by L C Taylor
“Jesus Christ. I can’t believe this is happening.”
“Queen Vermilion,” Constable Phillips shook his head, “Captain Blake is correct. If you were to take a husband, the kingdom would appear more stable. It would send a clear message you are not alone in this fight. And…” he swallowed, “If something were to happen to you, your husband would rule unless you produce an heir. It wouldn’t leave us open to hostile takeovers.”
Rory pressed her thumbs into her eyes and screamed, “FUCK!”
“Rory,” Christine placed her hand on her back, “He’s right. You need to marry someone. Even if only in name.”
“WHO THE FUCK WILL I MARRY?”
“Well, that’s simple.” Constable Phillips smiled, “Commander Holsten.”
“No. The Commander is in love with the Onyx Queen and isn’t here anyway.”
“Me.” Captain Blake squared his shoulders.
Rory glanced at him, then at Christine. Holding her gaze, “this can’t be happening.”
“It’s alright.” Christine nodded, “Captain Blake is a good man. It makes sense. You two have a history after all.” Christine smirked, cocking her eyebrow.
“NONE of this makes sense, Christine.”
“What do ya say?” Anthony grabbed her hand, “Will you marry me?”
Rory blinked, glancing at the faces staring back at her, her head knew this was the best way to protect the kingdom. But her heart was beating out of her chest.
“Yes. But there will be some ground rules.”
“Excellent. I will send word to the other kingdoms. Captain Blake, you will need to move into her quarters as soon as possible.”
“WAIT… why?” Rory panicked.
“If you are to be married, it makes sense for him to share quarters with his wife.”
“I need a minute,” Rory started toward the door, “make whatever changes you need. I am going to my room to think.”
Rory rushed out of the room and raced down the hallway. Slamming the door to her room, she threw herself on her bed and let the tears loose.
Even though a part of her was still in love with Anthony… her heart belonged to another as well. The letter was right.
Her heart did beat for two.
And now she was being forced to choose only one.
Chapter 4
A soft tap on the door woke Rory from her sleep. She’d cried herself to sleep, knowing she was being forced to marry one of the two people she was in love with.
“Yes?”
“It’s me. Can I come in?”
Rory inhaled a deep breath and blew it out. “Yes, it’s unlocked.”
“So…” sitting on the edge of the bed, Anthony placed his hand on her knee, “You know this is for the best. While I wish you were marrying me because you love me, I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you.”
“Anthony…” Rory covered his hand with hers, “It’s not that I don’t love you. I just don’t think it’s fair of me to be with you when I love someone else as well.”
“I know, Rory. And as I’ve told you before – I accept all the parts of you. Even that one.”
“Really? So even when we are married, you’re going to be ok with me being with them as well? Because I won’t give them up. I love them, too.”
“Yes. I want you. And, if sharing you is the only way I can have you… then it’s what we will do.” He reached up, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. “Just don’t shut me out this time.”
“You’d do this for me?”
“Yes. Hiding from me won’t work, Rory. I get that you have another side of you that you need to share with someone.”
“Why, Anthony? You could have any woman you wanted. A woman without needs like mine.”
Anthony fisted her hair, tugging her face close to his, “I love you, Rory.” His lips found hers. Rory leaned into him, melding their tongues together as he ravaged her mouth.
Slowly laying her back, Anthony climbed between her legs and pressed his erection into her clothed center. “I want you, Rory. All of you. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” she moaned against his mouth. Bucking her hips, “I need you inside me, Anthony. Please.”
“So demanding.” Anthony laughed as he stood to remove his clothes. Rory sucked in a breath when he removed his shirt, displaying his perfectly sculpted abs and chest. Pulling her top over her head, Anthony reached down and pinched her nipple through the lace material.
“God damn, you’re beautiful.”
Rory propped herself on her elbow and reached down to grab him through his pants. “Please stop teasing me, Anthony. It’s been too long since I felt your cock inside me.”
Anthony flicked the button to his pants open and pushed them down past his hips. His engorged cock sprang free, red, and swollen. Anthony traced his thumb across the slick bead of precum as he eased himself between her thighs.
“I don’t know how gentle I can be, Rory.”
“I don’t want gentle, Anthony. I want you to fuck me hard.” Rory pushed her pants down and spread her legs more, her sex already glistening with wetness.
Anthony ran his dick between her folds, pressing the head down on her swollen clit.
“FUCK.” Rory cried out, “PLEASE…,” she arched her hips, giving him access to her center.
Anthony lined up with her opening and thrust his hips, burying his cock in one swift movement. Rory screamed out, her nails digging into his arms. He slid his dick out, ramming it back in with force.
Rory cried out with each thrust. Her body heated up as her orgasm began to build. It had been weeks since she’d been with Anthony, yet her body knew precisely how to respond.
“I’m close, Anthony.” Rory gasped.
“I know, baby. I can feel your body responding to mine. Let go… just let go.” He pumped into her faster, his thumb finding that sensitive bud. As he pressed down, Rory cried out. Her release ripping from her body.
Anthony grunted, spilling his seed inside her womb.
Collapsing, he rolled over and tugged her against his side, “We can make this work.”
“I need to talk to her, Anthony. She thought we weren’t together anymore. She may never forgive me.”
“It will work itself out. Now…” Anthony pressed a kiss to her head, “We need to figure out when to get married. Constable Philips thinks it needs to be as soon as possible. You should probably tell your mother.”
“My mother will be ecstatic. She wanted this, after all.”
“I hear it in your voice, Rory. This is the right thing to do.”
“I know, I just feel guilty, Anthony. You know I don’t just love you. The letter was right. My heart is divided.”
Chapter 5
“I hear you’ve decided to marry after all.” Rory’s mother stormed into the library.
“Yes, mother. Constable Philips posed a valid argument after I received a threatening letter like Emersyn.”
“What letter?”
“It doesn’t matter, mother. All that matters is I am to be married in a week.”
“And to whom?”
“Anthony Blake. Captain Blake,” Rory sighed.
“You sound so thrilled, Rory. He loves you, I heard him tell you that the other day. Yet – you seem so indignant. Why is that?”
“Yes. He loves me. And perhaps, there is a part of me that loves him. It’s just…” Rory shook her head, “never mind.”
“Get over yourself, Rory. You’re the Queen. This is expected of you.”
“That’s true, but not like this. I should be allowed to choose who and when I get married.”
“You sound like a spoiled brat.”
“You’re right. This is for the kingdom and for my father. My feelings do not matter.”
Rory thought back to the letter. As much as she didn’t want to believe the words written, it was right. Her heart was divided between two. One heart she could have, and the other would tear the kingdom in two. What Rory was having a ha
rd time understanding was the implication she’d lose a fight, and her kingdom would burn. What did her heart have to do with protecting her people?
“I’ll let your father know you’re getting married, but you need to tell him when. You hardly ever stop in to see him, Rory.”
“I’ll come by tonight. I need to work some things out first.”
Rory watched as Christine greeted her mother, who was exiting the room. Taking a deep breath, she smiled at Christine, looking for a sign on how she was feeling.
“Hey,” Rory stepped toward her friend. “So…”
Christine perched herself on the edge of the couch, “Rory,” she began, “I won’t pretend I’m not hurt by this, but I understand it’s for the best. You need to marry him to protect the kingdom. I just thought…” Christine wiped at a tear that’d slipped from her eye.
Rory scooted next to her, placing her hand on her knee, “Please don’t cry. I didn’t want this. I… I can’t lose you too.”
Christine placed her hand over Rory’s, “You won’t lose me, Rory. But it will be hard watching you two together. And I know you had a history… I’d be foolish to think you won’t sleep with him again.”
Rory ducked her head to try and hide the blush covering her cheeks. Christine gasped, “You already did, didn’t you?”
Rory nodded slightly, “I’m so sorry, Christine.” Christine stood abruptly, yanking her hand from Rory. “I need some time alone, Rory. This is a lot to take, and right now, my heart feels like it is being crushed.”
“Christine, please.” Rory reached out for her friend's hand, “You know this isn’t what I want.”
“Really? Because sleeping with him gives me a different impression. I need to go.”
Rory followed Christine to the door, “Please, don’t walk away like this. We can get through this together.”
Rory’s phone rang in her pocket, causing Christine to look back at her, “You should get that. The kingdom could need something.”
Rory pressed her fingers to the bridge of her nose and squeezed. Her magic was bubbling to get out. It was building up from all the emotions she was feeling. Snatching the phone open, “This better be important.”
“Your Majesty.” Commander Holsten’s voice filled the line.
“Commander… I wasn’t expecting you to call me. Is everything ok?”
“Yes… I need to talk with you about something.”
“Ok, what’s up.”
Rory listened to her commander on the other end. She wasn’t surprised at all by his request, she’d known it was coming for a while.
“I am happy for you, Commander. I knew this day would come. I’ve already briefed Captain Blake – so he won’t be surprised when I tell him.”
“I am still here for you, Your Majesty – anything you need, you know you will have the Onyx kingdom at your disposal. Now…” he paused, “I need to go win over Onika.”
“Good luck. She will see you two are meant to be together. Don’t give up on her… fight for what you want.”
“You do the same, Queen Vermilion. Love is worth the effort.”
Rory tossed her phone onto the cushion and ran her hands through her hair. Fisting her blonde locks, she pulled her hair and screamed.
“Rory?” Anthony startled Rory, causing her to send a burst of fire from her hand. The fiery ball missed the Captain by a hair, landing on the floor beside him.
“Shit,” Anthony stomped his foot on the flames, extinguishing them beneath his shoe. “What the fuck, Rory?”
“Oh god,” Rory dropped her head, “I didn’t mean to do that… it’s…” she collapsed to the couch, a sob bursting from her chest.
“Rory…” Anthony kneeled in front of her, “What’s happening?”
“This happens when I am stressed… my magic – it builds up and sometimes slips out.”
“I know this situation is not what you planned for, but Rory, I love you.”
Rory reached out and cupped his cheek, “I know. And I love you too. But I am also in love with…”
Anthony pressed a finger to her mouth, “Shhhh… You don’t have to tell me, remember. I know your heart is divided. I’ve told you time and time again, I won’t make you hide that part of who you are. We can work something out.”
“No. We can’t. I’ve broken one heart already, I won’t make you sacrifice yours too, Anthony.”
He tugged her into his arms, “We’ll figure this out.”
“I almost forgot,” Rory pulled back, “Commander Holsten called me. He isn’t coming back. I’ll let Constable Philips know you’re being promoted. It makes sense that you take over his position anyway – since we are to be married this weekend.”
“If that is what you want, then that is what I will do.”
Anthony hugged her close. He was worried about how she was going to handle the nuptials and not burn everything down.
“Thank you, Anthony. I know I am difficult. It’s hard being the Queen as everyone expects me to act and be a certain way. Yet… all I want is to be me.”
A knock startled Rory, jumping out of his arms, she stepped back and put some space between them.
“Excuse me, Your Majesty?” Officer Kris stood in the doorway, “I don’t mean to intrude, but you’re needed by Constable Philips. Something has happened.”
Chapter 6
“What?” Rory stood, “What’s happened?”
Officer Kris glanced between Rory and his captain, “Um… Captain?”
“Commander… He’s the commander now.” Rory glared at the officer, “But I am the Queen, and I just asked you a question.”
Anthony nodded slightly at Officer Kris, “Go on, answer her.”
“There’s been an attack on several of the employees.”
“What employees? And where?”
“Ms. Fitzgerald and a couple of the kitchen staff had gone to the market. They barely made it out of the driveway when another vehicle smashed into theirs.”
“You said, Ms. Fitzgerald?” Rory sucked in a breath as she steadied herself against the couch. Her knees buckled, forcing her unsteady on her feet. Anthony grabbed her arm, pulling her against him.
“What is their status?” His tone was demanding as he cradled Rory against him.
“The two kitchen staffers are stable, but Ms. Fitzgerald is unconscious still. They brought her to the medical wing in the castle.”
“Take me to her NOW!” Rory screamed, barely able to control her rage. Her magic bubbled beneath her skin, making her hot to touch.
“Rory… sweetheart, I’ll take you to her – but first, you need to go outside and expel your magic. You’re in no condition to be near her.”
Rory nodded, “Fine. Tell Constable Philips to meet me in the medical wing in 20 minutes.”
Pulling free from Anthony, she rushed out of the library, leaving the back doors wide open. Anthony watched in horror as she threw fire at anything she could target.
“Officer Kris,” Anthony kept his eyes on Rory, “Have a few men get some hoses on that fire she’s starting.”
“Yes, sir.” Officer Kris hurried away, the urgency was not lost to him. If they didn’t get water on the firestorm Rory was creating, the castle would certainly burn down around them.
Anthony stepped up behind Rory, “Rory, stop.” He wrapped his arms around her, midsection, “She’s going to be fine. This isn’t what I meant when I said expel your magic. Baby,” he hugged her tighter to him, “you're going to burn us all down.”
Rory blinked, her surroundings coming back into focus. The entire grassy area was burning. The orange and yellow light flickered against the evening sky as it licked at the green blades of earth.
“Fuck…” Rory sank to her knees. She slammed her fists into the ground and let out a piercing scream. Anthony bent down, looping his arms beneath hers, he lifted her up. Cradling her against his chest, he slid his arm under her knees and held her to him.
“Come on… Let’s go see what the doctor
says.”
Rory sniffed, “What about the inferno I’ve started?”
“Officer Kris is taking care of it.”
Anthony carried her into the house and down the hallway. Setting her on her feet, “You ready to go inside?”
Rory looked at the door, then at Anthony, “Yes. I need to see if she is ok.” Lacing her fingers with his, “Come with me, Anthony. I need you there with me, please.”
“Of course, Rory. Whatever you need.”
Rory pushed the door open, sucked in a lungful of air, and stepped inside.
Chapter 7
Rory held her breath as she stepped into the room. The sterile scent of the vast room hit her in the gut, reminding her this was the hospital wing of the castle. She smiled at the head physician as she slowly ebbed her way towards her friend.
Christine was lying on the bed, cuts, bruises, and bandages littered her body. Rory reached out, placing her hand on Christine’s forearm.
“How bad is she, doctor?”
Doctor Harris forced a smile, “I won’t lie. The next twenty-four hours are going to be the hardest. She sustained mostly bruises and several lacerations,” he removed his glasses, “However, her side of the vehicle took most of the impact. That caused her head to take out the driver's window. She has a head injury, Your Majesty.”
Rory closed her eyes, the magic trickling up her spine. Anthony placed a hand on her shoulder, “Breathe, Rory.”
Nodding, “Will she wake up?”
“We hope so, but we won’t know anything until the swelling goes down. I will have a nurse with her overnight, in case something changes.”
“I will stay with her.” Rory pulled a chair to the edge of her bed, “Anthony, I want to know who hit her.”
“The regent is on his way here, I will speak with him and find out what I can.”
“This is crazy. First, the explosion, then Dimitra is taken, now this. Why her?”
Anthony cocked his head, “I think you know why.” Anthony turned to the medical staff, “Doctor, could you leave us a moment? I need to have a private conversation with Rory.”
The doctor nodded, “For just a few minutes… we shouldn’t leave her unattended.” He waved the others out, clearing the room.
