Ria steps forward, taking the bouquet.
“I’ll put these in water.”
With my smile, she leaves the room. Pollo watches the women closely, attentive to their movements and what Rachelle removes from the bag she placed on the sofa.
“Where would you like to sit or stand, my Queen?” Penelope asks.
“I’ll stand wherever you feel is best.”
Penelope takes a look around the room, comfortable with its layout, having been here before.
“In front of that stunning painting.” She points to the canvas on the wall, one I painted myself. Its landscape is of Anauka in the Spring, the pink dogwoods in blossom amid a green countryside. “It shows your love of our territory.”
“Well chosen,” I praise.
Standing in front of the painting, I await Rachelle to set up the tripod and video monitor. Penelope gives me the signal, and I begin my public address.
“People of Anauka, I thank you for your undying loyalty and faith in me as your Queen. It is with great pleasure, I have returned home. Know my focus is on our territory’s restoration. I assure you, as your Queen, I will uphold my oath given during my coronation. I will bring our territory stability, strength, and balance, and rule our territory with wisdom, honor, sensibility, and irrefutable devotion as you have witnessed thus far.
“King Belore’s wrath upon our home has come to an end, his death by my own hand. No longer are we oppressed by his cruelty or crazed insensibility. We are free to return to an era of peace and prosperity. And in ensuring we do so, I have staked claim on Iowan as its rightful ruler. My goal as your Queen is to bring both territories into an alliance, where we can mutually grow our political and social welfare.
“In celebration of our freedom from our oppressor, there will be a royal festival, honoring one of the qualities that make Anauka so magnificent—the Anaukin horse. Our horses are a symbol of our strength, beauty, and spirit—the very attributes that have led this territory through the most challenging trials. It’s our time to breathe a breath of relief and celebrate, for the war is over, and I still stand as your Queen, honoring and defending the Anaukin Crown.”
The tiny yellow light on the monitor goes out, and the women clap.
“My Queen, that was awe-inspiring. The Anaukin people will no doubt feel secure with your message,” Penelope commends.
Glancing at Pollo, he bows his head at me, the corner of his mouth upturned in approval.
“Thank you, Penelope. I meant every word.”
Rachelle secures the monitor, then the tripod, folding it neatly into the bag.
“We’ll have this sent out to all Anaukin souls two hours from now,” she informs me.
“I appreciate your assistance, ladies. I wish I could spend more time with you, but unfortunately, I must prepare for a meeting with the Royal Faction after this.”
Penelope waves her hand in the air.
“Do not worry, my Queen. We understand. You’ve just returned home. Many are eager to spend time with you, and you have our territory to govern. We’re thankful we had the opportunity to oversee your public address.”
Pollo puts out a hand, gesturing the women toward the exit.
“Ladies, if you’ll follow me please.”
The women exit, giving pleasant smiles as they glance over their shoulders.
“She’s even more beautiful in person,” Sophia whispers.
“Isn’t she?” Rachelle replies, her tone reverent.
Their voices fade in the distance as Pollo leads them to the palace exit. Sitting on the couch, I order drinks and lunch for myself and Pollo. He returns minutes later and sits in the chair next to me, briefly checking communications on his soul band before giving me his attention.
“Your speech was perfect, my Queen. I was moved by it, just as the Anaukin journalists were.”
“I’m pleased you were.”
“I admit you continue to surprise me with your strength and formidable character. I’m honored you chose me to fill the position of your royal guard and right hand. I intend to be as devoted to my new role as I was head of security.”
Looking at his intellectual, kind eyes, I notice his crooked nose, likely broken a time or two from the hazards of being an arms man. Tanned, aged skin shows his years beyond Matheas, but his physique is just as solid and muscular.
“I have complete faith in you.”
With a dip of his chin, his lips pull back in a pleasing smile.
“We’ll need to discuss housing.”
“As I understand it, you’re not married. Is that correct?”
“You’re correct. I’m married to the crown,” he quips.
His jest curls my lips.
“You’ll be provided housing in the palace. Matheas’s quarters will become yours as long as you find that suitable.”
“I do, my Queen. I’ll make arrangements with Matheas for the transfer. Where would you like his belongings moved to?”
One of the kitchen staff enters the sitting room, leaving our lunch and drinks on the table. Leaving the couch, I gesture for him to join me.
“Have them moved into the King’s suite, for now.”
Pouring two glasses of water, he hands me one of them.
“When we rescued Matheas, he told me there was love between the two of you. At the time, I wasn’t sure if it was the ravings of an injured man, or if it was true.” Taking a drink, his blue eyes study me over the rim of the glass. “Forgive my boldness, but as your royal guard and right hand, it’s now my duty. Is it true? Is there love between the two of you?”
Plucking a grape from the fruit tray, I take a seat at the head of the table.
“It’s true and a detail that must remain inside the palace walls.”
Lifting one of the plates with roast and vegetables covered in gravy, he places it in front of me before gathering the second one for himself.
“What of King Ryker? Was the engagement only political?”
“The engagement was originally offered as a political alliance, but it grew into something more.”
Pollo sits back in the chair, rubbing a finger over the top of his lip, his gaze thoughtful.
“Am I understanding you correctly? You have feelings for both men?”
Taking a bite, I savor the delicious taste and welcome the remedy to my hunger pains.
“Yes, you’re understanding correctly.”
One brow raises before he takes a bite of his lunch.
“Now that King Belore is dead, you’re no longer in need of the political alliance. What does that mean for your engagement?”
“That is yet to be determined, but if I can be honest with you, I’d rather not marry any man until I’ve had time to solidify my reign as Queen of Anauka.”
“I’m not surprised by your desire to be a sovereign Queen. It’s how I’ve always known you to be—fiercely independent. Watching you excel through your training, I knew you’d become a strong Queen.”
Smiling at a memory, I lower the fork full of food I was about to eat.
“Your advice was lasting. I remember you standing on the outer edge of the combat mats, shouting at me, Do not stop until they are all on the ground! I replayed those words in my head each time I began my combat training against others.”
A grin tugs at his lips.
“You’re a fierce woman, my Queen, and the rightful ruler of Anauka. We’ll need to prepare a strategy in the event Lucian Cindora commits treason against you. Only a select few can be privy to this information.”
After I swallow, I lower my fork.
“You have my full attention.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
FIORA
Entering the dining hall, I can feel the weight of the crown atop my head as much as I feel the pressure of this meeting. Around the long, rectangular birch wood table are lavish white chairs and in them sit the ten members of the Royal Faction as well as Pollo, Sederick, Matheas, and Leon. Every one stands to greet me, giving polite bows
. At the head of the table, I look around, making eye contact with the members, evaluating their body language. There’s a mix of tension in the room, my closest associates studying the others as I am.
To my right, at the farthest end of the table, sits Lucian and Luther Cindora. Both men are looking at me expectantly, but the emotion in their eyes are a stark contrast. In Luther’s blue eyes, I see warmth, and in Lucian’s, a cold, detached gaze. Knowing Lucian’s disdain for me, I’m thankful to have Pollo as my right hand and guard. He’s an intelligent man, skilled in strategies and warfare. I trust the man to protect me from future threats I’ll need to combat—threats like Lucian. Yet I worry about Luther. He’s been through enough heartache. I cannot bear to see him suffer anymore. Looking at him, I smile briefly, and he dips his chin, smiling back. I’m relieved to see he still has a positive view of me.
To my left, Kellan and his father, Turi, who is an exact older version of Kellan in appearance, are giving me kind, supportive smiles. Farther down the table sits Riorrick, followed by Gideon from House Abiline, and past them, Malark and his father, Marcus.
“It’s a pleasure to see you returned home, my Queen.” My attention is drawn to Turi’s gentle voice. With his words, I hear the sincerity in them. “I commend you for the sacrifices you made to protect our people. Not every ruler would do everything in their power to keep their people safe. We all owe you our deepest gratitude.”
“Agreed,” Riorrick adds. “She’s the kind of Queen who always considers what’s best for Anauka before herself—a true leader.”
Looking at him, my cheeks swell with appreciation. He’s warming up the group for what I’m about to share.
“Gentlemen, thank you for your generous words and for meeting with me this evening. We have much to discuss. With Belore’s death, Anauka is free from his terrorization, and I’ve been able to return home to rule our great territory and see that no other threats endanger our borders. In doing so, I have staked claim on Iowan and plan to join our two territories in union, ensuring peace and prosperity remain for both. With Iowan and Anauka joined together, we have the opportunity to strengthen our defenses as well as trade and business, and most importantly, we will no longer need to fear threats from our northern border. I imagine some of you may have reservations about the direction I intend to take us. I insist you share your worries so we can work through them together, but before you do, I would like to share a second announcement. As Queen, I will continue to rule here in Anauka. With both of our territories in need of stability, it’s essential I have someone to assist in ruling Iowan as my Royal Proxy. My choice was carefully chosen. I evaluated their ability to be trusted, their loyalty to Anauka, their skills in warfare, politics, and social welfare. My choice was clear. There is one person I trust with a role as important as this, and it is Matheas Westwell.”
Lucian stands from his chair, the legs scraping across the floor before it falls behind him. Red faced, he slams his fist on the table.
“I will not stand for this, my Queen. You have dishonored the Anaukin culture for long enough. First you dishonor my son by being intimate with another man during the suitor phase, then flee to another territory and lay with a King in order to convince him to enter into battle for you, only to return here with plans of placing your royal guard into a position fit for only a royal so you can finally have the man you’ve wanted all along? You should be marrying my son! As our culture demands, he was raised to be King, and he was your choice!”
Luther runs a hand down his reddening face.
“Father!”
“No, son! At the very least, she should be offering you the position of Royal Proxy.”
“I could argue the same,” Turi declares. “She chose Kellan as well. Your son was not her only choice.”
“Then why aren’t you, Turi? Why are you not advocating for your son to be the Royal Proxy of Iowan?”
“Because it is not what he wants,” Turi replies smoothly. “Have you considered what your son wants? Or are you too focused on lifting the status of your House?”
“How dare you question my intentions! My actions are for my son. He’s been shamed by a fickle woman unable to control her sexual whims.”
Matheas rises from his chair, his jaw and mouth tight with anger, his stare intent on Lucian.
“Enough!”
The room immediately quiets at the sound of my command, all eyes turning to me.
“Lucian Cindora, you will not address your Queen with such disrespect. With whom I choose to lay with is none of your business, nor is it an appropriate topic of discussion in front of the Royal Faction. I am under no obligation to give any one person a particular role unless I believe them to be the best fit for the position. Your son is an incredible man, and I am deeply regretful for any heartache I caused him, but I have not shamed him. It is you who are bringing him shame by disrespecting the crown. You will regard my orders as Queen, or your actions will be seen as treason. Do you understand me?”
Luther tugs on his father’s arm, his face flushed red and his gaze expressive of embarrassment.
“Father, sit down!”
Lucian lifts the chair from the floor and sits, his chest raising and lowering as his nostrils flare.
“I’ve been gone for many weeks, and in that time, the Royal Faction has admirably fulfilled its duty of ensuring our territory’s continued growth while I managed the war. The war is now over, and I have returned to fulfill my duties as Queen. Do not mistake my absence for weakness. I am stronger and more determined than when I left Anauka. Some of you may believe I can only rule our territory with a King at my side, but you are mistaken. I am capable of leading both territories into an era of peace and prosperity without the aid of a man. When I marry or whom I marry will be my choice. My hand will not be forced by a tyrant ruler outside of Anauka or by the pressure of my own council.”
Looking around the table, I meet the eyes of everyone, making sure they see the severity in my gaze.
“My Queen, I mean no disrespect, but I agree with Lucian,” Marcus states. “Matheas is an excellent arms man, but he is not a royal. One of our sons should be chosen as the Royal Proxy of Iowan. They’ve all been raised to be King.”
“You’re right, every one of your sons is fit for the position of my Royal Proxy of Iowan, but I’ve also considered the people of Iowan in my decision. They do not follow Anaukin traditions, and at this point, they distrust us. However, they are familiar with Matheas. He’s conducted business with them and was held captive by their King for several weeks. They saw him fight, saw his skills, saw his devotion to his Queen. The Iowan arms men will see him as an equal and someone they can trust. Placing one of your sons into the position of Royal Proxy is a great risk for your sons and for the relationship between our territories. My choice to have Matheas as my Royal Proxy is what is best for Iowan. And what is best for Iowan will keep Anauka safe.”
“The Anaukin people will favor her decision,” Leon shares. “Our Queen trusts no one more than Matheas. As her closest advisor, he will be trusted by the Anaukin people to fulfill her orders.”
“Are you suggesting my son won’t fulfill her orders?” Lucian hisses.
“Your sons have been raised to be King as you’ve pointed out,” Pollo answers. “Once in the position of Royal Proxy, what’s to stop any of them from declaring themselves King and establishing Iowan as their own territory?” Brow raised, his gaze is challenging as he stares at Lucian.
“Men raised to be King should be fulfilling that duty,” Lucian argues.
“Whom should I choose then?” I ask Lucian directly. “All four of these men are capable. How do you suggest I make the selection?”
“Let the Anaukin people vote.”
“You’re suggesting I let individuals who have not been raised in politics, social welfare, or combat training make decisions on which man should assist in ruling people of another territory? That’s foolish. I need someone who’s educated in the culture of the Iowan
’s, someone who can easily fit into their way of life and understand their needs, someone I can trust to rule as I would. Matheas has been a part of my training. We think alike in many ways.”
“You’ve been quiet this entire time, Matheas. What do you have to say?” Malark’s father asks him.
“That our Queen has already carefully thought of how best to rule both territories and knowing her as well as I do, I’ll confidently be able to carry out her orders and make decisions on her behalf when she is obligated to other duties.”
“Spoken like a loyal puppet,” Lucian snickers. “If she says jump, will you ask how high?”
Several men adjust in their seats, gazes whipping to me. Standing from my chair, I lean forward, my fists on the table, my infuriated glare dead set on Lucian.
“If you feel Matheas is your inferior or worthy of insult, you’re sorely mistaken. When I was sexually assaulted, whipped, beaten, and tortured by King Belore, it was Matheas who fought for me, protected me, and tended to my wounds. It was Matheas who maintained his loyalty, no matter how dire the situation became. He now bears the scars of his brave devotion, and that is why he is my first choice as my Royal Proxy. I will not sit here and allow you to offend him in such an ill manner, nor will I spend any more time being told how I should rule my own territory. The men in this room are here to be my council, to be the voice of your people, and assist in making decisions that are best for them. During this meeting, I’ve only heard what is best for you and your son. My decision is final. Matheas Westwell is the Royal Proxy of Iowan, and should you choose to challenge me, you do it at your own peril.”
Silence follows my words, the men in the room showing signs of shock and some of them, pride. Lucian’s lip curls, his cheeks flushed. Luther looks at his father and shakes his head, a silent plea. Taking a breath, I gather my composure, stepping back from the table.
“If there are no other demands of me, I have more announcements to share. Several individuals have received new positions that deserve congratulations.”
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