Forever Claimed

by Shreffler, Betty

  “Such wicked temptations you both are.”

  Standing, I smooth the fabric of my dress and gather my glass of wine. When I look at them, they both are smirking like dogs with a meaty bone. I chuckle under my breath and leave the table with my gaze set on Theore.

  As he sees me approach, he stands with his glass of wine and takes my hand with the other. Giving it the customary kiss of respect, he follows it with a pleasant smile that forms a dimple on his left cheek.

  “Thank you for honoring Fillia by serving our wine to your guests. This entire event has been magnificent.”

  “I appreciate your kind words and am grateful you’ve joined me in celebrating the first Anaukin Spirit Festival. I must admit, I’m disappointed your mother and father couldn’t attend.”

  There’s a shift in Theore’s facial expression, a slight furrow of his brow and tightening of his lips.

  “I apologize. They couldn’t make it. They had important business to attend to.”

  “Of course. I understand the duties of being a monarch. How is your sister, Ariel? I hear she’s finished her royal tutoring. I imagine your parents wish for her to wed soon.”

  Theore shifts his footing as he clears his throat.

  “Yes, actually. They are meeting with eligible bachelors today in hopes of finding her a suitable match.”

  “How delightful. Come to think of it, I noticed House Cindora is not present for our dinner. That must mean Luther is in the running?”

  Theore scrapes a hand through his neatly styled blond hair.

  “I’m unaware of whom the bachelors are, but yes, perhaps Luther is attending her royal welcoming ceremony.”

  He stares at me with bated breath, awaiting my reaction. With no emotion, I sip my wine, finishing the glass.

  “When does the ceremony begin?”

  “Tomorrow.”

  “I imagine your sister is excited.”

  “She is.”

  Tipping my empty glass toward him, I give a sideways smirk.

  “What about you? You’re next in line for the Fillian throne. Your coronation is a few months away. When will you have a bachelorette phase?”

  “Like you, I wish to wait until I’m crowned. I’ve requested my parents withhold any marriage alliance or bachelorette ceremonies until after. I want time to focus on my reign before having to focus on a wife.”

  Staff approaches with a tray and we both place our empty wine glasses on it.

  “I understand completely and feel your decision is wise.”

  Theore takes my hand, kissing it longer than he should.

  “If you were eligible, perhaps I would think differently on the matter.”

  Withdrawing my hand, I give him a slow smile.

  “You flatter me, Prince Theore.”

  Ryker joins us, placing an arm around my waist as he kisses my cheek. The warmth of his body is comforting, and I lean into his frame, wanting more contact. Theore gives Ryker a curt nod, his eyes narrowing as Ryker’s hand lowers on my hips.

  “That was fine racing today. How does it feel to be bested by your fiancée?”

  Ryker looks at him as if his question is ridiculous.

  “It was one of the better moments of my life. Seeing her in her element was breathtaking.”

  “When did you know it was Fiora under the mask?”

  “From the moment she stepped out of the arena. There’s no mistaking her confident stride or the grace she has atop a horse.”

  When I look at him, he stares back at me with passionate admiration, and that look travels down to my belly, releasing a burst of butterflies.

  “You look like a pair truly in love. You’re a lucky man, King Ryker.”

  Theore walks away, and Ryker pulls me into his arms.

  “That I am.” Caressing my back, he holds me tight to him, my body fitting perfectly against his. “I’ve missed this.”

  “So have I,” I admit, rubbing his lower back. “Our time apart has made me realize how unhappy I was when we weren’t together.”

  “I owe Everett and Kendrick an apology. I was an irritable bastard this entire week.”

  “I should apologize to them too. It was partially my fault.”

  Ryker gathers my hand in his, kissing my palm.

  “You’re not responsible for my actions. I was being stubborn.”

  “I want you to know I do forgive you for being angry and letting me leave. I understand what you were feeling and that you needed time to accept how I feel. I’m so pleased you’re here now.”

  Ryker kisses my forehead, his lips lingering.

  “We’ve been through so much, and yet we always find our way back into each other’s arms.”

  “Because we love each other.”

  “I do love you, so much, Fiora.”

  His lips feather mine then claims them as his hand squeezes my hip. The gesture stirs my arousal, reminding me how good it felt to have him pressing his erection against me in the arena suite.

  “I’d like to join you in the palace tonight. Will you have me?”

  “Yes, and Kendrick is welcome to have a guest room. I wouldn’t think to leave him in the guest wing.”

  “He probably won’t sleep in the palace tonight.”

  He dips his head in the direction behind me, and I look to see Kendrick talking to a small group of women at the edge of the tent. They’re all gushing about his race skills, touching his arms as they bat their long lashes. I giggle at the scene.

  “No, I guess he won’t be.”

  Looking around, I see Matheas isn’t in the tent.

  “Where did Matheas go?”

  Ryker leans close and speaks privately.

  “He’s tailing Theore.”

  “He told you that?”

  “Yes, and to protect you while he’s gone. And if I fail, he’ll come up with creative ways to murder me.”

  My hand goes to my mouth as I laugh.

  “And you said?”

  “That you’d be very safe under me and on top of me.”

  My eyes widen.

  “You didn’t?”

  Ryker kisses me, laughing at my reaction.

  “No, I told him he has nothing to worry about, I wouldn’t let you out of my sight.”

  Toying with the collar of his shirt, I give him a flirtatious smile.

  “I’d like to leave the festival and have our alone time now, but I should make myself seen and visit with my people.”

  “Despite my own selfish desires, I agree.”

  Taking his hand, I kiss his cheek.

  “Will you walk the vendor tents with me?”

  “Of course, I will.”

  Kendrick gives us a cheeky grin as he puts his arms around two women and disappears into the crowd. Behind us, Pollo, two Anaukin arms men, Declan, and two Freean arms men follow, watching for any threats as Ryker and I leave the royal tent.

  We only make it to one vendor tent before we’re approached by Anaukins, a family with two children. They thank us for bringing peace back to Anauka. The little girl comes forward, handing me a tiny flower bouquet. Taking it from her little hands, I give her a kiss on the cheek, and she runs back to her parents, giggling with excitement. Ryker must see the tears collect in my eyes. Putting an arm around me, he kisses my cheek as the family moves on.

  “You’re a hero in the eyes of your people.”

  “So are you. You saved their Queen.”

  Caressing my cheek, he moves his hand into my hair.

  “She saved me long before I saved her.”

  Bringing me forward, he kisses my head. Together, we walk to more vendor tents and along the way, listen to the gratitude and thanks of my people. As the evening sun dips below the horizon, Pollo suggests I return to the palace for my safety and Ryker agrees. Returning to the royal tent, I say goodnight to the remaining guests and ensure my family will be escorted safely home.

  With my choice to walk back to the palace, I receive a grumble from Pollo, but he accepts. Ryker
and my arms men stay close, focused on our surroundings. Near the exit of the festival, we pass Kellan and Cayall walking hand-in-hand. They smile and wave, looking blissfully happy together, and it brings me a great amount of joy.

  As we put distance between us and the festival, the aroma of food and the sound of voices and laughter grow quiet. Leading Ryker to the palace garden, I ask Pollo and the arms men to remain behind as Ryker and I take a private walk through the garden. With Ryker’s promise that I’ll be safe, Pollo agrees.

  As the high moon casts silver light between the hedges and vines of flowers, we walk quietly, giving fleeting glances between kisses. Ryker steals a rose, tracing its soft petals along the curve of my jaw and across the top of my breasts. The soft caress along my skin adds to the desire already stirring at my center. As if he senses it, he tugs me to him, smothering my lips and refusing to release me until I’m moaning and reaching for the feel of his thick length in my hand.

  “Fiora,” he groans my name in my ear, and the sound is the fuel that strengthens my desire. Taking his hand, I lead him to the garden bench. He sits down first and pulls me onto his lap. With my legs straddling his, he raises my dress up my thighs.

  “I need to feel your love.” As I breathe the words between our kiss, he spreads my thighs and touches between them, massaging my clit. My work of unfastening his pants slow, my mind reeling from the burst of pleasure. Drunk on desire, I manage to work his thick cock out of his pants, stroking him in my fist as we kiss. Raising my hips, I slide down on top of him, and we moan at how good it feels. Gripping my ass, he pulls me forward and back as I ride his shaft. Biting my lip, I do my best to keep quiet so the arms men don’t come running. With his kiss, he keeps my moans contained, and when I near my climax, I shove my face into his neck and shirt as my body trembles, my wetness soaking his length.

  Already having reached his release, he holds me close to him, placing soft kisses on my lips and cheek as his hand rubs along my back.

  “I love you.”

  “I know you do. I can feel it in the way you look at me and the way you touch me. I can’t live my life without that love.” Putting my hand on his cheek, I look him in the eyes. “Please, don’t ever question the amount of love I have for you. I don’t ever want to lose what we share.”

  “Neither do I.”

  Losing ourselves to the pleasure of our kiss, he holds me atop him, caressing my body as our love passes between our hearts and our lips.

  “There’s nothing more perfect at this moment than feeling the pleasure of your love. I could drown in it and die a happy man.”

  He lays his head back, smiling like a fool. When I giggle, he steals another kiss.

  Returning to the palace, he joins me in a bath as staff brings his and Kendrick’s belongings to the main part of the palace. Sliding under the covers, Ryker joins me in bed, putting an arm around me. Moments later, he falls into a relaxed deep sleep while I lie awake, worried about Matheas. Checking my soul band, I’m concerned he hasn’t left me any messages. Despite my efforts to remain awake, I drift off, unable to fight sleep.

  The door to my bedroom opens sometime in the night, jolting me awake. In the bit of light from the moon I’m able to see Matheas’s figure. Rising from the bed, I rush to him and wrap my arms around him.

  “You had me worried,” I whisper, my voice in a panic.

  Matheas glances at the bed, noticing Ryker in it, and my stomach knots. I expect him to get angry or leave, but instead, he kisses me. As I give into the kiss, he lifts my legs, putting them around his waist. Through the balcony doors he carries me, setting me on the breakfast table. Stepping back, he takes his shirt off, then his pants and boots. Coming forward, he puts my hand on his growing erection. Spreading my legs, he fingers my opening while kissing and biting at my ear and neck. With my body craving him to claim it, I moan short, needy breaths as I stroke him in my hand. Without a care if Ryker wakes, he thrusts into me, staring into my eyes as he takes me hard on the table.

  If this is what jealousy does to him, I accept the punishment. Bending my knees forward, he holds me steady as he pulls out and presses his cockhead to my ass. With gentle pressure, he pushes forward, working me until he’s fully in. At first, he moves slow, our pleasured moans drifting off into the cool night air, then his pace quickens, and soon, I’m begging for release. Applying pressure to my clit, he keeps his pace, taking me on a euphoric high. Together, we reach our climax, and my legs go slack in his arms. Letting my legs down, he pulls me upright, wrapping his arms around me.

  “Tomorrow, Ryker and I need to have a conversation, just the two of us.”

  “Are you upset he’s here?”

  “I expected he would be.”

  “I don’t want you to leave. I want you to come to bed with me.”

  He kisses me, warming up the desire still lingering between my legs.

  “I am.”

  Pulling him closer to me, I lay my head on his chest as he strokes my hair and back.

  “I love you.”

  He squeezes me a little tighter, and I cocoon myself in his arms, breathing in his masculine scent, comforted by its soothing familiarity.

  “And I’ll always love you.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  MATHEAS

  Ryker sits across from me at the breakfast table in the King’s sitting room as staff serves us each a platter of meats, eggs, biscuits and gravy. We both lower our soul band screens, having taken the time to check important communications and news. Grabbing a slice of bacon, he takes a bite, then meets my gaze as staff clears out of the room.

  “I’m glad you requested we speak. We have a lot to discuss.”

  “Indeed, we do.”

  “Let’s lose the formalities. No King or Sir, just man to man.”

  Taking a sausage link, I dip it in gravy and take a bite.

  “That works for me.”

  Ryker sits back in his chair and gathers his cup to drink.

  “I’ve come to terms with you being a romantic part of Fiora’s life.”

  Humored, I sit back in my chair and stare him down.

  “Funny, I was going to say the same thing. She and I had a relationship first. Not the other way around.”

  “You were never engaged with plans to marry.”

  Whether intended to or not, his words sting.

  “Had I not been captured and presumed dead, you never would’ve been given the chance. We would’ve returned home, and I would be the only man in her life.”

  “But you’re not, so here we are.”

  “I had one rule. Never alone, only together, and as soon as you were alone with her, you laid with her.”

  “You can’t expect that rule to be followed. She’s mine as much as she is yours. I’ll lay with her when I please.”

  His tone cuts the air and it grates on my nerves.

  “We need to set boundaries. Come to terms we can agree on.”

  “First, we need to discuss your new position as her Royal Proxy. What are you both planning?”

  His eyes narrow and I can sense how much he hates being without the knowledge I have. I selfishly hang onto it for a moment longer.

  “You don’t see what she’s doing, do you?”

  His fingers splay into the air before coming back to his temple. “As much as it pains me to say, you know her better than I do.”

  With my glass in hand, I take a drink and leave my hand on the glass, my finger curving around the rim.

  “When Fiora was going through her royal training and tutoring, she hated being beaten in anything—games, combat, races. She pushed herself harder than others because she wanted to win. She wanted to be the smartest or strongest in the room. It made her feel safe. It made her feel good enough for her parents’ approval and the approval of the Royal Faction. Later on, toward the end of her training, she started winning her challenges against others and myself, not out of our pity, but because she was clever, always thinking several steps ahead.” Taking a dr
ink, I set it down, resting it beneath my palm before continuing my point.

  “As much as I didn’t want to accept it, I knew she still loved you and wanted to be with you romantically, which is why she didn’t announce the end of your engagement, but I also know she isn’t going to marry you anytime soon.”

  At those words, Ryker’s jaw tightens, his brows dipping low as he awaits me to continue.

  “What she’s doing is setting up a secure future for all three of us. The alliance between our three territories would give us a lifetime of peace and prosperity. No ruler would come against us.”

  “Alliance between our three territories?” Ryker leans forward, moving his plate aside before he puts his hands together in front of him. “Are you telling me she intends to make you King of Iowan?”

  I hold my head high as I say the words. “Yes, that’s what she plans to do.”

  The chair beneath him scrapes the floor as he stands abruptly. Going to the window, he looks out. In the flower garden below, Fiora is walking with staff, gathering flowers for them and the palace, just as her mother did. Ryker watches her and his shoulders lower, becoming more relaxed.

  “Several steps ahead,” he murmurs. Looking at me, he leans against the window frame with his arms crossed. “She’s been planning this since she killed Belore. She told me she had just begun her plans but wouldn’t tell me what they were because it wasn’t the right time or place.”

  “I think we both know you wouldn’t have handled her plans well. You weren’t ready.”

  Rubbing the back of his neck, Ryker lets out a long breath.

  “An arms man turned King. That’s a dangerous pursuit. You shouldn’t be supporting it. It will endanger her reign. The Iowans or her own Royal Faction could turn against her.”

  “Sometimes we think too much alike,” I chuckle, raising my glass for another drink. “I said the same thing to her.”

  “What did she say?”

  “She already had it planned out, of course, but I imagine, somewhere in there, she’s hoping for your support.”

  “What are her plans?”

  “To leave me as Royal Proxy for some time until I’ve established myself and have the Iowan’s support and confidence. When she feels it’s the right time, she’ll decree me as the new King of Iowan. The two territories would still be connected as they’re accustomed through our relationship as King and Queen.”