Ruby Queen

by L C Taylor

  “Come in.” Christine's soft voice called out from behind the wooden barrier.

  Rory pushed inside and closed the door.

  “Why are you here?” Christine huffed, “I told you I didn’t want to see you, Rory.”

  “Because I need to talk to you.” Rory set the food she was carrying on the table and sat at the end of the bed. “Please, give me ten minutes. That’s all I’m asking for.”

  “Ten minutes… then get out.” Christine folded her arms across her chest, avoiding eye contact with Rory.

  “Christine…” Rory reached out and brushed the loose tendrils of hair from Christine’s face. “You’ve known for a long time how I felt about Anthony. I never hid that from you.” Rory smiled and continued, “I’ve always been honest with Anthony. When he told me months ago, he was in love with me and wanted to marry me, I told him why I couldn’t commit to just him and ended it with him. I wasn’t willing to sacrifice my heart – I told him he deserved someone who could be faithful to him.”

  Christine’s eyes searched Rory’s for an answer, “What are you saying, Rory?”

  “I’m saying he knows. He’s always known where my heart has been. And ironically, he is ok with it. He wants me to be happy, Christine. This whole wedding thing – it’s not really what I want. It’s for the kingdom.”

  “I… I don’t know what to say, Rory.”

  “Don’t say anything. I just need you to know that Anthony loves me unconditionally, and he knows I can’t and won’t only love him. He gets it. And according to him, I have a heart big enough to handle loving two people. But can the two people I love handle sharing my heart?”

  Christine slipped from the bed, putting distance between them. “This isn’t real. I died in that crash, and I am dreaming, aren’t I?”

  Rory went to stand in front of her, slipping her hand behind her head, “I told you on the terrace I loved you, Fitzy.”

  Christine shuddered at the sound of her nickname slipping, passed Rory’s lips. She cocked her head, “But?”

  “No buts,” Rory pressed her forehead to hers, “I’m done hiding. It may blow up in our faces, but with you and Anthony by my side…”

  “This is crazy,” Christine whispered, “How is this possible, Rory? How can he be ok with this?”

  Rory answered Christine by pressing her lips to hers. Gentle at first, but soon a fire was burning inside her, making the kiss so much more. Without using words, Rory was telling her how much Christine meant to her.

  Christine gave in and pressed into her, slipping her tongue between the soft skin of Rory’s mouth. Their lips danced against each other, the heat scorching them from within.

  “I nearly lost you, Fitzy,” Rory broke the kiss, “I won’t let my pride stand in the way of what I want.”

  “And what do you want, Rory?”

  “You… Anthony… Love.” She smiled.

  “Can we really handle this unorthodox relationship?” Christine stilled, “Do you expect me to sleep with him?”

  “If you want too, I’m ok with that. Having the two people I love, share intimacy with each other, isn’t a bad thing, Fitzy.”

  “Yeah… I don’t think I’m ready for that step. We probably need to talk to Anthony.”

  “Talk to Anthony about what?” He pushed inside the room, “I’m sorry. I just needed to know that Rory was ok. I’ll be honest,” he held Christine’s gaze, “I worried you’d shut her out for good.”

  Rory held Christine’s hand in hers as she met him at the door. Pressing a kiss to his mouth, Anthony couldn’t help but watch Christine.

  “And how do you feel about… what Rory wants?” Christine questioned him, still unsure of what was happening.

  “Christine,” Anthony began, “I’ve known for a long time. Rory wouldn’t be just mine.”

  Christine’s eyes welled with tears as she glanced at Anthony, “You’ve known?”

  “Yes.”

  “I love Rory with all my heart. And if it means accepting this part of her, I will. But the question is… how do you feel about this?”

  “Well… I’m not ready to jump in bed with you – again,” Christine laughed, “But I love her… so if this is how it must be, then let’s talk it out. I want her. You want her – let’s set some ground rules.”

  Chapter 12

  “Your Majesty,” Constable Philips greeted her at the door to his office.

  “Constable,” Rory sat down, “Do you have anything new on who attempted to kill Ms. Fitzgerald?”

  “We believe whoever took Dimitra is the same person responsible for the explosion, the deaths of King and Queen Virid, and the attempt on Ms. Fitzgerald’s life. We just don’t understand why.”

  “Well, once Queen Nite tells us what was in that damn journal… we may have an idea. I’m pretty sure it’s all related somehow.”

  “Your Majesty, we need to discuss the wedding.”

  Rory slumped into the chair. She’d postponed the wedding, telling the Constable she needed more time. Now two weeks later, he was on her again.

  “Constable… can’t that wait?”

  “No. I’m afraid another letter came today.”

  “What? Where is it?”

  The Constable pulled out a small envelope and handed it over to her. Rory ran her finger across the smooth parchment and shook her head.

  “No return address. How did you come across this?”

  “Someone just stuck it in with the rest of the mail.”

  “God damn it. We need a camera on the intake for mail. Maybe we can spot who is leaving these.”

  Rory slipped her finger under the flap and tore it open. “Shit,” she sucked her thumb into her mouth. She’d given herself a papercut trying to tear the damn thing open.

  A heart divided cannot protect.

  The clock is ticking and time is running out.

  Soon your kingdom will burn to ash.

  “This is it?” Rory tossed the paper to the Constable.

  “Yes. But, Your Majesty,” he picked up the letter, “What does it mean a heart divided?”

  Rory swallowed, “What do you mean?”

  He tossed his glasses to the desk, “I won’t beat around the bush, Rory.”

  He stood and paced, “There have been some murmurs about the company you’re keeping.”

  “I don’t understand?”

  “Commander Blake lives in your quarters now, correct?”

  “Yes.”

  “Ms. Fitzgerald has been seen in your room late at night. Why is that?”

  Rory stood, she’d put off this conversation, but now… there was no hiding anymore.

  “Constable… As the Queen who I choose to spend my time with is no one’s business. However, considering the recent events, you must be included in the know. I am in love with Anthony…” she paused, “and Christine. She is the reason I did not want to marry. Anthony knows this and supports the unusual nature of my relationship with her.”

  Constable Philips sat on the edge of his desk, “Your Majesty… I,” he ran his hand over his face, “We will need time to formulate your release to the kingdom. I do not think the older members of the community will understand, but I will support you in any way I can.”

  “Wait… you’re ok with this?”

  “Rory… you cannot choose who you love, but the most painful thing you can do is deny yourself. I did that, and it’s made me a bitter old man. I won’t stand by and watch someone else hide away out of fear.”

  Rory stood in disbelief. She was expecting him to reject the idea of her being in love with two people. Especially when one was a man and one was a woman.

  “Thank you, Constable. I was not expecting you to be so open-minded – much less supportive.”

  “Well… you still have to tell your parents.” Constable Philips laughed, causing Rory to cringe.

  “Shit… I forgot about my parents. I guess I’ll speak to them tonight. No time like the present – it’s like a band-aid. I’ll just rip
it off. Thank you again, Constable. Keep me up to date on any more letters arriving.”

  “Will do,” Constable Philips waved her out the door, “Now, go and figure out how you're going to break it to your mom and dad.”

  Rory left feeling like a weight had lifted off her shoulders. Even though she still had her parents to tell, her greatest fear was how her trusted advisor would react.

  Rory couldn’t hide the smile as she stepped into her quarters. Christine was perched on the window seat reading a book, and Rory couldn’t help but stare. The sun gleamed against her alabaster skin, which contrasted against the dark hair flowing down over her shoulder.

  “Reading something good?” Rory walked toward her.

  “I didn’t hear you come in. How did your meeting go?”

  “Interesting. Another letter arrived for me. It too made no sense.”

  “Rory… this is getting serious.”

  “Fitzy, it was serious when they blew up Emersyn’s castle. I’m not worried, though. My heart is not divided, and the kingdom won’t burn to ash over my love choices.”

  “You sure about that?” Christine shook her head as she stood.

  “Yes. In fact, I just left the Constable, who was surprisingly supportive. He said I needed to decide how to tell my parents later, but he’d help me with the press release to the kingdom. Constable Philips told me he wouldn’t stand by and watch someone hide away in fear. I think he is alone because he has a broken heart.”

  “That’s sad and awesome all in one.”

  Rory twirled a strand of Christine’s black hair around her finger. “Yes… it is.”

  Leaning in, Rory’s mouth found Christine’s. Her lips felt like satin against her own as she pressed her tongue between the sweet taste of cherry.

  Christine wrapped her arms around Rory’s neck, pressing her chest against Rory.

  “I love you, Rory.” She murmured against her lips.

  Rory slowly walked Christine towards the bed, stopping only once her knees hit the edge. On instinct, her body sat down on the side of the mattress.

  “What are you doing?” Christine smiled as Rory pulled her blouse over her head and tossed it to the floor.

  “I’m happy, and I want to share in that happiness… Now,” Rory unzipped her dress and let it fall to the floor. “Take off your pants, Fitzy.”

  Christine unsnapped her pants and kicked them off her legs, leaving her in only her bra and panties as well.

  “God, you're beautiful.”

  Rory leaned down, pushing Christine to her back. She straddled her thighs and pressed a kiss to the smooth skin between her breasts. Reaching around her back, Rory flicked the clasp, pulling her bra off and sending it to the floor with the rest of their clothes.

  Rory palmed a breast, pinching the hardened peak of her nipple. Pressing her face closer, she flicked the tip of her tongue across the sensitive bud. Christine writhed beneath her, hissing at the sensation of Rory’s mouth on her. Rory licked her way down, trailing kisses across the flat ridge of her stomach. Dropping to her knees on the floor, Rory tugged Christine to the edge and pushed her legs apart. Ripping the lace panties from her body, Rory leaned in and inhaled Christine’s scent.

  “God… I’ve missed your smell.”

  Christine sighed, “Stop teasing me, Rory.”

  Rory smirked and pressed between Christine’s legs. Slipping a finger between her folds, Rory massaged the tiny bud with her thumb. Christine cried out, bucking her hips. Rory pressed her mouth onto her clit, sucking it in between her teeth and rolling the tiny pearl around on her tongue. She moved her jaw, biting and nipping at the tender flesh as she plunged her finger in and out of Christine’s cunt.

  Christine tightened her legs around Rory’s head, “Fuck… I’m going to come.”

  Letting go, Christine cried out as her orgasm scorched the bed. Rory lapped up the cream as Christine’s breathing slowed down.

  “Come here at…” Christine pawed at Rory’s hair, tugging at her to crawl toward her.

  Rory wiped her face and then pressed a kiss to her inner leg. “God, you taste good.”

  Grabbing Rory, Christine pulled her into a forceful kiss. Their legs intertwined as they ground their sensitive parts against each other. Christine dipped her hand between their bodies and pressed a finger inside Rory. Rory moaned into her mouth, “Yes…Fuck!”

  Pressing her body against Christine’s arm, Rory began to rock. Her clit rubbing along Christine’s forearm. Christine pressed against their tangled bodies and swayed with her. The tightening of Christine’s belly signaled her orgasm was close. Rory’s breathing sped up, her pussy contracting around Christine’s finger. Christine closed her eyes as she pressed into Rory harder. They screamed out together as their orgasms burst from their bodies.

  “Holy shit.” Christine collapsed next to Rory.

  “Holy shit is right.” Rory laughed.

  Christine rolled against Rory’s side, “Do we have time for a nap?”

  “Yes. Dinner with my parents isn’t until later.”

  “Good. I don’t want to move.” Christine pressed a kiss to Rory’s shoulder.

  “Me either. Let’s rest.”

  Rory wrapped her arms around Christine, holding her tight. They fell asleep listening to the steady lull of each other’s breathing.

  Chapter 13

  Anthony stood at the foot of the bed staring at the two women in his life. They were completely naked and wrapped around each other like beautiful flowering vines. A part of him just wanted to stand there and watch them… it was the first time he’d seen them together like this. That was one of their deals. They had their alone time together, and he and Rory had their alone time. At least until Christine warmed up to this arrangement. He couldn’t lie to himself… a small part of him was attracted to Christine. Hell – she was beautiful. And he saw how much she loved Rory, which only turned him on more. But he wouldn’t push anything physical with her. It would have to be on Rory and Christine’s terms if that were to ever happen.

  He knew he couldn’t stand there forever. Rory would kill him for letting her sleep through her parent's dinner. She’d called him and explained that they were going to tell her parents about the relationship between her, Christine and him. After the Constable had taken the news so well, Rory felt like it was time to come clean and tell her parents.

  “Rory,” Anthony whispered, shaking her leg, “Baby… you need to get up.”

  Rory’s eyelids fluttered, “Shit!” She sat up suddenly, startling Christine awake.

  “What the fuck…” Christine glanced around, shaking the sleep from her head.

  “Anthony,” Rory questioned, “What are you doing in here?”

  “When you didn’t answer the door or your phone, I came in to wake you. It’s nearly dinner time with your parents.”

  “Crap… Christine, we have to get up.” Rory slapped at her leg, “we’re going to be late.”

  Christine smiled, “Ok… I’m moving.”

  “I’ll leave you two to get dressed.” Anthony turned to leave, but Rory grabbed him.

  “No… you can wait in here – can’t he, Christine?”

  Christine stood, naked as the day she was born and walked toward Anthony. “Yes… I’m getting used to the idea of you being here.” Bumping him with her body, she brushed passed him.

  “What just happened?” Anthony watched as she disappeared into the closet.

  “I think she’s growing on the idea of you being in here when… you know.” Rory smiled and pressed her body against him, “I really want to fuck you right now… but I don’t want to be late.”

  “You minx.” Anthony kissed her, slapping her on the ass, “Later…Go get dressed, or we won’t get out of here.”

  Anthony smiled as Rory ran to the closet. Thirty minutes later, both girls were dressed in casual summer dresses.

  Holding out an elbow to each woman, “May I escort you two ladies to dinner?”

  “Of cou
rse,” Rory smiled.

  “It’s pretty nice having arm candy… I can see why you like having him around, Rory.” Christine laughed. Anthony guided them from the room and into the hallway.

  “Are you sure you’re ready to do this, Rory? Once you let this secret out… there’s no going back.”

  “Anthony, I love you both. And I am tired of hiding who I am.”

  “Alright then, we’ve got your back.”

  Anthony pushed open the door to the dining room and ushered the two women inside. Rory’s parents were seated at the far end, her father looking frail and near death.

  “Mother,” Rory nodded at her mother, “Father, it’s good to see you out and about.”

  “Rory…” her mother, Rachel, glanced toward Christine, “I didn’t know you were bringing Ms. Fitzgerald with you. I thought this was going to be a private dinner to discuss your wedding.”

  “That’s why she is here,” Rory glanced tentatively at Christine and smiled.

  “Oh, is she helping with the preparations?”

  “No. Christine’s going to be part of the wedding.” Just rip the band-aid off, Rory thought to herself.

  “Part of the wedding?” Rachel looked confused, “But you said you didn’t want any wedding members.”

  “I still don’t. Mom,” Rory tugged Christine’s hand, pulling her next to stand beside her, “I love Christine. And I love Anthony. I won’t choose one or the other.”

  Rachel gawked as Anthony looped his arm around Rory’s middle and tugged her against him.

  “I’m confused… What are you saying, Rory?”

  Rory’s father began to laugh, causing her mother to glare at him, “Why are you laughing!”

  “Because… our daughter is planning on marrying two people. A man… and a woman.”

  “WHAT? No… that’s preposterous.”

  “The only thing preposterous is the mentality that I have to marry a man. Well, guess what,” Rory stepped forward and swung her arm out, “I am marrying the people I love.”

  “Congratulations, darling.” Her father mumbled, irrupting into a coughing fit, “I am just glad I get to see it happen,” he forced out in a whisper.