Tugging my hip, he brings us together, his cock pressing against my center.
“I’ll have to clear all duties for the day because it will be spent reminding you why you’re addicted to my touch.”
My smile forms against his mouth before his kiss steals it. Intertwining his fingers in mine, he holds my arms above my head, spreading my legs with his knee.
“We have time this morning for me to have you again.”
His stiff cock presses to my backside, the pressure and anticipation of pleasure arousing my body.
“Have me.” My words fill his mouth as his kiss claims my lips.
Adding pressure, his cockhead enters me, eases forward and back again, carefully stretching me to take him fully. As my body relaxes and greedily accepts him, his pace quickens. Between my legs, he massages my clit, adding to the magnificent pleasure he’s giving me. With my moans intensifying, so does the strength of his thrusts. Removing his hand from between my legs, he bends my knees and holds them in place as he brings us both to orgasm.
The scent of our love lingers in the bed I struggle to leave. Having ordered our breakfast and fresh drinks, Matheas accepts the tray from the kitchen staff as I traipse to the bath. Dipping into the warm water, I sigh from the added pleasure it gives to my relaxed and sated body. Matheas enters in all his naked glory carrying two glasses of fruit infused water and muffins. He hands me one of each before stepping into the spacious tub, the bubbling water rising as he eases in across from me.
“Go through your agenda and your public address with me.”
With all that we’ve been through, I’m pleased with how easily we return to a familiar method of discussing strategies and diplomacies. There should be no surprise though, it’s what he and I were trained for and among the many reasons he’ll make a great King.
By the end of our bath and breakfast, I’m confident with my plans and the actions I’ll be taking to execute them. As I finish dressing, Matheas leaves to gather the first group of individuals I need to meet with.
Having requested Ria to style my hair, I sit at the vanity while she untangles my wet strands. Gaze darting to me in the mirror, a shadow of a smile toys with her lips.
“What is it you want to say?”
The smile she’s holding back widens cheek to cheek.
“You’re glowing, my Queen. I couldn’t help noticing Matheas entered your suite last night, and it appears he did not leave until this morning.”
In the mirror, my eyes meet hers.
“Perhaps it’s no secret anymore I love him.”
Her cheeks develop a shade of pink.
“There’s talk in the palace. It was suspected before you left Anauka there was love between the two of you.”
Placing my hand on hers, I hold her attention in the mirror.
“For Matheas’s safety and mine, can you ensure the talk remains within the palace, for now?”
“I can, my Queen,” she nods with certainty in her eyes. “Your staff is loyal to House Tridore. No one wishes ill of you. We’re thankful you’ve returned.”
With her hand in mine, I kiss the top of it.
“I’ll be meeting with several individuals today to offer them new positions. You’ll be one of them. I’d like to offer you the position of palace director. You’d be in charge of the staff and all palace events and daily activities and no longer my royal attendant.”
Her mouth falls open, her expression dazed. Lifting her hand to her chest, her expression slowly transitions to one of pride.
“You believe me capable of such an honor?”
“I do. I know you spent time being mentored by my mother’s palace director. You’ve always put great care into taking care of me and any other task that needed to be completed. From what I’ve seen, you’ve already taken a leadership role while I’ve been away. Let’s make that role official.”
Placing her hand on my shoulder, her overall visage glows in the mirror.
“I accept, my Queen. I won’t disappoint you.”
Putting my hand over hers, I caress it.
“That means you’ll have to choose my new royal attendants. I hope they can live up to your quality of care.”
“Do not worry, my Queen. I’ll ensure they do.”
Our discussion comes to an end when she picks up the hair dryer, but her eyes are still expressive in the mirror, shining brightly.
Hair styled in a fancy waterfall braid, a jewel pinning back loose strands, and wearing a knee-length blue dress, I leave my suite with Ria alongside me. We join the men I’ve requested to see in the Queen’s sitting room. Wine glasses are filled and sweet bread passed around. The men give their pleasantries before I raise my glass, gathering their full attention.
Looking around the table at Matheas, Ria, Pollo, Sederick, Kellan, Riorrick, and my brother, Leon, I’m pleased with the individuals I’ve chosen to meet with. Each of them holds a special place in my heart, and I know they will fill their roles with dedication.
“I’ve asked all of you to meet with me today because I value each one of you greatly and believe it is time for you to succeed in a new position that fits the quality of care, dedication, and loyalty you’ve given to the Anaukin crown. With each of you at my side, aiding me in my rule, I can give Anauka and Iowan the Queen they deserve.”
Pointing my glass at Ria, I smile at her pretty, freckled face and sparkling blue eyes.
“I’ll begin with someone who has already accepted her new position. Gentlemen, please congratulate Ria Sovone in accepting the position of palace director.”
The men raise their glasses, taking a congratulatory sip and offer her their praise. Pointing my glass at Sederick, I notice the interest in his gaze. He’s looking forward to what I’m about to offer him.
“Sederick Seville, I’d like to offer you the position as head of palace security and operations.”
Sitting back in his chair, his blue eyes widen before glancing at Pollo with concern.
“Pollo Maree, I’d like to offer you the position as my personal royal guard, and a role you’ve already fulfilled without hesitation, my right hand.”
Pleasant surprise sweeps over his face before confusion takes its place. Rubbing a hand along the side of his tanned cheek, he awaits me to continue as though he knows an explanation will follow.
“Kellan of House Nevari, I’d like to offer you the position of my official political advisor, and offer you permanent housing in the Anaukin palace.”
Just as I suspected, his eyes glitter with joy, his wide smile already giving me my answer.
“Riorrick of House Tuller, I’d like to offer you the position of royal advisor in the matter of social welfare for the Iowan territory. Should you accept, you’ll be given an estate in Iowan, and work directly with my Royal Proxy of Iowan. It’s a role I believe you will excel at and is an opportunity for the Iowan people to have someone who truly cares about their well-being.”
Riorrick rolls his shoulders back, lowering his joined hands on the table. Sitting back in his chair, his chin tipping slightly, he seems thoughtful, yet pleased with the offer I’ve provided.
“Leon of House Tridore, I’d like to offer you the opportunity to join our Royal Faction under the endorsement seal of your Queen. Should you accept your role, your position will be to represent House Tridore in matters of social welfare.”
The corner of my brother’s mouth upturns, his expression full of admiration as he looks at me. Pollo reaches out his arm and pats my brother on the back.
“You are the man fit for the role.”
Leon dips his chin at Pollo, his smile widening.
“Thank you.”
All eyes center on the last man to receive his offered position.
“Matheas Westwell, I’d like to offer you the position as my Royal Proxy of Iowan. Should you choose to accept, you’ll be given permanent housing in the Iowan palace and work directly with me to govern the Iowan territory.”
Postures stiffen, and surp
rised expressions fill the men’s faces. Across the tables, the men make eye contact, silent words passing between some of them. Pollo nods at Matheas with an approving smile, and the building tension in my stomach stops its somersaults. Kellan reaches over and pats Matheas’s shoulder.
“You’re a wise choice for the role. You’re as well-trained in political affairs and warfare as our Queen, and she trusts no one more than you.”
“Agreed,” Sederick shares.
“It’s a bold move, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from our Queen,” Riorrick adds.
“At least we’ll know someone we trust is giving Fiora’s orders in Iowan,” Leon says to the group. “We’ll no longer have to worry about the dangers of an attack from our northern border. It’s a choice the Anaukin people will support.”
Kellan and Riorrick tip their heads at Leon.
“He’s right,” Riorrick agrees. “The Anaukin people will be pleased with your choice to place such a strong leader in the position of your Royal Proxy.”
“I’m greatly appreciative of the support in this room. At this time, I’d like to determine your acceptance or rejection of your offered positions. Sederick, I’ll begin with you. Do you accept?”
With a quick glance at Pollo, Pollo reassures him with an approving nod. Sederick raises his glass. “I accept.”
Each of the men follows suit, accepting their positions with an appreciative glow on their faces. The atmosphere of the room becomes light and joyful with the men giving their praises to one another. When I come to Matheas, the room becomes quiet, their attention focused on him. Nerves bundle in my stomach when he rubs his thumb and index finger around the curve of his mouth, pausing in thought.
“Before I accept, I want to know that each of you in this room will support our Queen if any of the Royal Faction members challenge her in this decision.”
Kellan taps the table. “You have my loyalty. I believe our Queen’s decision is wise. I support it fully and will stand with her should any members challenge her.”
Pollo, Sederick, and Leon all tap the table, committing their loyalty. Riorrick leans forward, gathering my attention.
“You will be challenged, my Queen. House Cindora will surely see your decision as a selfish one. In a moment of heartache, one that Luther regrets, he shared with his father that you had fallen in love with a man who is not a royal.” Riorrick glances at Matheas before returning his gaze to me. “He’ll accuse you of making this choice for you, not for Anauka, but that does not change my view. I agree with Kellan. It is a wise decision and one that is right for Anauka.”
There’s worry in Matheas’s eyes as he looks at me. The attention of everyone is on me, waiting for my reaction. Briefly closing my eyes, I take a breath before opening them.
“Let him challenge me. It will only lead to his downfall. I will not bow to the Royal Faction or any of its members. I am their Queen, and they should behave as it is so.”
The severity in my gaze is met with approval by each of them.
“Matheas, do you accept?”
Raising his glass, he holds my gaze with his brave devotion.
“I accept.”
Raising my glass, I tip it toward them.
“Gentlemen, Ria—our work begins now. Over the next week, it will be the most challenging between transitioning into your new roles and leading staff through the changes. Later today, I’ll address the public and ensure the Anaukin people feel secure with the direction I intend to take us, and after, I’ll meet with the Royal Faction to achieve stability in our governing council. At the end of the week, there is an Anaukin horse race. I’d like to capitalize on the race and give our people a reason to gather and enjoy simple pleasures. Pollo…”
Lowering his hand from his short, flaxen beard, he straightens his broad shoulders, ready for orders.
“Yes, my Queen?”
“Notify the Anaukin Journal, the horse race will coincide with a royal festival. Also, contact the race coordinator. I’d like the race to be a masked horse race. No one will know who the riders are until they are unmasked at the finish. The Anaukin people can enjoy guessing who the mystery riders are. Sederick…”
Beneath his thick, dark hair is a round face and deep-set blue eyes. When he smiles, it's infectious, just like Kellan’s smile.
“Yes, my Queen.”
“There are digital files saved in the Tridore palace directory. Please ensure Ria is given access to the files. Tomorrow, I’ll need to meet with you, Pollo, and Matheas to go over new security protocols I want to put in place.”
“I’ll get the files to Ria and schedule our appointment with her as well.”
“Thank you. Ria, in the palace directory files are the contacts for the businesses who have requested to participate in all royal festivals. Please assign two individuals on your staff to divide the list and invite them to the festival.”
“Will do, my Queen. What would you like to name the festival?”
“The Anaukin Spirit Festival. We’ll make it an annual event, focused around the masked horse race. We’ll celebrate one of the things that make Anauka special—our horses. In the event planning, have all activities and contests focused around horses. We’ll give the public scheduled tours of our royal stables and invite the palace trainer to share tips with local trainers. It will be an event to remember, and one our people will look forward to every year.”
“The festival is an excellent way to lift the spirits of our people,” Riorrick praises. “How do you feel about opening the invitation to the Iowan residents as well?”
“I’m open to it as long as Richter, my right hand in Iowan, approves. He’ll be able to inform us of how well Iowan is receiving their new Queen and whether they are open to the comradery. Two days from now, it will be best if you, Matheas, and I travel to Iowan to build on our new relationships and establish a foothold at the palace.”
“That’s an agreeable plan. I’ll ensure I’m prepared by then.”
With an approving nod, I sweep my gaze around the room.
“We have much to do, and I’ll need to address the public soon. You’re dismissed gentlemen, Ria. I appreciate your time and support today.”
Everyone leaves the sitting room except Matheas. Sitting on the edge of the table in front of me, he places his arm around my waist, bringing me between his legs.
“You continue to amaze me every time I watch you in action.”
Leaning into him, I spread my fingers on his firm chest as he draws me to his lips. His warm kiss entices my desire, reminding me how good it felt to have his cock inside me.
“The feeling is mutual. I appreciate you ensuring they’ll support me when I share your new position with the Royal Faction.”
“If there wasn’t unanimous support, I would not have accepted it. I would never do anything to risk your reign.”
“Another reason why I love you, and why you’re the right man to rule Iowan. Leon is right, the Anaukin people will see you in that position as an asset.”
“The Iowan people might not.”
“I have faith we can convince them. You have a tendency to win people over with your confident authority and witty charm.”
Chuckling, he feathers a hand across my cheek.
“I save the majority of my witty charm for you.”
“You already have me hooked. Now it’s time to share it with the Iowan people.”
I move to separate us, and he firms his hand on my waist. Concern tightens his mouth and brow, and it worries me.
“What is it?”
“Ryker hasn’t publicly announced the end of your engagement, which means he hasn’t let go, regardless of his words.”
That knowledge sends a flutter of joy through my belly, but it’s instantly crushed by the love I see in Matheas’s eyes.
“He likely regrets his decision. I believe it’s only a matter of time before he asks for your forgiveness.”
“Perhaps, or he is being politically astute and withhol
ding the information until he feels it’s the right time.”
Saying those words tightens the developing knot in my belly. It’s a terrible feeling, looking into the eyes of one man I love while missing the other man who holds the second half of my heart.
Matheas caresses my cheek as he studies my face, holding my gaze to his.
“Do you still want to marry him?”
My lips part, my heart skipping a beat as my thoughts and emotions become a tailspin. Before I can answer, the door to the Queen’s sitting room opens, and Ria enters. Matheas removes his hand from my waist, and Ria gives a polite smile.
“Sorry to interrupt, my Queen. The Anaukin Journal is here and ready for your public address.”
“Thank you, Ria. Please send them in.”
Stepping back from Matheas, I breathe a breath of relief for the interruption.
“We’ll continue this discussion later.”
His posture goes rigid as he stands.
“I’ll prepare for your meeting with the Royal Faction.”
With my nod of approval, he leaves the room. Pollo and Ria enter shortly after with the Anaukin Journal staff. As the three journalists enter, one of the women carries in a large bouquet of red roses and another, older woman, the digital equipment.
“Queen Fiora, it’s magnificent to have you back in Anauka.”
I recognize the empty-handed female with short, curly, brown hair as the journalist who reported on my trials and the suitor phase.
“Penelope, it’s a pleasure to see you once again. I appreciate your kind words.”
“Of course, my Queen. I have always been a loyal supporter. I was pleased to be assigned to your public address. I’m looking forward to what you have to tell the Anaukin people.”
Looking behind at the other two women, she motions for them to approach.
“Queen Fiora, these are my associates, Rachelle and Sophia.”
They both give a customary bow before the younger one, Sophia, outstretches her hand, giving me the bouquet of roses.
“It’s a great honor to meet you in person, my Queen.”
“It’s mine as well.” I take the bouquet and raise it to my nose, stopping as Pollo gestures in the background, shaking his head no. Lowering the bouquet, I smile at Sophia. “I appreciate the gift. They’re beautiful.”
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