by W. J. May
Victor scooped her up and cradled her in his arms as her wedding dress trailed to the ground. “Do you want to lie with me here or go somewhere more fitting for a queen?” His disheveled hair made him look even hotter.
She opened her mouth but no words came out. Sure, he was the bad guy. He had kidnapped, imprisoned, and threatened her, after all, but he was still hotter than a blazing forest fire. She didn’t understand how a complete stranger could give her the most passionate kiss of her life—a stranger who was now her husband, no less.
“Let’s stay here,” Victor said. “No one will come in and disturb us.”
“May I ask for something to eat?” And some wine—lots of it—to calm my nerves. Hey, while you’re at it, why don’t you have the royal bartender throw a few cosmos in the mix? “In case you’ve forgotten, I’ve been locked in a rat-infested dungeon all day.” It was the only thing she could think of that might stall him and help her get back on track. She had to get him to the reception, because Frank would be waiting there with some kind of rescue plan in the works. Although, she thought, letting her mind wander for a moment, how bad could it be to be married to a drop-dead gorgeous king? Not bad at all, until he finds out I’m nothing but a peasant trying to steal the royal wedding ring. Sarah couldn’t get caught up in the royal fantasy. He was only using her to procreate, part of his wicked plan to tarnish the bloodline of her so-called royal family. His plan was screwed; her reality set back in. Once he finds out the truth, he’ll have me killed. That’s what all powerful tyrants do. I have to get out of here...NOW!
“You have my deepest apologies about the dungeon.” Victor tightened his grip on her body. “Let me make it up to you...all night long.”
“But what I need now is some food,” she said.
“This is much better.”
Sarah gasped as hot kisses inched down her neck and toward her cleavage. Nothing had ever felt better than that, but she had to focus and keep herself from getting distracted if she ever planned on finding her sister and getting them all safely home. She wriggled, trying to free herself of his vise-like grip. “But I’m hungry.”
“We can have cartloads of food brought to my...to our bedchamber.” Victor slid down the puffy sleeve of her dress, kissing her bare shoulder, sending tingling heat throughout her body.
Enjoying his touch and kisses were a complication she couldn’t afford. She could easily lose herself in that medieval world, but it would be at a lofty price. It was not worth losing everything, her entire life, as well as Frank’s and Liz’s. “Don’t you want to celebrate with your people on this joyous occasion? They might hold a grudge if you count them out. I’m talking pitchforks and stormed castles.” She raised her brows in the hope that he’d buy it.
He groaned and let go of her. “You think of everything, my love. We’ll make a quick show and then get you something to eat.” Pinching her butt, he winked. “You’ll need your strength, for it shall be a very long night, Queen Gloria Fesque.”
Smiling sweetly, she nodded. If only...
Chapter 6
Sarah stumbled but quickly regained her balance. Stupid, big, fluffy wedding dress! An embarrassing trip down the stairs wasn’t the grand entrance she’d hoped for. If anyone noticed, she decided she’d just laugh it off as wedding-night jitters. She needed to pay attention, but focusing on her footsteps seemed impossible when nothing but escape ran through her mind.
“Shall I assist you, Your Majesty?” A soldier appeared at her side, his arm proffered.
She scowled at him, lest he disclose her faux pas to everyone watching. “I’m fine, thanks.” Why’d hubby have to go and send a multitude of armed guards as escorts to the after-party? Now I’ll just have to lose them once I’m in the reception hall. Wait...hubby? Sarah still couldn’t get over the fact that she was married to someone who wouldn’t look out of place on the cover of a romance novel. She shook her head at her temporary lapse in judgment. But what a kisser!
She entered the great hall, which was filled with well-dressed ladies in silks and satins, whirling across the floor in the arms of gentlemen garbed in rich velvets and brocades. Laughter and chatter echoed through the room as her subjects drank to the new queen’s good health from brown-colored mugs. A troupe of musicians with recorders, trumpets, and flutes played a sprightly dance tune, while their whistles, bells, and drums kept the beat. She wondered if the DJ would take requests, but she highly doubted it.
Victor smiled, looping his arm in hers. “I see I’m just in time to escort my lovely bride.” His eyes glazed over, and she knew he meant every word. Against her will, Sarah felt her cheeks burning.
She knew it was cliché, but she felt exactly like Cinderella at the ball. Maybe she’d watched one too many Disney movies, but she had to keep reminding herself that it was all an act on both their parts. All she wanted out of their “blessed union” was the ring, and all he wanted was to piss off his alleged new father-in-law. Nevertheless, she couldn’t help but feel impressed. Nobody had ever given her such a celebration or that much attention before.
A bald man in short red pants blew a trumpet blast. “Noblemen and women, commoners, and all other parties, bow down before our glorious monarchs, protectors and defenders of the realm, his Royal Majesty King Victor and her Highness Queen Gloria.”
In one smooth movement, the crowd formed a corridor, bowing deeply as the royal couple stepped into their midst.
Victor held Sarah’s trembling hand high as they made their way through the parted sea of people. “My bride!” He inclined his head, a broad grin playing on his lips, his eyes shining with pride.
Part of Sarah wished the illusion was real, but she knew what was really lurking behind that smooth smile of his: revenge. He hated Gloria’s father with a passion, and he viewed that wedding and the forthcoming children as nothing more than payback. Of course, Sarah couldn’t blame him, as she had her own little scheme going on and certainly wasn’t one to point fingers. She scanned the room as the king engaged in friendly chatter, but there was no sign of Frank anywhere. Where is he?
“Are you looking to make a quick getaway, my Queen?” Victor asked, gripping her hand tighter. If it was meant as a joke, it sure didn’t come across as one. “There’s nobody here from your kingdom to whisk you away.”
Oh boy. He’s not going to let me out of his sight for a minute. Talk about a clingy husband. Maybe I can play up my alleged head injury, talk crazy and make my escape while he’s off finding that so-called healer of theirs. That’ll be easy enough. All I have to do is mention my world, my California, my cell phones, my high-tech cameras. Sarah beamed at him, spouting the first thing that hit her. “I was a hippie last year, but I didn’t win best costume at the work party, so I’m trying to decide which one of these fantasy costumes I’ll sport next month for Halloween—you know...to win the title.” If I even get home in time for that, she pondered.
“What?” Confusion crossed his face.
She motioned toward the crowd. “These costumes don’t work for me. How come there are no warrior women in the medieval Arthurian tales? I think it’s time I create one, because some of these chicks look like they’d stab first and ask questions later. I, for one, would love to lead troops out into battle. I bet they make some figure-flattering chainmail, right? But just because I’m wearing a fluffy dress, that doesn’t mean I can’t find a nice shiny sword to match it. I think I’ll be Lady Guinevere/Lara Croft. Whaddya think, Kingsy, dear?”
“I told you I was done with your games. You shall not distract me with your odd babbling.”
Babbling? When did I take a left turn into Crazy Town? Oh, wait. Maybe that was when I decided to chase Bigfoot into a cave with no one but Frank around to protect me. Why didn’t I just stay home and curl up with a good book or rent a fantastic movie? But she knew the answer to that question: The adventure DNA in her gene pool wouldn’t allow her to sit at home watching movies when there were creatures to be discovered in the wilderness. “Maybe it�
�s best that I visit the healer. Could you please fetch him?”
Victor raised his brows. “Are you trying to get rid of me?”
“What? No!” She laughed, putting on her best performance yet. The last thing she wanted to do was stick around and end up as the inspiration behind some Lifetime movies starring Valerie Bertinelli or Tori Spelling.
“I know you’re looking for your brother, hoping he’ll rescue you,” he said. “After all, he’s the one who got you into this mess in the first place, love.”
“You’re right. It was his fault. Men are always getting me into all kinds of messes.” Especially handsome kings with bright blue eyes. And Frank, too, with this alleged brilliant plan of his. By the way, where’s the nearest divorce court? I’m sorry, but I need more out of a marriage than good looks, money, and a fancy car...er, uh, horse. “But don’t worry. I always get myself out of trouble. I don’t need anyone to help me with that.”
“Are you angry with him? With your brother?” Victor asked.
Heck yeah! If Frank ditched out on her, she knew she’d be up the creek without a paddle. She frowned, realizing he was talking about Gloria’s brother. She wasn’t sure of exactly what he’d done, but she had a pretty good idea how to fill in the blanks.
“Wouldn’t you be? The little sister crosses into enemy lines to warn her brother about a nasty trap in store for him. He gets away while she gets caught. He’s probably home now, toasting his freedom with Daddy dearest.”
“What a nice family you come from.” Victor laughed. “If I were you I’d—”
“Yeah, yeah. I got it, loud and clear.” She turned away because she’d had enough of his mouth. She decided he’d be better off if he stuck to kissing instead of talking. Wasting her time chatting with him wasn’t going to get her anywhere, and it was time to switch tactics. “I have to use the little queen’s room.”
“All rooms belong to the royal king and queen,” he said.
“This freaking lung-squeezing corset is tighter than my skinny jeans, and it’s about to burst. I have to fix it if I ever intend to breathe again. Perhaps oxygen deprivation is what is causing me to talk such nonsense.”
He slid his arm around her waist and pulled her close, whispering into her ear in a husky voice, “How about we go upstairs and I remove it myself?”
She smirked, aware that he would enjoy unwrapping her like a Christmas present out of all those buttons, ties, and layers. It would take hours, and she was sure the guy would love every minute of it. She couldn’t stop the goosebumps from rushing over her skin though. It was a tempting offer, but one night of passion would be a high price to pay to squeeze out ten kids and be bossed around for the rest of her life. “I’d rather mingle and meet everyone.” She winked. “Remember, we have all night...and all our lives after that.”
He tilted her chin to meet his steady gaze. “Mingle with my subjects? Why do you care, Gloria? You only married me to save your pretty little neck.”
“Not true. I was tired of lonely Friday nights, and I desperately wanted this wedding ring,” she said, for once telling the truth.
Victor inclined his head, his eyes shining with pride as though he’d forged the thing himself. “It’s one of our most treasured heirlooms, dating back thousands of years. The wearers of the collection are bonded for all of eternity with one heartbeat.”
Eternity? How about a few short hours, buddy?
“I’m sure you’re familiar with the tradition,” Victor continued, a twinkle in his eye.
One heartbeat for all of eternity? He is nuts. She swallowed. Wait...could there be any truth to his statement? Maybe I should’ve read the fine print before I said, “I do.”
“Now that we’re connected, I’m positive your father will meet every single one of my demands.”
Sarah raised an eyebrow. “What makes you think so? He didn’t care before if I lived or got my head whacked off by your sword.”
“He cares deeply. According to my sources, he seems to have trouble believing that I actually have you in my possession.”
“Oh?” She realized that Gloria’s father had a heart after all.
“He thought I was bluffing, but he will now know the truth.” Victor leaned in. “Don’t convince yourself for a minute that I would’ve believed that Sarah Larker nonsense. My most reliable soldiers identified you as Princess Gloria. There is no mistaking who you really are.”
Sarah had heard of evil twins, of doppelgangers, but this was ridiculous. A shudder ran through her body as a thought occurred to her. Princess Gloria’s father is on to my scam. He knows King Victor doesn’t have the real princess. No wonder he wouldn’t meet the king’s demands. She knew she had to jumpstart the escape plan into high gear before Victor figured the whole thing out for himself. “Is there a private place I could go where I can fix this girdle?”
Victor motioned to one of his guards. “Take her to the dressing quarters. Station six guards at the door...no, make that a dozen of my finest men.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” a soldier said. For a moment, he peered at her, beaming with enthusiasm.
Sarah chuckled. “Hey, I know I look like a fairy godmother in this get-up, but I promise, I can’t vanish into thin air.”
A woman approached with her head down. She wore a simple muslin dress and carried a large leather satchel over one shoulder. Copper bracelets adorned her wrists. She bowed in humility. “Would you like me to help you with your dress, Highness?”
Sarah shook her head. “No, but thank you.” She knew the girl could easily ruin her plans and spoil everything. The last thing she needed was some little spy following her around while she hunted for Frank.
As contrary as always, the king motioned to the girl, his voice authoritative. “My queen will definitely be taking any help you offer.”
Sarah rolled her eyes. The guy was definitely a bona fide control freak, and she wasn’t about to let him think he had the upper hand. Just as she opened her mouth to set him straight, though, she remembered something her kindergarten teacher said: “Say something nice or shut up.” Nothing had worked so far, so she figured she might as well give it a try. Smiling, she cleared her throat. “How kind of you to think of me. That’d be great.”
Victor grabbed her wrist, whispering in her ear, “Try to escape and you’ll pay dearly.” She knew he meant every word of his threat; the teacher’s advice clearly sucked.
“After that kiss, I thought we were past all that. You’re posting an army at the door? Where’s the trust? How could I possibly run away with everyone knowing my face, thanks to you?”
He released her wrist, and she pulled her hand away, eager to put a few inches between them. “Trust is something one must earn,” he whispered, sounding like something she read on a fortune cookie once.
She met his hot gaze. “I kissed you. Doesn’t that mean anything?”
“Maybe it will when you do it out of enjoyment or passion or love and not for the sake of saving your own life.”
“Are you saying I faked it? Come on! We both know that kiss was real.” For a moment, she watched the dangerous glitter in his eye and wondered whether she’d underestimated him. She knew he could easily overpower her, and the fact that he hadn’t done so yet didn’t mean he wouldn’t once he realized she had no interest in being wife material. Should I dare an escape attempt? She snorted inwardly. Heck yeah! Living in Freaksville isn’t my thing.
“The girl is waiting on you,” Victor said.
Sarah smiled up at him sweetly. “Thanks for your help, darling.”
The girl touched her elbow. “If you’d follow me, my Queen.”
Throwing him one last look, Sarah followed her through the crowd to a room in the far left-hand quarter. True to Victor’s word, a multitude of minions guarded the entrance, and she could see the king’s prying sapphire eyes not too far away. She stepped inside and scanned the room, then shook her head. There wasn’t one window or opening, and freedom didn’t appear to be an option, a
t least not anytime soon. She was only moments away from him taking her upstairs to procreate an entire baseball team.
The girl motioned her behind a giant divider for privacy. “Please hurry, my Queen.” The way the girl’s eyes darted about, Sarah knew who would bear the brunt of the punishment if she did not do as she was told.
Sarah stumbled over the hem of her dress as she joined the girl. “Listen...I don’t need your help.”
“Yes you do, Sarah Larker.”
She gasped. “What? You know my real name?”
The girl nodded. “That and much more. Frank told me King Victor has mistaken you for Princess Gloria.”
“Frank? Oh my gosh! You’ve met him! Where is he? Is he here?”
“I’m working with him. He is currently hiding in the forest.”
“So you’re really here to help me with more than my dress?” Sarah gripped her hands, relief flooding through her. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
“Frank said you went through with the marriage only to obtain the ring.”
Sarah flashed her hand with a huge smile. “Mission accomplished, baby.”
“Good, for that is the one key back to your world, according to legend. Now, are you ready to switch identities? We’re pretty close in size. Even our hair is the same length and color. Your true lover, Frank, said I would pass for you with no problem, as long as we are careful.”
“Lover?” She shook her head and laughed. “Frank’s not my boyfriend.”
“Why not? He seems to be a nice man. We met only this morning, but he couldn’t stop talking about you.” The girl unbuttoned Sarah’s dress in the back, groaning. “This is tricky.”