by Frankie Love
I can’t give her Elexia at this short notice, but I can give her a promise.
A promise that I will bring her back to her native land as often as possible, that I will do everything in my power to make alliances with her country, to support the infrastructure that she desperately wants to build there. I promise to support her dreams and passion, and show her ways to love Cressia as well.
“She’s going to be surprised, Hunter.” Jemma claps her hands, seeing that her work here is done. “I’ll go get her now then?”
“That would be perfect.”
Jemma leaves the tent, and as she opens the door I see the sparkling white snow outside. I see the mountains off in the distance, and take a deep breath, inhaling the pineapple-scented air that wafts through the tent. Heaters pump in that perfect 83-degree air that Violet loves so much.
My hand is in my pocket, and it brushes against the golden band that holds a massive emerald encrusted with diamonds.
I cannot wait to slip this on Violet’s finger.
I think through the words I plan to say to her, and I’m so lost in thought that when the door to the tent opens again, I startle. But once I see Violet walk in, see her eyes go wide in surprise, I grin broadly.
“Hunter, what’s going on?” She looks at me quizzically, trying to figure out the situation. Her leather boots sink into the warm sand as she steps into the tent.
“You should probably take off your shoes. Let your toes unfurl in the sand.”
She looks down at my feet, and sees that my jeans are rolled up above my ankles. I’m not wearing any socks, and my long-sleeved flannel shirt is rolled up, too.
Damn, it’s hot in here.
I wouldn’t mind if she rolled up a few things herself; that skirt could be a few inches shorter.
“Okay, I can take off my boots—but seriously, Hunter. What’s this about? How did you get the ocean projected on this tent? It’s like a movie.”
“I made us an island. It’s only big enough for you and I.”
“Hunter, you did this for me?” She walks toward me in her bare feet and pulls off her sweater, letting it drop in the sand. Her blouse underneath is sheer white, her lacy white bra obvious through it.
“Violet, I know our fathers arranged this marriage. And it’s something I fought, but I’ve fought a lot of things in my life. I never accepted who I was, the man I could be, until I met you. In a matter of days, you’ve changed the way I see everything. You changed me.”
“Hunter,” Violet says in a whisper. She shakes her head, pressing her hand against my chest. “Wait—”
“I can’t wait. I need you to know this. I need you to know that even though this marriage was arranged for us, it’s the one I would choose.”
“I have to tell you something Hunter. I spoke with my father today. And—”
“And what? What is it, Violet?”
Now that she’s standing in front of me, I can see that she’s upset. My stomach drops; something’s wrong.
“Is everything okay, Violet? Did something happen with your father, your sisters?” I grab her hands, pulling her to me, hating the idea of something hurting her.
“Something did happen, Hunter. Everything has changed.”
Chapter 22
It’s painful looking into Hunter’s eyes.
He’s clearly torn the moment he thinks something happened to my family.
I’m not meaning to scare him. In fact, that’s the last thing I want to do. Even though I know I have the power to break him.
“My father is fine, and my sisters are, too. In fact, prospects are better for Elexia than they ever have been.”
“Because of the dowry you’re receiving tomorrow? Because I thought about it, and I can send the dowry today.”
“No, Hunter, that isn’t necessary. In fact, it isn’t necessary at all. My father spoke with the family Iris is betrothed to, the VonAhren’s of Alpinweiss. She’s moving to Alpinweiss next week, for the wedding. She’s only been waiting until my marriage took place before she left. But that isn’t even necessary anymore.”
“What do you mean it isn’t necessary, that we don’t have to be married before her?” Hunter’s eyes squint as he tries to understand my words. I hate to see the frown on his face. I don’t want to confuse him.
“Right, I don’t have to be married for her to marry. That was the plan originally, but my father was able to change the terms of that deal. Apparently Prince Garrick is sort of….”
“An ass?” Hunter finishes. “I had no idea Iris is supposed to marry Garrick of Alpinweiss. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. He refuses to come to court, thinks it’s a waste of time.” He shakes his head.
“I know, but Iris is actually okay with it. She wants to leave Elexia and start her life. She isn’t intimidated by the challenge.”
“What is this about, then? What does your sister’s dowry have to do with us?”
“My father was able to change the terms so that I don’t need to marry you.”
The warm air that’s clearly being pumped into this tent seems to be sucked out the moment my words are spoken. Hunter’s face goes slack, and I know my face is white.
“Why did he do that?” Hunter asks. “Why did he go to all that trouble to get you out of this marriage?”
“A few days ago. when we were at the cabin and I called my sisters? I was crying and confused. I said you didn’t want me and you were pushing me away and—”
“And you wanted to leave me?” Hunter’s jaw is tight, his shoulders tense. All I want to do is run my hands over his shoulder blades and ease out all of his worry.
“I didn’t ask for anything, Hunter. I was crying and you were upset. My sisters knew that and they talked to my dad. Honestly, my father has never been so gracious in his life. When he called me this morning, I couldn’t believe what he was saying because he’s never been a man who hears his daughters. You and I joked about him being old-fashioned, but you know it isn’t an exaggeration. But when he called me today … he said I could come home and help him rule Elexia.”
I bite my bottom lip, watching Hunter’s reaction.
“What did you tell him?”
“You know my heart’s desire. I love Elexia with all that I am,” I wipe the tears in my eyes, my chest burning with the reality of what I’m saying goodbye to. I don’t want to hurt anyone; I don’t want to let anyone down. But have to do what is right for me. “Ever since I was a little girl I imagined being Queen. And when I had to say goodbye to that dream, I thought the second best thing would be to help whoever was ruling the country. If my cousin became king one day, the idea of helping him was enough. But then I came here. And I met you.”
I’m crying now, tears falling from my eyes faster than I can brush them away. Hunter reaches out to wipe them off my cheek.
“I met you, Hunter, and everything changed.”
“Just say it, Violet. If you’re going to break my heart, do it fast.”
“No, Hunter, that’s not what I’m saying at all. Before I met you, I thought my dream to stay on the island was enough.” I spin around in the tent, in the island Hunter made for me. “I don’t want to be on an island without you. I don’t want to be anywhere without you. I love you, Hunter, even though we are the most unlikely match. Our hearts have knit together and I could never be an ocean apart.”
His hands wrap around my waist, pulling me to him.
I am secure in his arms.
I am safe here.
He loves me.
“Violet, I can’t let you make a sacrifice if you might look back and regret it. If your heart belongs in Elexia, I can’t live with the idea of taking away your dream.”
“But, Hunter, that’s the thing. Elexia is no longer my home. You are. Hunter, you are home.”
His lips are on mine, kissing me with passion, with heat. His hands are in my long black hair, and our mouths have melted together, our bodies become one.
“I love you, Violet,” he tells me, pu
lling away. “I love you, and I want to marry you.”
“Well, good.” I laugh softly, shaking my head as he looks down into my eyes. “Because we’re getting married tomorrow.”
“No, not like that. I want to marry you. Not because my father paid for you, or because your father sent you here. I want to marry you because I love you. Because you are my woman. I want to marry you and make you my mountain bride.”
He drops to one knee, and from his pocket he pulls out a ring, offering it to me.
“Marry me, Violet. Be my wife. Take my heart; I trust you with it. I trust you with everything.”
“Of course I’ll marry you. Hunter, I’m yours. Completely.” Using his knee as a stool, I set myself upon his lap, wrapping my arms around his neck and hugging him tightly. Fiercely.
He grabs my hand, slides the ring on my finger. It sparkles in the artificial light, and I blink back tears, knowing that there’s nothing artificial about this moment.
Hunter’s love is real. My love is real.
Our love is forever.
Epilogue
Two Weeks Later
Two weeks later ...
Violet and I are on the last leg of our honeymoon. I’m sprawled out on a four-poster bed with Violet on top of me. My hands are on her bare ass as her mouth wraps around my hard cock. She’s sucking me as if her life depends on it, and her pussy is in my face. I’m eating her out like it’s my last fucking meal.
She’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever tasted—even better than our wedding cake.
“Oh, Hunter,” she moans, pulling my hardness from her, “you’re so close. And I want you to come in my pussy. Put a royal baby in me.”
I lick the length of her. Her pussy’s wet, and I twirl my tongue over her clit.
“Oh my God, that feels so good.” Violet whimpers above me, her ass in my face, and I hold on tight. I want to make her come before I fill her. Before I fill her with my seed.
I flick my tongue over her length; it’s nice and tight, and I feel the pulsing within her as her wetness seeps over my mouth. I lap it up. She tastes so fucking right.
“Yeah, oh yeah that’s it, Hunter.” Violet holds onto my thighs, arching her back as an orgasm rolls through her. She moans in pleasure, and my stiff rod is ready for her warm cunt. I’ve worked her pussy over and it’s ready to be filled.
I slap her ass playfully and she turns around, our eyes locked. She shakes her head, biting her bottom lip, her tits bouncing as she moves.
“I love you, Hunter, so much.” She raises her ass ever so slightly and begins to take me inside her.
“I love you too, Sunshine.”
I watch her gasp as she takes me fully, sitting down on me, rocking back and forth over my hardness. It won’t take long; we both know I’m ready to explode. So ready to fill her womb with my seed. I’m going to put a baby in my woman. A royal heir.
I don’t care if it’s a prince or princess. We’ve already covered the fact that I’m a motherfucking feminist. I want to watch Violet’s belly grow as she carries the child made from our love.
I come in her hard, my come shooting inside of her, and we both moan as I finish.
Violet’s hands press against my chest as she leans over and kisses me. This is a dream, and I never want to wake up.
The phone rings, though, and jars us back to reality.
“Who would be calling?” Violet moans as I lean over and reach for the receiver in the penthouse.
“Hello, this is Hunter.”
“It’s Iris, I know you’re on your honeymoon, but it’s an emergency. I need my sister. Bad.”
I hand the phone to Violet. “It’s Iris.”
Violet takes the phone from me. I watch as her eyes grow wide.
“What is it?” I ask.
Violet covers the mouthpiece and whispers to me. “Iris needs us to come to Alpinweiss palace. Now.”
Chapter 1
As far as I can tell from movies and books, being a princess is the pinnacle of most girls’ childhood fantasies. I get it.
There’s a lot about being a princess that’s pretty damn sweet.
For example, the title: Princess. And the crown jewels. I mean, put a tiara on any woman’s head and she’s going to look ten times hotter. That’s not even a question. Diamonds literally are a girl’s best friend.
But there are a lot of other things about being a princess that aren’t so cush. Especially when you’re a princess in a country that’s virtually bankrupt.
Because the truth is, I’ve never had a place to wear said tiara. There aren’t any balls or galas to go to—mostly because Father sold the private jet a decade ago, and his foolish spending has kept us under lock and key. In fact, I’ve been stuck on the island of Elexia my entire life.
And all I want in the whole wide world is a chance to explore. I want to travel to exotic lands and experience different cultures and take in everything this planet has to offer.
Instead, I’m here in this provincial country, surrounded by oceans.
I know, boohoo. The princess doesn’t get to leave her majestic tropical island where palm trees sway in the salty breeze and fresh fish is caught for an outdoor supper.
And I’m grateful, I truly am—but still, I want to see something. Anything. Here in Elexia, I can’t really work to pay for a plane ticket to a new locale. I’m a princess and my life is not my own.
So I’m stuck staring at my Instagram feed, because it allows me to imagine a life bigger than the one I have.
I follow travel bloggers hiking across Morocco or backpacking through Europe. I imagine a life that’s more than the selfies I take at the same beach year after year, attempting to make my life look more exciting than it really is.
When Father calls my sisters and me into the throne room, I know something big is about to happen. My life is finally going to start.
Which is good. I want a reason to live somewhere besides my virtual reality on the Internet. I want a reason to delete a dozen apps and go all in with something new.
So here we stand in the throne room—and honestly, this room really needs a new title. My sister Dahlia has reupholstered the cushion on that throne a thousand times and polished it with her own spit, to no avail. It still looks old, and not in a cute, shabby chic way. This throne room is just plain old dingy.
Not that it matters. No one is coming to Elexia to see my father. He isn’t exactly a political force to be reckoned with. He’s more like a nice, slightly stressed man who’s pretty much in over his head.
The only person who ever comes around this place is Gibraltar, my cousin, who will inherit the crown after my father dies. My sister Violet has a stick up her rear, but Gibraltar is a whole other level of insufferable. At least Violet helps people, and looks out for everyone else. Gibraltar though ...
I don’t even know why I’m talking about him. I’m just grateful royalty stopped marrying their cousins a hundred years ago. I may be desperate for a ticket out of here, but it certainly will not be as Gibraltar’s bride.
So when Father gathers us together, and tells us that we have the ability to save our poor impoverished country, I’m all ears. I’m ready for some freaking excitement, something that has a wider scope than my cell phone camera.
I pocket my phone, not that I have anything interesting to Snapchat anyways, and look at my father.
This poor man has been through the wringer. I mean not having a single son born to you, when you’re a freaking king, is terrible. I honestly feel bad for the guy.
So here he is calling in his three daughters with big news. A Cheshire cat grin spreads across his face and for a moment I think maybe something good is finally going to happen to our family.
My older sister, Violet—she deserves the world. She literally hands out soup to the hungry, and blankets to those without. And Dahlia? She’s so completely innocent, and I want her to stay that way, even though she would be content twirling around on the sandy beach, eating fruit from nearby trees
, and daydreaming of her nowhere-to-be-found Prince Charming.
Which makes me look like the girl who has screwy priorities—but I like to say I’m just misunderstood. Because for all of Violet’s helping, and all the gentleness Dahlia doles out, I’m the one who has always wanted more.
When I was six years old, I tried to run away. I packed my knapsack and tried to go, only to learn I was living on an island. And that I wasn’t going anywhere. Ever.
I cried for days.
I remember my mother sitting me down and explaining that it wasn’t the worst thing in the world to have a home.
And I remember looking into her pensive eyes and telling her that for me, a girl who wanted to fly, having clipped wings was unbearable.
She held me, nodded sadly, as if she knew.
And maybe she did. She was once a Princess too.
For some women, being a Princess is enough. For me, though, I’d give it all up if it meant I could soar.
My sisters just thought I was a brat for trying to run away. They never understood what it felt like to be tethered to a place you wanted to leave.
“How can I help, father?” Dahlia asks. “I’m just a princess.”
I can practically hear Violet roll her eyes. Those words just a princess grate on her more than any other phrase.
“Marriage,” my father explains. “The plan for you, my daughters, is to enter into arranged marriages to Princes in other countries in exchange for dowries that will replenish Elexia’s momentary monetary deficit.”
I blink, thanking my lucky stars.
FINALLY, PEOPLE.
As my father announces that the recklessly handsome Prince Hunter is going to be Violet’s husband, my older sister sinks to the floor. Dahlia will marry the agreeable Prince Lucas, and of course she has only one reaction: selflessness. She’s on the floor consoling Violet.
