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

by Betty Shreffler

  Escorting me down the grand stairs, we meet Luther waiting for me by the palace’s main entrance, holding a single yellow rose. As I approach, his smile brightens his eyes. Handing me the rose, he places a hand on my back and brings me in close to kiss my cheek. A warming sensation rushes up my back, my stomach fluttering at the touch of his lips.

  “You look stunning.”

  “Thank you.”

  With the rose in one hand, I slip the other into his extended arm. Giving him a sideways glance, I find him attractive in his long sleeve blue shirt and casual tan pants. Catching me admiring him, his mouth tilts, his eyes expressive and pleased I’m staring.

  “I appreciate the date you prepared for us.”

  Tugging his arm, I stop us both.

  “I forgot our picnic.”

  Demerick gives me an I got this expression, then disappears down the hall toward the kitchen. Standing still, we exchange glances, a heated tension resting between us. Touching a strand of my hair, he puts it behind my ear, the gentle touch comforting.

  “A picnic too. Even better.”

  “That’s if you like what I packed.”

  “Is there meat?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then I’ll like it,” he winks.

  “You’ll like Melody Park too. It has three different areas where musicians play. I thought we could explore them all, see if we enjoy the same kind of music.”

  Demerick returns, handing Luther the picnic bag who takes it with an appreciative nod.

  “That’s perfect,” he tells me, putting his arm out again.

  Crossing a wooden bridge over a small river, we enter Melody Park. The outside has a paved trail that follows next to the river. Past that are small hills and luscious green trees. Heading toward the center, there’s a playground for children, beyond that a flat, grassy area with three wooden pergolas placed far apart. In the very center is an outdoor eatery. The scents of smoked meat and popcorn fill the air with the melody of beautiful music.

  Luther’s eyes are bright with enjoyment. Gaze sweeping the area, he leads me toward one of the pergolas. On the raised platform, a group of three men tap their feet and belt out vocals, the music moving. Swaying my hips, I tap my boot to the rhythm.

  “How’s this? Want to set up here?”

  With my approval, he takes my hand and finds us a cozy spot beneath a tree. Removing the blanket from the bag, he lays it out for us. We both sprawl out on it, our feet facing the singers. Sitting close, his long arm crosses my back, his hand overlapping mine. When I look at him, he stares at me, his eyes filling with affection. Leaning forward, he kisses me, and the sensation of his smooth and skilled lips stirs my desire.

  Slowly, he withdraws. Still gazing at me, he places his hand to my cheek, bringing me to his lips again. Another kiss and my wall cracks.

  “Thank you for this date.”

  “My pleasure.”

  Behind me, his hand gathers the picnic bag.

  “Are you hungry?”

  “I am.”

  Taking everything out, he lays out the roast beef sandwiches, fruit, and ale. Sliding the top of the container open, he withdraws a strawberry, dips it in the accompanying chocolate syrup, and brings it to my lips. Taking a bite, I savor the flavor of my favorite sweet treat.

  “This would be better if we had Anaukin cake.”

  Luther’s humored smile raises the corner of his mouth.

  “Your brother told me it’s your favorite dessert.”

  “It’s true.”

  “It’s mine too, but I like warm chocolate syrup poured over it.”

  “How can you eat something so sweet?”

  “I don’t know. I have yet to taste you.”

  Watching him sensually pull his bottom lip between his teeth brings heat to my cheeks. Giving him a flirtatious grin, I dip a strawberry into the chocolate and bring it to his lips. Leaning forward, he claims the strawberry, his gaze never leaving mine.

  Opening the ale, I take a long drink. Luther’s hand rests on my knee as his other lowers the bottle of ale. Drinking some, he corks it and sets it down. Hand raising up my thigh, he settles halfway, caressing my skin tenderly. The sensation draws a breath from me, my body tingling with lust.

  “You’re difficult to read, Fiora.” With yearning in his eyes, he holds my gaze hostage. “You never refuse my touch, but something is holding you back from letting me in. I know you’ve been concerned everything I’m doing is a ruse, but it’s not. What I feel for you is real. Give me a chance. It could be the best thing to happen to both of us.”

  Guilt nags in my gut, and I drop my head before meeting the uneasiness in his eyes.

  “You’re right. I haven’t given you a chance. I’ve been keeping you at arm’s length, and it’s because I don’t trust you. I barely know you. Given time, that could change, but right now is a difficult time for me to open up. I’m being crowned Queen in a matter of days. So much will change, and I’m doing my best to prepare for that. Being a monarch requires I be cautious. With how natural it’s been between us, I feared you were deceiving me to get the crown. I know you’re intelligent, clever even. I know not to underestimate you. A part of me is beginning to believe what you feel is real, but if I'm honest with you, I still feel guarded around you.”

  Putting his fingers through mine, he caresses my hand.

  “The first time we spoke alone, you said you wanted real love, a man who could truly love you and be your equal. I meant it when I told you I could give you that. All I’m asking is during the time we have together, let yourself feel. Don’t hold back. There is no reward without risk, and for us, the reward could be magnificent.”

  Mixed emotions swirl inside me, confusing me and causing my heart to ache.

  “Have you ever loved a woman?”

  Looking off into the small crowd listening to the music, he seems thoughtful. Returning his eyes to mine, I notice the joy I saw earlier is gone.

  “I cared deeply for a woman once but was warned to keep my distance. My heart was meant to be given to the Anaukin Princess if she wanted it. I was forbidden to give it to anyone else.”

  “It’s lonely, isn’t it? Having your feelings and life guided in one direction when all you want is to be free to choose on your own.”

  “It was. I believe I could have loved her. It hurt to see her with someone else.”

  “I’m sorry you had to go through that.”

  Bringing my hand to his lips, he kisses it.

  “Don’t be sorry. I’m beginning to believe it was meant to work out this way because now, I have the potential to have you.”

  His words splinter the wall, widening the crack. With his eyes roaming my face, he studies me, his expression hopeful, adding to my painful guilt and confusion.

  “What do you see when you look at me?”

  “A woman who would offer me as much passion as I could her. A Queen who will be devoted to her people and to her King. A woman who wants it all and is willing to fight for what she wants. I admire the fire inside you, I’m drawn to it.”

  “There are moments when you remind me of myself, the way you look at the world and absorb your surroundings with such passion.”

  “Life is too short not to appreciate every moment given to you.”

  Relaxing, I lie on the blanket, my head perched on my hand and bent elbow.

  “It’s true. I forget that sometimes. I get so caught up in my duties and worrying about tomorrow, I forget to live for today.”

  Coming closer, he lies the same way, facing me. Putting his hand on my side, he angles my body to his.

  “This is one of those days to live in the moment.”

  Lying over me, he kisses me long and passionately, his hand caressing my side as his lips feverishly claim mine. Dizzy with need, I open my eyes, my head foggy. Behind us, there are a few cheers. Luther looks down at me, smiling.

  “I think we’ve drawn an audience.”

  The music has stopped, the men are leavin
g the stage for a break. Luther and I both rise to our knees, the crowd clapping. My cheeks grow warm, and Luther rubs my back, kissing my cheek sweetly. The crowd dissipates, moving onto another activity, and I let out the breath I was holding.

  “It amazes me they don’t crowd you, wanting your attention and photos.”

  “They’re used to seeing me and know not to approach. Arms men are never far from me.”

  “I noticed the absence of a particular arms man, Matheas. You two seem close.”

  Avoiding his gaze, I reach for more ale.

  “We are, were,” I correct for him. “He’s been my best friend and protector for as long as I can remember.”

  “I think it’s more than that.”

  Lowering the bottle, I look at him surprised.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I can see it when he looks at you. He loves you.”

  “I…”

  Placing his hand over mine, he stops me.

  “Don’t feel you have to defend yourself or him. I don’t feel any animosity toward him for loving you. I understand why he does. My question is, do you love him?”

  “It doesn’t matter if I did.”

  “His sudden absence is because of the suitor phase, I assume. He’s distancing himself so you can choose your King?”

  With tears threatening to release, I finish the ale, setting the bottle down.

  “Fiora,” Sliding closer, he pulls me into his arms. “This isn’t the time for this conversation. I’m sorry for mentioning it.”

  Leaning against his chest, it feels warm, comfortable, his musky sandalwood scent soothing. He massages circles on my back, relaxing me.

  “There are a lot of changes happening. I’m doing my best to handle them,” I say vaguely.

  Cupping my face, he turns it to face him, his gaze empathetic.

  “I understand how you came to care deeply for him. All I ask is you give me the same chance he was given. A chance to have your love.”

  “You ask more of me than anyone else does.”

  Eyes roaming over me, his hand caresses my cheek as the corner of his mouth lifts.

  “As you’ve already discovered, I’m willing to take risks in hope of great rewards.”

  “It’s a quality we both share.”

  Gathering the sandwiches, he hands me one. We both seem to relax and soak in our surroundings, the sun high and warm, distant music playing from another pergola. Couples walk past, many smiling and waving in my direction. Some point and mutter, “There’s the Princess.” A group of three young women pass by with glossy eyes and big smiles in Luther’s direction. Noticing, he puts a hand on my leg and caresses. Amused by the women’s behavior, I grin at him, and he laughs.

  “You’re developing your own fan club.”

  “So it seems. There’s a poll of who will win your heart. Malark discovered it and showed it to us last night.”

  With a light laugh, I finish the bite of my sandwich. “That’s interesting. How do each of you rank?”

  “Kellan, myself, Malark, Riorrick.”

  “What stats did they have to go on?”

  “The Anaukin journal published all of our profiles—skills, hobbies, political views, personal preferences, and a photo of us. They published the same information about you as well, so readers could compare and judge who they thought matched you best.”

  “Why did Riorrick rank the lowest?”

  “He did well in the political category. It was skills, hobbies, and personal preferences that dropped him down to the bottom. Malark didn’t pass him by much. The similarities in skills helped him. You and I had matches in everything, especially personal preferences, but Kellan passed me in political views.”

  “That’s something he and I have spoken about. Our views are very similar. If you were my King and we disagreed on something, how would you handle it?”

  “I believe we would need to discuss it further, make sure we understand the other’s point of view in case one of us missed something. Having more than one point of view can be beneficial. It will teach us to look at a topic from multiple angles.”

  “Very diplomatic of you.”

  “I don’t think my Queen would want to lay with me that night if I wasn’t.”

  His sexy, playful smirk curls my lips into my own humored smile.

  “Seeing this side of you is nice.”

  “What side?” he asks, curious.

  “The relaxed, in your element, being playful and flirty. I like it.”

  “Good,” Lying down, he rests his head on my lap. Taking my hand, he holds it over his chest. “Because this is how I am the majority of the time.”

  Rubbing my free hand over his soft hair, I look down at him.

  “What are you like the other part of the time?”

  “Sinfully seductive.”

  Laughing, I continue to run my fingers through his hair, enjoying the way it feels between my fingers. Closing his eyes, he enjoys the pleasure of my touch.

  “I mean it, Fiora. I’m an intense lover. I’m passionate and creative in the bedroom.”

  “Have many women had the pleasure of experiencing your passion and creativity?”

  “Do you really want the answer to that?” Opening his eyes, he meets my curious gaze. “I never want to hurt you or make you uncomfortable. That’s something that could later, if we love each other.”

  “All right. With that, I’ll assume many lucky women have.”

  “We’ll go with that. Is that something that bothers you? That each of us suitors has been able to lay with women while you’ve been required to remain pure for us?”

  “Yes.”

  Reaching up, he caresses my lips, his touch sensuous.

  “I’m appreciative another man has never had you. I want you, Fiora. Like nothing I’ve ever wanted before.”

  Sitting up, he pulls me to him, sliding his tongue between my lips. Like a smooth, fiery liquid, he warms my mouth, arousing me. Hand at my hip, he presses his thumb toward my center, massaging into my skin. A moan escapes my mouth at the pleasure it causes. With each movement of his lips, his massaging moves closer to my center, stimulating my body.

  “Luther,” I call his name, reminding him where we are.

  “I know. This isn’t the place. It’s easy to forget when everything around us becomes a blur.” Head to mine, he caresses the outside of my thigh. “I don’t want this date to end. Will you spend the evening with me?”

  Seeing the longing in his eyes pulls at my heart.

  “Yes.”

  ***

  Placing my fork down, I rest against the dining chair, feeling satisfied. Outside on the veranda, Luther planned a dinner for the two of us. With a low vase in the center of the table, the red roses and floating candles give a romantic setting. Around us, tall lanterns are lit with more candlelight. Beyond the balcony, the white lights of the capital dapple the horizon. Taking my goblet, I walk to the railing. Luther takes his glass, joining me.

  “I never get tired of coming up here. It’s beautiful.”

  “It’ll all be yours soon.”

  “It’s hard to believe. Before long, everyone will rely on me to protect them and keep our territory prosperous. I don’t want to let them down.”

  Hand on my back, the tips of his fingers caress up and down. My eyes close momentarily, the sensation blissful.

  “You won’t.”

  “You don’t know me well enough to have that kind of confidence.”

  “It doesn’t take long after meeting you to discover your drive, kindness, and the love you have for your people. Those are qualities that will make you a successful monarch. Seeing how hard you fought to finish the fire and water trial made that clear to everyone. You bled for them.”

  “The trial is a sport for their entertainment.”

  “You might think so, but to everyone else, it was a test. One you passed admirably.”

  The breeze sweeps across my open shoulders, and Luther stops caressing, no
ticing my shiver.

  “Come sit with me on the loveseat.”

  Following him, he lifts a red blanket, and once we’re both seated, he lays it over us, ensuring I’m comfortably covered. Finishing my ale, I set the empty glass on the table in front of us, he does the same. Arm around the back of the loveseat, he strums my hair. Together, we look between the railing posts, still admiring the view.

  A thunderous boom rips through the sky, followed by bright lights exploding into the horizon. Fireworks disperse, a beautiful array of colors and shapes. In awe, my eyes admire the show. Luther kisses my cheek, speaking softly.

  “These are for you.”

  Affection fills my heart when I look at him.

  “You planned this?”

  “Yes, with the help of Demerick.”

  As the sky lights up, we lose ourselves to passion, our kiss heated. Leaning me back, he warms my mouth with his smooth lips. Nipping my bottom lip between his teeth, he caresses up my side, his touch warming my body. Lying above me, he presses into me, the pleasure of his hardened erection drawing an excited breath from me.

  “I won’t take it too far. I promise you,” he whispers.

  Mouth stealing my words, his hand slides up my thigh, caressing me as he goes. Fingertips touching my center, my wetness coats him as he massages against my clit and lips.

  “Fiora,” his lips feather mine. “You’re breathtaking.”

  My moan is smothered as his fingers delve into my opening, his skilled touch instantly finding what satisfies me. Palm pressing to my mound, he works in a rhythm, drawing quicker, more excited breaths from me. Sucking at my neck, he nibbles, licks, and kisses again as his hand and fingers push me toward a spine-tingling orgasm.

  “Do you want to feel me?”

  “Yes.”

  Breath warm on my ear, he sucks my lobe into his mouth.

  “Unbutton my pants. Feel how much I want you.”

  Intense gaze on me, he continues to pleasure me as I reach for him. Folding back his pants, his erection presses against the zipper. Pulling him free, he fills beyond my palm, his erection thick.

  “Anything you ever want with pleasure, I’ll give you. With me, you’d never have to be afraid to ask.”

  Thrusting his hips forward, he strokes himself in my palm. Mouth devouring mine, his thrusts become feverish, in sync with his hand pleasuring between my legs. Sensation building, my lips part from his, my head falling back as my body arches through the euphoria. With an easier touch, he continues to massage and satisfy as his thrusts fill my hand. Thickening, I feel him nearing his own orgasm. Both of our hands reach for my dress, lifting the fabric out of the way. Warm cum touches my thigh as his lips caress mine.