by Vivian Wood
“I think we’ve drawn an audience.”
The music has stopped, the men are leaving the stage for a break. Luther and I both rise to our knees, the crowd clapping. My cheeks grow warm, and Luther rubs my back, kissing my cheek sweetly. The crowd dissipates, moving onto another activity, and I let out the breath I was holding.
“It amazes me they don’t crowd you, wanting your attention and photos.”
“They’re used to seeing me and know not to approach. Arms men are never far from me.”
“I noticed the absence of a particular arms man, Matheas. You two seem close.”
Avoiding his gaze, I reach for more ale.
“We are, were,” I correct for him. “He’s been my best friend and protector for as long as I can remember.”
“I think it’s more than that.”
Lowering the bottle, I look at him surprised.
“What do you mean?”
“I can see it when he looks at you. He loves you.”
“I…”
Placing his hand over mine, he stops me.
“Don’t feel you have to defend yourself or him. I don’t feel any animosity toward him for loving you. I understand why he does. My question is, do you love him?”
“It doesn’t matter if I did.”
“His sudden absence is because of the suitor phase, I assume. He’s distancing himself so you can choose your King?”
With tears threatening to release, I finish the ale, setting the bottle down.
“Fiora,” Sliding closer, he pulls me into his arms. “This isn’t the time for this conversation. I’m sorry for mentioning it.”
Leaning against his chest, it feels warm, comfortable, his musky sandalwood scent soothing. He massages circles on my back, relaxing me.
“There are a lot of changes happening. I’m doing my best to handle them,” I say vaguely.
Cupping my face, he turns it to face him, his gaze empathetic.
“I understand how you came to care deeply for him. All I ask is you give me the same chance he was given. A chance to have your love.”
“You ask more of me than anyone else does.”
Eyes roaming over me, his hand caresses my cheek as the corner of his mouth lifts.
“As you’ve already discovered, I’m willing to take risks in hope of great rewards.”
“It’s a quality we both share.”
Gathering the sandwiches, he hands me one. We both seem to relax and soak in our surroundings, the sun high and warm, distant music playing from another pergola. Couples walk past, many smiling and waving in my direction. Some point and mutter, “There’s the Princess.” A group of three young women pass by with glossy eyes and big smiles in Luther’s direction. Noticing, he puts a hand on my leg and caresses. Amused by the women’s behavior, I grin at him, and he laughs.
“You’re developing your own fan club.”
“So it seems. There’s a poll of who will win your heart. Malark discovered it and showed it to us last night.”
With a light laugh, I finish the bite of my sandwich. “That’s interesting. How do each of you rank?”
“Kellan, myself, Malark, Riorrick.”
“What stats did they have to go on?”
“The Anaukin journal published all of our profiles—skills, hobbies, political views, personal preferences, and a photo of us. They published the same information about you as well, so readers could compare and judge who they thought matched you best.”
“Why did Riorrick rank the lowest?”
“He did well in the political category. It was skills, hobbies, and personal preferences that dropped him down to the bottom. Malark didn’t pass him by much. The similarities in skills helped him. You and I had matches in everything, especially personal preferences, but Kellan passed me in political views.”
“That’s something he and I have spoken about. Our views are very similar. If you were my King and we disagreed on something, how would you handle it?”
“I believe we would need to discuss it further, make sure we understand the other’s point of view in case one of us missed something. Having more than one point of view can be beneficial. It will teach us to look at a topic from multiple angles.”
“Very diplomatic of you.”
“I don’t think my Queen would want to lay with me that night if I wasn’t.”
His sexy, playful smirk curls my lips into my own humored smile.
“Seeing this side of you is nice.”
“What side?” he asks, curious.
“The relaxed, in your element, being playful and flirty. I like it.”
“Good,” Lying down, he rests his head on my lap. Taking my hand, he holds it over his chest. “Because this is how I am the majority of the time.”
Rubbing my free hand over his soft hair, I look down at him.
“What are you like the other part of the time?”
“Sinfully seductive.”
Laughing, I continue to run my fingers through his hair, enjoying the way it feels between my fingers. Closing his eyes, he enjoys the pleasure of my touch.
“I mean it, Fiora. I’m an intense lover. I’m passionate and creative in the bedroom.”
“Have many women had the pleasure of experiencing your passion and creativity?”
“Do you really want the answer to that?” Opening his eyes, he meets my curious gaze. “I never want to hurt you or make you uncomfortable. That’s something that could later, if we love each other.”
“All right. With that, I’ll assume many lucky women have.”
“We’ll go with that. Is that something that bothers you? That each of us suitors has been able to lay with women while you’ve been required to remain pure for us?”
“Yes.”
Reaching up, he caresses my lips, his touch sensuous.
“I’m appreciative another man has never had you. I want you, Fiora. Like nothing I’ve ever wanted before.”
Sitting up, he pulls me to him, sliding his tongue between my lips. Like a smooth, fiery liquid, he warms my mouth, arousing me. Hand at my hip, he presses his thumb toward my center, massaging into my skin. A moan escapes my mouth at the pleasure it causes. With each movement of his lips, his massaging moves closer to my center, stimulating my body.
“Luther,” I call his name, reminding him where we are.
“I know. This isn’t the place. It’s easy to forget when everything around us becomes a blur.” Head to mine, he caresses the outside of my thigh. “I don’t want this date to end. Will you spend the evening with me?”
Seeing the longing in his eyes pulls at my heart.
“Yes.”
Placing my fork down, I rest against the dining chair, feeling satisfied. Outside on the veranda, Luther planned a dinner for the two of us. With a low vase in the center of the table, the red roses and floating candles give a romantic setting. Around us, tall lanterns are lit with more candlelight. Beyond the balcony, the white lights of the capital dapple the horizon. Taking my goblet, I walk to the railing. Luther takes his glass, joining me.
“I never get tired of coming up here. It’s beautiful.”
“It’ll all be yours soon.”
“It’s hard to believe. Before long, everyone will rely on me to protect them and keep our territory prosperous. I don’t want to let them down.”
Hand on my back, the tips of his fingers caress up and down. My eyes close momentarily, the sensation blissful.
“You won’t.”
“You don’t know me well enough to have that kind of confidence.”
“It doesn’t take long after meeting you to discover your drive, kindness, and the love you have for your people. Those are qualities that will make you a successful monarch. Seeing how hard you fought to finish the fire and water trial made that clear to everyone. You bled for them.”
“The trial is a sport for their entertainment.”
“You might think so, but to everyone else, it was a test. One you passed admirably
.”
The breeze sweeps across my open shoulders, and Luther stops caressing, noticing my shiver.
“Come sit with me on the loveseat.”
Following him, he lifts a red blanket, and once we’re both seated, he lays it over us, ensuring I’m comfortably covered. Finishing my ale, I set the empty glass on the table in front of us, he does the same. Arm around the back of the loveseat, he strums my hair. Together, we look between the railing posts, still admiring the view.
A thunderous boom rips through the sky, followed by bright lights exploding into the horizon. Fireworks disperse, a beautiful array of colors and shapes. In awe, my eyes admire the show. Luther kisses my cheek, speaking softly.
“These are for you.”
Affection fills my heart when I look at him.
“You planned this?”
“Yes, with the help of Demerick.”
As the sky lights up, we lose ourselves to passion, our kiss heated. Leaning me back, he warms my mouth with his smooth lips. Nipping my bottom lip between his teeth, he caresses up my side, his touch warming my body. Lying above me, he presses into me, the pleasure of his hardened erection drawing an excited breath from me.
“I won’t take it too far. I promise you,” he whispers.
Mouth stealing my words, his hand slides up my thigh, caressing me as he goes. Fingertips touching my center, my wetness coats him as he massages against my clit and lips.
“Fiora,” his lips feather mine. “You’re breathtaking.”
My moan is smothered as his fingers delve into my opening, his skilled touch instantly finding what satisfies me. Palm pressing to my mound, he works in a rhythm, drawing quicker, more excited breaths from me. Sucking at my neck, he nibbles, licks, and kisses again as his hand and fingers push me toward a spine-tingling orgasm.
“Do you want to feel me?”
“Yes.”
Breath warm on my ear, he sucks my lobe into his mouth.
“Unbutton my pants. Feel how much I want you.”
Intense gaze on me, he continues to pleasure me as I reach for him. Folding back his pants, his erection presses against the zipper. Pulling him free, he fills beyond my palm, his erection thick.
“Anything you ever want with pleasure, I’ll give you. With me, you’d never have to be afraid to ask.”
Thrusting his hips forward, he strokes himself in my palm. Mouth devouring mine, his thrusts become feverish, in sync with his hand pleasuring between my legs. Sensation building, my lips part from his, my head falling back as my body arches through the euphoria. With an easier touch, he continues to massage and satisfy as his thrusts fill my hand. Thickening, I feel him nearing his own orgasm. Both of our hands reach for my dress, lifting the fabric out of the way. Warm cum touches my thigh as his lips caress mine.
Pulling back, he looks down at me with hooded, glossy eyes. Lifting his shirt over his head, he reveals his toned, smooth muscles. Using his shirt, he wipes me clean, giving me another soft kiss when he finishes. Tossing the shirt aside, he easily lifts me, and I giggle from the surprise of it. Lying back against the loveseat, he lays me in his arms, putting his fingers between mine.
“Do you enjoy the touch of any other suitor like you do mine?”
Admiring our hands together, I caress his fingers, the same fingers that gave me incredible pleasure moments ago.
“No. When I’m with you, it’s like you have a spell over me. My body ignites when you touch it.”
Licking then sucking, he pulls my lobe between his teeth. The sensation sends tingles over my skin down to my core.
“I’ve noticed, and I love it. As your King, I’d want to pleasure you often.” Hand caressing down my abdomen, he teases his fingers over my mound. “Would you want that?”
“Yes,” I moan.
“If we marry, the Anaukin people might become worried with how many days I lock you in the suite with me.”
Laughing, I turn to face him.
“You’re wicked, Luther. Sinfully wicked.”
“I am. Could you live with that?”
Admiring the affection in his eyes, I smile in response.
“I could.”
“Then we have the start of something special.”
Affectionately, he holds his hand to my face as his lips warm me, moving slowly and sensually over mine.
“I don’t want to leave you tonight.”
“I had plans to spend tomorrow with Riorrick. I’d rather spend it with you.”
“Does he know that?”
“No, I planned on inviting him in the morning.”
“Then I accept. What would you like to do tomorrow?”
“Go riding. We haven’t gone, just you and me.”
“I’ll go if you do something for me?”
“What’s that?”
“Dance with me.”
The corner of his mouth raises faintly as he sits us up. As I stand, he adjusts himself, buttoning his pants. When he stands, he presses the button on his soul band, bringing up the digital screen. With a few swipes and clicks, music begins playing. Hand in his, I look up at his sensuous gaze as he wraps his arm around me, moving us to the music.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
MATHEAS
Approaching King Gregory’s sitting room, tension builds in my chest as the door slides open and I enter. He’s sitting in one of his fine leather chairs, a flask of ale next to him on the tray and a glass nearly empty in his hand. Brows pinched together, he looks off in space, his expression troubled.
“Your Highness.”
Pulling himself from his thoughts, he gestures for me to take the chair across from him. As I sit, he pours me a glass of ale and hands it to me.
“Drink this, son. The news I have isn’t pleasant.”
Taking the glass, I swallow the soothing liquid as the rising tension nearly constricts my tight throat.
“When the Royal Houses agreed to move the date of Fiora’s coronation forward, they made a non-negotiable request. One that was difficult for me to agree to, but I had to, Matheas. Her safety is most important to me.”
Taking another drink, I attempt to settle my fraying nerves as King Gregory continues.
“They want Fiora to choose one of the suitors as soon as she’s crowned.”
Looking off, I close my eyes as the pain sets in.
“I wanted it to be you. You are like a son to me. You were my solution to everything.” Sorrow fills his words as his heavy-weighted gaze looks upon me.
“She’ll choose Luther.” The words are like acid coming from my lips. “There’s something between them. I’ve watched it develop over the last few weeks.”
“I’m sorry, Matheas. Things are going to change once she’s crowned and not in the way we both hoped. I’ll assign her a new guard. You’ll be free to live your life wherever and however you want.”
Placing the glass down, I rise from the chair.
“There is no life for me without her in it. May I be dismissed, Sir?”
“Of course.” With sadness in his eyes, he rubs at his temple. “Matheas…”
“Yes?”
“I hope you’ll forgive her. This is her only choice.”
Leaving the King’s sitting room, my feet lead me to a different part of the palace. Approaching the room, the door slides open. Inside, the four suitors are enjoying activities in the men’s parlor while outside the rain pours down heavily.
“Kellan, Riorrick, Malark, will you excuse us, please?” My tone is unyielding. Quickly, the three men leave the room. Luther sets the billiard cue back in its rack.
“What’s this about?”
“When did your House inform you about the agreement that Fiora must choose a suitor the day of her coronation?”
“Four days ago. Why?”
“How convenient for you that Fiora developed feelings in that time.”
With narrowed eyes, his jaw tightens. “Matheas, don’t go there. I’m not seducing her for the crown. I’m falling for her.”
With swift steps, I erase the distance between us.
“Why should I believe that?”
Squaring his shoulders, he stands his ground. “You don’t have to. I’m not here to get your approval. I’m here for Fiora.”
“I think you and your House are willing to do anything to achieve the crown. What’s going to happen after you’re named her King? Will you even be faithful to her? Or will she cry alone in her suite as you lay with woman after woman, only taking her when you’re bored?”
Fist slamming into my jaw, I take the hit, only taking one step back before securing my firm stance. Shaking his hand, he palms it with the other.
“You don’t know a damn thing about me. I know you love her, and based on your behavior, I assume you just found out about the agreement. In no way does that give you the right to accuse me of deceit and insinuate I’d treat Fiora as if she meant nothing to me.”
Sneering at the visible pain in his hand, I lock eyes with him.
“I need to know. If she chooses you, will you truly love and protect her?”
“Yes,” he answers without hesitation.
Throwing my fist, I slam it into his jaw. Stumbling back, he touches his face, the pain visible in his eyes.
“I’m counting on it. Anything happens to her and I’ll slit your throat.”
Recovering, he stands at his full height, meeting my gaze.
“You can’t stay if she chooses me. You know that, don’t you?”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“I’ll earn her love. There won’t be any reason for you to stay.”
“Even if she grows to love you, she’ll never stop loving me. I claimed her heart long before you.”
I turn to leave, but Luther’s voice stops me.
“You never should have let it get that far because now you’re going to have to break it. You know you can’t have her, and if I become her King, she won’t need you.”
Sniggering, I look back at him.
“You’re a fool to think you know what she needs.”
“You’re a fool to think I don’t.”