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

by Betty Shreffler

  Pulling back, he looks down at me with hooded, glossy eyes. Lifting his shirt over his head, he reveals his toned, smooth muscles. Using his shirt, he wipes me clean, giving me another soft kiss when he finishes. Tossing the shirt aside, he easily lifts me, and I giggle from the surprise of it. Lying back against the loveseat, he lays me in his arms, putting his fingers between mine.

  “Do you enjoy the touch of any other suitor like you do mine?”

  Admiring our hands together, I caress his fingers, the same fingers that gave me incredible pleasure moments ago.

  “No. When I’m with you, it’s like you have a spell over me. My body ignites when you touch it.”

  Licking then sucking, he pulls my lobe between his teeth. The sensation sends tingles over my skin down to my core.

  “I’ve noticed, and I love it. As your King, I’d want to pleasure you often.” Hand caressing down my abdomen, he teases his fingers over my mound. “Would you want that?”

  “Yes,” I moan.

  “If we marry, the Anaukin people might become worried with how many days I lock you in the suite with me.”

  Laughing, I turn to face him.

  “You’re wicked, Luther. Sinfully wicked.”

  “I am. Could you live with that?”

  Admiring the affection in his eyes, I smile in response.

  “I could.”

  “Then we have the start of something special.”

  Affectionately, he holds his hand to my face as his lips warm me, moving slowly and sensually over mine.

  “I don’t want to leave you tonight.”

  “I had plans to spend tomorrow with Riorrick. I’d rather spend it with you.”

  “Does he know that?”

  “No, I planned on inviting him in the morning.”

  “Then I accept. What would you like to do tomorrow?”

  “Go riding. We haven’t gone, just you and me.”

  “I’ll go if you do something for me?”

  “What’s that?”

  “Dance with me.”

  The corner of his mouth raises faintly as he sits us up. As I stand, he adjusts himself, buttoning his pants. When he stands, he presses the button on his soul band, bringing up the digital screen. With a few swipes and clicks, music begins playing. Hand in his, I look up at his sensuous gaze as he wraps his arm around me, moving us to the music.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  —

  MATHEAS

  Approaching King Gregory’s sitting room, tension builds in my chest as the door slides open and I enter. He’s sitting in one of his fine leather chairs, a flask of ale next to him on the tray and a glass nearly empty in his hand. Brows pinched together, he looks off in space, his expression troubled.

  “Your Highness.”

  Pulling himself from his thoughts, he gestures for me to take the chair across from him. As I sit, he pours me a glass of ale and hands it to me.

  “Drink this, son. The news I have isn’t pleasant.”

  Taking the glass, I swallow the soothing liquid as the rising tension nearly constricts my tight throat.

  “When the Royal Houses agreed to move the date of Fiora’s coronation forward, they made a non-negotiable request. One that was difficult for me to agree to, but I had to, Matheas. Her safety is most important to me.”

  Taking another drink, I attempt to settle my fraying nerves as King Gregory continues.

  “They want Fiora to choose one of the suitors as soon as she’s crowned.”

  Looking off, I close my eyes as the pain sets in.

  “I wanted it to be you. You are like a son to me. You were my solution to everything.” Sorrow fills his words as his heavy-weighted gaze looks upon me.

  “She’ll choose Luther.” The words are like acid coming from my lips. “There’s something between them. I’ve watched it develop over the last few weeks.”

  “I’m sorry, Matheas. Things are going to change once she’s crowned and not in the way we both hoped. I’ll assign her a new guard. You’ll be free to live your life wherever and however you want.”

  Placing the glass down, I rise from the chair.

  “There is no life for me without her in it. May I be dismissed, Sir?”

  “Of course.” With sadness in his eyes, he rubs at his temple. “Matheas…”

  “Yes?”

  “I hope you’ll forgive her. This is her only choice.”

  Leaving the King’s sitting room, my feet lead me to a different part of the palace. Approaching the room, the door slides open. Inside, the four suitors are enjoying activities in the men’s parlor while outside the rain pours down heavily.

  “Kellan, Riorrick, Malark, will you excuse us, please?” My tone is unyielding. Quickly, the three men leave the room. Luther sets the billiard cue back in its rack.

  “What’s this about?”

  “When did your House inform you about the agreement that Fiora must choose a suitor the day of her coronation?”

  “Four days ago. Why?”

  “How convenient for you that Fiora developed feelings in that time.”

  With narrowed eyes, his jaw tightens. “Matheas, don’t go there. I’m not seducing her for the crown. I’m falling for her.”

  With swift steps, I erase the distance between us.

  “Why should I believe that?”

  Squaring his shoulders, he stands his ground. “You don’t have to. I’m not here to get your approval. I’m here for Fiora.”

  “I think you and your House are willing to do anything to achieve the crown. What’s going to happen after you’re named her King? Will you even be faithful to her? Or will she cry alone in her suite as you lay with woman after woman, only taking her when you’re bored?”

  Fist slamming into my jaw, I take the hit, only taking one step back before securing my firm stance. Shaking his hand, he palms it with the other.

  “You don’t know a damn thing about me. I know you love her, and based on your behavior, I assume you just found out about the agreement. In no way does that give you the right to accuse me of deceit and insinuate I’d treat Fiora as if she meant nothing to me.”

  Sneering at the visible pain in his hand, I lock eyes with him.

  “I need to know. If she chooses you, will you truly love and protect her?”

  “Yes,” he answers without hesitation.

  Throwing my fist, I slam it into his jaw. Stumbling back, he touches his face, the pain visible in his eyes.

  “I’m counting on it. Anything happens to her and I’ll slit your throat.”

  Recovering, he stands at his full height, meeting my gaze.

  “You can’t stay if she chooses me. You know that, don’t you?”

  “I’m not going anywhere.”

  “I’ll earn her love. There won’t be any reason for you to stay.”

  “Even if she grows to love you, she’ll never stop loving me. I claimed her heart long before you.”

  I turn to leave, but Luther’s voice stops me.

  “You never should have let it get that far because now you’re going to have to break it. You know you can’t have her, and if I become her King, she won’t need you.”

  Sniggering, I look back at him.

  “You’re a fool to think you know what she needs.”

  “You’re a fool to think I don’t.”

  ***

  Entering the women’s parlor, soft piano music plays in the background as raindrops tap on the window. Fiora extends her arm, feathering the paintbrush across the canvas. Her attention to detail is remarkable, the sky she’s painting vivid in orange, pink, and yellow hues. To give her a compliment on her talent is futile, she doesn’t see what everyone else does. To her, it’s a relaxing hobby when she’s most emotional. For everyone else, we see the world through her eyes, and it's stunning.

  “I could watch you paint for hours.”

  “You have,” she replies casually, her attention still on her painting.

  Moving to the chair nearby, I ad
mire her as the painting becomes a work of art. The piano music around us is soothing, but it doesn’t settle the storm inside me. Leaving the chair, I approach behind her. Brushing her hair off her shoulder, I caress her back. Her body responds, the paintbrush in her hand lowering as a breath escapes her.

  “I made a mistake.”

  “It took you five days to realize that?”

  “I thought I was keeping you safe until we no longer had to fear consequences. What I ended up doing was pushing you into the arms of another man.”

  “You hurt me.” Placing the paintbrush into the cup of mineral spirits, she turns and stands, the pain obvious in her eyes. The sight of it tightens the knot in my chest.

  “That was never my intention.”

  Tears fill her eyes. I reach for her, but she gently refuses my hand.

  “You didn’t talk to me. You made a decision for both of us without considering how I felt or what I wanted to do, then you abandoned me, avoiding me for days. We laid together that very morning before you left me as if I meant nothing to you.”

  “I have no defense other than I thought I was doing what’s best for you. I was wrong. I never should’ve left your side.”

  “No, you shouldn’t have.”

  “I won’t again.”

  Tears cascade down her cheeks, the pain in her eyes excruciating for me to see.

  “It’s too late for us. I received news this morning I’m being forced to choose a suitor the day of my coronation. What I want doesn’t matter. I have a duty to uphold.”

  Stepping closer, I take her face in my hands, bringing her sorrow-filled eyes to mine.

  “I don’t care who reigns by your side. You’ll always be mine, Fi. I love you like no other man ever will.”

  “I wanted it to be you. I’m so sorry.”

  Pulling from my grasp, she attempts to flee, a sob escaping her. Keeping hold of her hand, I bring her back to me, placing my lips to hers. Body melting beneath my kiss, she submits into my arms. Passion and pain mix together, heightening our need for one another. Her hands grip me desperately, her pleasured moan filling my mouth as I back her to the table. Lifting her soft, blue dress, I find her center wet for me. The moment I caress between her legs, her body arches, needy for what I can give her. The tender melody of the piano adds to the chorus of our heated breaths and sensual kiss.

  Laying her back, I lower to one knee. Hands under her ass, I pull her to the edge. The taste of her fills my mouth, and she cries out my name as I give her what she needs and her body craves. Licking and sucking her clit, I massage her pussy lips, coating them in her arousal before sliding a finger into her tight hole. Her moans grow louder, the pleasure overwhelming her.

  Minutes later, as the last shudder of her orgasm takes over her, she lowers her dress, her eyes filled with a wanton need. She stands and turns me to the table, pushing me back against it. With swift movement, she unfastens my pants, pulling my erection free. Lowering to her knees, she takes me in her mouth, her sucking feverish and greedy. Putting me to the back of her throat, she sucks me hard. The familiar tingling sensation builds, her mouth drawing my orgasm. It doesn’t take long for my cum to coat her throat. Looking up at me with seductive cerulean blues, she swallows it down, moaning as if the taste of me pleases her. The sight of it arouses me, my need for her dangerously unrestrainable.

  Raising her off her knees, I lift her legs, putting them around my waist as I sit her on the table. Pushing into her center, she spreads her legs, welcoming the feel of my cock pressed against her. Our lips come together, kissing and needing the other.

  “I love you, Fi. There will never be anyone else for me.”

  A single tear flows from her pain-filled eyes.

  “I’ll never stop loving you, no matter who reigns at my side.”

  Taking her hand, I bring her fingers to my lips, kissing them tenderly.

  “I know you won’t. Your heart belongs to mine.”

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  —

  FIORA

  Three days of non-stop rain and the dreary clouds have finally parted for the day of my coronation. Every suitor pushed for time with me, and every night it was Matheas I took to my bed. Between tears and kisses, we savored every touch, displaying the love we feel inside. The night before I cried in his arms, knowing it was the final time we would lay together, the last time I’d feel his lips to mine. When morning came, he was gone and so was my heart. Ria viewed me with a puzzled gaze as she covered my red, puffy eyes with concealer and beautiful makeup. She never asked, and I didn’t explain.

  Outside the window, countless rover crafts arrive with guests from across Anauka and some from other territories. Large hats and beautiful gowns adorn their bodies as they walk across the courtyard into the palace. Until I arrive at the imperial ball, they’ll be served hors d’oeuvres, endless drinks, and kept entertained. At the finale of the imperial ball, I’ll walk the majesty’s path to receive my crown.

  Around me, my bedroom suite is buzzing with activity of people coming and going. Staff members are placing brand new bedding as well as romantic drapery around the columns of the bedposts. Candelabras are being placed to add to the ambiance. Every surface and corner is being cleaned.

  As Karina tightens the corset back of my gown, I feel nothing, my body numb. My head lowers as I hold back tears. This is not how I imagined the day I’d become Queen. I’m entering into the most important day of my life with misery. It’s a bad omen. No reign should begin with sorrow, it’ll only lead to more.

  The women watch me in confusion, my face never showing joy. Placing a jeweled necklace around my throat, Ria meets my gaze, her eyes filled with worry.

  “Are you all right, Princess? I have yet to see you smile. You become a Queen today.”

  “And choose a man I hardly know to be my King.”

  “Surely, there must be one of them you believe to be capable.”

  My silence forces hers.

  “I’m sorry, Princess. That’s not my place.”

  Taking her hand, I stop her before she leaves distressed.

  “I appreciate your concern.” With as much of a smile as I can muster, I give her hand a squeeze.

  “You’re going to be a magnificent Queen.”

  With the genuine affection in her eyes, she pulls at my smile, lifting it.

  “Thank you.”

  Entering my room, my mother, wearing the color of our House, looks gorgeous in a long red mermaid dress. At her side is my Grand Nina, in a darker shade of red, her gown long and loose, the fabric flowing with each of her steps. My mother’s expression is one of pride as she looks me over in my white lace and satin gown. The sweetheart bodice is covered in the same lace that crosses my chest and sleeves. Cinched at my waist, the fabric continues to hug my frame until reaching my knees where it swells, the train extending behind me.

  My mother may be distracted by my appearance, but my Nina is not. She looks right into my eyes, reading me as if she’s feeling the very pain my heart is suffering.

  “Everyone out, please. I’d like a moment alone with my granddaughter.”

  My mother remains, and Nina smiles at her.

  “You as well, my lovely.”

  Surprisingly, my mother doesn’t balk at the request. She accepts with a smile and leaves behind the others. Nina comes forward, taking my hands in hers.

  “I can see you’re barely holding back tears. Tell me why you’re hurting so much.”

  “This was supposed to be the greatest day of my life, and I can’t even pretend to feel joy. Becoming Queen was finally going to give me the freedom to choose the man I wanted. That’s been taken from me. I’m trading one royal cage for another.”

  “Matheas is the choice you wanted?”

  “Yes.”

  “What of Luther or Kellan? I’ve seen the way you are with both men. They’re as fond of you as you are them.”

  “Kellan prefers to lay with men, Nina. He’s become a very close friend, and
that’s all it could ever be.”

  “And Luther?”

  “I…” My eyes close as I struggle to admit the truth.

  “You have feelings for him, don’t you, darling?”

  “Yes.” Guilt plagues me just saying it aloud.

  “I’ve known for a long time you and Matheas loved one another, and I believed it would be the two of you to reign over Anauka, but even a woman as old and wise as I am can be wrong. What’s happening is for a reason. Luther may be the man you’re supposed to be with.”

  Releasing her hands, tears dampen my eyes.

  “I can’t let go of Matheas. I love him.”

  “You have a choice to make today. Hundreds of guests and thousands of viewers will be watching, waiting for you to choose your King.”

  “I know. I can’t choose. I won’t.”

  Fear fills the eyes of the calmest woman I know.

  “As much as I don’t want to admit it, your mother was right. If you don’t choose today, the Royal Houses will revolt. Your reign will begin with chaos. Don’t do that to yourself. Think of your future, not just today.”

  “If I’m to be Queen, my reign shouldn’t start with the Royal Houses having control over me, leveraging my safety for their own gain. I refuse to bow to their demands.”

  My mother enters, interrupting us.

  “All the guests have arrived, even King Belore and His Majesty King Beckett.”

  Nina’s mouth turns down.

  “I hoped he wouldn’t come, knowing she’s choosing her King today.”

  “He’s here in case she doesn’t,” my mother informs us. “He still wants your hand in marriage, and now he has much more to offer you and Anauka.”

  Nina’s gaze fixes on me.