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

by Betty Shreffler

  “Have you been intimate?” Giving me a sideways glance, he winks at me, his expression playful.

  “Some things are better left unspoken.”

  “All right,” he smiles. “Fair enough. His decision hurt you?”

  “Yes. He made the decision for both of us. He didn’t let me have a say.”

  “I think that man’s love for you runs so deep, his choice is no doubt hurting him too.”

  “Do you feel the same about Cayall?”

  “I do. It hurts him I’m here pretending to court you, and the fact he’s hurting, hurts me too.”

  “But you still do it? Why?”

  “To protect us both and our future. My time here courting you is temporary. I’ll return home and declare my interest for a seat in the Royal Faction. If I’m granted that seat, I’d like for Cayall and me to live together here in the capital. If I were to share with my family I prefer to lay with men and not fulfill my duty of being your suitor, I could lose their support. The strength of our Royal House could falter, and my family doesn’t deserve that because of my choices. For the best interest of everyone, I need to see this through. Once you’re crowned, I’ll be free to pursue my aspirations.”

  “Our situations are very similar, have you noticed?”

  “I have, and I admit, it’s a relief to have someone who understands me.”

  “I’m glad you came to the palace.”

  “I am too.”

  Leaving the fields outside the capital, we enter the woods, a clean trail making it easy for us to pass through. Reaching a fork in the path, I lead us left over a rougher, less traveled path. Ahead of us, I hear rustling in the leaves. Artax huffs a warning. Breaking through the branches, a large bull elk blocks our way.

  “What should we do?” Kellan asks nervously.

  “Nothing at all.”

  The elk watches us a moment, observing our intention. Artax adjusts his stance, ears perked and curious about the creature. At the sound of Demerick and Sederick approaching, the elk trots off, disappearing into the trees.

  “You okay, Princess?” Demerick asks.

  “Yes. It was a bull elk is all.”

  “Are you headed to Willow Winds?” Sederick asks with interest.

  “I am. I brought a picnic for us.”

  “We won’t interrupt your time together, Princess. We’ll be fine. We can eat when we return to the palace,” Demerick tells me.

  “Nonsense,” I reply, moving Artax into a trot. “You’ll join us.”

  Leading the men, we ride for a couple more miles before the forest breaks open to a giant, circular field of wildflowers. Beyond the wildflowers is a river with willow trees decorating the edge. Putting Artax into a run, I let him go free, sprinting toward the river. Kellan flanks my side, enjoying the rush as much as I do. Smiling, I push Artax harder, keeping our lead ahead of the men. Nearing the river, I ease Artax into a canter, then to a walk. Coming down from the saddle, I tighten the reins around the horn and let Artax get a drink from the river. Untying my satchel, I set it on the ground, pulling a thin blanket from the saddle bag, and lay it out near a willow tree.

  Unpacking the satchel, I withdraw a small flask of ale, four sandwiches, and a bundle of sweet grapes. Handing each of the men a sandwich, they smile appreciatively.

  “Thank you, Princess,” Kellan tells me, taking a seat next to me.

  Arm behind my back, he kisses my cheek.

  “That was kind of you to think of all of us.”

  Pulling a chunk of my sandwich from the rest, I eat it slowly, enjoying the flavors.

  “It’s the least I can do. They spend their lives protecting mine.”

  Demerick and Sederick stare at me, their expressions grateful.

  “It’s our honor,” Sederick replies.

  Lifting the flask, I take a long drink then pass it to Kellan. The drink is passed between us all before coming back to me. I take another long drink and set it down. With the ale warming me, I lie on my back, touching the silver and blue stone charm around my neck. Looking up at the sky, I wonder what Matheas is doing now. Wishing it was him and me beneath the willow tree, I imagine him making love to me.

  “Princess?”

  “Hmm?” I ask, my eyes still closed.

  Kellan leans down and whispers in my ear.

  “It’s all for show.”

  Warm lips touch mine, kissing me softly. Placing my hands around his neck, I give into the kiss, imagining Matheas’s mouth on mine. Slipping my tongue between his lips, Kellan twitches slightly then gives in, kissing me back. His kiss is skilled and pleasant, arousing me to some extent. We pull apart, and I wink at him. Leaning forward, he quietly speaks.

  “I feel used.”

  With a giggle, I give him a peck on the lips.

  “You’re a little right.”

  Kellan laughs, caressing my hair affectionately.

  “Would you like to go for a swim?”

  Standing from the blanket, I walk toward the river, glancing behind me to see if he’s following. Lifting his shirt off, he reveals a muscled chest and arms. Not as chiseled at Matheas, but still nice to admire.

  “Yes, I would.”

  Demerick and Sederick both stand.

  “Careful,” Demerick warns Kellan. “Stay honorable beneath the water.”

  Kellan laughs, taking his pants off.

  “You have my word, I won’t touch her intimately.”

  Looking back at them, the humor of the conversation tilts my lips. Lifting my shirt off, it flutters to the ground. Kellan walks past me naked, and I get a glimpse of his well-endowed equipment as he passes. Without hesitation, he runs and jumps into the river. Head bobbing to the surface, he flicks his head releasing excess water into the air.

  “How does it feel?”

  “Refreshing. Get in here.”

  Unzipping my boots, I toss them aside, then unfasten my riding pants. Lowering them off my hips, I glance over my shoulder to see Demerick and Sederick watching intently. Kellan follows my gaze to them.

  “Perhaps it’s best to have your attention elsewhere for a moment,” he suggests politely.

  Sederick distracts himself checking the horses while Demerick scans our surroundings. Slipping from my pants, I walk into the water, then dive below. Coming up, I’m face-to-face with Kellan.

  “If you didn’t prefer men and I wasn’t in love with another man, I believe I would choose you to be my King.”

  “I believe I’d feel the same for you. You’re growing on me, sweet Fi.”

  “As you are me.”

  Kissing his cheek, I push off in the water, swimming down river, Kellan following with steady strokes. Farther downriver, we stop and rest along the edge.

  “Have you decided what you’re going to do about Matheas?”

  “I have. Talking with you today helped me understand his point of view, and why he made the decision he did. I was angry because I want to be with him and felt he was abandoning me. I know this is hard for him, and I don’t want to make it any harder. I’ll do my best to keep my distance until after my coronation, but it won’t be easy, I’m used to him always being there.”

  “Any time you need me, call for me. I’ll fill in for him the best I can.”

  “Thank you, Kellan. I value our friendship immensely.”

  “As do I.”

  Flicking my hair playfully, he wiggles his toes over mine, and I laugh.

  “What about Luther?”

  “What about him?”

  “There’s something between the two of you. I’ve noticed it the last week during the group dates.”

  “I am attracted to him, but I don’t trust him.”

  “Why not?”

  “I worry his intentions are to seduce me, that he might not be genuine.”

  “Last night, the four of us were in the men’s parlor, drinking and playing games. Malark had too much to drink and whined you don’t seem into him, that you won’t kiss him like you kiss the rest of us. We’d a
ll had plenty to drink and engaged in a conversation about you. Luther said he feels you have a wall up you won’t let him past. Every time he tries to break it down, you build it farther up. He was genuinely miserable about it. Riorrick expressed his heartache and concern he’s not your type. He felt Luther and I were the ones you’re most interested in.”

  “What did you express as your concern?”

  “I told them we hit it off instantly, but I’m worried about the sexual chemistry. I told them I feel like I’m in the friend zone. All three of them seemed pleased to hear that. I think they see me as their biggest threat.”

  “I’m fine with them thinking that.”

  “Me too. So tell me why won’t you kiss Malark?”

  “This remains between you and me. He kisses like a lizard. It’s unpleasant for me, and each time he tries, I find an excuse to avoid it.”

  Kellan busts out laughing.

  “I wouldn’t have expected that. Between his confidence and good looks, I assumed he has a lot of sexual experience.”

  “He probably does. Just because I don’t like the way he kisses, doesn’t mean other women don’t love it.”

  “That’s true.”

  “You believe Luther truly has feelings for me?”

  “I’m afraid to answer that in case I’m wrong, but yes, I do.”

  A large male frame blocks the sun, and I look up to see whether it’s Demerick or Sederick. Demerick squats down, placing our clothes on the bank in front of us, and the sun bathes my skin in warmth once again.

  “I’m here to check on both of you.”

  “Thank you, Demerick. We’re probably both ready to end our swim.” I look at Kellan for an answer.

  “Yes, even though I don’t want to end our time together.”

  “Then we won’t. We’ll spend the day together. We’ll go into town.”

  “I’d like that.”

  Demerick walks away, giving us privacy to exit the water. Taking my hand, Kellan assists me as I step over the wet rocks to the grass. Gathering my clothes, I redress, tugging the dry clothes over my damp skin. Fully dressed, I join Demerick and Sederick. Sederick is atop his horse already while Demerick is securing my satchel to my saddle, the picnic packed up and secured inside of it.

  “Thank you. You didn’t need to do that,” I tell him.

  “It’s fine, Princess,” Demerick replies, no emotion in his voice.

  “If you’re going to be spending a lot of time with me, it’s important for you to know I don’t treat my staff like servants. I treat you as equals. I don’t expect you to do anything for me.”

  Demerick lifts my chin firmly, bringing my gaze to his, speaking quietly but clearly.

  “We’re not equals, Princess. If we were, I’d have the opportunity to lay with you, to be in the water the same as Kellan was. But I’m not your equal, none of us arms men are. It would be wise for you to remember that.”

  Demerick drops my chin as Kellan approaches his horse. Getting back on my horse, a heavy weight fills my chest. So much is changing too fast. Before the trials, the suitor phase, and preparation of my coronation, my life as a Princess was simple. I was given some freedom to come and go from the palace, and my biggest worries were ensuring I excelled at all my training. Everyone sees me differently now while I’m still trying to hang on to the simple life I had.

  In my heart, I want to lead my territory. I want to rule for the good of my people, but I’m learning once the crown sits atop my head, my life will drastically change, and the unknown of what will come after truly frightens me.

  Arriving back at the palace, Kellan heads to his room to freshen up while Demerick escorts me to the healing chamber for my customary purity scan and remains with me as I return to my room. Demerick greets a kitchen staffer at my door, having asked them to bring us fresh water and fruit.

  “Thank you,” he tells the server, taking the tray from her hand.

  Inside my room, he sets the tray on the tea table in front of my two sitting chairs, pouring me a glass. Taking it, I study his masculine features. Under short, dark hair, his cerulean eyes are bright. A wide line splits his full lips. Following his round face and jaw is a body full of strong, hard muscles, muscles larger than any other arms men.

  “What you told me at Willow Winds, what did you mean by that?”

  Taking a step back, he sits comfortably in a chair, holding his own glass. Plucking a strawberry off the tray, I sit in the chair across from him.

  “You know I’m the only man Matheas trusts to be alone with you beside him, don’t you?”

  “I do.”

  “Do you know why?”

  I shake my head as the flavor of the strawberry rolls around in my mouth.

  “I take my duties as seriously as he does. I know I’m here now instead of him because temptation became too much of a struggle for him. You possess qualities every Anaukin man desires, and the fact none of us can have you only adds to that desire. To treat any of us as equals gives false hope we could have you. That’s dangerous for you.”

  In silence, I look out the window, watching the rover crafts in the distance as they freely go where they please. Looking back at Demerick, my emotions dampen my eyes.

  “My entire life, I envied other women, their freedom to come and go from Anauka as they please, to lay with whomever they desired. To keep my purity intact, I was closed off from everyone and everything, saved for four strangers I don’t know and don’t love. All I ever wanted was to be equal to everyone else, it’s why I always treated staff as though you were my friends. I desperately wanted to be like you.” A single tear rolls down my cheek. Rubbing his stubble, he studies me, his expression thoughtful.

  “These men are strangers now, but one will become your King. His duty will be as much to the Anaukin people as it is to you. You won’t be alone anymore, Princess. Through him, you can take pleasure in everything you’ve ever wanted. Pick the suitor who will lay with you at night and cherish you until the sun rises over the next day.”

  More tears silently cascade down my cheeks as I think of the last time Matheas and I laid together.

  “What if I don’t see that in any of them?”

  “Give them a chance. You’re as stubborn as you are beautiful. Stop being stubborn and let yourself feel for them. A man’s strength is revealed when he’s the closest to temptation. You’ll quickly discover who you can trust.”

  “What if I let them in and still don’t want any of them as my King? I fear the consequences of my choice with the Anaukin people and the Royal Houses.”

  “You should. If you don’t choose one of their sons, they’ll revolt. They’ve spent years of time, energy, and money raising their sons to be King. For you to turn them all down would insult their Houses and their efforts. The conflict would negatively affect your reign.”

  “What if I choose differently for my King?”

  “What do you mean?” Brows pinched inward, he stares at me curiously.

  “What if I chose an arms man? Your status is just behind the Royal Houses. The Anaukin people would surely be satisfied with my choice.”

  “I admit, I desire your body, Fiora, but I’m not going to marry you,” Demerick chuckles. “To commit to that would put a death mark on my head,” he adds more seriously.

  Mouth tilted, I smile at him. “I wasn’t specifically saying you.”

  “I know,” he winks. “I assume you mean Matheas.”

  “Perhaps or any arms man. I want to be able to choose my King, not select from four suitors forced on me.”

  “That’s not a luxury you have, Princess. It’s best you come to terms with it and soon.”

  Rising from the chair, he sets his empty glass on the tray.

  “You have an afternoon date to prepare for. Will you be having dinner with Kellan in town?”

  “Yes.” Wiping my face dry, I place my empty glass next to his. “Make plans for us to enjoy the local shopping, dinner at Mellaire’s, then we’ll tour the art muse
um.”

  “Of course. Enjoy your bath. I’ll return shortly after lunch.”

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  —

  FIORA

  The morning rays stretch across my room, casting warm light across my skin. Opening my eyes, I sit up in bed, admiring the beautiful landscape beyond my window. An ache creeps into my chest, wishing I had woken to Matheas lying next to me. My bedroom door slides open and my heart leaps, hopeful. Demerick enters, a mug in his large hand. Taking a sip, he sits down in my chair.

  “Morning, Princess. Which suitor will we be spending time with today?”

  A frown draws my lips down. Disappointment of my reality is an uncomfortable sting.

  “Luther.”

  Lifting his wrist, he presses his soul band. Typing into the screen, he doesn’t look at me.

  “Where are we going with Luther?”

  “Melody Park to listen to the musicians.”

  Pulling his gaze from the screen, he smiles at me.

  “That’s thoughtful. I hear Luther is fond of music.”

  “He is. I plan to take a picnic for us to sit and listen.”

  Tossing the blanket off, I head to the bathroom. Walking past him, I look at the reports filling his screen.

  “How’s Matheas?”

  “Working hard as usual.”

  “Where?”

  “He’s been with Tether and Pollo, preparing to lead the security team while the King and Queen attend Belore’s coronation.”

  “He’s going with them?”

  “Yes.”

  The ache in my chest pulses. It hurts how easily he’s able to distance himself from me. Does he not think of me? Doesn’t he know how much his absence hurts me?

  “What if I need him here?”

  “Then that is something you should discuss with him.”

  “Perhaps I will.”

  Wearing a yellow day dress with halter straps and loose fabric around my knees, I add short boots and a thin tan scarf. Demerick gives me a grin of approval as I exit the closet.

  “You look lovely.”

  “Thank you.”