“Are they gone?”
“Yes.”
“Did you hurt him?”
“I left him with a lasting memory.”
Ria briefly glances at me in the mirror, the corner of her mouth curving ever so slightly.
“Good. Thank you, Ria. Can you please excuse us?”
“Of course, Princess.”
With her small feet padding the floor, she promptly leaves the room. As the door slides shut, Matheas steps up to me, gathers my hair in his hand, and moves it to my left shoulder. The brush of his hand over my skin sends pleasurable waves of arousal straight to my core. Leaning down, he places a tender kiss in the crevice of my shoulder and neck.
“You smell as incredible as you look.”
Rising from the chair, the long, silk ceremonial gown sweeps the floor. With my chin between his two fingers, he brings me to his lips. Brushing his thumb across my bottom lip, his eyes give away every dirty detail in his mind. Taking his thumb into my mouth, I suck, flirting with his desire.
“I want you back here on that bed as soon as the splendor ball is over.”
“You’ll have me,” I promise.
Caressing my cheek, he moves his hand into my hair, feeling the touch of my loose curls. Deep in his cerulean blues is the look of a man carrying the weight of something troubling.
“What are you thinking?”
“That we likely haven’t seen the last of Belore. He’s set his sights on you, and he’s a man determined to get what he wants.”
“I’ll meet with my father. Discuss our options.”
“First thing tomorrow,” Matheas insists.
“I will.”
Putting his head to mine, he caresses up and down my bare arms, warming me with his touch.
“It’s time for me to escort you to the splendor ceremony.”
Taking his face in my hands, I kiss him slowly, putting the passion I feel for him into every movement of my lips.
“Let them look. It’s only an hour my body is theirs to view while you will have me a lifetime.”
Bringing me forward, he kisses my forehead.
“I love you.”
Putting out his arm, I loop my hand through it. Leading me downstairs, several staff members stop what they’re doing to watch us with fascination. Perhaps it’s the evening events, the amount of effort put into how I look, or the way Matheas and I exchange glances as we descend the stairs.
Ahead of us, the ballroom door slides open. Matheas stays by my side, bringing me to the center of the ballroom. Around us, there are white linen-covered tables with beautiful centerpieces with an array of candles. The lighting is dim and the decorations elegant. Before the splendor ceremony commences, the ballroom will be the place for hors d’oeuvres, drinking, and dancing for the Royal families.
Riorrick is the first to approach me, an extra wine glass in his hand.
“Princess Fiora,” Outstretching his arm, he delivers the second glass to me. “I’m relieved to see you’re feeling better and more gorgeous than ever.”
“Thank you, Riorrick. You were correct. Your trial was the most challenging trial of all.”
With flushed cheeks, he stares back at me speechless.
“I appreciate the effort you put into it,” I add, helping him through his struggle for words.
Relief fills his eyes.
“Thank you, Princess. May I have a dance?”
“Of course.”
Matheas, having released me the moment Riorrick approached, is now by the front door, speaking with Demerick. Watching me in his periphery, he keeps a close eye. Taking the glass from my hand, Riorrick sets it on a nearby table. Returning to me, he cups my hand and places his other at my lower back. With the music playing softly in the background, he leads me into the traditional Anaukin dance, gently guiding me around the dance floor.
“I apologize the trial of our House was so dangerous. My father insisted we come up with something risky and challenging. Something that would impress the Anaukin people and you.”
“I have no doubt you exceeded everyone’s expectations.”
“I regret you were hurt.”
“I’m fine now, and that’s what matters.”
Above his dotted cheeks, his cerulean blue eyes look at me with admiration.
“I heard the news the Iowans were sent home. That you refused the proposal of Prince Belore.”
“It’s true.”
“May I ask why?”
“Our points of view do not align. He’s a tyrant and would not be a good choice for Anauka or for me.”
“I’m pleased to hear you say that. I was concerned you might be receptive of the proposal with what he can offer you—protection, combined territories, a powerful status as a Prince.”
“Status and power are subjects that don’t matter to me, and I have all the protection I need here in Anauka.”
“What are you looking for in a King?”
“Loyalty, strength, and the ability to love me as much as Anauka if not more.”
“I hope you’ll find all of that in me, Princess.”
Coming to the end of our dance, Riorrick leans forward, tenderly kissing my cheek.
“Thank you for the dance.”
“My pleasure.”
Luther approaches, and Riorrick nods respectfully, giving Luther the chance to ask me to dance. Taking my hand, Luther kisses it.
“Will you do me the honor?”
“Of course.”
Taller than Riorrick, Luther’s height has me looking up at him. With a finger slipped under my chin, he raises it, kissing my cheek.
“You look beautiful this evening.”
Holding me closer than Riorrick had, he guides me around the floor, eyes locked on mine with his ardent gaze.
“Are you always this smooth? Everything about you feels too calculated.”
Luther laughs, and it sounds genuine.
“With you, everything is easy. It feels fluid and natural.”
“So far, this is true. Tell me something about you, Luther. Something that’s real.”
Holding my hand, he applies pressure to my hip, directing me outward into a spin. Pulling me back, he brings me even closer to his hard chest.
“I love music. Listening to it, playing instruments, even dancing to it.”
Holding my hand, he spins me twice. With a heightened breath, I’m pulled back to his waiting arms. Looking down at me with fire in his eyes, he caresses up my side. My body responds, tingling from his touch.
“Music makes me feel alive.” Angling his head down, he’s close enough to kiss me. “What makes you feel alive?”
“Riding and racing. It’s freeing.”
“I have horses back home on my estate. We’ll go riding if you’ll promise me one thing.”
“And that is?”
“You’ll dance with me alone, no other eyes watching.”
Another spin, I’m brought back to him, and he leans down and kisses me, his lips warm and soft, his tongue like a smooth liquor gliding over mine. Cheeks flushed, I stare up at him, surprised at his boldness.
“Is that a yes?”
“Yes.”
“I do like the sound of that word coming from your mouth.”
Putting my arms around his neck, I whisper in his ear.
“I think you’re far more wicked than you let on.”
Holding me against him, he whispers back.
“I am.”
The touch of Matheas’s strong hand caresses my back, drawing a pleasured breath from my lips. Both men have a hold on my body, their gazes meeting one another’s.
“You’ll have to let her go, Luther. It’s time I take her.”
With his wayward gaze, Luther’s mouth tilts sideways.
“I’m willing to share her…for now.”
Looking down at me, his smile transitions, becoming affectionate.
“Thank you for the dance, Princess.”
“My pleasure.”
M
atheas’s grip on my hips tighten, pulling me from Luther’s grasp. Arm around my side, he draws me away from the crowded room full of Royals. In the corner of the ballroom, a door opens to an entryway, then another door to the splendor room. Inside, at the center, there’s a pedestal for me to stand on. Facing the pedestal is a leather chair and beside it a table with a flask of Anaukin ale and five clean glasses
Matheas grasps my arm, turns me to face him, cupping my face in his hands. The heat of his kiss slips through my lips, travels through my body and explodes at my center. Pulled close to him, his fiery need to claim me, here and now, draws my arousal, making me wet with desire. Bunching the fabric of my gown, he raises it. Touching between my legs, he rubs my clit, weakening my knees. Gripping his arm, I bury my face in his chest, smothering my moans. Withdrawing his hand, I lean toward him, desperate for more of his touch. Turning to leave the room, he growls.
“Mine.”
The door opens and closes behind him. Nibbling my lip, my body buzzing with need, a grin curls my lips. The possessiveness he displays is remarkable, and I love every bit of it.
Having been given prior instruction, I remove my gown, hanging it over the changing partition in the back left corner of the room. Walking to the flask of ale, I pour myself a glass, tip my head back, swallowing it down. Leaving the glass behind, I take the two steps onto the pedestal and wait.
Hearing the outside door open, my nerves vibrate through my body. The second door slides open, and Kellan walks in, carrying a white rose. Taking a breath, I relax.
“You have no idea how glad I am it’s you first.”
Kellan shrugs his shoulder, looking me over like a piece of fine art.
“Names were drawn. I was lucky number one,” he says casually.
Walking up to me, he hands me the rose. Raising it to my nose, I take in the sweet fragrance.
“Thank you.”
“Welcome, Princess.”
Walking to the ale, he pours himself a glass.
“Each of us gets thirteen minutes. What are we going to do for those thirteen minutes? As beautiful as you are, staring at you doesn’t do much for me.”
Pouring a second glass, he brings me the cup.
“You can come off the pedestal if you’d like.”
Taking the glass, I step down.
“I’d like to.”
“You can have the chair. I’ll take the floor.”
“Deal.”
Sitting down, I cross my legs and bring the warm liquid to my lips. Kellan sits in front of me, his legs out in front of him, resting against one hand, the ale in the other.
“What’s your partner’s name?”
“Cayall.”
“How long have you known one another?”
“Four years. Met him at the Anaukin music festival. We laid with each other that night, and I’ve been hooked ever since.”
“Anyone else know your secret besides Matheas and me?”
“Yes, my cousin, Eleanor. She’s the closest friend I have back home.”
“When you return home, will you share your preference for men with the rest of your family?”
“That’s what I’d like to do. I figured if you didn’t choose me, it would make breaking the news easier.”
“Does your House want you to represent them in the Royal Faction?”
“They do.”
“Is that what you want?”
“It is. I’d prefer to spend more time at the palace. I like it here. Especially with you here.”
“When you return, you’ll be returning with an endorsement seal.”
Kellan’s eyes widen. “You’d do that?”
“Yes. I’ll endorse you. Not just because I’m your friend, but because I’ve heard your political views during our meals. They’re similar to mine. I think we’d work well together.”
His beautiful smile stretches his lips. “I do too.”
Kellan’s soul band vibrates. We both look at it.
“Time is up, Princess.”
Rising to his feet, he takes my glass, setting it on the table. When I stand, he places his hand on the nape of my neck. Leaning toward me, he kisses my forehead.
“See you soon, sweet Fi.”
My mouth tilts at the nickname.
Returning to the pedestal, I await the next suitor. The first door opens, then the second. Riorrick walks in, the rose tight in his grip. He takes a glance at me, his freckled cheeks flushing pink. Walking to the flask, he pours it full, tips his head back and downs it. Looking back at me, his eyes lock on my body. Reaching down, he adjusts himself, taking in a deep breath. Peeling his eyes away, he takes several more calming breaths like I’ve seen Matheas do when he’s trying to control his desire.
“You’re gorgeous, Princess.”
Approaching me slowly, his eyes start at my chest and follow my body to my patch below. Outstretching his hand, he hands me the rose.
“I’m honored to view such beauty.”
Looking down at him, I notice his cheeks and ears are colored red like his hair.
“Thank you,” I reply, taking the rose.
“Would you like to come down?”
“Yes.”
Giving me his hand, I step down. Gaze on mine, his eyes are bright with lust.
“Every suitor is granted one kiss. Would you honor me with that kiss?”
The corner of my mouth lifts. He’s the only suitor who saved his kiss for this moment. It’s clever and sweet.
“Of course.”
Placing his hand at my elbow, he brings me close. Putting his free hand around my waist, he pulls me against him, the swell of his erection grazing me. Touching his lips to mine, he kisses slowly as if savoring every second of it. His kiss is warm, his touch affectionate as he caresses my back. Hand to my face, he deepens the kiss, slipping his tongue between my lips. Moaning into my mouth, he dances his tongue with mine, stirring arousal in me. Withdrawing slowly, he caresses my cheek, staring at me with burning desire in his eyes.
“I’ve never seen or tasted a woman as lovely as you.”
Warmth fills my cheeks.
“Thank you.”
“It’s been my pleasure, Princess.”
With his hand in mine, he assists me back onto the pedestal.
“Do you enjoy the theater?” he asks, releasing my hand.
“I do.”
“I’ll make plans for us to ride in the early day and enjoy the theater in the evening. Would you like that?”
“I would,” I smile.
Giving my body another look, his gaze lingers over my breasts, sweeping slowly down.
“Your image will be difficult to forget, Princess.”
“Your words are flattering.”
Soul band vibrating, he releases a sigh.
“Unfortunately, our time has come to an end. I look forward to your company after this.”
I take a moment, letting the stimulation to my body settle. Hearing the next suitor coming through the door, my body tightens again.
The second door opens to Luther. Passing the threshold, he stops, his gaze directly meeting mine. With desire in his eyes, his penetrating stare holds me hostage. With casual, confident steps he nears the pedestal. The silky touch of rose petals meets my outer thigh. Slowly and intimately, the petals caress my skin, coming to a stop on my inner thigh, grazing my center. A breath escapes my parted lips. Between my legs is an ache I can’t control. Keeping his gaze on mine, he brings my hand to his lips. With the light touch of his tongue, he kisses the inside of my palm before placing the rose in it.
Without a word, he steps back from the pedestal, leaving me breathless. Drinking me in, he places his hand to his mouth, his thumb and finger rimming the curve of his lips.
“It’s pleasing to know you want me too.”
Closing my eyes, I exhale. Bringing my thighs together, I hide the slickness between them. With my chest bare, my attraction for him is apparent, my vulnerability as a woman on display for him to view.
The true purpose of the splendor ceremony becomes a sudden and brutal awareness.
“Fiora.” His voice is seductive, calling to me. “Do you crave passion?”
Opening my eyes, I meet his heated gaze. “I do.”
“I’m the man who can give it to you.”
The way his eyes promise his words intensifies the arousal between my legs, making it more difficult to hide. Gaze dropping between my legs, he sucks his bottom lip into his mouth, teasing my desire.
“Until we’re alone again, Princess.”
At that moment, his soul band vibrates. Releasing the hold of his gaze, he walks out, the door sliding closed behind him.
Letting my breath go, I squeeze my thighs together, a wave of pleasure passing through me. Going to the ale, I set down the roses and pour more into my glass, using the alcohol to settle all feelings. Placing a hand on the chair, I sink into it, my head falling back against the leather. Closing my eyes, I clear my mind, focusing on my own rhythmic breaths. Hearing the outside door slide open, I set my glass down and rush back to the pedestal, turning just in time for Malark to enter.
Eyes filling with lust, he admires me. With warm cheeks, I likely appear pleased to see him. Coming to me, his grin pulls at the corner of his mouth as he hands me the rose.
“I’m as delighted to see you as you are me.”
Gaze traveling to the ale, he follows it. Smile wider, he walks to it and pours us both a glass. Bringing me mine, he steps back and admires my body.
“You’re magnificent, Princess.”
Tongue pressed against his upper lip, his gaze lingers over my dark patch and the tender pink flesh below. Tipping his head back, he drains his glass. I do the same. Taking my empty glass, he returns to the table and pours another for himself before sitting in the leather chair. Glass in his hand, he holds it on the edge of the chair arm as he leans back comfortably, enjoying his view.
Moments pass, elevating my nerves before he stands, taking unhurried steps around the pedestal to my backside. Behind me, I hear him groan quietly before taking another drink.
“You’re just as stunning from behind.”
Rolling my eyes, I give nothing away, my body still and unmoving.
“Thank you for such flattery.”
“It’s not just flattery.” Coming around to face me, he meets my gaze. “I’m gripped by your beauty.”
Claimed Royalty: (Crowned and Claimed Series, Book 1) Page 12