Words, whispers, and grumbles pass between the men.
“No woman is worthy of ruling Iowan,” a man in the back shouts, his black hair tousled and his shoulders broad. Two more in the crowd shout their agreement. Richter gestures to Everett. who sends a signal to his arms men, and the Iowan men are plucked from the crowd.
“Execute them,” Richter orders.
The blasts of laser guns whistle through the room. The men fall forward, blood smearing the hard, gray floor.
“Traitor!” a voice shouts from the crowd, but I fail to see the source.
Richter walks to one of the Freean arms men and outstretches his hand, wanting the laser gun. Everett gives a nod of approval, and the arms man hands it over. Entering the crowd, Richter stops in front of a man with a square jaw and sharp green eyes, his gaze cold and angry.
“Only a fool would see my change in alliance as being a traitor. Belore was an incompetent, spoiled, treacherous King who would’ve led our territory into ruin.”
The laser gun blasts a hole in the man’s chest and his body falls backward, the skin around the wound singed, his sharp green eyes now dull and lifeless. Richter points out four more men from the crowd and gives the execution orders. The dead soldiers are carried out while the remaining men are freed from their constraints.
“I believe you men to be of good judgment,” he tells them. “Men I’d be proud to have as my arms men. Each of you has a choice—continue your service to the crown, leave now and find occupation elsewhere, or choose to betray our Queen and die trying.”
A young man steps forward with fear in his eyes.
“If we leave the arms men position, will we be punished or accused of being disloyal to the crown?”
“No, son,” Richter replies. “I’m well aware many of you did not enter the service of an arms men willfully. You are free to leave without harm, should you choose to.”
The young man smiles, relief filling his face. To my surprise, he steps back into the crowd of Iowan arms men and remains there. Two others give Richter a polite nod, then to me before walking to the exit, disappearing into the falling snow. With fifteen remaining soldiers, Richter gives them the orders to re-enter the palace, get a hot meal, then join him in the King’s planning room. Taking my hand, Richter kisses it.
“I’d like to meet with them in private, should you allow it. I want to know if their loyalty is true.”
“I’ll allow it. See to the men in prison as well. I have no doubt there are innocents locked in those cells who deserve to be released. I’ll leave that responsibility to you.”
“Consider it done.”
Richter follows his men out of the rover craft building as the Rakian men gather in a group. One of the arms men reads a message on his soul band.
“We’ve been ordered to return to Rakia. Do your men have everything handled?”
“Yes,” Everett assures him. “Go home to your families.”
The Rakian men give their farewell. Their rover craft ascends into the air as the Freean arms men escort me back to the palace. In the distance, I hear a rover craft whistling through the sky, then a second. Two Anaukin rover crafts come into view, slowly descending their air travel. Once they land, I await the men to exit the vessels. A familiar face steps out with the soldiers, and I rush to him. Kellan outstretches his arms and brings me into them, kissing me on the cheek.
“Sweet Fi.”
Squeezing him, a rush of rejuvenation fills me. He keeps hold of me as I look up at his handsome face and toothy grin.
“I’m happy to see you.”
“I feel the same.”
“What are you doing here?”
“The Royal Faction determined someone from the Faction should join you and aid in your counsel. I volunteered. Until you return to Anauka, I’ll remain by your side.”
As I squeeze him again, he lets out a wheeze.
“I think you’ve become even stronger than I remember.”
My laughter drifts into the wind. With the snow falling around us, Everett and another familiar face approach. My smile widens as I come forward and kiss Sederick on the cheek.
“My Queen.” Taking my hand, he gives it the kiss of respect, his smile beaming, his appearance flushed. “I’ve been assigned as your lead arms men. Whatever you need, we’re here to assist.”
“Thank you. Pollo couldn’t have chosen a better man for the position.”
With his cheeks still full of color, he tips his head appreciatively.
“I’m pleased you feel that way, my Queen.”
Facing Everett, I take Kellan’s arm and introduce the men.
“Everett, this is Kellan of House Nevari, my most trusted advisor besides Matheas. And this man here,”—I gesture to Sederick—“Is one of my best arms men, Sederick McCall.” Pointing to Everett, I tell my men. “Kellan, Sederick, the man before us is King Ryker’s right hand. The man is due your deepest respect.”
They all shake hands while Everett assesses them with his usual scrutinizing gaze.
“It’s a pleasure.”
Kellan acknowledges Everett’s kind words with a short bow.
“Mine as well.”
Sederick gives the same courtesy.
Stepping forward, I leave our circle to address my arms men.
“Join me, this is your palace as much as it is mine. Tonight, we’ll have a meal together, then begin plans for Iowan.”
Looping my arm in Kellan’s, we lead everyone inside. The chatter of many men can be heard from the grand dining hall as I return the coat and boots I borrowed. Everett and Kellan remain at my side as I follow the voices. Passing through the open door, their chatter quickly grows quiet, their attention turning to me.
Ryker stands at the head of the nearest table. With his intelligent gaze, he takes in the new arrivals.
“All stand for Queen Fiora,” he orders.
Chairs scrape the silver tiled floor as Freean and Iowan arms men stand together. Leaving Kellan’s arm, I go to Ryker. Embracing me, he kisses me unabashed, bringing my body tightly against his. My cheeks flush with warmth as desire pebbles my nipples and tingles at my center. Pulling back from his kiss is difficult. Seeing the desire in the sheen of his eyes adds to my struggle.
Observing my reaction draws his lips back in a sensuous grin. Caressing my jaw, his eyes roam my face before addressing all arms men.
“Please, have a seat. Eat together, talk among one another, enjoy the opportunity for comradery Queen Fiora has given us.”
Kellan and my arms men fill a table and the empty spaces at others. Richter raises his goblet from the table over.
“A toast…to the Queen who ends wars.”
Goblets rise into the air.
“Here, here!” they shout.
Ryker hands me a goblet, and I raise it in gratitude before taking a drink. Cups clang and the room returns to the bustling sounds of chatter, eating, and drinking once more.
“Would you prefer to sit next to me or the head of your own table?”
“Next to you.”
Sliding back the chair to his right side, Ryker kisses me on the cheek as I take a seat. Gesturing to staff, he ensures my glass and plate are immediately filled.
Following dinner, I join the men in the King’s planning room and give instructions to the Anaukin and Iowan arms men. Richter and Sederick easily work together, making plans for new communications and orders that will need to be given to the Iowan arms men currently stationed across Iowan. Afterward, Richter, Sederick, and I move to the control room so I can oversee administration codes. Allowing Sederick his own, we integrate them into our soul bands and test the entrance, exit, and a few miscellaneous control panels.
With new communications and codes successfully installed, duties are assigned, and the men disseminate throughout the palace in pairs of one Iowan and one Anaukin soldier. A few depart in a rover craft to make contact with each station around Iowan. By the end of the evening, I’m as tired as the men are.
With a final order of tea and sweet treats, I relieve the palace staff and ensure they’re all paid. Resting in the Queen’s sitting room, I relax on the couch and sip tea as Ryker showers in the Queen’s suite. Kellan pours himself a mug then joins me, casually resting an ankle over his knee.
“It’s amazing watching you in action. You’re a true ruler. There’s no hesitation. You know exactly what needs to be done and ensure actions are put in place.”
“It’s gratifying to finally be free to be Queen. I’m anxious to return home.”
“When will you?”
“I promised Ryker I would travel to the Free territory with him first. He wants time with me before I return home to my duties.”
“The Royal Faction will be disappointed you won’t be returning to Anauka immediately.”
“I don’t answer to the Royal Faction, they answer to me. I believe they forget that at times.”
“They do. I’m worried about your return. During your absence, the Royal Faction grew bolder in their governing. I fear you will have resistance when you first return and take over your reign.”
“Who among them will give me the most resistance?”
“Luther’s father, Lucian. He’s been the boldest of them all and continues to push for dominance and favor for his son.”
“How has the rest of the Faction responded to him?”
“They’re mixed. The older members are traditional and believe an Anaukin royal needs to rule beside you, but many are loyal to you and your house.”
“I see.”
Finishing my tea, I consider Kellan’s information.
“We’ll stay in the Free territory for one night. I’ll gather my family, and we’ll return to Anauka immediately. If Lucian is growing his loyalty, I can’t waste any time regaining the Faction’s loyalty to the crown.”
“That’s a wise decision and why I volunteered to join you. I wanted you to know what challenges you’re returning to.”
“I appreciate your friendship and loyalty.”
Kellan puts an arm out and motions his hand for me to come to him. Sliding into his open arm, we rest our heads against one another.
“You are the best ruler for our territory, and I trust your judgment of who you want by your side. We just have to convince the entire Royal Faction the same thing.”
The growing love I have for him tingles in my belly, intensifying when he kisses my head.
“You truly are the very best friend I have.”
“And you’re mine, so I can’t let anything happen to you.”
Kissing his cheek, I snuggle closer. The automated door opens to Ryker, freshly showered, his beard trimmed. A humored smile plays at his lips when he sees Kellan and me together.
“If it were any other man, I’d be jealous.”
“You can't fool me.” Kellan laughs. “You’re still jealous,” he quips.
Ryker sits on the opposite end of the couch and opens his arms to me. Leaving Kellan, I set my mug down and scoot onto Ryker’s lap. He caresses my cheek, his eyes glistening with love.
“You’re right. My arms are the only ones she belongs in.”
Kellan’s chuckle is muffled behind his mug as he takes a drink.
“You’ll have to get used to me being around. As her new advisor, I’ll be traveling with her to the Free territory.”
Ryker looks over at Kellan with a raised brow, his expression playful.
“In that case, no sleepovers.”
Setting his mug on the table in front of us, Kellan’s smile is cheeky.
“It’s not her bed I’d want to sleep in.”
He winks at Ryker, and my hand goes to my mouth, stifling my fit of laughter. Ryker’s head falls back, his cheeks flushing with color. Kellan puts extra flair in his walk, looking back at Ryker over his shoulder before he leaves. Ryker flips me onto my back as my laughter spills out. Lying above me, he pins me beneath his sensuous gaze.
“That’s a sound I love.”
With his lips covering mine, my laughter becomes moans. His warm hand caresses my skin, traveling under my shirt, my nipples pebbling before he reaches them. Thumbing over one, he massages it as his kiss deepens. My body responds, becoming wet with need. Pressing between my legs, his growing erection teases that burning desire. Looking down at me, he reads my reaction, evidently seeing the want in my eyes. Reaching for my hips, he lowers my pants.
Spreading my legs, I welcome him as he leans down and kisses between them, my breath catching as he sucks at my clit. Two fingers enter me, feeling for my G-spot, and work in rhythm with his sucking, blowing, and nibbling. Letting myself go to the increasing pleasure, I moan aloud as my mind goes blank and gratification takes over. Soon, a warming sensation spreads throughout my body, the pressure building. Reaching my orgasm, I pant short, quickened breaths. The euphoric sensation spreads, and I moan a sigh of relief through it.
Ryker rises, wiping his lips, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes as he looks down at me. Wanting to give him the same pleasure, I sit up and reach for his pants, unfastening them. His thick erection springs free, the sight arousing me. Taking hold of the back of the couch, he groans when I put his erection in my mouth, sucking hard.
Twisting strands of my hair in his hand, he pushes into my throat, matching my rhythm of sucking. Minutes pass, and his muscles tighten, his cock thickening. Warm cum fills my mouth, and above me, Ryker lets out a long, satisfied moan. Lying back on the couch, he brings me atop him, his flaccid cock between my wet center.
Lying in each other’s arms, we kiss endlessly, our hands roaming over the other’s body, tugging, caressing, letting each other know how much we want and need one another.
CHAPTER NINE
FIORA
Waking up in the Queen’s suite, I vaguely remember Ryker carrying me to the room. Next to me, he’s sound asleep, one arm over my waist. When I move, he wakes. Leaning over, he kisses me, his smile as handsome and happy as ever.
“After breakfast, I’m taking you home.”
“I’ll be ready. I’m eager to see my family.”
“I met your Grand Nina, and I must say, I’m fond of her.”
Turning to face him, I caress a finger over his enticing lips.
“I miss her.”
“She misses you too. I discovered how protective she is of you. She had no problem giving me a speech of how treasured you are and how I better love and cherish you the way you deserve, or they’ll be hell to pay by her hands.”
Laughter tickles my belly, and Ryker laughs along with me.
“I’m not surprised to hear this.”
“I don’t doubt she’d try to give me a lashing either.”
“She would sure try.”
With his strength, he easily brings my body to his, his warmth soothing and equally arousing.
“This is what I need. With you, I can forget everything else.”
“Except we both have territories that need us to rule.”
Groaning into the pillow, he loosens his grip.
“Yes, unfortunately, I can’t keep you in bed with me. There are others waiting for us. Would you like time to bathe this morning?”
“I would.”
“I’ll have breakfast waiting for you in the grand dining hall. I feel it’s best we eat with the arms men one last time before we leave.”
“I agree.”
As I sit up, he draws me into his arms and kisses my neck. Warm, strong hands massage my breasts as his kisses continue traveling up, his lips nibbling my neck and the lobe of my ear. When I moan, he reaches between my legs, finding me wet for him.
“Bathe with me.”
Putting my hand over his, I guide his fingers inside my opening.
“You should start it now. With the way you feel, I won’t let you out of this bed if we don’t get out of it now.”
Angling my face toward him, I meet his lips as he withdraws his hand, leaving me craving his touch. Coming off the bed, I look over my shoulder and catch hi
m watching me walk away, his erection thick in his hand. Leaving the bed, he follows me into the bathroom.
When we leave the Queen’s suite, we’re both sated from each other’s loving touch. With his arm around my waist, we walk to the stairs. The door to Belore’s suite opens, drawing my attention. I leave Ryker’s side to investigate the progress. Inside, the room is completely bare, not a single piece of furniture or torture device. Raising my soul band, I contact Richter.
“Good morning, my Queen.”
“Good morning. How are you and the other arms men?”
“Well rested thanks to you.”
“I’m pleased to hear it. I have a request this morning.”
“What can I do for you?”
“Have a designer brought to the palace. I’d like the palace to be redecorated. The empty suite is now yours. Furnish it however you’d like.”
“I appreciate the accommodations. I’ll have the designer hired today.”
“Perfect. Have the arms men assembled for breakfast. King Ryker and I would like to join all the arms men for one last meal before we leave.”
“Will do.”
I disconnect, and Ryker puts his arm around me as we descend the stairs. Leaning in closer, he lowers his voice.
“Are you giving him too much authority?”
“No, I’m giving him what I promised in exchange for his loyalty.”
“If his loyalty can be bought, it can be bought by other monarchs.”
Stopping on the stairs, I continue our private conversation.
“Trust me when I say he won’t betray me. He wants me to rule Iowan.”
“For now, he does. That might change when he gets a taste of what it’s like being a ruler.”
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