“Thank you for a wonderful evening and for the gift. It will be my pleasure to see you at the trials tomorrow.”
“And mine, Princess.”
Leaning in, he kisses my cheek.
“Let me walk you to the door.”
“No need.” Matheas appears like a ghost in the night, a figure from the darkness. The light illuminates his muscular frame as he steps into it. Malark seems as surprised as I am.
“Of course. I’ll leave her in your care, Matheas.”
Holding my stomach, I grimace as I watch him leave. Matheas places his arm at my back and leads me in the opposite direction.
“Did you enjoy that?”
“Not in the slightest.”
“I can tell,” he laughs. “Are you going to be sick?”
“I hope not, but I sure as hell want to wash my mouth out. Five minutes sooner, next time. Five minutes, Matheas.”
He laughs deep from his chest as we enter the palace.
In my bedroom, I exit the adjoining bathroom, my mouth now minty fresh. Matheas is sitting on my bed with a cool glass of water in hand. Taking it from him, I gulp it down, then set the empty glass on my nightstand.
“At least I know Malark is off the list.”
Sitting next to him, I frown.
“None of them are on the list. I’m going through the motions. Holding it together the best I can.”
Touching my arm, he strokes down from my shoulder, caressing me affectionately.
“If you think I want this, I don’t. It’s unfair, not having a choice of what I do with my body, of who I lay with, who I marry. I’ve always been envious of your freedom to lay with who you want.” Falling back on the soft, red comforter, I stare up at the dome ceiling of painted glass. Through the lighter colors, I can see the moon, full and bright. “I fired Alayna. I was jealous she could have you, and I admit, I don’t want her anywhere near you.”
Lying next to me, he wraps a strand of hair around his finger and tugs, bringing my attention to his face.
“Now you know how I feel each time a suitor takes your attention from me. I worry one of them will sweep you off your feet and take the one woman I’ve always wanted.”
“Always wanted?”
“Yes, since we were young. It’s why I let you best me in battles. Why I threatened every boy who came too close.”
“You threatened them?” I laugh and he smirks.
“I did. Thomas was the only one brave enough to kiss you. I made an example out of him. Your father kept me from following you and Malark tonight because he knows the men are afraid of pursuing you with me around.”
“I can imagine their first request as King would be to remove you as my bodyguard and advisor. That’s exactly why I don’t want to marry. I always want you by my side.”
“Is that the real reason you don’t want to marry? Because you don’t want to lose me?”
Reaching up, I touch his cheek, the day’s stubble graces his strong jaw. Rubbing my thumb over his lips, I stare up at his intense blue eyes.
“Yes, I never want to lose you. I want to be able to have you, to lay with you, to know your love.”
Putting his hand over mine, he caresses my hand with his thumb, slowly rubbing down my arm. Wrapping his arm around my back, he rolls us, putting us on our sides, limbs tangled around one another.
“I want the same, Fi. I want you all to myself, to never have to worry about another man taking you from me. I want to lay with you and feel what it’s like to have your love, night after night.”
“Then let’s begin with tonight.”
When his lips touch mine, it feels right, arousing, soft, sensuous, and fulfilling, yet at the same time leaving me aching for more. Hand lost in my hair, he gives into the kiss as much as I am. Against my thigh, I feel his erection. My curiosity draws my hand down. Over his pants, I rub him, and he growls into my mouth.
“Too many clothes, Fi, there are too many clothes between us.”
Hand sliding up my shirt, I follow his lead and raise my camisole up and off. Pressing me down to the mattress, his mouth covers my right nipple, sucking and biting as his hand massages my whole breast.
Arching my back in uncontrollable desire, my body becomes a puppet to his every whim. Feathering kisses down my center, he leaves a trail of pleasure to the top of my shorts. Tucking his hands into them, he pulls them from my hips. Gaze focused between my legs, he places a hand on each thigh and spreads my legs for him to see everything.
“I’ve always liked that you keep it trimmed.”
“Do you?”
“Yes, Princess, I like everything I see.”
Hands under my ass, he slides me up the bed. Remaining where he was, he lowers between my legs. The warm touch of his tongue meets my clit, and I let out a quiet, short squeal of satisfaction. The next few minutes are a blur of sucking, nibbling, licking, rubbing, and me losing all control. The touch of his lips stops when my fists clench the comforter and I moan through my orgasm.
“You’re absolutely gorgeous when you’re coming from my touch.”
Pulling him down to me, he lies between my legs, and I feel his erection pressing against me. Pushing my hips up, I press him harder into me.
“I want more.”
“I can pleasure you, Fi,” he rocks against me, and I tilt my head back, moaning from the sensation. “but I can’t enter you.”
“You can have me another way.”
Looking down at me, his pupils expand, his desire evident.
“Would you let me have you like that?”
“Yes. I want to feel you inside me, but it’s only fair you let me taste you first.”
Lifting his shirt off, he reveals a defined and muscled torso. With his handsome face and muscular body, I could stare at him for hours. His handsomeness is the kind that draws the attention of every woman he walks past, and I’m blessed he only wants mine. Caressing the ridges of his abs, I lower my hands to his pants, unfastening them and folding them down over his hips. Part of his erection is visible—thick and hard, ready to burst free. Pulling him out, I take a moment to admire his cock and take in the detail of the vein running down the long length. I lean forward, sucking the pre-cum from the tip. Hand in my hair, he tilts his head back.
“I need more, Fi. I’m aching to be taken in your mouth.”
Parting my lips, I take as much of him as I can and suck hard. Taking him further into my throat, he lets out a deep moan. Keeping my pace, I swap between sucking and sliding him down my throat. Minutes later, I feel him thicken and slow my pace.
“Fi, I’m going to come hard.”
Hot cum shoots into my mouth, and I swallow it down, licking him clean, and kissing his tip. Hands on my shoulders, he lowers me down onto the mattress, his spent cock laying against my pussy lips.
“I didn’t expect it to be that good. You’re exquisite.”
Caressing my face, cheeks, and lips, he stares down at me, his eyes full of affection.
“You’re going to turn me into an addict. I’m going to want you to suck my cock like that all the time.”
“I’m willing to negotiate. I did enjoy every minute of it.”
“Thankfully. I might’ve shed tears if you said you didn’t.”
Laughing, I kiss him, nipping at his lip when I pull away. Rolling us to our sides, he continues to caress me and kiss me, each time looking at me with more affection than the last.
“Please don’t fall for a suitor, Fi. I couldn’t take losing you after finally being able to have you.”
“You have nothing to worry about. None of them have what you have.”
“What do I have?”
“My heart.”
CHAPTER THREE
—
MATHEAS
The warmth of her body tucked into mine starts my day better than any day before. She stirs and I kiss her cheek. Rotating her body to face me, she places one long, sensual kiss on my lips. Caressing her arm and back, I move my rigid cock aga
inst her pussy, and she moans sweetly.
“You feel so good. Can we stay in bed all day?”
“I wish, Princess. You have more trials today, and I have more suitors to deter.”
The sound of her automated bedroom door I made sure to lock beeps from the only person with the code besides myself and Fiora—her father. With no time to do anything, I cover her with the comforter and prepare for the repercussions about to take place.
“Matheas?” His dark brows pinch inward with concern.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Fiora peeks out from the blanket. “Father, what are you doing here?”
“I’ll do the asking. Did you ruin her purity?”
He looks to me, his expression filled with worry.
“No, it’s intact.”
With the tension releasing from his broad shoulders, they lower, and his stance becomes much more relaxed.
“Good. I didn’t think you’d be weak and destroy her coronation.”
“I wouldn’t do that to her.”
“I believe you. Get dressed. Both of you. Matheas, come to my sitting room. We have things to discuss.”
King Gregory leaves, and Fiora bolts upright, dropping the comforter.
“This is bad.” Fear fills her eyes. “I’ll fight like hell if he tries to remove you as my bodyguard.”
“It’s all right. I know your father well. What we just saw wasn’t anger. He didn’t seem surprised by us together either. I’ll meet with him and see what he wants to discuss. Shower, have breakfast, get ready for the horse race. I promise to see you soon.”
With a kiss goodbye, I gather my clothes, wasting no time getting back to my room. With the quickest shower I’ve likely ever had, I put on a fresh soldier’s garb and get my ass to the King’s meeting room.
Inside, King Gregory, sits tall and regal at his dining table placed by the large window overlooking the gardens. Below, I see Melinda in the garden, handpicking flowers with two staff members behind her, holding baskets already half full of flowers.
“She insists on picking them herself. She loves those flowers.”
“Queen Melinda’s garden is the most beautiful in Anauka.”
“She knows and takes great pride in it. Sit,” he tells me, motioning to the chair across from him. “Have breakfast with me.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Plate with a hearty choice of foods, I take the seat across from him and await what he wants to discuss.
“Was last night the first you’ve stayed the night with Fiora?”
“No.”
“Was it the first you’ve been intimate with her?”
“Yes.”
“I’m not angry with you for being intimate with her, son. It’s good for her to learn how to pleasure a man.”
Tension tightens my chest at the insinuation I’m preparing her for another man. Staring at me, the wrinkles around his eyes double as his eyes narrow, studying me.
“You love her?”
“I do.”
“You’ve always loved her, haven’t you? Since you were teenagers.”
“I have, yes.”
“Your love for her is valuable to me. Do you know why?”
“Because I’ll do anything to keep her safe.”
“Exactly. What better person to watch over my daughter than a man who loves her as much as I do?”
“But I’m here to be reminded I can’t have her, correct?”
King Gregory shakes his head as he brings a forkful to his mouth. Chewing slowly, he points to my plate.
“Eat, Matheas. You need it.”
Taking a bite, I chew uneasily, unable to determine where this conversation is headed.
“You’re not here to be reminded you can’t have her because the truth is, I want you to have her.”
The fork stops on the way to my mouth. “Excuse me, Sir?”
“You heard me correctly. Eat, son.”
Taking the bite, I swallow the food, unaware of the taste. My mind is buzzing too wildly to comprehend anything but the words now coming out of the King’s mouth.
“When you have a daughter as beautiful, strong, and pure as Fiora, you have to do everything in your power to keep her safe. It’s why I chose you as her lifelong bodyguard. You come from a line of men who are loyal til death. It was when you both were young, I realized the potential to soothe all my worries. Not only do I have a daughter to protect, but I also have a territory to protect. With you protecting her and her protecting Anauka, everything would be peaceful and prosperous. The only problem is you don’t come from a Royal bloodline, so you can’t be a suitor, but there’s something in our laws that isn’t shared with the Royal families. Once Fiora is crowned, she has every right to choose any suitor for marriage, including a man not from a Royal bloodline. We just have to get her to her coronation, then you and I both get what we want.”
Placing my hands together in front of me, I rest my chin on my hands, absorbing everything he’s said.
“She can marry me after her coronation?”
“She can. All prior monarchs were convinced or fell in love with their suitors, but not my Fiora. It’s always been you, Matheas—whether she knew it or not. There isn’t a single suitor who is going to live up to you. You’re on a pedestal, no other man compares.”
“How do you know all of this?”
“My mother, Nina, is a gifted and observant woman. She also tells me what she feels is important for me to know. She’s been Fiora’s secret guardian all her life. Nina adores Fiora like no other.”
“What do you need from me? I’ll do anything to achieve our mutual goal.”
“You’re much stronger than other men, Matheas—physically and mentally. The fact you haven’t taken Fiora’s purity shows that. I need you to ensure no other man tries to take it before her coronation. If it’s taken, you know the consequence. She’d lose her crown, be shamed, and defiled. Be with her as much as you want. Take her intimately, gain her love, but never her purity. I’d much rather my daughter learn pleasure from a man who won’t hurt her.”
Reading the signals in his body language and words, I lower the bite I was about to take.
“What else? There’s more you’re not telling me.”
“You’re right. Not all the suitors want her. Some want the throne, to move the Kingship toward their house. She’d be a tool in their schemes. The conflict would bring our territory hardship. And there’s more. You know why I don’t let her travel. She’s too beautiful and valuable, and other territories know this. I’ve received offers from kings to marry her in exchange for permanent alliances and trade. I’ve turned down every one of them. That has led to animosity from another territory, the Iowans. The Iowan King has a son, Belore. He’s vile. I would never let him have Fiora. He’d disgust her, and she’d hate him and me. It’s not a good match. That decision is good for Fiora and the future of Anauka, but it’s not good for Anauka now. You see why I need you, Matheas? Why I’ve always respected and given you the freedom to remain at her side, no matter where or what she was doing?”
Finishing my bite, I grin.
“I’ve always known you to be a clever king. It’s where Fiora gets it from.”
King Gregory smiles proudly. “Indeed she does.”
With his plate empty, the King sets his fork down and sits back in his chair, his posture relaxed.
“Other important details. We have to play along with the suitor phase. I have to be seen as being fair and not favoring any house or any man. Now that you know it’s you I truly favor, do your best to relax and let the men try their best or worst, depending on the man. But still be diligent watching them. They push too hard or try to take what’s not given, cut them down.”
“Understood.”
“And Matheas…”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Everything we spoke about today must stay between you and me.”
“Know my loyalty is without hesitation, my King.”
“I’m thankful for you and thankful my daughter has chosen you. Now, go find her and make sure she’s ready for today’s trials.”
“Yes, Sir. Thank you for our meeting.”
Leaving my nearly empty plate, I follow King Gregory’s gaze to Melinda outside. It’s the gaze of a man who truly loves the woman he’s looking at. With a much lighter feeling in my chest, I depart his sitting room.
CHAPTER FOUR
—
FIORA
Matheas enters the stables, and I rush to him. Catching me in his arms, he kisses my head.
“There’s nothing to worry about, I’m not going anywhere. The conversation your father and I had was a positive one. I can’t give you the details, but know everything is good between him and me.”
Releasing my breath, I tilt my head into his hand as it caresses my cheek.
“I’m going to stay with you again tonight if you’ll have me?”
“Yes, please stay with me. Another day of trials, and at the end of it, all I’ll want is to be in your arms.”
“You will be.”
Thumbing my lip, his eyes sweep the area, ensuring no one is around. Leaning forward, he kisses me quickly. When he pulls back, I go with him, raising on my toes, not wanting the kiss to end.
“Did you have breakfast?”
“No, I was too worried about your conversation with my father.”
“All right. Let’s get you something to eat, then we’ll come back here so you can give Artax a warm-up.”
“That’s perfect. The Vet is with him now, ensuring he’s okay to race.”
The sweet scents of breakfast rolls, bread, cheese, and fruits fill my nostrils as we walk along the vendor stands. Coming up to the tent of my favorite bakery in town, I stop and look at the plates she’s selling. Clicking my soul band, the digital screen comes up. Selecting the appropriate monetary value, I touch my band to hers, and the payment is made. Plate covered in Anaukin cake, my favorite cheese dip, and several fruits, I point to a nearby sitting area. Matheas joins my side as I devour my meal.
“Slow down, Fi. People are watching.”
Claimed Royalty: (Crowned and Claimed Series, Book 1) Page 4