She moaned at his command, but did as bid. As he gave her a deep hickey, he watched her fingers begin to frig her clit, fast and hard, harder than he’d have expected.
Her ass clenched down against his cock, and at that moment, he truly felt Ed’s cock rub his own through the thick wall separating the two of them.
He knew it should have been weird, and to many it probably would be, but to feel her so desperate for them, to know it was his and Ed’s cock making her feel this way… it triggered an implosion in his nerves, one that sent wildfire through his blood.
He’d stayed still, not wanting to jerk her about too much, but as a desperate need overwhelmed him, he rocked his hips forward in short, staccato bursts that had an endless, keening cry escaping her mouth.
Edward began to swear in Veronian. An endless litany. A promise of forever buried within the curse words as Perry did the unthinkable.
Broke his brother’s reserve.
Broke the bastard’s control.
He wasn’t sure how it happened. Didn’t know it was possible, just knew that the climax, when it hit, exploded throughout the three of them. The simultaneous orgasm, so impossible and improbable, had the three of them crying out so loudly, so hoarsely, George feared someone would overhear.
Then, as quickly as the fear came, the pleasure washed it away, and all he was left with was the fucking rightness of this moment.
As they took their woman, made her theirs, they urged her to realize nothing would separate them. That they would be together until death fucking parted them, and that death would be happening decades in the future…
The promise of more, of a life together, blossomed between them with the rich evocativeness of knowing that between them, their child grew.
A blessing, a vow, of forever.
Chapter Thirteen
Xavier watched as Edward got to his feet in Parliament.
All around him, in the various stands belonging to different parties, the members of Parliament began to shuffle in place.
They had to know what was coming. Had to be aware of the threat of Article 42 being invoked, and their unease was proof positive of the fear they felt at the prospect.
The minute Edward triggered the Article, the several-hundred-strong Parliament became ineffective.
These politicians’ careers hung in the balance, and they knew it.
The future of the country rested in Edward’s hands, but if that pressure, the strain, was getting to him, it wasn’t on his face. If anything, he looked rested. A peace about him that surprised Xavier, considering how uncertain Edward had been yesterday during their discussion.
Sitting back against the chilly maroon leather that covered the seats of the audience section, open for anyone to view any Parliamentary session at any point of the year, he watched as silence fell when Edward began to speak.
“For this, my first session among you,” he said, his tone crystal clear and without hint of a waver—Jesus, his cousin could be ice-cold sometimes, Xavier thought with a grimace. “I wish to discuss several issues that are affecting our country, but worse, our political systems.
“An ill wind has blown among our people. That ill wind has a name.
“The UnReals are terrorists. For years, we have cast them only in the guise as freedom fighters. People who just dislike the throne, for injuries incurred against them by my ascendants.
“I pitied those people. I forgave them the many grievous sins they orchestrated against me personally, as well as my brother, and I came to terms with the fact that they felt the need to voice their displeasure with our current system.
“The people of this nation have the right to believe whatever they wish to. They can hate me, loathe my family, or they can love us and cherish us. But as recent events have proven, the latter is a stronger force in our nation.
“The DeSauviers, whether the UnReals like it or not, are beloved by the Veronian people.
“This is for several reasons. Our love for our nation is true. Our duty is given wholeheartedly to our people, and while the average man might believe we are out of touch thanks to our pretty palaces and the money in our banks, the DeSauviers on the whole, as well as myself and my Queen, intend to protect Veronia for its future generations—not simply its current people.
“Veronia has been hit by several crises of late that I wish to address in the early years of my reign. My father brought to light the rates of recidivism in our jails—an untenable truth that reflects poorly on our society. We have too many criminals who, after leaving prison, return to a life of crime because they find they have no place, have no route to turn to other than that of their previous history.
“My father was shot down in this very Parliament. Considered too radical, too free-thinking. But his thinking is the future. We are all one decision away from making a choice that will forever affect our lives and those around us. As I stand here today, you, the members of my Parliament, are aware of that more than ever.”
Xavier had to hide a laugh at that cutting remark. Touché, Edward, he thought.
A concerned rumble spread among the politicians like a grumbling Mexican wave. It consisted of uneasy shuffling, of ruffling papers, of jostling feet—Edward’s point had hit home.
Rightly so.
“The future isn’t one where we mark our people as sinners forever. Where we refuse to allow them a second chance, and I say this knowing that there are several people who await jail thanks to crimes committed against my family. I uphold my father’s dream of a more just society for all its members—even though terrorists recently slaughtered my mother and have put my father in a coma.
“The second matter of business is the recent ecological crisis that has befallen the nation. Our water shortage, according to reports, will be reaching critical levels by the middle of the century. This information was fully supported by several experts within the nation. However, my own wife, who visited this country in her role as environmental scientist—practicing such science at an establishment in the United States of America that is above reproach—has proof that our ecological crisis doesn’t exist.
“Or, that is to say, it does exist but not for any ecological reason such as climate change. The disaster that is waiting to befall us is manmade.”
A roar of outrage spread among the Parliament with the force of an ill wind. Xavier, surprised at the path Edward was taking with his speech, quickly glanced around the politicians. There were too many faces for him to read, but he caught unease in some members’ expressions, and took a mental note as to who those people were and their appointed seats.
Politics, until recently, had never interested Xavier. Just as life at court hadn’t.
With Edward’s coronation, and Perry’s appearance in Xavier’s world, more than just his love life had changed. His entire world was shifting, taking on a new direction…and Xavier couldn’t help but regret how out of touch he was.
Still, it was better late than never.
He watched the way Edward commanded the crowd, and he realized that Ed was playing them all. Manipulating the politicians. Not putting them out of their misery in regards to Article 42, but in fact, shoring up the very reasons why the Article should be introduced into power.
Edward waited, quite at ease, as the politicians argued and debated among themselves. The in-fighting was a cluster of back-biting and swearing that took an age to die down. After a good five minutes, the Speaker of the House roared, “Silence in the stands!”
Even then, it took two attempts for the conversations to stop.
When there was quiet once more, Edward murmured, as though the politicians weren’t totally up in arms, “The serving government wishes to repress this information from you. Indeed, the Environmental Agency is totally in denial that the drought is manmade at all.
“However, I ask you: why my wife would make such a claim if it were not true? There is no gain to her being deceptive.
“It is why I have requested several leading e
xperts from around the world to visit our great nation over the following months to investigate the matter. Until we have the whole truth, a truth this government seems to be willfully ignoring—” More outrage bubbled and swelled among the stands, but Edward carried on, raising his voice to be overheard, “I will not rest. The future of this country is all that matters.
“And this leads me to the final matter. Such a threat to our water supply can only be the brainchild of one organization. Veronia has its naysayers, and the monarchy has groups who disapprove of it, but for the most part, we are unified with one body of terrorists who wish to destabilize this nation.
“The UnReals.
“They have targeted me and my brother. They kidnapped us from our beds as children, they tortured us and abused us, and the men in charge, the men captured, paid for that act with their lives. But that payment isn’t enough.
“My mother was brutally slain. My father lies in a coma in his hospital bed. Two loyal servants of this country were treated like they were animals to be butchered, and yet, the outrage is felt only by my family, by the people of Veronia, and not the people in this room.
“You are quite content to let the matter of the UnReals be a distinctly Royal matter. You wish my guards, my security, to handle the threats thrown at us. Your lack of willingness to help us does, at times, make you all appear like UnReal supporters.
“Perhaps this comes as no surprise considering the previous Prime Minister was seen with an UnReal. A high-ranking member of the rebel group, at that. With his brother-in-law deeply embedded in the Environmental Agency, is it any wonder there is doubt where there should be none about the issues with our water supply?
“Who among you here is a secret supporter of a group of extremists who is willing to destroy the Veronian way of life to push their own agenda to the fore?”
Standing there in his tailored navy suit, not a hair out of place, his jaw clean-shaven, every part of him manicured to the hilt, it was hard to believe the impassioned words were coming from him. But that last part, those final words…they seemed to stir even Edward’s bile.
He clenched both his fists and beat the air at his sides. His rage spilling forth with a power that was all the stronger because of his lack of emotion before. At that moment, the King was present, and the entire Parliament was aware of it.
A hush like no other breathed among the politicians. The threat of the Article hung overhead like the hangman’s noose awaiting its next victim.
Edward’s fists were still tightly clenched as he stated, “An investigation was started this morning. I personally discussed it with the nation’s police force. I bypassed James Branche, as his leadership has proven to be nothing other than ineffective.”
Xavier cut the newly-interred leader a glance. The man looked close to purple with rage at Edward’s bitter statement. But then, Branche obviously had cardiovascular issues—he was always some bizarre shade of red.
“For decades, the police force of Veronia has been considered to be a neutral body among the security services. Servicing the nation, not the Royal family or Parliament’s whims. The DeSauviers will seek justice from them, and any among you who have ties to the UnReals…” Edward clenched his jaw. “You would do yourself a service to admit to so before being called up for an interview.”
Branche stormed to his feet. “This is the first step to chaos. To a dictatorship! To purge us…”
The Speaker bellowed, “Silence in the House!”
Edward simply narrowed his eyes. “The first step to chaos would be calling Article 42 into power. Every single one of you knows that I am well within my rights to invoke it, and yet, my wife, your Queen, who was so recently targeted by the butchers of Helstern, has fought on Veronia’s behalf.
“Like a true national, she has spoken of her desire for democracy, and through her, I have seen the truth of this. However, that truth remains viable only if our police force combs through the powers that are in this country. Every stone will be unturned,” he warned, his lip curling in a sneer. “No secret pocket of your life will not be uncovered. This is an anti-corruption investigation that will shake this government, which has proven itself to be unethical, immoral, and quite willing to allow traitors to roam free among my beloved subjects.
“This is your warning. Heed it.” Edward cut the Speaker a glance. “That is all.”
Watching his cousin take a seat, Xavier leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. Bowing his head, he watched the true chaos unfold as the government, a body founded on democracy and personal choice, began to chew itself up in the melee of Edward’s declaration.
There was no relief to be found on any politician’s face. If anything, there was more concern.
Why that was so, when Edward hadn’t, in one fell swoop, eradicated any need for them, Xavier didn’t know.
But the police were about to find out.
Two hours later, back at Masonbrook, Xavier took a deep sip from the chalice his wine had just been served in. The metal was cold in his hand, and the chill was surprisingly pleasant considering the cold day.
“That was a brave move you made today, Edward,” he commented, after his cousin had explained the situation to George and Perry. “They were truly up in arms over it.”
“Strange, considering I gave them a free pass for the moment.” Edward’s tone was musing as he forked up a nice sliver of Chateaubriand—one of the best steaks the kitchens sent out for their King.
As the man didn’t eat in the most stressful of situations, Xavier was surprised to watch him dine. Though, they were at home, and Edward was getting better about eating in front of them.
In his mind’s eye, he’d always seen his cousin as a bulimic hamster. One who’d shovel his cheeks full of food to look like he was eating, but who actually consumed zilch.
Perry was slowly changing that. Amazing, considering what had been happening in their lives of late.
On the honeymoon, Edward might have even gained a few pounds! Shocking stuff for a man who’d barely changed since he’d filled out and become a man.
“What?”
The question broke into his musing. “Nothing.” Xavier shrugged, but pushed his own unfinished plate away from him—he, on the other hand, wasn’t hungry.
Oh, the irony, considering he usually had the appetite of a horse.
Perry shot him a look as she began to fork up some of her own meal—he noticed that, too. Jesus, he was starting to feel like the food police. But only Xavier and George were eating like normal people. Perry had lost weight, Edward had gained weight—the world truly was in flux!
“See,” she told him sweetly, after she swallowed a large mouthful of broccoli. “I do eat.”
Xavier was surprised to find the comment wasn’t aimed at him, but at George, who just rolled his eyes. “You two had a discussion?” Seemed more polite to use “discussion” when he meant “argument."
George firmed his lips. “More like a fight.”
“A fight?” Edward cocked a brow. “Over what?”
“Someone’s been skipping breakfast.”
Xavier grinned. “She’s got morning sickness, you idiot.”
“I know,” came the huffed response. “But that doesn’t explain why she was skipping it before she found out she was bloody pregnant!”
“I swear to God, the next time she tells tales on me, I’m firing the Dragon.”
“Rose?” Edward asked, his brow puckering.
“Who else spies on me like the Gestapo? I swear, if you wanted to ease my load, Edward, you shouldn’t have picked a Nazi sympathizer.”
“She came highly recommended,” he retorted smoothly.
“Who by? Goebbels? When she’s not watching everything I do with more interest than a hawk on its prey, she’s telling everything to His Lordship over there.”
“I’m a Prince, Perry. I’d have thought you’d have figured that out by now.”
Her eyes flashed and she stabbed the air with her kn
ife. “You won’t be anything if you carry on keeping tabs on me through her. How the hell am I supposed to relax around her if she’s a spy for you? It’s bad enough being surrounded by guards all the damn time.”
“She’s not wrong, George.” Edward frowned thoughtfully. “I didn’t realize you were pumping Rose for information.”
“Jesus, I happened to ask the woman how Perry was getting on with her engagements.” George shot his brother a look. “Then she told me about Perry’s new eating habits.”
Perry squinted. “George, when have you known me to diet?”
“Never. That’s my point.”
“No. That’s my point. I don’t diet. I can’t. It’s physically impossible for me to deprive myself.”
“So what the hell are you doing to yourself now then?” he groused.
“She’s saying, idiot, that she’s not depriving herself.” Xavier heaved out a sigh, then referring to his summa cum laude, he continued, “I swear to God, I wonder how you got a double first at Cambridge sometimes.”
George glowered at him. “Through hard work and bloody brilliance?”
“Doesn’t help you with our woman though, does it?”
“No, Mr. Mathlete, it sure as shit doesn’t,” Perry hissed. “No woman likes to have her food watched. Whether it’s because she’s losing or gaining weight. Just leave me be. I’m acclimating to a very trying ordeal and if I’m not stuffing my fucking face as usual, then maybe, just maybe, it’s because I’m just not hungry.”
“You need to watch your food intake now, for the baby,” George argued. “You have to keep your strength up.”
“Why? So I can smack you upside the head better?” Perry retorted, stabbing the air with her fork now. “You’re skating on thin ice.”
Xavier laughed. “I hope you’re shivering in your shoes, George.”
“Positively quaking,” came the biting retort, as he and Perry began a staring contest that would have impressed a pack of feral dogs.
Edward tapped his chalice against his water glass and the ringing sound had both of them jerking away from one another. “Calm down, you two. I really don’t feel like fighting. Not after the morning I’ve had.”
Long Live Queen Perry: Contemporary Reverse Harem (Kingdom of Veronia Book 3) Page 24
