Ruby Queen
Page 1
Ruby Queen
The Elemental Queen Series
LC Taylor
Ruby Queen Copyright © 2020 by LC Taylor
All Rights Reserved.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.
Cover designed by Sweet 15 Designs
Edited by Alice I. Lunsford
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
LC Taylor
Visit my website at www.AuthorLCTaylor.com
Printed in the United States of America
First Printing: July 2020
LC Taylor Publishings
More by LC Taylor
Mystic Valley Shifters
Woven: Book One
Wretched: Book Two
Willing: Book Three
Whispers: Book Four
Worthy: Book Five
Lipstick & Lead
Callista
Charlotte
Military Romance
The Glass Heart
Bound
The Signal Series
Signal 41: Saving Carson
Signal 99: Freeing Felicity
Signal 63: Reviving London
Signal 69: Holding Jenna
Signal 33: Finding Zoey
Stand-Alone Books
Phoenix Night
Cracked
Small Town Romance
Words from the Heart
His Imperfect Mistake
The Elemental Queen Series
Emerald Queen
Ruby Queen
Onyx Queen
Sapphire Queen
Amethyst Queen
The Elemental Queen Series
Six Queens.
Each with a common thread.
But it is not what everyone thinks.
When an evil force threatens to annihilate all they know, they will be faced with a truth – a truth that could change everything.
And what happens when an even bigger secret is revealed, fracturing all that they believed?
Find out in the Elemental Queen Series
Contents
More by LC Taylor
The Elemental Queen Series
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Next up
About LC
Up and Coming…
Chapter 1
The flames kissed the tender skin of her palm. The orange and red colors swirled across the surface of her skin, mesmerizing Rory as she stared at the magic dancing in her hand. It’d been two weeks since Dimitra was kidnapped.
Fourteen fucking days.
And not a single word about where Dimitra was, or why she’d been taken. The Emerald queen, Emersyn, stumbled across her father, King Virid’s journal. While Emersyn had been tight-lipped about the secrets it held, Rory suspected whatever that book held… it wasn’t anything good.
The day after she found the journal, it disappeared – only to wind up in the Onyx queens possession.
And now, Rory glanced towards the south, the Onyx kingdom was bathed in darkness. Onika must have learned something that put her in emotional turmoil.
“I see you’re still playing with fire.”
Rory startled, “Ha, ha,” she glanced over her shoulder, “It helps me think.”
“Rory,” the warm pressure of a hand rested on Rory’s shoulder, “you can’t hide in here forever.”
Smiling at the one person she could be herself with, Rory’s tone was playful when she spoke.
“You know, you shouldn’t sneak up on me… I could torch you with the flick of my wrist.”
“Baby… you set me on fire enough.” Tugging Rory into a firm hug, their mouths met in a fury. Rory slipped her tongue between soft lips and moaned.
Breaking apart, she gasped, “We can’t do this. What if someone sees us?”
“So what? You’re the queen.”
“Exactly. The people wouldn’t understand,” Rory motioned between them, “our relationship, Fitzy.” Rory let the pet name roll off her tongue with a twinge of bitterness.
“When will our feelings matter more than appearances? You can’t help whom you love, Rory. You do love me, don’t you?”
Rory reached out, lacing their fingers together, “Yes…but it’s complicated. You know my heart, it’s divided.”
“Your Majesty?” Commander Holsten called out, causing Rory to jump back and snatch her hand free.
“In here, Commander.”
Commander Holsten stepped out onto the terrace, his eyes bouncing between the two people standing in front of him, “I’m sorry to interrupt, but Queen Virid called. She and Commander Meyer are going to the Onyx Kingdom. They asked if we could send some men as well.”
“They’re worried…” it came out as more of a statement than a question.
“Yes… and frankly,” the Commander glanced at his feet before looking at Rory, “I am worried about Onika as well.”
“Commander…” Rory placed her hand on his arm, “Stop pretending to me. I know you care for her more than you care to admit. Do me a favor,” she sighed, “go to her. Tell her how you feel. Hiding your love for someone can be more painful than admitting the truth to others.”
Commander Holsten smiled, “Thank you. I will brief Captain Blake before I go.”
Heading toward the door, he paused, “Your Majesty,” he glanced beyond her shoulder, “perhaps you should take your own advice.”
Rory blushed, “It’s not as simple for me, Commander.”
“Love isn’t simple, Your Majesty. But you’re right. Running from it is much worse than admitting and risking heartache from losing it.”
Closing the door, the Commander left the two of them alone again. “I know this is hard for you. It’s hard for me as well. I love you, Rory. And no matter how long it takes, I will wait for you. My heart is yours.” Rory watched as the only other person she’d ever truly loved walked out of her room.
Rory collapsed onto the bed, a burning need hitting her straight between the thighs. They were both right, hiding from the truth was gut-wrenching – it was like someone shoved ice into her heart, leaving it in a frozen state of despair
The kingdom wasn’t ready to hear about the relationship – especially with Dimitra missing. Her focus had to be on finding her cousin, not on her own love life.
Rory closed her eyes, praying someone would find information leading to Dimitra’s kidnapping. Rory’s phone startled her from her thoughts.
“Queen Vermilion,” she answered in a huff.
“Rory…”
“Sarifena,” Rory sat up in her bed, “Is everything ok?”
“Yes… no…”
“Sari, what is it? You so
und upset.”
“Rory, I need you to hear this from me before…” Sari sighed into the phone, “before anyone else tells you.”
“Tell me what?”
“Emersyn and I are half-sisters. The journal… it had all of King Virid’s secrets.”
“Wait… you and Em are sisters? How is this possible?”
“Her father and my mother had an affair right before meeting Emersyn’s mother. Apparently, she got pregnant… when they found out I was his, they decided to keep it a secret.”
“This is crazy. Sari – what about King Phillip? I thought your mom said he was your father.”
“She lied to keep the truth buried. And since my father apparently died from a broken heart, the lie was easy to keep.”
“Jesus Christ. This is fucked up… what else was in the journal?”
“We don’t know. It disappeared and then showed up in the Onyx kingdom. I assume whatever is in that book isn’t good. You’ve seen the darkness around Onika’s kingdom.”
“Yes… I sent several men, along with Commander Holsten, to assist Queen Virid. She is headed to the Onyx kingdom now.”
“Speaking of Emersyn…” Sarifena paused, “She and Drake are engaged.”
“Damn… the newest Queen and already getting married. My parents will surely be on me to marry now.”
“Yeah… well, at least you have your parents.” Sarifena huffed.
“Sari… I’m sorry. That was insensitive of me.”
“No. It’s alright. I’m still pissed at my mom lying all these years.”
“I bet. Look, let me know if I can help you out. I need to go meet with Captain Blake since he is filling in for my commander in his absence.”
“You do the same, Rory.”
Rory tossed her phone on the bedside table and closed her eyes. Everything was a mess, and Dimitra was still nowhere to be found. And to top everything off, her own love life was a disaster.
Chapter 2
Rory stood in the courtyard, fire dancing across the ground. She’d felt so much anger and frustration over Dimitra’s kidnapping, that she regularly expelled her magic. It built up to an uncomfortable tingle in her body. Releasing it was the only way to prevent accidentally burning down the castle.
“Rory.”
Rory glanced over her shoulder at Captain Blake.
“What is it, Captain?”
“I spoke with Commander Holsten.”
Rory waved her palm, extinguishing the orange flicker of heat.
“And?” she turned, waiting for his reply.
“He said he will be there a bit longer. And when Queen Nite was ready, she would call a meeting.”
“I don’t suspect he will be coming home.”
“What? Why would you say that?”
“Captain. I don’t take you for a fool.” Rory started to pass him, “Commander Holsten is in love with the queen. And,” she blew out a breath, “I suspect she is in love with him. When she accepts her heart’s desire, the Commander will not be coming home. We should probably sit down and plan your new role.”
“Are you serious?”
Rory held his gaze, “Very. Are you ready to assume the commander position? Once I talk with Constable Phillips, you’ll be promoted.”
“Don’t you think you should talk to the Commander first?”
“I will… but we must be prepared. Anthony,” she whispered his name, “you know as well as I do, he didn’t go to the Onyx kingdom because I asked him too. He went because he needed to see her.”
“And what about you, Rory.” Anthony stepped closer and ran his hand down her cheek, “When will you allow love into your life.”
“Stop…” she stepped back, “What happened between us was a mistake.”
“A mistake?” Anthony hissed, “Once is a mistake, Rory. What we share was more than a passing fling.”
“Anthony, I’ve explained to you why. Please…” Rory pulled open the patio door, “I can’t do this with you.”
“Rory… You must stop running. I’ve told you time and again – I love all of you. I accept everything…”
“STOP.” Rory cut him off, “Anthony. DO NOT ever repeat what I told you. Do you understand the damage it would cause?”
“I think you’re wrong. I believe the kingdom would accept you – no matter what. You are a fair and kind Queen. That’s all that is important. Not who you chose to love, Rory. But I’ll let it go for now. Eventually, you’ll have to choose or risk losing us both.”
Anthony walked away, leaving Rory to stare at his backside. Squeezing her eyes closed, she prayed for something good to happen. The kingdoms were under so much pressure since King and Queen Virid were killed.
“Are you just going to leave the door open?” Rory’s mother stood with her arms folded across her chest.
“No, mother.” Stepping into the room, she tugged the door closed. “What do you need? Is something wrong with father?”
“You mean besides dying?” Queen Rachel sat on the chaise lounge.
“Jesus, mother.”
“Rory…” she looked at her nails and smiled, “You need to find a husband. Your father doesn’t have much time, and he’d like to see his daughter walk down the aisle with someone.”
“Do you just want me to snatch a man up and force him to wed?”
“Seems like I just overheard a man telling you he loved you.”
“It’s complicated, mother.”
“Love usually is, Rory. I’m serious. You need to find a husband… unless you want your dad to die, not seeing his only wish happen.”
Rory pinched the bridge of her nose, “I’m sorry he’s dying – but I am not just going to marry someone to please him.”
“Excuse me. I don’t mean to interrupt.”
Rory glanced up to find her personal assistant standing in the room, “Christine… Can I help you with something?” Rory looked at her mother and then her friend nervously.
“Good afternoon, young lady. Help me settle a debate with my daughter,” Rachel motioned for her to sit down. “As you know, King Oscar doesn’t have much time. He wants to see Rory married.”
“Oh…” Christine glanced at Rory, “And do you have someone you want to marry?”
“I don’t want to get married yet.”
“I see,” she turned to Rachel, “and do you have someone she should marry?”
“I do not… but,” Rachel pointed at her daughter, “it seems the Captain is in love with her.”
Christine’s head snapped to Rory, “Really? I wasn’t aware they were in a relationship.”
“It’s not like that, Christine.” Rory paced the floor, “Captain Blake and I were involved. You know I broke it off because I couldn’t give him what he needed.”
“It’s not my business. I came in here to tell you the Constable is looking for you.” Christine turned, “Have a good evening, Your Majesty’s.”
Christine stormed out of the room, leaving Rory and her mother.
“Well,” her mother stood, “seems your assistant is jealous of the Captain being in love with you.”
“Mother… drop it. We have more important things to be concerned with – like Dimitra’s disappearance.”
“Your father’s last wishes are not important? I’ll be sure to tell him that.” Rachel stood and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her.
Rory collapsed on the couch. Everything was falling apart, and she didn’t know what to do. Her father’s wishes were important to her, but being forced into a marriage to make him happy seemed ridiculous.
Chapter 3
“Rory.”
Rory woke to the soft sound of someone calling her name. She’d fallen asleep on the couch after her fight with her mother.
“Christine,” Rory stretched, “I must have fallen asleep.”
“The constable is looking for you. I told him you’d fallen asleep, but he said it’s urgent.”
“Fine…” Rory stretched, the smooth skin of
her belly peeking out from under her shirt. “Sorry.” Standing, she tugged the fabric down and shook her head. “About what you heard earlier.”
“It’s not my business. Your mother’s right, though.”
“Right about what?”
“You should marry someone before he dies. You’ll regret it later if you don’t.”
“I’m not going to marry someone just to please him. How can I possibly marry someone while Dimitra is missing anyway?”
“Please… Dimitra wouldn’t want you waiting to do something for your dying father, Rory. Don’t use that as your excuse.”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m not getting married.” Rory walked out of the room, Christine close behind her.
“Never?”
“Not like this. No.”
“So… you and Blake, huh?”
“I’ve told you before… it’s complicated.”
“And I’ve told you…” Christine followed Rory into the Constable's office.
“Queen Vermilion,” Constable Phillips cut Christine off, halting their conversation. “I’m sorry to wake you, but a letter came for you.”
“A letter?”
“Yes. Here,” the Constable thrust the plain white envelope into her hands, “It’s like the one Emersyn got. It could be a clue to Dimitra’s kidnapping.”
Rory ripped the seal, practically ripping the note in the process. Unfolding the parchment, she held her breath as she read.
Hidden in lies, your heart beats for two,
Not one, but both beat equally for you.
Burning like an ember in the night,
Blinded by love, you’ll lose the fight.
The time draws near for all to expire
Your kingdom will burn within the fire.
“What does this mean?” Rory tossed the paper at the Constable. “Someone is messing with us. Blinded by love? It makes no sense. Perhaps this was meant for another kingdom.”
“No…, it was addressed to you.”
Constable glanced at Captain Blake, who was standing behind Rory, “Your Majesty. Perhaps it’s time you married as your father wishes. Then, whoever sent this will see their error.”