Forever Claimed

by Shreffler, Betty

  “Ladies”—he brushes my hair to one side of my shoulder, kissing my neck in a feathered embrace—“I’ll assist the Queen in undressing when I’m here. Understood?”

  Kaya and Elisa both blush, hints of smiles dancing on their lips.

  “Yes, of course,” Elisa replies.

  Matheas unzips the lower part of my dress, slowly sliding the gown down and off my arms. Pollo keeps his eyes on his soul band, checking communications.

  Feathering my ear, he whispers, “Remember the last time we were in here?”

  “How could I forget?”

  The touch of his warm hand glides down my thigh, lowering the dress so I can step out of it. Looking up at me, his blue eyes glimmer with salacious intent. My body hums, my nipples growing taut at the way he teases me with his touch and wayward glances. Handing the dress off to Kaya, he steps to the side, blocking the view of me from Pollo. Elisa steps forward and hands me my riding pants, followed by my top. Sitting down, I fasten my boots, then let Kaya place a couple braids along each side of my head, then bundle all of my hair into a bun at the back of my head.

  Once complete, Matheas steps up behind me with a glistening, feathered red mask in his hands. In the mirror, I watch him place it over my eyes before he secures the bands. When I stand, they all take a moment to admire me, different expressions crossing their faces.

  “Your mask is beautiful,” Kaya’s green eyes roam my face, taking in every artistic detail of the mask.

  “People won’t be able to tell it’s you from far away,” Elisa shares.

  “That’s what I hoped for. Each of you can join the rest of the race attendees. I can’t be seen with any of you, or it will give away who I am.”

  Matheas pulls a blade from inside the sheath of his pants. Coming forward, he tucks it into my riding pants. Touching a finger to my chin, he raises my lips to his.

  “Be careful.”

  When we leave the room, they all go left to join the royal sponsors in the VIP area while I go right to the rider’s entrance. Exiting the arena doors, I’m met with a small crowd of race staff members, lining the horses up for the riders to climb atop them. Around me, are several male riders with masks in dark colors. Paying little attention to them, I quickly climb atop Artax’s saddle. Taking his reins, I feel his jittery excitement between my legs. He’s eager for the gate to release, to pound the dirt with his hooves, receiving the same escape and sensation of freedom I’m anxious to feel.

  The horn blares and the gates open. Artax and I push past several riders immediately. Moving to the side, we pass the middle group of riders, entering into the leading group. Around us, are five other riders and their horses. To my right, a black horse comes into view, its rider in a solid black mask. The ponytail of dark hair and the familiar ink on his arms is unmistakable—Kendrick.

  As I push Artax toward him, my horse must remember his. They run side by side, challenging the other’s skill. Kendrick glances over, a smirk the only sign of recognition I can see on his face. Together, we take the lead, leaving behind the other horses. That is until another horse flanks my left side, its horse and rider looking as strong as Kendrick and his horse. In my periphery, I see another black mask with a bold and bright silver design along the rider’s cheek. My heart beats against my chest, not only from the thrill of the race but the familiarity of the man. His left arm is gloriously painted in ink, the very ink I’ve run my fingers over with lustful fascination.

  Both horses maintain their speed and pressure, flanking both my sides. Beneath me, I can feel Artax’s need to break free of them. Lowering myself, I give him the signal and we burst out from their cage. With a half-length distance, Artax and I keep our pace, sprinting for the finish. I never look back, determined to keep our stride. Sensing the other horses’ drive, their eagerness to win, Artax doesn’t let up. The pounding of hooves and heavy breathing fills my ears, drowning out all else. Closing my eyes, I succumb to the deepest sensation of freedom as Artax and I cross the finish.

  Looking up at the monitors, I see the recorded finish. Artax and I take the win inches ahead of the other two horses. Looking behind me, I search for the black and gray horses and their riders. Close behind me, race staff is leading them and their horses to receive the winners' wreaths. Staff ushers me to do the same, and I easily catch up, joining between both horses.

  On the monitors above the arena, the cameras have zoomed in as we wave at the crowd. At the center of the raceway, wreaths are placed on each of our horses’ necks, and we’re instructed how to line up for photos. It takes all of my willpower not to give into my impulses being this close to Ryker. I know it’s him, and my body is buzzing with after-race excitement and the need to see his face, feel his kiss, hear his voice. He remains silent next to me. They both do, leaving me with anxious anticipation.

  The announcer gives a speech to the crowd, winding them up for the excitement of the masked rider reveal. The crowd whistles and cheers, showing their enthusiasm for us winners. At the word of the announcer, we place our hands on our masks and at his signal, we lift the masks. Cameras zoom in on us, and the crowd goes wild, cheering, clapping, and throwing roses onto the raceway.

  Ryker turns his attention to me, and the moment his dark eyes meet mine, my heart and mind are flooded with emotions. My cheeks warm with heat, and I can’t pull my gaze from his. Those intense onyx eyes stare right into me, ripping open the door to the place I hid my love for him these last several days. Just like that, with one look, he’s reminded me how painfully and desperately I need him.

  I love you, he mouths, and my mouth goes dry.

  Leading Artax away from his and Kendrick’s horses, I trot him back to the riders’ entrance of the arena. Behind me, I can hear the hooves and snorts of the other horses. Climbing down from Artax, I give him a kiss and a pet, cooing into his ear and praising him for how well he ran. His caretaker takes his reins and Artax prances off with his head held high and the first-place winner’s wreath around his neck.

  Glancing over my shoulder, I catch Ryker handing his reins off to their staff and quickly erasing the distance between us. With faster steps, I enter the arena and briskly walk to my suite. Ryker catches up to me as I enter into my room, walking in behind me, and instantly, the room feels warmer, so much warmer.

  “Fiora.”

  At the sound of his alluring voice, my steps stall. I’m reluctant to turn around, to see his handsome face because I know when I do, my resolve will falter. His steps come nearer, and my body tingles.

  “Fiora.”

  His hand touches my shoulder, and it’s all over. Tears well in my eyes as I turn to face him. Without hesitation, he brings me into his arms, his hands caressing over my hair and back. His rich woody scent fills me with each breath, reminding me how much I’ve missed him.

  Drawing back slightly, he takes my face in his hands, staring into my eyes as he wipes a stray tear away.

  “I meant it. I love you. Every day I’m away from you destroys me. I never should’ve let you leave my palace, not without telling you everything I felt, not without you knowing how much I love you, how much I need you.”

  Taking his hands in mine, I lower them and look at him through watery eyes.

  “You don’t know how much I’ve missed you. How often I’ve thought of you, wishing to feel your love.”

  Two firm fingers raise my chin, and my lips part, inches from his.

  “I’m here now, and I’m not leaving Anauka until you’ve forgiven me.”

  My lips burn with the need to feel his, but I can’t walk down that path. What he wants, I can’t give. Stepping back, I take a difficult breath.

  “We’re still where we were a week ago. You want what I can’t give. I love you both. I want both of you in my life.”

  Tightening his grip, he brings me back into his arms.

  “I know, and the truth is, I was afraid.”

  “What were you afraid of?”

  Caressing my cheek, he places a loose stra
nd of hair behind my ear, and my body softens to his touch.

  “Afraid you would always love Matheas more and eventually only want to be with him.”

  “That’s not how I feel. I meant it when I said I love you equally. I want you as much as I want him.”

  “Do you realize how hard that was for me to accept? I wanted you, still want you all to myself.”

  Grazing his hand along my jaw, he draws my lips up toward his, and once again, my lips burn with desire.

  “You’re mine, my Queen, mine to love and protect, and I didn’t want to share that with any man.”

  He lowers his chin, bringing his lips within a feathered breath from mine, and my body responds, aching with want.

  “And now?”

  “I’m willing to make some compromises.”

  Like a sigh of pleasure, my body melts into his when his lips claim mine. Arms wrapped around one another, we forget to breathe, too entranced by the pleasure of our kiss. My ass meets the table behind me, and he lifts me, setting me on it. My legs wrap around his waist as he steps between them, his hands roaming and caressing as his mouth moves in a heated dance with mine.

  “It’s been too long since you’ve touched me.”

  Taking my hand, he rubs it over his thickening erection.

  “I’m already growing hard with how much I want to be inside you.”

  Rubbing his length, I apply more pressure, aroused by how much he wants me.

  “As much as I don’t want to stop, it’ll have to wait. My suite will be filled with people at any moment.”

  Ryker groans into my ear as he pushes into my hand.

  “We need time alone together. We still have a lot to discuss, and I have a lot to make up for.”

  “We do, and we’ll have it.”

  Coming forward, he places his hardened length between my legs, applying pressure, drawing a moan from my lips that he smothers with his kiss. Gripping my ass, he pulls me toward him, rubbing me over his length. Clinging to his shoulders, I ride the waves of pleasure.

  “Every day I missed you,” I mouth against his kiss. “Every day I wished you were with me.”

  Pulling back, he looks me in the eyes, his stare so intense, it freezes my heartbeat.

  “You’re everything to me.” Taking my hand, he kisses my palm, and my stomach flutters. “As soon as you left, I wanted to chase after you, admit my mistake, and beg your forgiveness, but I needed time to accept things as they are. I’ve had the time I needed, and now, all I want to do is ensure you know how much I love you. You are my Queen, my beautiful, determined, passionate Queen, and my life is not complete unless it’s spent with you.”

  Tears pool in my eyes and he lifts my chin, wiping at a single tear that escapes.

  “Can you forgive me?”

  In his eyes is hope and between us, the magnetism that draws us together. For me, there is only one option, and my heart is pleading for me to say the word.

  “Yes.”

  Hands around me, he hugs me to him, his kiss filled with as much passion as there is love. Unable to pull away, we stay in this moment, our kiss carrying on the emotions we want to express.

  Behind him, the door opens, and he remains standing in front of me, kissing my forehead tenderly before stepping sideways to see who’s entered. Matheas walks into the room, his brow rising, his muscles going tight.

  “Your effort to win our Queen over will have to wait.”

  The two glare at each other like wild predators ready to fight for their prized female.

  “What is it?” I ask, breaking the tension between them.

  “The tracker on Lucian’s rover craft alerted us that he’s made a trip to Fillia during the festival.”

  “Why would he go to Fillia now? Theore is here.”

  “He’s not interested in business with Theore, so clearly he intends to meet with the King and Queen.”

  “Do you think he intends to offer a marriage alliance between Luther and their daughter?”

  “I do, and they have good reason to accept. Luther is an Anaukin royal raised to be a King.”

  “What about Theore? Luther can’t be King of Fillia. Theore is next in line.”

  Matheas tilts his head, one brow rising. “Which leaves the question of whether Lucian intends to remove Theore or intends to use the marriage alliance to conquer Anauka or Iowan.”

  Ryker rubs the tension in my back, and Matheas’s eyes narrow in on the affection Ryker’s giving me.

  “Let’s see how much Theore knows. I’ll bait him for information at the royal dinner.” Standing, I face the two of them. Elisa and Kaya walk into the room, and I’m thankful for their perfect timing.

  “Gentlemen, please excuse us. I need to prepare for dinner. Should you arrive before me, please choose a seat on either side of mine.”

  Matheas crosses his arms, his lips going flat. Ryker glances at Matheas, and his lips curl. Raising their brows at one another, they pull back their broad shoulders and walk out together.

  Kaya brushes her blond locks off her shoulder, staring at them inquisitively as they exit.

  “May I speak freely in your presence, my Queen?” she asks, taking my top from my outstretched hand.

  “Yes, of course.”

  Elisa takes my pants and hands me my shorter evening dress while looking at Kaya with curious eyes.

  “From what I’ve seen, it appears you have love for two men, and they have love for you as well.”

  Putting my back to Elisa, she zips my dress and removes my hair from the bun.

  “It’s true.”

  Kaya blushes, her pink lips thinning out as her cheeks swell.

  “I imagine that to be both a blessing and a challenge. Sir Matheas and King Ryker are handsome and proud men.”

  Taking a seat at the vanity, I look at Kaya through the mirror.

  “That they are.”

  “They’re quite jealous of one another, aren’t they, my Queen?” Elisa asks, handing me a cup of water.

  “Very. Yet neither of them should be. My love for them is equal.”

  “Does that mean you don’t intend to marry one over the other?”

  With the cool water quenching my thirst, I lower the glass slowly, feeling refreshed. Adjusting my position, I face both women.

  “What woman wouldn’t want the love and affection of two magnificent men? There’s no need to choose when I can have them both.”

  The ladies giggle, their cheeks growing pink.

  “Well said, my Queen.” Elisa takes my glass, winking at me playfully as she refills it with more water.

  Kaya’s smile remains ear-to-ear as she puts fresh curls in my hair.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  FIORA

  My fitted gold gown glistens beneath the lights as I enter the royal tent. Inside are all the Anaukin royals, my father, His Majesty King Gregory, my Grand Nina, my brother Leon, Matheas, and all the royals who sponsored riders or who came from other territories to enjoy the festival and race. With my hand inside Pollo’s arm, he escorts me to the center of the head table where Matheas and Ryker have taken seats on either side. Next to Ryker is Kendrick and next to Matheas an empty seat for Pollo.

  In front of our table are all the other tables, set beautifully with linens, flowers, and glasses full of wine or Anaukin ale. Before taking my seat, I raise the wine glass set out for me. Everyone follows suit, gathering their glasses.

  “Let’s drink together in honor of this joyous and memorable celebration of Anaukin spirit.”

  Kellan clears his throat at the next table over. “And to the return of our Queen.”

  “Here, here!”

  Glasses clink together, and everyone drinks as I take my seat and Pollo takes his. Glancing at Kellan, I give him a wink, mouthing, thank you.

  “That was exceptional riding, Queen Fiora,” Theore praises from the table on the right. “What a surprise to us all when you removed your mask.”

  Ryker caresses his hand over my curls, brushi
ng some of my hair behind my ear, his gaze loving and proud.

  “It was a pleasant surprise to us all. As was witnessing your excellent riding skills.”

  My smile is beaming, I can’t help it. “I owe much to my horse, Artax and his devoted trainer.”

  “I’m sure many lost their bets today as I did. I bet on the infamous black horse,” Theore shares, making a face at Kendrick.

  Kendrick takes a drink of his ale, smirking at Theore. “How unfortunate for you. I, on the other hand, find myself in the opposite position. I bet on the winning horse.”

  Theore’s lips turn down, his face long. Rolling his eyes, he sips his wine. “Of course, you did.”

  A few of us chuckle at their banter. Conversations continue as plates are served, and we enjoy our dinner. As dessert is served, Matheas places his hand on my thigh, and Ryker glances down, his jaw twitching. Placing my hand over his, I caress it, and his muscles relax. Matheas’s looks my direction, and I meet his gaze. Touching the charm around my neck, I rub my fingers over it, smiling at him. He notices the charm I’m wearing as the one he gifted me, and his smile widens, his expression softening. His hand moves up my thigh ever so gently before firmly massaging. Ryker catches the movement and unlocks our hands. Resting his hand on my left thigh, he runs his fingers along my skin. Releasing a breath, my cheeks grow warm as I imagine both of them touching me and taking me together. Raising my glass of wine, I take a long swallow as I close my eyes, giving into the rush of pleasure flowing through my body. Ryker leans over and moves my hair, placing a kiss just behind my ear, prickling the hair on my arm and sending a subtle rush of pleasure over my skin.

  “You look lovely when you’re flushed.”

  Leaning back, I stare outward, unable to look at either of them in fear I might melt beneath their sultry stares.

  Matheas leans over, feathering my ear as he whispers, “I’m glad these tables have long linens.”

  His fingers slide farther up, grazing my opening, and my lips part, my breath coming out in a slow, pleasured sigh. Setting my wine glass down, I place my hands over theirs and end their delightful torment.