by Vivian Wood
Entering the women’s parlor, soft piano music plays in the background as raindrops tap on the window. Fiora extends her arm, feathering the paintbrush across the canvas. Her attention to detail is remarkable, the sky she’s painting vivid in orange, pink, and yellow hues. To give her a compliment on her talent is futile, she doesn’t see what everyone else does. To her, it’s a relaxing hobby when she’s most emotional. For everyone else, we see the world through her eyes, and it's stunning.
“I could watch you paint for hours.”
“You have,” she replies casually, her attention still on her painting.
Moving to the chair nearby, I admire her as the painting becomes a work of art. The piano music around us is soothing, but it doesn’t settle the storm inside me. Leaving the chair, I approach behind her. Brushing her hair off her shoulder, I caress her back. Her body responds, the paintbrush in her hand lowering as a breath escapes her.
“I made a mistake.”
“It took you five days to realize that?”
“I thought I was keeping you safe until we no longer had to fear consequences. What I ended up doing was pushing you into the arms of another man.”
“You hurt me.” Placing the paintbrush into the cup of mineral spirits, she turns and stands, the pain obvious in her eyes. The sight of it tightens the knot in my chest.
“That was never my intention.”
Tears fill her eyes. I reach for her, but she gently refuses my hand.
“You didn’t talk to me. You made a decision for both of us without considering how I felt or what I wanted to do, then you abandoned me, avoiding me for days. We laid together that very morning before you left me as if I meant nothing to you.”
“I have no defense other than I thought I was doing what’s best for you. I was wrong. I never should’ve left your side.”
“No, you shouldn’t have.”
“I won’t again.”
Tears cascade down her cheeks, the pain in her eyes excruciating for me to see.
“It’s too late for us. I received news this morning I’m being forced to choose a suitor the day of my coronation. What I want doesn’t matter. I have a duty to uphold.”
Stepping closer, I take her face in my hands, bringing her sorrow-filled eyes to mine.
“I don’t care who reigns by your side. You’ll always be mine, Fi. I love you like no other man ever will.”
“I wanted it to be you. I’m so sorry.”
Pulling from my grasp, she attempts to flee, a sob escaping her. Keeping hold of her hand, I bring her back to me, placing my lips to hers. Body melting beneath my kiss, she submits into my arms. Passion and pain mix together, heightening our need for one another. Her hands grip me desperately, her pleasured moan filling my mouth as I back her to the table. Lifting her soft, blue dress, I find her center wet for me. The moment I caress between her legs, her body arches, needy for what I can give her. The tender melody of the piano adds to the chorus of our heated breaths and sensual kiss.
Laying her back, I lower to one knee. Hands under her ass, I pull her to the edge. The taste of her fills my mouth, and she cries out my name as I give her what she needs and her body craves. Licking and sucking her clit, I massage her pussy lips, coating them in her arousal before sliding a finger into her tight hole. Her moans grow louder, the pleasure overwhelming her.
Minutes later, as the last shudder of her orgasm takes over her, she lowers her dress, her eyes filled with a wanton need. She stands and turns me to the table, pushing me back against it. With swift movement, she unfastens my pants, pulling my erection free. Lowering to her knees, she takes me in her mouth, her sucking feverish and greedy. Putting me to the back of her throat, she sucks me hard. The familiar tingling sensation builds, her mouth drawing my orgasm. It doesn’t take long for my cum to coat her throat. Looking up at me with seductive cerulean blues, she swallows it down, moaning as if the taste of me pleases her. The sight of it arouses me, my need for her dangerously unrestrainable.
Raising her off her knees, I lift her legs, putting them around my waist as I sit her on the table. Pushing into her center, she spreads her legs, welcoming the feel of my cock pressed against her. Our lips come together, kissing and needing the other.
“I love you, Fi. There will never be anyone else for me.”
A single tear flows from her pain-filled eyes.
“I’ll never stop loving you, no matter who reigns at my side.”
Taking her hand, I bring her fingers to my lips, kissing them tenderly.
“I know you won’t. Your heart belongs to mine.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
FIORA
Three days of non-stop rain and the dreary clouds have finally parted for the day of my coronation. Every suitor pushed for time with me, and every night it was Matheas I took to my bed. Between tears and kisses, we savored every touch, displaying the love we feel inside. The night before I cried in his arms, knowing it was the final time we would lay together, the last time I’d feel his lips to mine. When morning came, he was gone and so was my heart. Ria viewed me with a puzzled gaze as she covered my red, puffy eyes with concealer and beautiful makeup. She never asked, and I didn’t explain.
Outside the window, countless rover crafts arrive with guests from across Anauka and some from other territories. Large hats and beautiful gowns adorn their bodies as they walk across the courtyard into the palace. Until I arrive at the imperial ball, they’ll be served hors d’oeuvres, endless drinks, and kept entertained. At the finale of the imperial ball, I’ll walk the majesty’s path to receive my crown.
Around me, my bedroom suite is buzzing with activity of people coming and going. Staff members are placing brand new bedding as well as romantic drapery around the columns of the bedposts. Candelabras are being placed to add to the ambiance. Every surface and corner is being cleaned.
As Karina tightens the corset back of my gown, I feel nothing, my body numb. My head lowers as I hold back tears. This is not how I imagined the day I’d become Queen. I’m entering into the most important day of my life with misery. It’s a bad omen. No reign should begin with sorrow, it’ll only lead to more.
The women watch me in confusion, my face never showing joy. Placing a jeweled necklace around my throat, Ria meets my gaze, her eyes filled with worry.
“Are you all right, Princess? I have yet to see you smile. You become a Queen today.”
“And choose a man I hardly know to be my King.”
“Surely, there must be one of them you believe to be capable.”
My silence forces hers.
“I’m sorry, Princess. That’s not my place.”
Taking her hand, I stop her before she leaves distressed.
“I appreciate your concern.” With as much of a smile as I can muster, I give her hand a squeeze.
“You’re going to be a magnificent Queen.”
With the genuine affection in her eyes, she pulls at my smile, lifting it.
“Thank you.”
Entering my room, my mother, wearing the color of our House, looks gorgeous in a long red mermaid dress. At her side is my Grand Nina, in a darker shade of red, her gown long and loose, the fabric flowing with each of her steps. My mother’s expression is one of pride as she looks me over in my white lace and satin gown. The sweetheart bodice is covered in the same lace that crosses my chest and sleeves. Cinched at my waist, the fabric continues to hug my frame until reaching my knees where it swells, the train extending behind me.
My mother may be distracted by my appearance, but my Nina is not. She looks right into my eyes, reading me as if she’s feeling the very pain my heart is suffering.
“Everyone out, please. I’d like a moment alone with my granddaughter.”
My mother remains, and Nina smiles at her.
“You as well, my lovely.”
Surprisingly, my mother doesn’t balk at the request. She accepts with a smile and leaves behind the others. Nina comes forward, taking my hands in hers.<
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“I can see you’re barely holding back tears. Tell me why you’re hurting so much.”
“This was supposed to be the greatest day of my life, and I can’t even pretend to feel joy. Becoming Queen was finally going to give me the freedom to choose the man I wanted. That’s been taken from me. I’m trading one royal cage for another.”
“Matheas is the choice you wanted?”
“Yes.”
“What of Luther or Kellan? I’ve seen the way you are with both men. They’re as fond of you as you are them.”
“Kellan prefers to lay with men, Nina. He’s become a very close friend, and that’s all it could ever be.”
“And Luther?”
“I…” My eyes close as I struggle to admit the truth.
“You have feelings for him, don’t you, darling?”
“Yes.” Guilt plagues me just saying it aloud.
“I’ve known for a long time you and Matheas loved one another, and I believed it would be the two of you to reign over Anauka, but even a woman as old and wise as I am can be wrong. What’s happening is for a reason. Luther may be the man you’re supposed to be with.”
Releasing her hands, tears dampen my eyes.
“I can’t let go of Matheas. I love him.”
“You have a choice to make today. Hundreds of guests and thousands of viewers will be watching, waiting for you to choose your King.”
“I know. I can’t choose. I won’t.”
Fear fills the eyes of the calmest woman I know.
“As much as I don’t want to admit it, your mother was right. If you don’t choose today, the Royal Houses will revolt. Your reign will begin with chaos. Don’t do that to yourself. Think of your future, not just today.”
“If I’m to be Queen, my reign shouldn’t start with the Royal Houses having control over me, leveraging my safety for their own gain. I refuse to bow to their demands.”
My mother enters, interrupting us.
“All the guests have arrived, even King Belore and His Majesty King Beckett.”
Nina’s mouth turns down.
“I hoped he wouldn’t come, knowing she’s choosing her King today.”
“He’s here in case she doesn’t,” my mother informs us. “He still wants your hand in marriage, and now he has much more to offer you and Anauka.”
Nina’s gaze fixes on me.
“Be careful, darling. Your choice today could set the course for a treacherous path, not just for you, but for Anauka too. Heed the warning I gave you before the trials.”
Fear seizes my body, rushing up my spine and tightening my throat, tears welling in my eyes. Nina takes my hand, giving it a comforting squeeze.
“Trust your journey, darling. No matter where it leads.”
My mother steps forward. Placing her hand on my face, she caresses my cheek.
“We’ll leave you to have some time to yourself, but before we go, I wanted you to know how proud of you I am. You’ve grown into a beautiful and courageous woman. I have complete faith you’ll make a fine Queen.”
A single tear rolls down my cheek. Very few times in my life has she spoken to me with such pride and conviction. To hear it now reaches deep within. Meeting her expectations is something I truly want to achieve as Queen.
“Thank you, Mother.”
When the door slides closed behind them, I feel the weight of my territory on my shoulders. For days, I’ve been thinking of only myself and my shattered heart. I haven’t thought of how my decisions could affect the Anaukin people. Refusing to choose is a choice I cannot make. To do so, would give King Belore the opportunity to propose our territories join together.
Demerick enters, dispersing my thoughts. With a smile, his bright eyes expand as he looks at me.
“Princess, you look beautiful.”
His pleasant genuineness tugs at the corner of my mouth.
“Thank you.”
“Do you have a moment? There’s someone who wants to meet you on the veranda.”
“Who?”
“I cannot say, Princess. I’ve been asked not to.”
“That would be one of the suitors then. Yes, of course. I’ll meet them.”
Leading me down the hall, Demerick stops us before the veranda door. Approaching, I enter to the warm evening sun kissing my skin and the cool breeze hugging it. Standing at the railing in a sharp black suit, holding a red rose is Luther. Coming to me, he offers me the rose.
“First it was white for letting me view your purity, on our date it was yellow for the joy you bring me, today it’s red for the passion and love I hope we bring one another.”
Looking down at me, his eyes are filled with hope and desire. In my heart, I feel the pull to him, and it pains me. Taking my hand in his, he caresses it.
“These last few days, I’ve felt you pull away from me, and it worries me. I needed to take this moment to reassure you I’m all in. I’m willing to take the leap if you’re willing to take it with me.”
“You’re right. I have pulled away, and I’m sorry. You deserve for me to let you in and build a relationship together. I haven’t treated you well, and yet you continue to be patient and open with me. You deserve so much better than I’ve given you.”
With my hand in his, he brings me close. Wiping my stray tear, he leans down, kissing me with soft affection.
“I understand the situation you’ve been in. I’m aware it hasn’t been easy.”
Knowing eyes stare down at me, his words surprising me.
“I know you love Matheas.”
Concern fills my chest.
“You don’t need to explain. Just know I’m willing to be patient, to earn your love because I know what we can have. We’ve experienced a taste of it already. I believe you see that too.”
Closing my eyes, the guilt overwhelms me.
“I’m sorry.”
Gently cupping my chin, he brings my troubled gaze to his.
“Making you feel ashamed or guilty isn’t what I want. I want to begin this journey with you having both our hearts open to the possibilities.”
Placing an arm around my back, he caresses me, the touch of his warm fingers soothing. Pressing his lips to mine, he puts the emotion he feels into the kiss. My body forms to his, my hands gently gripping his jacket as his tongue slides over mine, a delicate sample of his restrained passion. Fingers lost in my hair, his other hand caresses my ass, pressing me to him. Hand wound through my loose curls, he holds my head back. Releasing a breath, his eyes fill with lust as he looks at me.
“Choose me. Become mine. I worry I’ll lose my mind if you don’t.”
My opportunity to respond is disrupted by Demerick entering the veranda. Luther loosens his hold, and I turn in his arms.
“Princess, it’s time.”
Luther keeps my hand in his, walking with me into the palace. At the top of the stairs, he stops, leaning in to kiss my cheek.
“I forgot to tell you how breathtaking you look.”
Continuing down the steps, he reluctantly releases my hand. I watch him go, raising the red rose, inhaling its sweet scent.
“I like him,” Demerick says next to me. “He adores you. I want to see you with a man who will love you.”
“He would, but he’s not the only one.”
Demerick tilts his head, his thoughts moving.
“Still unsure of who you want?”
“Completely.”
“There isn’t much time left to decide, Princess. I’m to escort you into the Imperial Ball.”
Putting out his arm, I take it. Together, we walk down the grand staircase to the palace ballroom. The doors slide open, and I’m accosted by the scent of flowers and specially prepared cuisine. Round tables covered in white linen are in countless rows. At their centers are gorgeous centerpieces of red flowers and candles. Through the middle of the ballroom is a red runner, the majesty’s path, leading to the altar and the empty King and Queen thrones. Every guest rises from their seats, watching me w
ith exultant expressions as Demerick escorts me to the table nearest the altar where my family awaits me to join them.
Once I take my seat, my family and every guest take theirs. Demerick disappears to join the rest of the arms men. My brother, Leon, dressed in a fine suit, leans over, kissing me on the cheek.
“You look lovely, sister.”
“Thank you.”
Placing his hand on my back, he rubs sweetly.
“Soon, I’ll be calling you my Queen.”
“I’ll always be sister to you.”
“That you will.”
With pride and joy, my family smiles at us. Standing from his chair, my father raises his glass, the microphone in his soul band attached to the speaker system for this special occasion.
“Today, we enter into an Anaukin tradition. The Imperial Dinner and Ball before the passing of the Anaukin crown. Tonight, I lose a daughter but you…gain a Queen.”
Cheers erupt as glasses clink together.
“Let us begin,” my father instructs.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
FIORA
With an exquisite five-course meal, my family and the guests display an array of satisfaction between patting their stomachs and complimenting the chefs and our Royal House. In the background, soft music plays, and my mind wanders as do my eyes. Searching the room, I find the table for each Royal House which provided a suitor. Each of them makes eye contact with me, their gazes hopeful, except Kellan who looks at me with sweet contentment. Each of their attention is pulled away by conversation from their families. My gaze continues around the room, but I never find the man I’m looking for. Sorrow fills my chest at his absence, but I understand why he isn’t here.
Soon, guests stand and walk to the back of the ballroom to the dance floor. Couples move in sync in the traditional Anaukin dance. Luther fills my periphery. Outstretching his hand, he awaits me to take it. Warmth fills my palm as I slide my hand into his. Placing a hand around my back, he guides me to the dance floor.
Together, we move in sync with the others. Silently, we dance together, our gazes meeting, sensing the emotion from the other. With no words spoken, we feel our way through the dance, giving in to the music moving through us. Touching my hip, he turns me out into a spin, the train of my gown billowing out like a blossoming flower. Brought back into his arms, he pulls me close to his chest, our breaths heightened.