
“It’s true.”
“It’s mine too, but I like warm chocolate syrup poured over it.”
“How can you eat something so sweet?”
“I don’t know. I have yet to taste you.”
Watching him sensually pull his bottom lip between his teeth brings heat to my cheeks. Giving him a flirtatious grin, I dip a strawberry into the chocolate and bring it to his lips. Leaning forward, he claims the strawberry, his gaze never leaving mine.
Opening the ale, I take a long drink. Luther’s hand rests on my knee as his other lowers the bottle of ale. Drinking some, he corks it and sets it down. Hand raising up my thigh, he settles halfway, caressing my skin tenderly. The sensation draws a breath from me, my body tingling with lust.
“You’re difficult to read, Fiora.” With yearning in his eyes, he holds my gaze hostage. “You never refuse my touch, but something is holding you back from letting me in. I know you’ve been concerned everything I’m doing is a ruse, but it’s not. What I feel for you is real. Give me a chance. It could be the best thing to happen to both of us.”
Guilt nags in my gut, and I drop my head before meeting the uneasiness in his eyes.
“You’re right. I haven’t given you a chance. I’ve been keeping you at arm’s length, and it’s because I don’t trust you. I barely know you. Given time, that could change, but right now is a difficult time for me to open up. I’m being crowned Queen in a matter of days. So much will change, and I’m doing my best to prepare for that. Being a monarch requires I be cautious. With how natural it’s been between us, I feared you were deceiving me to get the crown. I know you’re intelligent, clever even. I know not to underestimate you. A part of me is beginning to believe what you feel is real, but if I'm honest with you, I still feel guarded around you.”
Putting his fingers through mine, he caresses my hand.
“The first time we spoke alone, you said you wanted real love, a man who could truly love you and be your equal. I meant it when I told you I could give you that. All I’m asking is during the time we have together, let yourself feel. Don’t hold back. There is no re
ward without risk, and for us, the reward could be magnificent.”
Mixed emotions swirl inside me, confusing me and causing my heart to ache.
“Have you ever loved a woman?”
Looking off into the small crowd listening to the music, he seems thoughtful. Returning his eyes to mine, I notice the joy I saw earlier is gone.
“I cared deeply for a woman once but was warned to keep my distance. My heart was meant to be given to the Anaukin Princess if she wanted it. I was forbidden to give it to anyone else.”
“It’s lonely, isn’t it? Having your feelings and life guided in one direction when all you want is to be free to choose on your own.”
“It was. I believe I could have loved her. It hurt to see her with someone else.”
“I’m sorry you had to go through that.”
Bringing my hand to his lips, he kisses it.
“Don’t be sorry. I’m beginning to believe it was meant to work out this way because now, I have the potential to have you.”
His words splinter the wall, widening the crack. With his eyes roaming my face, he studies me, his expression hopeful, adding to my painful guilt and confusion.
“What do you see when you look at me?”
“A woman who would offer me as much passion as I could her. A Queen who will be devoted to her people and to her King. A woman who wants it all and is willing to fight for what she wants. I admire the fire inside you, I’m drawn to it.”
“There are moments when you remind me of myself, the way you look at the world and absorb your surroundings with such passion.”
“Life is too short not to appreciate every moment given to you.”
Relaxing, I lie on the blanket, my head perched on my hand and bent elbow.
“It’s true. I forget that sometimes. I get so caught up in my duties and worrying about tomorrow, I forget to live for today.”
Coming closer, he lies the same way, facing me. Putting his hand on my side, he angles my body to his.
“This is one of those days to live in the moment.”
Lying over me, he kisses me long and passionately, his hand caressing my side as his lips feverishly claim mine. Dizzy with need, I open my eyes, my head foggy. Behind us, there are a few cheers. Luther looks down at me, smiling.