As I raise my fists, Kendrick adjusts his stance and lifts his own. Keeping a rhythm, I jab, cross, hook, then repeat. He picks up the pattern, dodging, then striking back the same. When I put more fervor into my swings, Kendrick backsteps out of my reach.
“Between the two of us, you’ve always been the reasonable one, the one to think through the consequences of actions, the one to consider everyone else before yourself. But what is it you want? What is your heart screaming that your mind is telling you to ignore?”
Wiping at a bead of sweat across my brow, I let myself listen, let myself hear the voice I’ve been refusing to acknowledge. Rubbing the tension in the back of my neck, I meet Kendrick’s expectant gaze.
“That I made a mistake letting her leave without me and without knowing everything I feel. I can lie to myself, but I’d never be able to let her go. I don’t want to live without her.”
Kendrick tugs at the strap, removing his hand wrap.
“I’m taking a trip back to Anauka. There’s a horse race coming up I’ve decided to enter. You should join me.”
Unwrapping my glove, I stare at Kendrick, the corner of my mouth pulling back.
“I’ll meet with Everett and begin our travel preparations.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
FIORA
As the rover craft descends, I stare out the window, taking in the magnificent Anaukin palace with its white pillars, royal blue exterior, and glittering, gold, gilded accents—a wonderful contrast to how I last saw it. Pinching my lip between my teeth, my belly churns with nerves. I’ve never been more conflicted. It was excruciating to leave Ryker, yet I’m pleased to finally be home in Anauka after all my time away.
As I exit the rover craft, Matheas, Pollo, Ria, and many other familiar faces are standing outside the palace entrance, waiting for me and my family. My steps quicken as I near them, happy to see them all. Matheas is the first to come forward. Stomach fluttering, I embrace him, relief and joy coursing through my veins, pulling my smile back as I stare up at him.
“I’m so thankful you’re all right.”
Caressing my hair, cheek, and arms, he looks down at me with his cerulean blues, and in them, I see his love.
“There are so many things I’m grateful for, but none of them compare to how grateful I am you’re home safe and in my arms.”
Putting my head on his chest, I take pleasure in the comfort of his arms. Quieting my voice as he did, I share what my heart feels.
“I love you.”
His musky scent eases my turmoil of emotions as he holds me tighter.
“Nothing sounds better than your beautiful voice, saying the words I love to hear.”
With a kiss to my cheek, he lowers his arms before our reunion draws too much attention. The others greet me with hugs or customary kisses to my hand. Reaching Ria, I pull her in for a long, tight hug, so pleased to see the smile on her round, freckled face.
“I’ve missed you, my Queen.”
“I’ve missed you as well.”
“I’ve planned a royal dinner for you and the Tridore House, ensuring your favorite dessert will be served.”
Her presence alone brings me joy, but it’s the extra touches she’s always given in caring for me I adore.
“Please join us for dinner. You’re just as much family. As are you, Pollo. I’d like for you to join us as well.”
Standing resolute in his Anaukin soldier’s garb, his hands held behind his back, he looks at me in surprise, his shoulders lowering, the lines in his mouth creasing as he smiles.
“I’d be honored to, my Queen.”
Motioning everyone inside, they wait for me to lead and follow me in. Entering the palace is bittersweet. There are fresh flowers in vases from my mother’s garden, but the walls and interior are different. My paintings and the paintings my parents purchased are gone, likely destroyed. On the right side, the interior is still undergoing construction. The framing of the walls and doors are visible, yet to be covered and painted, reminding me of the horrible night the palace was attacked.
With slow steps, I enter the ballroom where my mother died. The room is bare, the walls the same as in the grand entry hall, waiting to be finished. The flooring has been replaced, no doubt because of severe damage and blood stains. An arm covers my shoulder, then another around my waist. My father and brother stand on each side of me, their heartache visible in their expressions.
“She’d be proud of you, my sweet. You’ve become far more benevolent and formidable than we expected.”
A tear rolls down my cheek as I remember her in the garden, lifting a flower to her nose, smelling its sweet fragrance before handing it to me to do the same.
“I’d like to visit her grave after dinner.”
Pollo appears in my periphery, his expression sympathetic.
“I’ll show you to it.”
“Thank you. I’d like to relax and refresh before dinner. Ria, please have tea and fruit sent to the Queen’s suite and rooms prepared for my family and Kellan.”
“Will do, my Queen.”
Everyone departs, attending to their duties while my Nina puts an arm around my brother, ushering him and my father to, I assume, the King’s parlor. With his hand at my back, Matheas remains at my side as I ascend the stairs. I’m quiet on our walk to the Queen’s suite. Reaching it, Matheas enters a code, and the door opens.
“I’ll get the new codes programmed in your soul band this evening.”
“Thank you.”
I’m grateful to see my own canopy bed, furniture, and accessories in the Queen’s suite. Across the bed are streaming rays of sunlight from the window panes of the balcony doors. Approaching them, they auto-open, and I step out onto the Queen’s balcony, which overlooks the garden and maze behind the palace. Admiring the beautiful colors of the blossoms, I breathe in the Anaukin air. Matheas brushes my hair to one shoulder, placing a sweet kiss on my cheek before putting his arms around me, holding my back to his warm chest. Placing my hands on his arms, I tilt my head and lay it on his shoulder, comforted by his touch.
“I can sense all the emotions you’re struggling with. I’ll listen if you’d like to share them.”
“It’s bittersweet coming home. I’m happy to be here, but it reminds me of my mother’s death and the night we were attacked. I feel vulnerable, yet I need to hide it because tomorrow I face new challenges. I’ll need to be strong and confident when I address the public about my plans for Iowan and even stronger when I address the Royal Faction.”
Moving his hands to my shoulders, he massages my tight muscles, the release of tension drawing a quiet moan from my parted lips.
“You’ll feel more prepared for tomorrow if you relax and rest. You should take a warm bath.”
“Matheas…” Stopping his massage, I hold his hand as guilt pummels my stomach. “There’s more I need to tell you.”
I face him, and he raises my hand, kissing my fingertips, making my struggle harder as his kiss quickens my heartbeat.
“Ryker ended our engagement.”
The start of a smile plays at his lips before his brows knit inward.
“Why did he end it?”
“Because I’m in love with both of you.”
Matheas brings me closer, rubbing my back, no anger or jealousy showing in his expression.
“He didn’t handle that news well.”
“How are you not upset with me?”
Tears well in my eyes, but Matheas continues rubbing, keeping the tears at bay.
“I’ve had time to accept it. I knew Ryker wanted you and would pursue you. When I was believed dead, marrying him was the right political decision. I understand you developed feelings for your fiancé. I cannot hold that against you. When Belore reunited us, and I thought I’d lose you again, all I wanted was to be with you, to cherish our remaining time together. Once freed, I chose to accept having you in any capacity I can. Being with you is what’s important to me.” He kisses my fingers again and a single t
ear escapes, trickling down my cheek. “Believing I might have to share you during your suitor phase helped make it easier.”
“Matheas…”
Kissing my cheek, he gathers my stray tear, following it with a kiss to my lips.
“Yes?”
“I need you.”
“I know, Fi.” He kisses me again, and my tense shoulders lower, my body melting into his. “I need you too.”
Gathering me in his arms, he lifts me, putting my legs around his waist. The balcony doors auto-close after we come through them. Placing me on the bed, he unbuttons my blouse, kissing my breasts and sucking at my tight, pert nipples before continuing his kisses down my abdomen.
Raising his uniform shirt, my fingers run over the muscles of his stomach. My gaze lingers over his toned torso and the new scars on his left side. Touching my fingers over them, I sit up, tenderly kissing each one.
“You bled for me, never stopped loving me or fighting for me. My love for you is as strong as it’s ever been. I’ll never stop loving or fighting for you either.”
Intertwining his fingers with mine, he lies above me, pressing his erection between my legs.
“Nothing could stop me from loving or fighting for you. You’re mine, Fi, and you always will be.”
Quiet tears roll down the side of my face as his kisses heal my heartache. Pampering my body with his touch, he undresses me slowly, savoring every inch of me with his lips. Spreading my legs, he lies between them, his thick erection filling my wet folds. His thrusts bring my body as much pleasure as his whispered words bring to my heart.
In his arms, I’m content, my body given the release it needed. Tracing the curves of my body, he travels up and twirls a finger around my nipple, drawing out my lingering satisfaction.
“If it wasn’t for the royal dinner, I’d stay in bed with you all evening.”
Lying on his back, he puts one hand behind his head and curls me against his chest with the other.
“I’ll stay with you tonight if you’ll have me.”
“Yes, I want you with me. I want to be with you as much as I can.”
Hand under my chin, he raises my lips to meet his, bringing my desire to the surface. Limbs tingling, head dizzy with lust, I lie atop him, indulging in his kiss and caressing hands.
Squeezing my ass, he pulls me tight against him.
“You might not get much sleep though.”
Biting his lip, I release it between my teeth.
“That will make for an interesting first public address.”
“All right. I promise to let you sleep but only after I’ve pleasured you fully.”
With a wink, his hand crosses my ass cheeks and caresses between them, applying pressure to my tight hole. My body arches into him, aroused by his erotic touch. Meeting his lips, I answer with a heated kiss. Between my cheeks, he applies more pressure, teasing my desire.
“I’ll stop in town and get what we need.”
“Please do. I want to feel you take me both ways.”
“You’ll get to.”
Bringing me down to him, he smothers my moans with his lips as he pleasures my ass, sliding a finger in and out. Adjusting my position, I hold his erection and slide onto it. Sitting up, he jerks my hips toward him, still pleasuring my backside as he thrusts in sync with me. With my moans growing louder, he covers my mouth with his, swelling my lips with his kisses as my orgasm builds.
My hands tighten their grip on his shoulders as my body drifts into euphoria, my orgasm tingling throughout my body. Laying me on my back, he bends my knee toward my chest and thrusts hard and fast. Biting into my lip, I conceal my pleasured cry as he leads my body into another orgasm. Together, we reach our climax, his chest collapsing on mine.
“I’m convinced of two things,” I say between my quickened breaths and sated grin.
“What are they?”
“This was your way of releasing my pent-up emotions which is far better than a bath and massage, and the second is you’re ensuring I remain addicted to your touch.”
Moving a strand of hair, he nibbles at my neck.
“And if I say you’re right?”
“Then I’ll say it’s working.”
With a satisfied smile, he rolls to his side, holding his head up on his bent elbow.
“Unfortunately, you’ll need to get ready for dinner soon.”
“There’s something I want to discuss with you first.”
Brows knitted, he looks at me with concern.
“What is it?”
“Have you heard I’ve staked claim on Iowan?”
“Yes.”
“I have Richter Delvore in the position of my right hand, disseminating orders for me, but that can’t last. I’ll need to give Iowan a permanent leader. Someone to rule as its monarch. Someone who is fair-minded, politically astute, strategic in warfare, who will lead the territory into a time of peace and prosperity.”
Confusion fills his eyes, clearly wondering where I’m taking this.
“That someone is you. I want you to be Iowan’s ruler.”
Eyes widening, his jaw drops open as shock silences him. Bringing his thumb to his mouth, he rubs his nail across his bottom lip, his gaze drifting off in thought. After a moment, he returns his attention to me.
“I’m not a royal. I won’t be accepted by the Iowans, nor do I have the right to claim the position.”
“You don’t need to be. You’ll acquire the position through accession. Iowan does not have a royal successor. Having claimed the territory, I have the right to decree a ruler as I see fit, and I am using that right.”
Rubbing his thumb and index finger over his trimmed beard, he looks off in thought once more.
“What are you thinking?”
“This is dangerous. You’ll need to convince the Royal Faction and the Iowans to support your decision. The Royal Faction could accuse you of appointing me to the position because it would make me a royal and give you the liberty to marry me. You risk losing their support. The Iowans could revolt against your decision, and you could lose your claim on their territory.”
Gathering his hand in mine, I meet his troubled gaze.
“I don’t intend to share my plan with the Royal Faction or the Iowans for some time. I’ll first appoint you as my Royal Proxy to deliver orders and make decisions in my absence. In time, the Iowans will see your capabilities and come to trust you while I regain control over the Royal Faction. When the time is right, I’ll decree your royal accession, and you will become King.”
Coming forward, he cups his hand on the nape of my neck, his beautiful blues full of emotion as he stares into mine.
“You’re doing this for us, aren’t you?”
“Yes, but it’s not only for us. You truly deserve to rule as a King. The time of being my royal guard has passed. You’re meant to do greater things.” Caressing his hand, my head lowers at the memory flashing through my mind. Pushing away the discomfort accompanying it, I meet his loving gaze. “The moment I killed Belore, I knew you were meant to take his place.”
Reaching out, he strokes my arm, releasing a breath as he stares at me with admiration.
“If the world knew you as I do, they’d fear you as much as they love you. You are as clever and strong-willed as you are beautiful.”
Bringing his hand to my mouth, I kiss his fingertips.
“Does that mean you accept?”
With a half-tilted smile, he raises his hand from mine and caresses my cheek.
“We have much more to discuss before I’ll accept. My first priority will always be your safety. I won’t accept until I’m convinced you’ll be protected without me at your side.”
“I’ve considered who should replace you as my royal guard and advisor.”
Lifting his knee, he rests his arm on it, his expression curious.
“Who?”
“I’d like to assign Pollo as my right hand and royal guard, Kellan as my political advisor, and promote Sederick to head of s
ecurity.”
Scratching at his facial hair, he considers my proposal.
“I don’t disagree with your selections.”
Removing the sheet from my legs, I step off the bed.
“I’m pleased to hear it because tomorrow I plan on meeting with all of you to offer your new positions.”
When his mouth tightens and he frowns at me, I lean across the bed and kiss him.
“You’ll only be accepting to be my Royal Proxy tomorrow.”
Grabbing my arm, he pulls me back onto the bed and rolls on top of me.
“I’m not leaving for Iowan anytime soon. I want more time with the woman I love.”
“And she wants that time with you too.”
His mouth upturns, his smile gorgeous beneath his beautiful ocean eyes. Leaning up, I accept his kiss, the love between us chasing away my emotional tension.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
FIORA
Stretching my limbs, I relish in how good my body feels. Looking over at Matheas, he’s already awake, his smile blissful. Putting an arm around me, he scoots closer, giving me soft, affectionate kisses.
“How do you feel?”
“Fully pleasured.” I wink.
“Surely, the palace knows we laid together last night. There was nothing quiet about the pleasure we felt.”
“It’ll be whispers among the staff, nothing more, and it was well worth it. Having you take me like you did felt incredible.”
“I don’t ever want you to be shy about what you want from me.”
Placing my hand over his heart, I lean in and kiss him.
“I won’t. You’ve always been the one I can share everything with. That won’t change even when you’re in Iowan.”
The lines around his eyes tighten, his lips parting as a thought comes to him.
“We’ll need to arrange time together often. I’ve spent my life being by your side. It will be challenging for me to be away from you for any length of time.”
“I feel the same. Thankfully, we’re not far in distance. We can travel and see each other within a couple hours. You can show me how much you missed me by taking me to bed and ravaging me.”
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