“Yes.”
“That’s all I was, wasn’t I? A substitute for the woman you truly want.”
Matheas is silent. Standing completely still, I remain outside, nervously awaiting his answer.
“It doesn’t matter how much I try, there’s no one I care for more than her.”
“You’ll never be able to have her.”
“I know. Your reminder isn’t needed.”
Gut tightening, I limp away to the healing chamber before either discover me. Mixed emotions tumble through my stomach. Things are changing. Too much, too fast. What I want and what I have to do are becoming a daily battle. Every woman in Anauka I see, I look at with envy. They’re free to do and go as they please while I live in a royal cage, my choices and my freedom limited.
In the healing chamber, I remove all my clothing. A hole in my top indicates how bad the burn on my back is. In front of a full figure mirror, I twist my body and discover the red, blistering flesh. Stepping into the vertical healing booth, I hold my breath at the familiar pinch of the therapeutic medicine and pain relief injected into my arm. Next, the sting of the laser scans my body, finding the open wounds, sealing them. Any flesh wounds too thin to be sealed are coated with a cream that once heated forms to your body like new skin. Stepping out, my body is completely healed on the outside, but inside my muscles are sore.
Preparing a bath, I light several candles and lower the switch on the wall, turning down all lights. Leaning back in the tub, I relax in the soothing water. The door behind me opens, and Nina enters. She sweeps the room, her mouth lowering into a frown.
“Where’s Matheas?”
“He’ll be here any moment.”
“You were a true warrior today. You should be proud.”
“It’s a game, Nina. A game for entertainment and to prove I’m strong enough to lead.”
“What’s wrong, darling?”
“Everything.”
“What do you mean?”
“Everything is changing. I’m changing.”
“You know you can speak with me about anything, don’t you?”
“I do, but right now, I’m not sure what to say. I’m feeling too much.”
“I understand. The trials, becoming Queen, it’s a lot for a woman to take in, but you’re not alone. You have me and Matheas to share your burdens with.”
When I say nothing, she continues.
“I’ll leave you to relax, but don’t be long. The Royal families and ours will be waiting for you to attend dinner. Everyone is eager to see you.”
“Thank you. I’ll be there soon.”
Nina walks toward the exit, but I stop her.
“Nina, one more thing.”
“Yes, darling?”
“I’m removing Alayna from my staff. Tell father, please.”
“Of course, darling. I’ll tell him.”
As soon as the door closes, it opens again. The familiar sound of Matheas’s boots cross the floor.
“The shot to your back must’ve been worse than I thought since you came straight here.”
Lowering next to the tub, he tilts his head, worry in his eyes.
“I did come to the preparation room.”
With movement of his Adam’s apple, he swallows, revealing his uneasiness.
“How much did you hear?”
“Enough.”
“Do you want to talk about what you heard?”
“There’s no need to explain. I’ve known for years you’ve laid with women.”
“It was something we never talked about. Today you asked about it. What changed?”
“For the first time, I feel jealous.”
“Fi—”
“Did you mean it? That you want me? That you care for me more than any other woman?”
Waving his hand over the tub switch, the water drains. Taking my hand, he raises me out of the water. Collecting a towel nearby, he helps me out, then wraps it around me, keeping his arms in place, holding me close to him. Hand to my cheek, he brushes my wet hair away from my face.
“Yes. I tried, Fi, I tried to give others a chance, but I couldn’t force what I didn’t feel for them. I knew I couldn’t have you either. I hate not being able to have you. I hate the idea of any son from a Royal family touching you, lying with you. It should be me and only me.”
“How long have you felt this way?”
“Too long.” With the candlelight dancing in his eyes, I see the intensity, the longing. “When you asked me to kiss you today, you broke me open. You crushed the remaining willpower I had. I don’t know if I can stop myself from kissing you daily.”
“Then don’t. I want you to kiss me. I want to feel your touch.”
“What you’re asking is dangerous. The way my body reacts to seeing you naked, being close to you, touching you would be agony for me. I’d give anything to lay with you.”
“There are other ways to have me without taking my purity.”
“Fi, what are you saying?” Eyes wide, his gaze dances from my eyes to my lips and back.
“You can have me, just not my purity. Not until I’m crowned.”
A low rumble escapes his chest.
“I wish we’d had this conversation long ago.”
“The way I’m feeling, the way I see things, it’s different now. I know what I want.”
“What do you want?”
“You.”
Running his thumb across my lips, he stares down at me. In his eyes, I see a change, a mixture of relief and desire. Dropping the towel, my bare chest presses against his uniform shirt.
“As your Princess, I’m officially ordering you to only give yourself to me.”
Leaning down, he sucks at my neck, nibbles, then kisses it. I inhale a breath at the arousing sensation rushing down my body.
“I accept, willingly.”
Touching me between my legs, my breath escapes me when his fingers find my wetness and caress against my opening.
“Matheas…”
Sliding a finger in, I squeeze my legs together, surprised by the invasion only to relax as he moves in and out. The pleasure forming steals my breath, and I grip him as it increases.
“Don’t stop. It feels amazing.”
“I have to, Fi. You have a dinner to host, remember?”
“Don’t tease me like this. I want more.”
“I’ll give you more tonight. I’ll stay the night with you.”
Withdrawing his hand leaves me aching for his touch. Claiming his mouth, I ravage his lips, desire ripping through me in waves. Pulling back, his breath is heavy.
“It’s a damn good thing I have to take you to dinner.”
Nibbling my lip, I look up at him, my cheeks warm.
“Everything between now and tonight is an agonizing obstacle. I’m ready to learn everything you have to show me.”
Placing both hands on the side of my face, he rests his head against mine.
“Truer words have never been spoken. I’m ready to show you as much as you want to be shown. Fi…”
“Yes?”
“Please get dressed before your father’s men come looking for you and find me claiming the King’s daughter.”
Placing one last kiss on his lips, I turn away from him. Running his hand down my arm, he squeezes my hand before letting go.
“There is no woman as mesmerizing as you, Fiora. Not even close.”
Glancing over my shoulder, I notice the way he’s staring at me, no longer hiding how he truly feels, what he really wants. Watching me from a distance, his smile is lascivious, and I can’t help smiling back, winking at him as I slide my dinner dress on.
Coming up to me, he brushes my hair over my shoulder and clasps the dress at my neck. A strong hand caresses down my shoulder and rests at my waist. Holding my back to his front, he turns my face to meet his, kissing me deeply.
“That’s to hold on to until I can kiss you again.”
Hair dried, I choose a fancy braid over my shoulder and pretty i
t up with a jeweled hairpiece above my ear. With Matheas at my side, I’m guided into the Royal dinner tent set up outside the stadium. Usually, Royal dinners are held in the palace, but not at the festival. Here, we’re accessible to the people while they enjoy their dinners and the evening festival activities.
Stepping into the tent, Matheas clears his throat, and the Royal families quiet down, moving to give me space to walk through. Claps ensue as Matheas escorts me farther into the tent. I’m handed a glass of wine from my mother, Melinda. Cupping my chin, she kisses my cheek.
“You did a wonderful job at the battle, Fiora. You’ve made us all proud.”
“Thank you, Mother.”
“We didn’t doubt you. Not with the training you’ve received from Matheas. You’ve made her into a strong warrior, just as we hoped,” my father says to him.
“I’m honored to have been chosen as her bodyguard and her trainer.”
“It was a perfect match. We know you’ll do well to protect her as she rules.”
“That I will.”
My father hands Matheas a glass of wine and pats him on the shoulder.
“Before we begin tonight’s dinner, tradition calls for a gift of a kiss.”
My father motions to Sederick, standing farther back in the large group of people.
“Sederick shall receive a kiss from the Princess for his display of strength, bravery, and Anaukin spirit.”
Glancing over at Matheas, I see his jaw twitch. It’s not enough to be noticed by anyone else, but I know him well. He’s not happy about this.
Sederick steps forward and takes my hand and raises it to his lips, giving the customary kiss of respect and affection. Lowering my hand, he removes the space between us. Nerves combust inside my belly as his hand rests between my jaw and neck. With a slight tug of his fingers, he pulls me forward, placing his lips on mine.
When his tongue slides between my lips, I’m taken by surprise. Cheers and claps egg him on, and he continues his kiss, invading my mouth with more vigor. Keeping a balance between not disappointing those around me and not angering Matheas, I give into the kiss enough to please the viewers. Sederick pulls back slightly for a breath, and just as quickly brings his lips back to mine, claiming my mouth for another kiss.
Behind him, my father laughs. “Easy now, Sederick, I know my daughter is beautiful, but let’s not make the men jealous.”
“Sorry, Your Highness. She is breathtaking.”
My father pats him on the shoulder. “Exactly why she must remain pure. If every man had her, no one would want her.”
Tilting my head, I scowl at my father’s comment. Winking at me, he raises his glass.
“To my daughter, Fiora, our future Queen.”
Everyone raises their glasses. “To Fiora,” they say in unison.
As the glasses lower, the crowd moves in closer, discussing the trials from each of their houses and how eager they are to have me complete them. Each Royal house takes every opportunity they can to include their sons in conversation, sharing their skills, their political training, and their views. Soon, the names and information blur together. Just when I’m ready to excuse myself, my father announces dinner.
Taking my seat, I’m relieved to have Matheas next to me. Touching his leg, he slides his hand under mine and caresses it with his thumb. Withdrawing my hand, I smile at him. Leaning over, I whisper.
“All I want is to be alone with you.”
“Soon.”
Riorrick, son of Royal House Tuller, with a round face and medium-length red hair, looks across the table at us.
“Fiora, would you like to go riding with me sometime? I hear you’re a skilled rider and enjoy riding often.”
“I do. I enjoy simple pleasures, riding being one of them.”
“We’ll make plans then. Dinner and riding.”
“Of course.”
Matheas raises his wine glass and takes several gulps, finishing it off. I’m realizing now how difficult being by my side must have been for him—always wanting, but never expressing it. And now the monarch trials and suitor phase are only going to make things more difficult. I hate seeing him in any discomfort. Tonight, I hope to show him how much it’s him I want.
The dinner continues with more efforts by the suitors and their families to lock in dates with me. Each wants to ensure their time with me, in hopes I’ll fall for one of them or even like them enough to choose them to reign alongside me. If only I could announce to them all that their efforts are futile, I’ll never choose any of them. Unfortunately, it’s customary for me to give them all their time. It’s expected of me, and I’d be shamed for not choosing a suitor. I’ll hold off on my decision until I’m crowned. After that, no one can challenge my choice.
Dinner comes to an end, and everyone is relaxed, full of wine, and satisfied with food and good company. I excuse myself, letting everyone know I need to rest for tomorrow’s trials. Before I can slip away, Malark—son of House Levore, dark-haired with a strong jaw and handsome features—takes my hand, stopping me.
“Princess, will you take a walk with me?”
Inside, I’m screaming no, but on the outside, I smile pleasantly. “Of course.”
Keeping my hand in his, he guides me out of the tent. Glancing behind me, I expect Matheas to join us. He sees us leaving and moves to follow. My father places a hand on his chest, stopping him.
“She’ll be all right with him.”
Matheas’s jaw clenches as he watches, an expression of frustration revealed on his face as Malark takes me away.
Casually, we walk hand in hand. For being as tall as he is, Malark’s stride is easy, relaxed. He doesn’t seem nervous, and I’m glad. It’ll make the time with the suitors more enjoyable if they’re relaxed.
“I’ve been told you’re a talented painter.”
“You can at least tell what I intended to paint.”
“And you’re humble.”
“Sometimes.”
Mouth tilted in a half-smile, he looks over at me, staring at me as we come to a stop in front of a vendor booth.
“And very beautiful.”
“I’m beautiful because I’m the unattainable. There are many beautiful Anaukin women.”
“None that have the beauty, strength, skills, and charm you possess.”
“Don’t spend all your time flattering me.”
“I won’t. I also want to buy you a gift.”
Motioning toward the vendor booth behind me, I see it’s a jewelry shop from in town. The dark-haired woman who owns the shop smiles pleasantly at me.
“As a gift from myself and my Royal family, I offer you anything you see before you.”
Looking over the jewelry, I do my best to find something moderate. Too inexpensive and I’ll insult Malark and his family. Too expensive and I’ll appear vain. Lifting a bracelet of pretty blue beads from the table, I admire the swirls in the beads.
“This piece is lovely. Crafted very nicely as well.”
The shop owner’s eyes crease as she smiles. “The beads are urealean stone. They’re a symbol of courage.”
“It’s a nice fit for you, Princess,” Malark says behind me.
“It is, isn’t it?”
Placing it on my wrist, I touch the beads, running my fingers over the smooth stones as Malark touches his soul band and brings up a digital screen. After selecting the options he wants, he touches his band to the shop owner’s soul band, and the payment is made.
“Thank you, Malark. It’s a beautiful gift.”
Taking my hand, he rubs his thumb over my skin.
“If you choose me to reign with you, I’d ensure you’re always happy and taken care of. I mean it, Fiora, I’d want us to have a loving relationship.”
“I’d want the same from the man I choose to be King. I’m not looking for a man whose desire is to sit on the throne. I want a man whose desire is to love me and be by my side.”
“Spend more time with me and I’ll prove to you that�
�s the kind of man I am. We can truly get to know one another and see if we’d be a match.”
“We’ll spend more time together, I promise you.”
“That’s all I ask. Well, I admit, there’s one more request.”
“What is it?”
“Come with me and I’ll share it.”
With my hand in his, he leads me through vendor alley, taking me in the direction of the palace.
“Tomorrow, when you complete the horse race for my house, you’ll be against our best riders. The black horse, he’ll push your horse hard and try to break him. On the turn, the riders will close in on you and try to intimidate you, don’t let them.”
Malark’s kindness has taken me by surprise.
“Thank you for the advice.”
“I want to see you succeed. Today, you were impressive. My eyes were glued to you the entire time. I imagine tomorrow will be the same.”
Reaching the palace, he guides me around the outside balcony until we reach the backside, facing the gardens behind it. Every so many feet, a lantern sits atop the metal wall, adding to the romantic ambiance the moon and garden already set. The breeze of the night brushes over my skin and I shiver. Malark notices and comes closer. Placing his hand at my cheek, he brushes a few strands of stray hair the breeze has caught away from my face.
“My request is for a kiss. Every suitor is allowed one request for a kiss. I might be a fool, but I’m making my request early. I want you to remember me through your time spent with the other suitors.”
Taking a breath, I have no choice but to agree.
“A kiss it is.”
Looking down at me, he places his hand at my neck, tilts his head, and leans in. When his lips touch mine, I notice how soft and full they are. The kiss is sweet, enjoyable until he darts his tongue into my mouth rapidly and repeatedly as if sucking on candy. Alarmed at the strange sensation, I pull back, and he moves with me, keeping our kiss going, tongue slipping in and out between my lips so quickly and awkwardly, I silently beg for it to be over. When he pulls back, he caresses my face, a giant grin swelling his cheeks.
“You taste sweet, Princess.”
Nausea churns my stomach. That kiss was in no way pleasant for me. His tongue moves quickly like a lizard catching its prey. Taking a moment, I fight down the sensation of hurling all over him.
Claimed Royalty: (Crowned and Claimed Series, Book 1) Page 3
