I turned and nodded, confronted by his unblemished skin and honey-colored hair. Prickles teased my neck as his strange amber eyes judged me. Why did this man bother me so much? He was charming, loyal, and my father had trusted him implicitly. He’d only been with my family a few short years, but in that time, he had won the respect of all the advisors. Except perhaps for Isaac, but he’d never told me why.
His head tilted. ‘Is there a problem my Majesty?’
I cleared my throat. ‘No Samuel, I am fine.’
‘Then we must not keep your people waiting, they wish to meet their new Queen.’ My fear rose. He cast a hand toward the door. ‘Shall we proceed to the terrace?’
I nodded, forcing my feet to move. As I edged past him, I sensed his burning stare. I hated how he made me feel so small.
Joyous cheers filled the passage as I walked towards the terrace. I stepped into the sunshine and took a deep breath. My eyes watered as light bounced off the gold jewelry covering my arms and chest.
Samuel’s voice sliced through the rabble. ‘Her Majesty, Queen Calanthea,’ he announced.
I inched forward, the faceless crowd was writhing in a mass of color. My presence sent a shiver through the courtyard, and the cheers escalated. The noise, the heat, the pungent smell of spice and incense—it was all overwhelming. I gagged and stumbled but harsh fingers bit into my upper arm pulling me upright.
A whispered voice slithered through my ear. ‘Smile my Majesty, this is meant to be a happy day.’
I lifted my hand, and a cloud of flowers rose into the air, the blooms falling at my feet. The skin on my forehead was too tight, and the sun stung my face. I forced my lips outwards trying to remember how to smile—I think I fooled enough of them, just not myself.
Chapter 3
Five good harvests came and went, and my life settled into an unthreatening pattern. Sitting in the Great Hall listening to another speech from another royal advisor, I fought the urge to yawn.
Desperate for distraction I peered past the endless pillars, to the stonewall carvings where great kings and queens, held strong in static poses, commanded the attention of any who dared look upon them. Hybrid gods and winged deities waged glorious battle, eternally declaring the legitimacy of my legacy. They defeated those foolish enough to challenge us, and those we sought to conquer fell in terror, victims of our unquestionable might. They were powerful images that filled me with pride, and I never grew tired of looking at them.
No one could remember when my family came into power, though I sometimes suspected people intentionally forgot. I’d seen hidden carvings throughout the palace—strange men and women with their faces carved away. No one seemed to know who they were and no one would answer my questions, not that there were many I could ask these days since Samuel allowed so few near me. I was forever surrounded yet always alone, but this was just the way it was.
‘…And as you can see my Majesty, the addition of these lands to our treasury would prove most beneficial.’
The droning stopped, dragging me free of my daydream. I regarded the bald man standing in front of me, curious as to what land he spoke of. His eyes were downcast, like most others in the room, making him hard to read—not that it mattered, these speeches were more of a courtesy than anything, everyone knew it was Samuel who really made the decisions. Of course, I had to publicly approve all of them, but I rarely, if ever, objected. The kingdom was peaceful and prosperous, or so they told me. And even though I’d heard rumors of unhappiness, I’d not seen anything to prove it.
‘Very well, let it be so,’ I said. My words reached the back of the hall addressing both the images of my ancestors and the crowd of advisors. Samuel stood towards the front; I did my best to ignore the sly smile settling on his face—his eyes were never downcast. There was something about his confident demeanor that reminded me of the daunting statues protecting the palace gates. A chill crawled over my skin; I’d had enough for today. ‘We are finished,’ I added, and the men all bowed their heads.
I rose from my chair only just resisting the desire to run. Escaping down a side passage, I hurried to my private chamber, but someone was already there.
‘Samuel,’ I gasped, confused by his presence. How had he gotten here so quickly? His unpredictable movements were something I’d never gotten used to. ‘What do you want?’ I demanded.
His golden eyes flashed, and a grin sharpened his features. I struggled to not curl my lip. ‘I must compliment you on today’s council my Majesty,’ he said. ‘You made many wise decisions.’ The irony of his statement was not lost on me. ‘And I am not the only one to think so, your people have sent a gift.’
Aware that there was little chance my people knew anything about this present, he nevertheless had my attention. Without family, friends or real purpose, precious objects were the only things left that brought excitement, and Samuel knew this.
He clapped his hands twice, and a servant ran in falling to his knees. He held a small box aloft, I could see his hands shaking, and a tingle tightened the skin on my arms. Samuel took the gift and stepped forward as the servant dropped to his stomach.
‘You may open it,’ I muttered, trying to feign indifference.
Samuel eased the lid off the box—inside, a beautiful boat, coated in gold leaf and inlaid with precious gems, sat afloat an ocean of blue silk. I reached in and took it. Running my fingers over the cool metallic surfaces, I pondered its weight in my hand—it was truly beautiful, but it brought me no joy. This was a replica of the royal boat where I’d spent much of my childhood with my family. As far as I knew, it still lay in the water near where the river joined the ocean, but I hadn’t been there since my family’s death.
A strange urge to see it suddenly filled me. ‘Take me to the river,’ I whispered.
‘As you wish my Majesty. I will make the arrangements today.’
***
The smell of mud filled my nose as I watched the servants lay rugs and cushions on the deck of my boat. I glanced up at the broad sail, patches of reflected sunlight danced across the creamy material. A water bird drifted above, crying out a mournful song, but it was not her that interested me. I looked to the shore—he was here again today; the water lapping his legs. He was just a commoner, one of so many who worked the riverbanks, and I couldn’t understand why he intrigued me so much, but I also didn’t care. For seven days, I’d been coming back to my boat, and it was no longer just to reclaim the forgotten memories of my long-lost family. This man had bewitched me in a way I couldn’t describe, and I’d not yet grown tired of watching.
On the day of my return, he was the first thing I saw. The trip from the palace had been rough, dusty, and I’d almost regretted coming, but as we’d passed over the last incline, he had appeared. He was standing on a rocky outcrop, casting a net in the river; several other fishermen worked alongside him. They stopped to watch my procession but when they saw me looking they all lowered their heads, all accept him. He stood motionless with his jaw elevated, staring at me as though we were equals. I looked to the soldiers; they paid him no attention. But Samuel, who was in the chariot beside me, was watching, and his eyes narrowed as he scrutinized the young man.
As I’d boarded the boat, I’d barely registered its neglected magnificence. I was aware it was handsome and beautifully crafted, but it was not as intriguing as the man who’d dared to catch my eye.
Reclining on my silken cushions, I admired the young man as he fished with his friends. The rhythms of his work, and the ease of his movements, fixated me. The sparsely foliaged mountains were the backdrop to my river god’s stage, and he pulled in more fish and eels than I ever could have counted. A simple linen cloth covered his waist, and as the water splashed across his olive skin, it drew sunlight to the shimmering trails that trickled down his body. His muscles flowed like the waves on the riverbank, and his musical laugh floated over the water as he brushed dark curls from his face. His eyes returned repeatedly, and I wished I were closer to see their
color. His confidence and the simplicity of his world fascinated me. He exuded such joy, yet he had so little to be happy about.
As the afternoon sun dipped toward the distant ocean and Samuel announced our imminent departure. ‘Prepare to leave,’ he commanded the soldiers. His words tightened my shoulders because I did not want to go. I wanted to stay there bathing in the new sensations that ignited my body with both heat and frustration. I lay where I was till Samuel stood by me. ‘It is time to go my Majesty,’ he stated.
I looked up at him with a childish scowl. ‘I wish to return tomorrow.’
A slow smile touched his eyes. ‘Of course my Majesty; of course.’
Settling under the shade of the broad sail, I made sure I was facing the bank as always. He was with three others today, and they were noisier than usual, laughing and joking. I watched with jealousy, trying to remember if I’d ever been so at ease.
One of them grabbed his strong shoulder and whispered into his ear. He shook him off, but the others joined in. I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but I knew they wanted him to do something. I noticed their quick glances as he looked toward me, a grin curving his full lips. Their torment persisted until he laughed and threw down his harpoon. They seemed pleased, clapping their hands. He pulled his shoulders back and faced my boat while his friends fell silent. For a moment, the only sound was the water lapping the boat, but then he began to sing with a voice so deep, so smooth, no human should’ve owned it. The words slid across the water, washing my world away, pulling me into his.
As long as you live, shine.
Let nothing grieve you beyond measure.
For your life is short, time claims its toll.
Yet our love will last forever.
It was over too soon, and applause burst from his friends. He grinned and bowed, the whole time looking at me.
I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t move. Warmth crept through my pelvis gripping the tops of my thighs as my heart pounded fiercely. I heard the murmur of the guards; his brazen act had put them on edge.
‘Back to your places,’ someone ordered.
I was frozen, held by his gaze as he stared across the river. My mouth went dry, and the warmth in my abdomen flared, igniting a raging fire.
‘If I may be so bold my Majesty…’ The unexpected voice stole away my trance-like state. I turned to see Samuel standing behind me, he was watching the fishermen too. He looked down with one eyebrow peaked. ‘But you seem quite taken with this young man.’
The last of my excitement drained away, I hated him for ruining the moment. ‘Exactly what are you implying?’ I snapped. ‘And why is it any concern of yours?’
He bowed rigidly. ‘My humblest apologies, I was merely thinking aloud.’ Pulling himself upright his amber eyes glowed. He did not look sorry at all. ‘It is just…we are in need of a few more slaves in the palace at the moment, and since you do own the entire kingdom and all the people in it, perhaps this man would make a pleasant addition.’
I eyed him suspiciously, this wasn’t the first time Samuel had claimed a commoner, but he’d always had good reason for it. I instantly assumed his plan was to provide me with another pretty distraction while he carried out his “court business”. I opened my mouth to say he was ridiculous, but the beautiful song re-surged in my mind. My gaze wandered back to the young men, their fishing had resumed as though nothing had happened. He was casting a net, and the slap of it hitting the water, sent a fresh shiver down my spine. My stomach fluttered as I watched. I could take him to be a slave, it was, after all, my birth right to rule unquestioned. Samuel did this sort of thing in my name all the time, and he’d assured me, more than once, that they considered it an honor. Surely this man would see that, and I wouldn’t keep him as a mere slave, I would give him a life envied by all, and perhaps he could even sing for the court.
I straightened my shoulders and bit my lip. Desire shifted to want and want shifted to need, I’d never craved anything so badly in my entire life. ‘Very well, I see no harm in providing opportunities above those granted him. After we leave, have the guards bring him. If anyone objects, give them enough to ease their concerns.’
Samuel nodded and smiled. ‘He is privileged indeed, my Majesty. It is gracious of you to allow him a proper life.’
I flicked my hand in dismissal, reclining once more on my cushions. Closing my eyes, I imagined this man in my home—my own personal river god for when I wasn’t here. I breathed in slowly listening to the sweet echoes of his song, and I was smiling—truly and honestly smiling.
***
The sound of returning chariots hurried me to the terrace. A hot wind lifted the hair from my neck, and my stomach tightened as I watched three chariots enter the courtyard. He was in the final one, his wrists bound and head down. I felt sick, overwhelmed by both nerves and excitement.
‘Get him out,’ yelled a guard. ‘Take him to her Majesty’s chamber.’
Oh, great gods, this was truly happening. I turned and ran, flying through the palace corridors as though chased by demons.
Slamming my chamber door shut I stood with my back against it, my shoulders heaving. A noise in the passage made me jump. I put my ear against the solid wood; there was a muffled shout and the sound of struggling. Was he fighting with the guards? Guilt brought an ache to my throat. Maybe this was a mistake.
‘Hold him,’ someone commanded. A loud thud and groan followed.
I leaped away from the door, my hand over my mouth. Had they hit him? I didn’t want him hurt. A loud knock hurried me to the back of my chamber. I held my breath trying to calm down. ‘You may enter,’ I managed.
The flung open and they dragged him to the center of the room, forcing him to his knees; his wrists were no longer bound. He was taller than I’d imagined and his chest was broader than I’d dreamed.
Samuel followed the small gathering. He stopped alongside my captive and bent down to whisper in his ear. The man’s shoulders fell, and his posture spoke defeat. All motion stopped as the guards straightened awaiting my command. I stood staring, too stunned to say anything. My legs felt icy, and my chest hurt as I examined the man kneeling before me. A nondescript piece of linen covered his upper body and a second piece encircled his waist. I stepped forward; his head was down. Molasses curls hid his eyes, but I could see the broad angles of his strong jaw and the contours of his powerful neck. His skin was heavily tanned, and even here, with no sunlight, it held an unearthly glow. I inched nearer, my body relaxing as the first hint of desire trickled through my stomach. I ached to touch his arms, to feel his quick breaths on my skin. My feet shifted unconsciously as I moved behind him. I inhaled deeply and my mouth watered—he smelled like wood smoke and river water, and I could almost hear the waves lapping. The scent of him, the heat of his skin, the way his chest swelled as he inhaled—it was all so hypnotic. The last of my doubt slipped away, and numbness dulled my concerns leaving only lust.
‘What is your name?’ I asked.
The muscles in his neck tensed, I bit my bottom lip to help quell my desire to taste his skin. Samuel cleared his throat, I had almost forgotten he was here.
‘Aydin…my Majesty,’ the man replied.
My cheeks burned. ‘You have a lovely voice, Aydin. Perhaps I may hear it again soon?’
He didn’t respond. I straightened, a little disappointed by his lack of acknowledgment. It eased the lust long enough to allow some sense in. What did I want from this man? I already had more than I could ever need…yet there was something about him, something that filled a void that all my riches and power didn’t. I was Queen of a kingdom that I didn’t really rule, and I had an enviable life that I didn’t really control, but this man could be mine, and he would have to do everything I asked, and that appealed to me more than I cared to admit.
I took a steadying breath and examined the garment covering his shoulders. He’d always fished bare-chested, and I had a sudden desire to see all of my new possession. My appetite grew again as my vo
ice fell to a whisper.
‘Remove your chest covering.’
At first, he didn’t move, and I wasn’t sure he’d even heard. Samuel stepped closer and gripped his shoulder, his fingers indenting his skin. Aydin’s arms tensed and I signaled Samuel to remove his hand. He complied, but I didn’t miss the look of contempt.
Aydin’s shoulders relaxed, and he grabbed the loosely draped cloth pulling it away. It fell to the floor, and another rush of scent hit me. I closed my eyes consuming the air that carried it.
I looked down at his toned back, a long scar marked the upper portion—the remnants of a whiplash inflicted long ago. I stared for a while taking in the linear flaw. It was the only imperfection on his otherwise unblemished skin, and it made him even more appealing. I reached out, gently tracing the length of his scar, memorizing every bump. He held his breath as my tingling fingertips completed their journey. I brought my hand to my lips and my mouth watered as I caressed them. Touching him had brought an acute awareness of a deep, empty ache that only he could fill. And that was when I knew, I would never let him go.
Chapter 4
I gave Aydin residence in the palace grounds and he was permitted to do everything but leave. I thought long and hard about what to do with him. I wanted him to sing again, but his first song had come from joy, and I felt that forcing him might ruin that. So, I placed him with the royal healers hoping this would keep him happy, and his training began immediately.
We soon fell into a pattern. Every afternoon, just before sunset, I had him brought to my chamber where he would kneel at my feet with his head bowed. The lack of eye contact was both a frustration and a relief.
‘How are you, Aydin?’ I would ask, savoring his name in my mouth.
Guardian Page 2
