by L C Taylor
Anthony slid a chair beside Rory, “This is about the letter, Rory. It’s time you faced the truth.”
Tears spilled from Rory’s eyes, “She didn’t deserve this, Anthony. It’s not her fault. None of this is.”
Rory pressed her lips to Christine’s knuckles, “She’s my best friend. God,” she snorted, “Christine was so mad when she left the library earlier. I told her we slept together, Anthony. I hurt her…” she lifted her friend’s hand, “Now look at her. I want to find who did this and burn them to the ground.”
“We’ll find them, Rory. But you’ve got to decide. Being with me is part of the reason she’s lying here in this bed.”
“Anthony,” Rory took his hand in her free one, “This is not your fault. Hell, it’s not mine either. This is whoever is tormenting the kingdom's fault. I love you. I know I try to pretend I don’t, but I do. Everything is so confusing. How can I love two people? I’m broken.”
Pressing her head onto the bed, she let the tears fall freely. Anthony rubbed the back of her neck, “No, Rory. You’re not broken. You have a big heart and found two people to love. And guess what? We love you back. I believe the two of us can accept that we will have to share your love. I know I have. But you must be willing to admit to the kingdom and to yourself that your heart belongs to two. Can you do that?”
Rory lifted her head and stared at her friend. Anthony was right. It was time to stop lying to herself and everyone else.
“I’m scared, Anthony. What if I tell everyone how I feel, and it creates turmoil in the kingdom? What if they aren’t ready for their queen to have two loves?”
“Then, we will be here to support you and help them see that two loves change nothing.”
“I don’t mean to interrupt,” Constable Philips walked in, followed by Regent Daniels, “But I would like to discuss what happened.”
Rory wiped her face, trying to gain composure before turning to face the men. Anthony stood, helping her from her chair.
“Constable Philips, Regent Daniels,” she greeted the men, “First… I have promoted Captain Blake to Commander. Commander Holsten will not be returning. I would also like to make Officer Kris the new Captain. He has shown his value and would lead the men well in Commander Blake’s absence.”
“I suspected the Commander wouldn’t be coming back,” Constable Philips smiled, “Well, congratulations, Anthony. Now… the matter at hand. Ms. Fitzgerald was hit by another SUV as she was pulling out of the main drive. The individual inside the other car was dead on impact. We found a note inside that simply read – Truth or death… this is only the beginning.”
“Truth or death?” Rory shook her head, “this is getting out of control. Contact the other kingdoms and make them aware of what is happening.”
“Rory,” Anthony spoke, “Maybe now is the time to talk about what we discussed?”
“What is he talking about?” Regent Daniels asked.
Rory closed her eyes, “Yes… but I need to have that conversation with someone else before I talk to anyone else.” She glared at Anthony, “Give me two days to sort through some things… then I will brief you on what Commander Blake is referring to. In the meantime, I will be staying in this wing until Christine wakes up.”
“Your Majesty,” Constable Philips growled, “I don’t feel that is the safest decision.”
“If I am not safe in my own medical wing, we have something bigger to discuss. Besides,” Rory locked eyes with Anthony, “If anyone comes in here with the intent to hurt her or me,” she pointed towards her friend, “I will burn everything down around them.”
“I will stay with her, Constable. Inform Officer Kris of his promotion and have him report to me here.”
Constable Philips and Regent Daniels shared an awkward glance, “Fine. I’ll let you know what we find out and what the other kingdoms say.”
Rory watched as they left the room, and the medical staff returned. Leaning into Anthony, “She has to wake up, Anthony.”
“I know, baby. I know.”
Chapter 8
Christine slowly opened her eyes. It felt like someone had been hammering against her skull with a pickaxe. Blinking her eyelids, she winced when the light pierced her retinas.
“Christine!” Rory jumped from her chair, “Thank God! Anthony, call the doctor, she’s awake. Christine…” Rory leaned over, peering into Christine’s eyes, “Can you hear me?”
“Yes…” Christine tried to sit up, only to be overcome with dizziness. “Fuck… what happened?”
“You were in an accident.”
Flashes of a dark SUV slamming into her car danced across her vision. “Shit… what about the other two in the car with me? Are they…” her voice became a whisper as she closed her eyes, thinking of the two women who’d been in the car with her.
“They're alright. Bruised, but alright. You’ve been unconscious for two days, Christine. Jesus. I thought…” Rory paused, “I thought I lost you.”
Christine glanced at Rory, then to Anthony, who was stepping behind her with the doctor at his side. “You did. Remember?”
“No… stop saying that, Christine.”
“Ms. Fitzgerald.”
The doctor stepped in front of Rory, checking Christine’s vitals, and shining a light into her eyes. “Do you know what day it is?”
“I don’t know. It was Wednesday when I left for the store… Queen Vermilion said I’ve been unconscious for two days? Is that right?”
“Yes. You took a hard hit and suffered a severe concussion. But it looks like you’re going to be alright. I want to run some scans, so the nurse will be by in a few. In the meantime, try not to get yourself worked up.”
“Fine.” Christine watched as the doctor walked away and spoke to the nurse. She turned her head, unsure what to say to Rory.
“Christine… I want to,” Rory started to speak.
“Please leave.” Christine cut her off, “I know you’re the Queen and can pretty much order me to let you stay. But I don’t want you here, Rory.”
“Christine,” Anthony reached out to take her hand, but Christine snatched it back. Anthony sighed, “Look, we need to talk – all three of us. But you need to still rest up. Rory and I will come back later. Ok?”
“What? No…” Anthony pressed his finger to her lips, silencing her words.
“Rory… Christine needs time to heal. She’s awake, and we can talk with her later. Please,” he tugged her arm, “Don’t upset her.”
“Fine. But I’m coming back later. We are going to have a discussion, Christine.”
Christine blew out a breath, thankful that Anthony escorted her out. She knew deep down she couldn’t be mad at Rory. She’d known Rory and Anthony had been together… but it didn’t make this whole situation hurt any less.
The nurse came and took her for the x-ray. Fortunately, she only had a concussion and not a brain bleed. The doctor told her she could leave the medical wing in a couple of hours after she ate and held it down.
Christine had done fine with dinner. As she was coming out of the bathroom, she wasn’t surprised to find Rory waiting on her.
“Where’s Anthony?” she asked, glancing around the room for Rory’s fiancé. Even the thought of them marrying made her sick to her stomach.
“I asked him to let me speak with you alone.”
“Great.”
“Ms. Fitzgerald?” The nurse smiled, “Oh, Your Majesty, I didn’t see you. I’m sorry to bother you, but the doctor wanted me to let you know you can go back to your quarters as long as someone is close by to check on you.”
“I’ll be staying in her quarters.” Rory snapped, “Let Doctor Harris know anything she needs should be sent to me.”
“Oh… Ok, I’ll let the doctor know.” The nurse scurried off before Christine could correct her.
“What the hell, Rory. You’re not staying in my room.”
“I’ll stay there tonight. If after our talk you want me to leave, I’ll go.”
> Christine stared at her best friend, contemplating what to do, “You swear you’ll go back to your room if I ask?”
“Yes… I promise.”
“Fine. Let’s go then because I am tired of being in this part of the castle.”
Rory summoned the nurse, who removed Christine’s IV and helped her get into some sweats Rory had brought with her. Slowly walking behind Christine from the room, Rory followed her. Rory could only hope Christine would forgive her after what she was going to tell her.
Chapter 9
Rory helped Christine into her room. Christine made her way toward her bed and sat down. Rory could sense the tension in the room but was grateful she agreed to come here and stay.
“Christine,” Rory began.
“Stop,” Christine held her hand up, “I know I said we would talk, but I am exhausted. Walking from there to here took a toll on me. Can I just rest a little, then we’ll talk?”
Rory drew in a deep breath, disappointment burning her lungs, “Yes, of course. Let me get you a glass of water so you can take a pain pill. It will help you sleep.”
Rory grabbed a glass of water from the bathroom. Grabbing the medication left on her dresser, she handed Christine a pill and the glass of water.
“Thank you. I know it’s important, but I just need to close my eyes for a bit.”
“It’s alright. We have all the time in the world now that you’re ok. Rest. I’m just going to go and take a shower, I’ll be back in a few.”
Rory helped Christine slip under the covers of her bed. She waited by the bedside until Christine’s breathing evened out, signaling she was asleep.
Rory made her way to her own quarters and hurried inside.
“She looked beat.” Anthony shut the door behind him as he stepped into the room behind her.
“What are you doing here?” Rory asked, surprised to see Anthony in her quarters.
“I sleep here now, or did you forget that tidbit.”
“SHIT.” Rory smacked her head, “I forgot… damn it, I told her I’d stay in her room.”
Anthony chuckled, “I wouldn’t expect anything different. Are you going there now?”
“Yep. I am. But first, I’m taking a shower.”
Rory watched as Anthony pulled his shirt off and tossed it to the floor. Following her into the enormous bathroom, “Anthony, what are you doing?”
He pushed his pants down, leaving him in his boxers, “I’m taking a shower.”
Rory couldn’t take her eyes off Anthony’s beautiful body. His tanned skinned was smooth perfection. The light dusting of hair on his chest trailed down, disappearing beneath the elastic of his briefs.
“Like what you see, darling?”
Rory snapped her eyes to him, “You know I like what I see. But I need to get back to Christine before she wakes.”
“Rory… a freight train won’t wake her. Those pain pills usually knock someone out completely.”
He stepped toward her, running his hand through her blonde hair. Tugging her face to his, he mashed their lips together. The kiss was demanding and sensual all in one.
Rory couldn’t stop the moan escaping even if she tried. Pulling her head back, “This is wrong… I should be focused on her, not this.”
Anthony pulled her shirt over her head and unsnapped her bra, freeing her breasts. “How can something be wrong when it feels so right?” He drew her pink nipple into his mouth and sucked.
“Oh…” Rory pressed her hips to his, grinding her center into his very evident arousal. Anthony slid his hands down her sides and unfastened her pants, pushing them to her ankles. Rory kicked them off, standing before him completely nude. Anthony stepped back long enough to turn on the water in the huge walk-in shower.
Grabbing her neck, he pulled her against him again. Rory gripped the waist of his boxer briefs and shoved them down, freeing his cock. His dick was beautiful. Long and thick, reaching nearly to his belly button. It was swollen and hard as steel, dripping precum from the tip.
Rory wrapped her fingers around his shaft, gently sliding her hand up and down. Anthony hissed, backing them into the shower. Warm water hit Rory’s back, causing her to hiss at the contact. Anthony lifted her up, pressing her back against the chilly tile. Tiny goosebumps covered her skin in anticipation of what was to come.
“I’m going to fuck you hard and fast, Rory. Are you ready?”
Rory locked her ankles behind his back and wiggled her hips. The head of his cock rubbed against her lips, begging to be let inside.
“Yes… Fuck me, Anthony. Make me forget today just for a few moments.”
Anthony pressed his lips to her neck and thrust inside, burying his rock-hard member deep inside her womb. Pausing, he relished in the feeling of her cunt clenching around him.
“God… Rory,” His hot breath seared her skin as he gripped her body tight. “You feel so damn good.”
“Please…” She moaned against his ear, pressing her nails into his arms.
Anthony eased out and slammed back into her. Their skin slapping echoed off the bathroom walls. Between the heat of the shower and their panting breaths, the glass was no longer translucent. His powerful thrusts began to get harder and faster.
Rory arched her back, her stomach coiling with the release that was building. She could tell he was on the precipice of losing himself to her. Grinding her hips into him as he buried his cock inside her, Rory let go. Her orgasm crashed over her like a wave hitting the shore. Her stomach coiled with all-consuming pleasure. Rory could sense the moment he was falling over the cliff of rapture with her. His cock swelled as her cunt tightened around his swollen shaft. Anthony’s seed spilled from him as he pumped his dick with shallow thrusts between her pussy’s lips.
“Fuck,” Anthony eased her down, slipping out of her. His hands pressed against the wall, holding him up. “God, I love you.”
Rory giggled, “Do you?”
“Yes. Woman, I would literally walk through your fire to hold you.” He pressed a kiss to her head, “Now, let's get cleaned for real.”
When they finally emerged from the shower, the sky had become black.
Anthony grabbed Rory and kissed her with such force, her legs nearly gave out on the spot.
“Anthony,” Rory growled.
“Stop… I just needed one more kiss, Rory. Now go see to Christine. I will see you in the morning. Everything will work out fine.”
Chapter 10
Christine awoke to immense heat pressed against her backside. She tried to remember where she was, realizing immediately she was in her own bed. The events from the last twenty-four hours steamrolled through her mind.
Glancing at the pale leg wrapped around hers, she realized Rory was asleep beside her. Christine tried to ease her body out from under Rory, but the movement woke her.
“Christine? Shit…” Rory pulled her leg off, “Did I hurt you?”
Christine glanced over Rory’s shoulder, spotting Anthony pressed against her back, “What the hell is he doing in here?”
“Shit… Anthony?” Rory kicked him, “What the hell are you doing in here?”
Anthony grunted, “Sorry. I couldn’t sleep in that big bed without you.”
“This is fucked up.” Christine pushed herself up, sliding her feet to the floor.
“Stop, please.” Rory reached out and grabbed her arm. “We need to talk about this, Christine.”
“What’s there to talk about. You’re lying in my bed with Anthony, Rory. I am pretty sure that says it all. In fact, I want both of you to leave right now.”
“Please, Christine… just give me a chance to explain.”
“You promised, Rory. You said if I asked you to leave, you would. Now go. Get out.” Christine pointed her finger at the door.
“You’re wrong.” Anthony’s timber voice startled Christine, causing her to jump.
“Jesus Christ.”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you, but you really need to stop running and l
isten to what Rory has to say.”
“No. I’m too pissed off, and I want you to get out of my quarters.”
Rory sighed, fighting the tears that threatened to spill. “I’m sorry about this, Christine. Truly… but when you’re ready, we need to talk. Things aren’t what you think.”
Rory climbed from the bed, latching on to Anthony, who was waiting for her at the door. Giving Christine one last glance, she opened the door and left. Once back inside her quarters, Rory let the wall down and sobbed against Anthony.
“She’s never going to forgive me.”
“I’m sorry, Rory. She’s been through a lot the last twenty-four hours. Give her a couple of days to calm down and approach her again.”
“I hope you’re right, Anthony. But I feel she may never give me a chance.”
Anthony held Rory for the next hour, giving her the chance to work through her emotions. Deep down, he feared Christine would shut Rory out, but those words would never fall from his lips. Anthony would never tell her his concern.
The next few days went by in a whirlwind. Rory postponed the wedding, telling the Constable she needed time to get preparations done, but Anthony knew it was about Christine. Rory wouldn’t marry him until that situation was resolved.
“Rory,” Anthony grabbed her arm as she walked past him in the hallway, “You need to talk to Christine.”
“Don’t you think I’ve tried? She won’t see me. In fact, she hasn’t come out of her room in days. The guards on her door tell me she’s been having her meals delivered.”
“Then go to her room. Take her breakfast and make her talk. We can’t avoid the ceremony forever.”
Rory could see the hurt in his eyes. Reaching out, she cupped his cheek, “I’m sorry, Anthony. This isn’t fair to you either.” Dropping her hand, she shrugged her shoulders, “I’ll go to her room tonight. I want this resolved too.”
Anthony prayed Christine would give her a chance to explain. He worried if she didn’t, he’d lose Rory too.
Chapter 11
Rory held her breath as she knocked on the door. Her biggest fear was that Christine wouldn’t answer the door, causing her heart to break even more.
