Raven's Crown

by Reana Malori

  “Why wait until then? If you no longer want this,” he motioned between the two of them, “or us, don’t wait to tell me. I traveled halfway around the world to chase after you. Yet you’ve looked for ways to break things off from the time I landed and walked into that ballroom. What’s really going on? Because from where I sit, you’re no longer the woman I used to know. I’m tired of feeling as if I’m playing catch-up with you, reminding you of how good we are together. I’m at my limit, Raven. You’re gonna have to explain this shit to me.”

  Raven couldn’t help the lone tear that trailed down her face. “I know how you like to handle things. You put on this show of being an upstanding corporate mover and shaker, but I know there’s more to your story. I know that your friends Maxwell and Nicholas are into dark, underground things. Seeing you behave that way at the charity event forced me to think about us, and what we’re doing.” Second thoughts about their relationship swirled in her head with each word she spoke.

  “I’ll never hurt you. You know I don’t lose control like that, Raven. Yet, you’re pushing me away because you’re afraid of what I might do? Just tell me the truth.” Dexter set back in the seat, his legs spread wide, with his hands resting on his thighs.

  Raven felt the need to apologize to him. Her arms itched to wrap around his waist and lay her head on his chest. Closing her eyes briefly, she bit her trembling lip. Okay, maybe she’d overreacted. Dexter’s behavior would be excused once people realized he was not of royal blood. Her reaction, on the other hand, would not. After a few moments of continued silence, Raven began to speak. “They called me the prodigal daughter. When I left to attend college in the states, all the gossip magazines called me spoiled, ungrateful, or uppity. I’m the rightful heir to the throne of Abingdon, but I’m judged differently than other royal children. Every move I make or word I speak is dissected by thousands, if not millions of people every day. My friends, my college, or even when I wear jeans instead of a proper dress, is viewed as a slight against the royal family and my entire country.” Laughing derisively, she dipped her head and took a deep inhale. “I’m actually surprised you didn’t know who I was when we first met.”

  “Who said I didn’t?” Dexter’s body language was much calmer as they continued driving.

  “Well, if you did, then you’re a pretty good actor,” she said with a smile. “Anywho,” she continued. “Situations like the one back there? Well, that’s what they expect for me, even when I’ve never given them a reason to question me or how my parents raised me. I know who I am, and the role I must always play. That doesn’t mean I’m not going to make mistakes. It simply means that I’m human. But these people, they constantly look for ways to bring me down or call me out as an embarrassment to my family.”

  Dexter sighed, rubbing a hand down his face. “And I gave them the ammunition they’ve been looking for. Is that right?”

  Raven shook her head to deny his words. She didn’t want Dexter taking all the responsibility for this on his shoulder. “I bear some blame as well. I saw the situation spiraling and reacted even though that scumbag Booker deserved everything you did to him. I’m sorry, Dexter. I panicked.” Moving closer to him, she grabbed one of his hands in hers. “Plus, this thing with my parents is overwhelming. I’m just not handling things the way that I should, and I need to get my shit together.”

  “Baby, hear me out. No matter what, I am here for you. We will find out what’s happening with your parents, and who is trying to blackmail them with false information. But here’s the thing I need from you,” he said in a calm voice. He trailed one finger down the side of her face before his thumb brushed across her lips. “Don’t ask me to be something I’m not.” His hand cupped her cheek just before he kissed her softly. “It was never my intent to embarrass you or cause additional stress. But I love you, woman. The man I am will always protect you, even when it’s not the way you want or expect.”

  Raven nodded at his words. She knew this about him. It was one of the things that made her so attracted to him. “I’m sorry.”

  “For what, baby? Shouldn’t I be the one apologizing to you? After all, I did almost strangle a diplomat while at one of your fancy balls.”

  Laughing, she turned her head to kiss the palm of the hand resting on her face. “Well, be prepared to explain what happened tonight to the King and Queen.”

  He shook his head, pulling back from her in fake shock and confusion. “Wow! Now they’re the King and Queen when I do something wrong?”

  “Yup,” she laughed before leaning back against his chest.

  “Are you going to prepare them for the stories of you storming out the room?” He wrapped his arms around her body, squeezing her tight as he planted a kiss on her temple.

  “Nah. Once they hear how you almost killed Joshua Booker at one of the most public events in our city, they’ll forget all about me.” Raven giggled as she pictured her father’s face. This was going to be good.

  “Traitor,” he growled.

  “Don’t worry. I have a lot to make up for with you once we get behind closed doors. Trust me, you should just let them fuss and lecture you about protocol, etiquette, and representation of the kingdom. You’ll get your treat later.”

  Dexter groaned at her words. “I don’t take orders very well, which you already know. But tonight, for you, I will. But be prepared, I want your full-fledged apology tonight for everything you’ve done since I arrived.”

  “What about me? Do I get something for your bad behavior?” She teased him, rubbing her hand along his thigh, getting closer and closer to his thickening cock.

  “Don’t you worry your pretty little head about that. I have something special in mind for you tonight.” Tilting her chin up, he captured her lips in a soft, sensual kiss. He broke their connection and looked into her eyes. “You mean everything to me. You are my world. I don’t always do the perfect thing at the right time, but to protect you, I would take on any threat. Sweetheart, living in your world will take some adjustments, but I’m willing to make that change. With you is where I belong, so I’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy, which will keep me from killing anyone who tries to take you away from me.”

  Smiling into his handsome face, she knew Dexter’s words were what she needed to hear. He may not be perfect, but he was perfect for her. Her man was a badass, and she loved every inch of him. They may not be a typical couple, but there would never be a dull moment.

  CHAPTER 11

  Raven

  Two Weeks Later

  Electricity sizzled in the air. It had taken this night so long to come to fruition. Raven floated around the room, making sure everything, and everyone was in the right place. Just as she was about to make a mad dash across the room, Dexter whispered in her ear.

  “Slow down, Princess.”

  Raven turned to look at him, a smile spreading over her face. “You know it can’t be a nickname if it’s my title.”

  “Says who?” In full view of everyone gathered, he kissed her softly on the lips, pulling her body close to his.

  “If you don’t stop, my mother will give you another lesson in etiquette and appropriate decorum at public events.” She raised an eyebrow at him, “Is that something you really want to go through again?”

  Dexter pulled back, looking over his shoulder in the direction Raven’s parents were standing. “To be so damn tiny, your mother is no joke. I didn’t realize she was so mean.”

  Raven wanted to laugh out loud but refrained. They’d already set too many tongues wagging with their shenanigans. “Do not call my mother mean. She’s the sweetest woman ever.”

  “Oh yeah? Why don’t you tell that to Nico and Max? I don’t think they would agree with you.”

  They turned to look at the two men in question before bursting into laughter. Max and Nico were two of the deadliest men on the east coast, yet if her mother asked them to do something for her, they jumped to comply like schoolboys. Raven would n
eed to learn that skill for Dexter.

  “They deserved it. They’re lucky my father didn’t get to them first. They tried to bring weapons into the castle, Dexter. And did you see the number of handguns they had? Even you have to admit it was a bit much.” She knew it had to be that damn Nico. The gruff man was sweet as pie to his wife, Lavinia, and to Max’s wife, Kiana. Even his behavior towards Raven was courteous, kind, and respectful. There was no reason she should think poorly of him. And she didn’t. Not really. Still, there was something about him that unnerved her. A look in his eyes that told her he could flip that switch at any moment and turn into a stone-cold-killer.

  “No. When it comes to protecting you, their wives, and your family, it’s never too much.” Glancing around the room, Dexter took note of where his friends were located before looking back at Raven. “Are you sure you’re okay with how this is going to go down? Your parents have a definite plan for what they want to do. You cannot interfere with your father or what he does.”

  Raven had never been surer of anything in her life, except for how she felt about Dexter. “Yes. I want this over with. I want my parents to have peace. I’m ready to get back to our life in Washington, D.C. I love being home, but I’m not quite prepared to deal with all the palace intrigue just yet.”

  Dexter began walking them over to her parents. “I’m ready as well. Although I know we’ll have to come back more often now that our engagement is official.”

  Raven almost stumbled, but Dexter caught her before she went down. “We?”

  Giving her a smile, he nodded. “Two weeks ago, you challenged me. Do you remember?”

  “I did?” Raven wracked her brain, trying to remember what he was referring to.

  “Yes. You did. When we were riding home from the charity ball, you questioned if I could live in your world. You asked could I take a step back and let you be the leader you were born to be, and will soon become? I’m here to tell you that I can, and I’m going to prove it to you. Here in Shularia, you run the show in public, but behind our bedroom door—”

  “It’s all you,” she replied.

  “Damn right, it is.”

  When they reached her parents, Raven didn’t execute another curtsy since they’d done that earlier.

  “Daughter. Dexter. Has everyone arrived for our little tête-à-tête?” Her father asked before looking around the room, nodding here and there as the guests mingled.

  Raven couldn’t help but think how handsome her father looked in his black tuxedo. Her mother stood next to him in a stunning deep blue, floor-length gown, highlighting her beautiful brown skin tone and her naturally gorgeous face.

  “Yes, they have,” Dexter answered for them both.

  Queen Vivian flicked her eyes over to Max, Nico, Kiana, and Lavinia. “And your people from the United States? Are they all set up as well?”

  “Yes, Your Majesty.”

  “Well, let me just say. Next time, those boys better request an official audience with the King before trying to bring weapons into my home.”

  There were times like this when Raven was reminded that her mother was Georgia born and bred. Being one half of a royal couple ruling over a nation of people, she was an amazing woman in her own right. Mean as hell when she wanted to be, but that’s just how she was. Her mother didn’t take shit from many people, including Raven’s father. Although, Raven would never admit to Dexter that she thought her own mother was mean. That had to be akin to blasphemy or something.

  “Yes, Your Majesty. I believe they got that message loud and clear.” Raven saw Dexter holding back a smile as he answered her mother, and she knew why. It didn’t happen often, but when someone got the best of Max and Nico, those were moments to remember.

  Raven wanted to laugh as well but knew this wasn’t the time nor the place. Focusing her thoughts, she smiled behind her hand. They were almost ready for the main event. Her father wrapped her mother’s hand in his as he began walking towards the front of the room.

  “The threats to my family end tonight,” King Hans declared. Raising his free hand at the four people standing off to the side, the King beckoned them over. Max and Nico grabbed their wives’ hands before making their way across the room to stand closer to the King and Queen.

  Raven smirked at the person staring at her family with envy, greed, and hatred. We got you, motherfucker. When Dexter received the call from Max a week ago, it had been exactly what they needed. From that moment, they began setting plans into motion. When the blackmailer’s name was finally revealed, her father wanted to take care of things himself. It took her mother all night to calm him down. She wondered about the magic spell her mother put on her father to convince him to stay inside that night. She cringed at the thought. Actually, she didn’t want to think about that at all. Now, one week later, they were ready to put on a show. She hoped like hell this motherfucker tried to run for his life, because he wouldn’t get far.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen. Thank you for attending our gathering. Tonight is a special one for my family as we celebrate my daughter and her fiancé, Dexter Sorenson.” He smiled at his wife, and everyone in the room could feel the love between them. “But, before we do that, I’d like to welcome some people and thank them for their help with a critical mission.”

  Raven beamed as the two couples stepped forward. If she could choose anyone to watch her back, it would be one of these men. Well, on second thought, she’d take Lavinia over both Max and Nico. Something about Lavinia screamed Predator. Even though she’d been carrying two guns and a serrated knife, Raven’s mother allowed her to walk into the castle without issue. Both Kiana and Lavinia seemed to have impressed the Queen, which Raven couldn’t be happier with. Raven watched and listened as her father introduced their friends to the assembled group.

  “Now, the thing I’ve been waiting for all night. Mr. Joshua Booker, please present yourself.” Glancing at the confused faces around the room, her father stepped forward once the man strode confidently to the front dais. The smug man’s halfhearted bow to her father was so offensive, Raven felt herself begin to intervene.

  Dexter touched her arm, gaining her attention. He shook his head to stop her from getting involved. “Raven, no. You said you would stay out of it.”

  Yes, that’s what she said, but she also didn’t like the disrespect this man was showing to her father. When she heard her father begin speaking again, she turned to pay attention.

  “What most of you don’t know is someone has been attempting to blackmail my family. Threatening to take away my crown, my heritage, and my birthright. What this person didn’t realize is that although I am your King, I am foremost a man.” Raven’s father circled the portly, sweaty, nervous-looking Consul General. “If what this person claimed is true, it escapes me why he would threaten my wife, my marriage, or my child.”

  “Your Majesty,” Joshua Booker whispered. Fear could be seen in his eyes, his body shook, and his voice was broken.

  “SHUT UP!” The King’s booming voice reverberated throughout the entire room. Queen Vivian took a step forward, touching her hand to his. Seeing them this way brought tears to Raven’s eyes. One day she wanted that type of unwavering love and support between her and Dexter. She wiped a tear from her eyes as her father began speaking to the crowd.

  CHAPTER 12

  Raven

  “Those gathered here tonight to witness your confession include the Royal Parliament, the French authorities, and my daughters new, and extended circle of protectors.” King Hans dipped his head to Dexter and the other four people standing to his side. “Joshua Booker, you will confess what you have attempted to do to my family and your reasons why. If you do not, I’ll deliver my own justice, which is my right as King of this sovereign nation. Now, tell them what you did,” he yelled in an anger-filled voice.

  Joshua Booker trembled in his ill-fitted suit. The man looked around the room, seeking help from someone in the sea of faces staring at him as he c
owered. No help would be forthcoming tonight. Raven almost felt pity for him. Then the feeling went away as quickly as it appeared. She hoped he’d rot in jail for what he did to her family.

  Then the sniveling man began to speak. “When I saw her all those years ago, I knew she was supposed to be mine. Then she was taken away, with you standing in the way of me getting the woman I deserved. I wanted you humiliated and shamed. I wanted you to give up the crown so I could step in and be her savior. She’s belonged to me from the moment I saw her beautiful face.” The scared man whispered his confession into the air. Everyone looked on in horror and confusion.

  “You wanted my wife as your own?” Her father bellowed. “You claimed my woman as yours and set out to ruin the monarchy because you’re a sniveling weasel? She is a Queen, you toad. The mother of my child.” King Hans walked over to one of the walls that held some of their cache of weapons. He grabbed a longsword, testing the weight before he walked back over to the blubbering man. “You dare come to my home and declare you want my wife?”

  “No! Not your Queen. I want Raven,” Joshua admitted before lifting his gaze. “You looked at me, and I knew you were meant to be mine.” Shocked murmurs and whispers could be heard throughout the room.

  “You motherfucker,” Dexter yelled. His body propelled forward towards the crazed man standing in the middle of the room. To give such a confession, he must be out of his mind. To declare his love for a woman who would never have given him a second glance was the definition of delusional.