Claimed Royalty: (Crowned and Claimed Series, Book 1)

by Betty Shreffler

  “You’re too confident she’ll choose you,” Riorrick tells Malark, eyes narrowed to slits.

  “You think she’ll choose you, Riorrick? I have yet to see you speak to her more than at meals. I’ve already kissed her.”

  “Don’t be boastful, Malark. So have I.” Raising a brow, Luther dares Malark to retort.

  Riorrick’s mouth twists into a frown. Raising his glass, he finishes off his ale.

  “We have plenty of time to kiss her. It’s several weeks before she chooses a suitor,” he says matter-of-factly. “There’s no need to come on strong and shove our tongues down her throat.”

  “Do you not like women, Riorrick? Why would you not be in a hurry to taste her? Do you not find her attractive? I certainly do. I want to taste more than her mouth.”

  Tipping my glass back, I finish off the ale. Rising to my feet, I shove the growing hatred toward Malark down into my gut. King Gregory’s words repeat in my head. 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.

  “Did I touch a nerve, Matheas?” Tone antagonistic, I ignore the taunt and fill myself another glass, remembering whose arms Fiora will be lying in tonight.

  “Fiora encouraged me to spend time with each of you. She wants you to use that time wisely to get to know her well. She’s determined the man she marries be the right match for her. Is there anything of importance you’d like to know, or would you prefer to continue sharing the ways you’d like to violate the Princess?”

  With a huff, Malark reaches to the stand and grabs the flask just as I’ve set it down.

  “Like you haven’t thought of the things you’d like to do to her.”

  “Careful, Malark, he is her advisor and one of the most skilled arms men in Anauka. It would be wise of you to be in his favor rather than antagonize him,” Kellan warns.

  Glancing at Kellan, I tip my head at him in respect.

  “If you’re so skilled, show us something. All I’ve seen you do is follow the Princess around like a pet.”

  With swift movement, I remove the blade from its hidden sheath in my pants and hurl the blade at his feet. The blade pierces the floor with precision, parallel to his shoe. Jerking his foot, the blade keeps a slither of his leather shoe behind with it.

  “That was close enough,” he growls.

  The rest of the men snicker, not hiding their amusement.

  “You asked. I obliged.”

  Kellan steps up next to me, placing his elbow on my shoulder, leaning against me.

  “That was delightful to watch,” he whispers.

  “Matheas,” Riorrick draws my attention his direction. “Fiora is trained in many things. Her talents seem endless. Is there anything she’d like her husband to be able to do?” A hint of worry is evident in his tone.

  “Yes, horseback riding. If you can’t ride a horse, I suggest learning now. And being strong enough to protect her. If you can’t make her feel safe, she’ll have no need for you.”

  “What about political affairs? Anything that is indisputable for her?” Luther asks, the interest apparent in his voice.

  “She has zero tolerance for extreme offenders, she wants to extend our trade with more territories, and she feels more monetary value needs to go toward the continued advancement of our technology.”

  “Extending trade with more territories would undoubtedly need more security. It makes sense,” Kellan says aloud. “I think Fiora is sensible when it comes to political affairs.”

  “She is,” I assure him.

  “Well as lovely as this has been,” Malark starts off sarcastically. “I’m ready to return to my room.”

  “I’m going to do the same. Our trial is tomorrow morning. Best I’m prepared,” Luther shares, returning his cue to the stand.

  “Same here,” Riorrick says, placing his empty glass back on the tray with the flask.

  “And things were just getting good. Shame,” Kellan quips.

  Malark glances over his shoulder, glowering at Kellan as he leaves the room. Luther looks back at us with a slight smile quirking his lips. Riorrick follows them out, his shoulders slumped, clearly with a lot on his mind.

  The sound of liquid splashes into a glass behind me. Kellan hands me a glass with a small amount of ale, then fills another for himself.

  “Thank you for the good company, Matheas. It was enjoyable to see Malark put in his place. It’s clear that man doesn’t care for Fiora. All he wants is the pleasure of laying with her and wearing the crown. He’s as transparent as glass.”

  “More so when he’s drunk.”

  “And more of a jerk. I don’t imagine Fiora would tolerate how disrespectful he becomes after drinking.”

  “She wouldn’t.”

  Swallowing the ale in one long gulp, he sets the empty glass down and walks toward the door.

  “Have a good night, Matheas.”

  “You as well.”

  When Kellan leaves, I press the touchscreen monitor on the wall, putting out the fire and turning out the lights. Closing the door behind me, I notice Kellan exiting the bottom of the stairs, checking his surroundings as he goes. That direction isn’t to his room. Following, I take the steps quickly and silently. Avoiding the front doors of the palace, Kellan slips down a corridor that leads to the door to the gardens.

  Keeping to the shadows, I watch him enter his guest code at the monitor. The door slides open, and he steps out. Waiting a few moments, I enter my code and leave through the same door. With the light of the waning moon, I catch a glimpse of his hastily moving frame headed toward the gardens.

  Knowing the gardens as well as the palace, I take a parallel route to his, following the sound of his feet across the ground. His steps come to an end when he’s reached a private area with hedges too high to be seen over.

  “Did anyone follow you?” A man’s voice asks, his uneasiness apparent.

  “No, they’ve all gone to bed. I made sure no one saw me.”

  “I’ve missed you, Kell.”

  “I’ve missed you too.”

  The sound of lips coming together passes through the hedge.

  “I know I shouldn’t have come, but I couldn’t stay away.”

  “I’m glad you came. It’s been torture pretending while I’m here. I wish I was home with you in bed.”

  “There is somewhere we haven’t laid together yet.”

  “You’re a wicked lover, Cayall. It’s why I love you.”

  “Do you want to here in the gardens?”

  “Yes. My cock is already growing hard from the thought of it.”

  The sound of kissing and quickened breaths are followed by buttons unfastening. Licking and sucking become mixed with the moaning of Kellan’s voice. The sucking slows, and more kissing and movement stir the silent night. Soon, pelvis-to-ass slaps repeatedly, and both men cry out in pleasure.

  Having heard enough, I move through the gardens, my feet quiet and light. Returning to the door Kellan escaped through, I press my soul band. With the screen raised, I lock the door only to be opened by my code. Taking a seat against the terrace wall, I await Kellan’s return.

  Forty-five minutes later, I hear him climbing the steps. Passing me without any realization I’m there, he touches his soul band, enters his code and quickly becomes alarmed when the door doesn’t open.

  “Evening, Kellan.”

  Whipping toward the sound of my voice, Kellan’s eyes widen in fear. Immediately composing himself, he stands tall and adjusts his shirt.

  “My code doesn’t appear to be working. Would you mind letting me back in?”

  Rising to my full height, I tower over him, my gaze unyielding.

  “No. We need to talk first.”

  “Of course. What would you like to talk about?”

  “Your garden escapade.”

  “Shit, I should’ve known you of all people would catch me leaving. Please understand, Matheas, I have no intention of hurting the Princess or
pursuing her. I’m here by obligation of my House.”

  “Do you want the throne?”

  “No. When the trials and suitor phase are over, I want to return to my home and be with the man I love. I want to see Fiora end up with someone who truly is a match for her. I’m not that man.”

  “Does your House know about your relationship?”

  “No, I planned to tell them after the trials and suitor phase is over. I figured if Fiora didn’t choose me on her own it would make it easier for me to tell them what I truly want. Are you going to tell her?” Hands beginning to tremble, his fear is getting the best of him.

  “Yes, but she won’t share your secret. I can guarantee this. She’ll understand you love someone else.”

  “She will?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why?”

  When I pause, he leaps.

  “You really do love her, don’t you? Malark was right, wasn’t he? Does she love you?”

  “Yes, I love her, and I’ll do anything to protect her. Especially from men like him, and you’re going to help me with that.”

  “Of course. What can I do?”

  “Be my eyes and ears when I can’t be around. Tell me anything I need to know about the intentions of each suitor.”

  “You have my cooperation as long as I have your discretion.”

  “Then it’s time to let you back inside, but before I do, a word of advice.”

  “Yes?”

  “Keep your meetings with Cayall more discreet. If another arms man were to catch you, I can’t guarantee I can protect you.”

  “Understood. Thank you, Matheas.”

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  —

  FIORA

  The moment Matheas enters my bedroom door, Demerick and I both sigh a breath of relief.

  “Where have you been?”

  Tilting his head, he gives me his best charming smile and approaches the bed, sitting at the end of it.

  “Thank you, Demerick. I have things to discuss with Fiora. You’re relieved of duty.”

  “Anything I need to know before I leave?”

  “No, we’ll meet in the morning before Fiora’s first trial. Have yourself a good night.”

  Demerick’s heavy boots pad across the floor. As soon as he’s gone, Matheas comes forward across the bed and lays his head in my lap.

  “I have a lot to tell you.”

  “I’m listening,” I reply, massaging my hand over his head and hair.

  Raising his wrist in front of him, he brings up the digital monitor and touches the screen entering the code to lock my door. With the click in place, he puts his hands above his head, placing them on my thighs.

  “Will you keep rubbing as I tell you?”

  Bending down, I kiss his forehead. “Yes.”

  “After dinner, I invited the men to shoot targets with me, then drinks in the sitting room. We played billiards and shared flasks of ale. I learned Malark is gluttonous with alcohol and becomes an ass after several drinks. He spent his time either provoking me or sharing out loud with the other men his sexual thoughts about you.”

  “With a filthy tongue like his, this news doesn’t surprise me. What else?”

  “Kellan doesn’t want to pursue you or the throne. He told me this in private after I caught him laying with another man.”

  My hand stops massaging, and Matheas raises his chin to look up and check on me.

  “That I didn’t expect. What did you say to him?”

  “That we would keep his secret if he helped me spy on the suitors. He agreed, not completely out of fear either. He seemed like he genuinely wanted to help. I trust him.”

  “My father trusts his father. I’ve always wondered what it is about Turi my father likes. I’m beginning to realize they’re loyal men and easily get along with us. When I’m Queen, I hope House Nevari will continue to be in union with our House.”

  “I have no doubt both houses will be. I might need your help though. I told Kellan to be more discreet with his meetings. If he’s caught, I’ll need your help to protect him.”

  “You have it. Anything else?”

  “Something is off with Riorrick. When he first arrived, he was outgoing and seemed happy, now he’s getting quiet and irritable.”

  “Keep tabs on him. Find out the cause.”

  “Will do.”

  “And Luther?”

  The hand caressing the side of my leg stops.

  “Nothing yet. I saw him kiss you today. You seemed to like it.”

  “He is a good kisser and has a very relaxed and calm demeanor about him, but he isn’t you, Matheas. He’s too soft. He wouldn’t be able to excite me like you do.”

  “Long walks in the garden and sweet tea by the river don’t do it for you?”

  Giggling, I playfully pull the shirt of his uniform, revealing his lower abs.

  “No, you know I’m far too spirited for a man like him.”

  Rolling, he sits on his knees and lifts his shirt off, displaying his muscled chest for me to view.

  “You’re right. He could never satisfy you like I can.”

  With each movement of his arms, his muscles flex as he crawls across the bed toward me. I lie on my back, and he holds himself above me.

  “There’s one thing I still need to do tonight.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Have you.”

  Moving the blanket away from my body, he caresses under my shirt, finding my bare breast beneath my camisole as his tongue ventures into my mouth, warming my body with arousal.

  “On my way back to you, I made a trip into town to get something for you.”

  “What did you get?”

  “Something to help make you more comfortable.”

  “What is it?”

  Lifting a flap on his pants, he pulls a small tube from his pocket and hands it to me. I look at it and read the words, numbing cream.

  “Oh!”

  With a salacious grin, he thumbs both sides of my shorts and slips them from my hips.

  “With my size, I don’t want to hurt you. I want you to enjoy the way it feels to have me inside you.”

  Handing him the tube, he collects it from my hand.

  “Will you put it on me?”

  “Yes, but not yet. We’ll get to that soon.”

  Dropping the tube on the bed, he spreads my legs and places his head between them. My body buzzes to life, tingling all over as his tongue slips between my lips. A moan escapes my parted mouth, and I arch my body as the sensation of an orgasm starts to build. Switching to my clit, he works the sensitive nub with sucks and nips, alternates to rubbing it in circular motions, then returns to working it with his tongue. With a sexy grin, he watches me orgasm, tipping me over the edge. I lose myself to the euphoric sensation overwhelming my body and call out his name.

  Lying on top of me, he smothers my moans with his kiss. Lazily coating his finger in my wetness, he presses against the tight hole of my backside, and I groan with pleasure alongside his lips.

  Gently entering me, he keeps me pleasured with kisses as he slowly moves his finger in and out. Adding a second one, I whimper with discomfort from the pressure. Noticing, he withdraws his fingers and massages my ass cheeks.

  “Turn over for me.”

  Face down, I raise my butt in the air. The cool touch of cream is spread over me as he feathers kisses along my back. Entering me again, I feel pressure and fullness, but no discomfort. Another finger and he works my hole, stretching me, preparing me for him.

  When he separates from me, my body craves his return. Turning to face him, I watch him remove his pants and take his length in his hand, stroking it as he steps back onto the bed. Lying above me, he holds his cock, lining up with my backside. Just as I feel the pressure of his head, his lips come down on me, loving my mouth with his. Placing his hands in mine, he intertwines our fingers as he thrusts further into me.

  The feeling of fullness is exceptional. He pulls back and thrusts into me
again, slowly filling me to his base. As our kisses grow with heated desire, his thrusts increase in pace. Our breaths deepen, and my body hums with ecstasy. The feelings he creates within me take me on a high like no other. The pleasure he gives is an addiction I won’t be able to fight. Lips swollen and aching for release, he thumbs my pussy, rubbing my clit with force as his cock pleasures me.

  Giving over to the sensation coursing through my body, I cry out as I come hard, soaking his hand. Still thrusting into me, he groans through his release, sealing our incredible intimacy with a kiss that lasts through the final waves of my orgasm.

  Remaining inside me, he nuzzles my neck, placing kisses along the side, up to my cheek, and back to my lips.

  “That was indescribable, Fi. I’ve never felt anything so good.”

  With emotion-filled eyes, he stares down at me. I see it in the way he looks at me. I know what he’s feeling. It’s a feeling I’ve been fighting for some time, but no matter how much I tried to ignore it or find excuses for it, I couldn’t. It’s been building. A need ready to explode. And now’s the time.

  “Matheas… I love you.”

  Gently pulling out, he turns us on our sides. Brushing my hair behind my ear, he caresses my cheek. Cupping my face, he kisses me affectionately.

  “I love you, Fi, like nothing else in this world. You’re all I’ve ever wanted.”

  “You have me. I’m yours. These trials, the suitor phase, they’re all just obstacles until I’m crowned. Until I can be with you without barriers.”

  “Until then, I’ll do my best to remain patient. It’s difficult when I have to watch these men pursue you, kiss you, and talk about how much they’d like to lay with you. You’re mine, Fi. You always have been. None of them deserve you.”

  “I’ll do my best to keep a balance between seeming interested and keeping them at arm’s length. If it becomes too difficult, have Demerick stay with me during the dates.”

  “No, it’s my duty to protect you. I’ll put my anger aside because I know at night, I’m the one who will have you.”