His soul band vibrates, and inside, my heart leaps with relief.
“Unfortunately, our time has passed. I look forward to seeing you at the suitor gathering.”
As soon as the door closes behind him, I return to the changing partition to retrieve my gown.
From here all the suitors will be brought to the veranda on the second floor of the palace. It’s a private gathering for only them and me. They’ll be given the opportunity to share my company away from the watchful eyes of the other Royals.
As I slide a strap over my shoulder, Matheas enters, the door locking behind him. Eyes filled with emotion, he crosses the room, stopping directly in front of me. As he reads my eyes, his own express dissatisfaction mixed with longing.
“That was one of the most difficult hours of my life,” he tells me. Caressing his hand along my arm, he pulls the second strap onto my shoulder.
Looking up at him, I place my hand against his cheek, sweeping my thumb across his lips. Placing my mouth to his, I give into the arousal coursing through my body. Moaning, he loses his control. Putting a hand in my hair, he pulls me flush against him. Taking my ass in his hand, he tightens our union, pressing his length into my center. My back hits the wall, and I raise my leg, wrapping it around his waist. Holding my thigh, he thrusts against me.
“It doesn’t matter what man touches you, Fi,” Another thrust and I moan, desperately needing more. “You’ll always be mine.”
In every fiber of my being, I know this to be true. The bond I share with Matheas is one which can never be broken or replaced. He’s captured my heart without mercy, I’m captive to his love.
Pulling back, he bunches my dress, raising it, revealing the wetness between my legs as he lowers to one knee. Hand caressing my leg, he lifts it, tossing it over his shoulder. Inhaling a sharp breath, I roll my head back as his lips devour me, his tongue claiming my arousal.
With each pleasurable touch of his lips and tongue, he leads my body to ecstasy. Deeper, I fall into the magnificent sensations coursing through me. Trembling, I’m desperate for release.
“Matheas…” His name is a plea on my parted lips as I come apart, reaching my orgasm.
Kissing the inside of my thigh, he lowers my leg, and my gown falls from his hands, sweeping the floor. Reaching his full height, he looks down at me, his gaze erotic.
“You have an innate ability to leave a lasting memory,” I tell him, my lip curling into a satisfied and lascivious grin.
“I aim to please.”
With a wink, he leans in and kisses me, acquainting me with the taste of my own arousal.
“It’s time for me to take you to the veranda,” he tells me, his tone full of disappointment. “You know where I’ll be when you’re finished.”
Another kiss and we pull apart, his gaze now matching the regret I feel that our time together has to end.
With my hand circled around his arm, he leads me back to the ballroom where I’m flooded with Royals drunk on Anaukin ale. Steadily paced, Matheas moves me through the room and their excited conversations.
Ascending the marble stairwell together, we take several steps in silence, his unease palpable.
“If you wanted to lay with another man, would you tell me?”
“I think so, but I don’t want to lay with another man, so why the question?”
“Because there may come a time you feel differently. If you did, I would be willing to accept it under one condition.”
“And what is that?”
“You lay with both of us and never lay with him alone.”
Breath caught in my lungs, my cheeks flush. Matheas glances at me, his lips tilting in a mischievous grin.
“The thought arouses you, doesn’t it?”
“Maybe,” I smirk, giving him a sideways glance.
Stopping on the stairwell, he gently takes my arm, facing us toward one another.
“I’ve seen the way your body responds to Luther kissing you. As Queen, you’ll have the choice to lay with whomever you want, whenever you want. I’d rather share you than lose you to another man.”
Leaning in, I kiss his cheek before brushing my lips over his ear. “You’ll never lose me. I’m yours to keep.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
—
FIORA
Reluctantly, Matheas releases my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze before leaving me at the entrance to the veranda. Watching him go, I give my attention to the veranda door once he’s no longer visible. Stepping forward, the sliding door opens to the balcony area. Ahead of me is a fire lit inside a raised stone hearth. Around the fire is an L-shaped bench and across from it, two more double seated chairs, all cushioned with scarlet fabric. Beyond the sitting area is a tall glass tabletop with a flask of ale and five goblets, some of which have already been filled and are in the hands of the suitors.
Moving farther onto the veranda, the door slides shut behind me, and the attention of the men is pulled from their conversations, drawn to me. Charming smiles stretch their lips toward their desire-filled eyes.
“Princess,” Malark addresses me first, pointing to the empty space between him and Riorrick. “Join us.”
Luther approaches casually, handing me a glass of ale.
“Perhaps she’d like to take a moment to release her nerves. Standing on that pedestal for each of us took a lot of courage.”
Taking the glass, I give an appreciative half-smile before bringing it to my lips. Malark tries to hide his frown, but his eyes reveal the daggers he’s shooting at Luther.
Kellan, leaning against the balcony railing watches them with amusement. With my glass in hand, I address them all.
“I appreciate the respect and kindness each of you has offered me throughout the trials and splendor ceremony. Tonight, I’d like to spend our time together letting go of formalities. I want each of you to show me the man you truly are. It will make our time together far more worthwhile.” Raising my glass, I make a toast. “Welcome to the suitor phase, gentlemen.”
Kellan takes a drink and locks eyes with me, taking systematic steps toward me.
“Princess.” Outstretching his hand to me, he requests, “Can we have a moment alone?”
“Of course.”
Linking my fingers through his, I let him guide me away from the other suitors. Each of them watches with different expressions, none of them pleased. Passing a privacy wall created for this occasion, Kellan guides me to a scarlet red loveseat on the other side, softened by several cushy pillows. Taking the seat, he puts an arm around me, and I lean into his shoulder, enjoying the fragrance of his musky citrus cologne and the soft fabric of his cobalt sweater.
“I didn’t think you would mind if I stole you away from them.”
“Not at all.”
Lifting my glass, I sip slowly, already warm from the effects of the ale I’ve consumed this evening.
“How did the rest of the splendor ceremony go?”
“It was intense. Each of the men reacted differently. Riorrick saved his request for a kiss during his time. It was sweet.”
“They all behaved themselves then?”
“Yes.”
“They’ve been chattering with enthusiasm waiting for you to arrive.” Leaning in, he whispers. “After viewing you, I think you now have them wrapped around your delicate finger.”
“Any that I should be concerned about?”
“Nothing I’ve seen. Malark has been his usual overconfident self. From what I’ve observed, Luther and Riorrick are smitten with you.” Kellan’s voice remains low. “And there’s Luther now.”
My head shifts to Luther approaching from the far end of the privacy wall. Kellan kisses my cheek before standing.
“See you later, sweet Fi.”
Kellan and Luther exchange polite glances. Setting my goblet on the table in front of me, I leave the loveseat and walk to the railing. Luther joins me, standing sideways, watching me as I look out over the balcony at the hundreds of colorful lights from
the festival below. With a stroke of his fingers, he brushes a loose strand of hair caught in the wind behind my ear, waking my senses.
“You’re beautiful, Fiora. Every time you enter a room, I can’t pull my gaze away.” Stepping closer, he removes what little space is between us. “I wish it was only you and me here this evening.”
Looking up at his cerulean blue eyes, I see the desire swimming in them.
“What would you do differently if it was only the two of us up here?”
“I wouldn’t have to worry about someone interrupting this,” Warm fingers cup my chin, turning my face to his. Lips, soft and affectionate, press to mine. Sliding his tongue between my lips stirs my desire. With his hand around my back, he forms my chest to his. Hand nestled in my hair, he massages my neck as his lips devour my mouth. Pulling back, I take a breath, my head dizzy with lust.
“There’s something between us. I know you feel it too, and I admit, I don’t like having to share you with three other suitors. I’d rather it be just the two of us discovering what this is.”
Turning away from him, I look out at the horizon, taking each breath slowly. Strong hands overlap mine, intertwining with my fingers before the warmth of his chest forms to my back. My eyes close as his lips graze the shell of my ear, sending a brief wave of pleasure through me.
“What are you thinking?”
“That I don’t trust you.”
“Why would you? We barely know one another. All I know is I’m drawn to you and want so much more of you.”
The feathery touch of his lips hardens my nipples. Leaning my head back, I let him kiss the column of my neck.
“How much of this is seduction and how much is real?”
“That’s for you to figure out, but for me, I already know it’s real.”
“I want to believe you, but I can’t. I’d be a fool to trust any of you this early on.”
“It’s true, you would.”
“Then you know you have much to prove.”
Tongue licking my neck, he nips at my skin, drawing a pleasured breath from my parted lips.
“I do, and I’m willing to do what it takes to earn your trust.”
“That’s a start.”
Adjusting his stance, he angles to my side, bracing my head in his palm as he leans down and kisses me. The caress of his hand runs down my back as the kiss ends. Leaning casually against the railing, his smile reveals his state of pleasure.
“Do you like music?”
“I do.”
“If we marry, would you enjoy hearing me play instruments in the palace and attending the Anaukin music festival with me?”
“I would. I’m curious if you’re as good of a musician as I’m expecting.”
With a shrug of his shoulder, his mouth quirks.
“I’m not one to brag, but I can please.”
“You have piqued my interest. I’ll have to hear you play.”
Behind us, a man clears his throat. Our gazes follow the sound to Malark. Luther’s lip curves slightly as he stares at him, annoyed by the interruption. Leaning in, he kisses me softly, stroking my cheek with his thumb.
“I had so much more I wanted to discuss. Another reason I wanted you to myself.” Against my ear, he whispers, “Be careful with him.”
The men nod politely in passing. Luther glances over his shoulder, an expression of discomfort on his face as he sees Malark approaching me.
“Princess—”
“Fiora, please.”
Standing at the railing next to me, he admires me, his expression full of delight.
“It’s a pleasure we get to enjoy your company in private this evening.”
“What would you like to talk about while you have me?”
Placing his hand over mine, he caresses my skin. The sensation should cause a pleasant reaction, but I feel nothing, only his touch.
“Would you prefer political and social welfare or something more casual?”
“Casual. Tell me about your home. Do you have siblings?”
“I do. I have a younger sister the same age as your brother, Leon. Her name is Cassia.”
“It’s a beautiful name. Is she as pretty as you are handsome?”
“She is. Even more so. She’ll make a lovely wife someday.”
“Only a wife? You don’t have any other goals for her?”
“She wants to own racehorses. She enjoys being involved and watching them as much as you like participating. She’s quite fond of you and has been calling me, asking me all sorts of details about you.”
“It’ll be my pleasure to meet her.”
“Hers as well.”
“What about you, Malark? What are your goals?”
“To do something exceptional with my life.”
“Acquiring the throne would be exceptional.”
“It would be. If married, I believe you and I could keep Anauka peaceful and prosperous for our entire reign.”
“What about men like Belore? He wants to expand Iowan territory into Anauka. What would you do about him?”
“Increase security on the border we share with Iowan. I would want to set up a meeting with him. Hear what exactly it is he wants. Perhaps we can keep peace by negotiating an agreement.”
“I respect the diplomatic approach, but unfortunately, a man like Belore doesn’t negotiate, and once he’s King, he’ll be a problem for me and the people of Anauka.”
“Would you lead Anauka into war as your first act as a monarch?”
“No, I wouldn’t declare war. I would be far more discreet and calculated when dealing with Belore. Could you handle my approach?”
“I could, and I would help you plan it.”
“I believe you to be capable of handling strategic warfare. How about social welfare? Can I trust you to care for others? To always choose what is most beneficial for the Anaukin people?”
“Yes.”
“What if we disagreed? Would you use the diplomatic approach or would you be discreet and calculated to get what you want?”
Eyes a stony blue, he stares at me, the realization dawning on him.
“You lead me into that.”
“I did.” Giving an impish grin, I wink at him. “I’m trained in all sorts of tactics. Please don’t underestimate me. It would be your mistake. I meant it when I said I want each of you to show me who you truly are. It’s time you do so.”
As I pass him to leave, his head drops.
“I want the throne as much as I want you.”
Turning, I face him. “Honesty looks good on you.”
“Do you find me less appealing now that you know the truth?”
Tilting my head, I observe the worry wrinkling his brows.
“No. A King should want the crown as much but not more than the Queen sitting next to him. So, that’s my only remaining concern with you. Which do you want more? The throne or me?”
Malark goes to speak, and I raise my hand, stopping him.
“I already know the answer. We’ve only just met. You came here already wanting the throne.”
“Fiora, it’s true, I’ve dreamt about being King, but that was before I met you. You’ve changed my aspirations. It might be greedy to say, but now I desire both. You’re far more cunning than the other suitors are capable of understanding. As you’ve discovered, I can do what is necessary of a King. I can be the ruler and the man you need.”
Eliminating the space between us, he pulls me into his arms, slipping his tongue between my lips rapidly and repeatedly. Pulling back, I stop the kiss.
“What is it?” he asks, his tone concerned.
“The ale. I’m afraid it’s upset my stomach,” I lie.
“Oh. Would you like me to have water brought up for you?”
“Yes, please.”
“I’ll do that now.”
He leaves me, and I take a breath, settling the discomfort in my stomach. Returning to the loveseat, I sit and take a drink of ale. Riorrick turns the corner moments later, lookin
g at me confused as I sip from my goblet.
“Malark said he’s fetching you water, that your stomach is upset.”
Setting the glass down, I do my best not to break a smile.
“I’m feeling better.”
Joining me, he faces me on the loveseat. The dark navy suit he wears is an appealing contrast to his red hair and cerulean eyes.
“Did you want rid of him?”
“No. The water will be refreshing.”
Taking my hand, he holds it over his knee.
“My respect for you continues to grow. You’re an unpredictable and talented woman. I admit I’m fascinated.”
“Any woman raised the way I was and given the same opportunities would be just as fascinating.”
“Perhaps there’s truth to that, but you are special. The interesting part is you don’t see it. You consider yourself the opposite of unique.”
“I find you fascinating as well. You’re reserved but clearly intelligent. You’re introverted and don’t appear to have the need to boast about yourself or talents. Even with that, I still know very little about you. So, please, share with me.”
“People often assume I’m shy or timid, but I’m neither. I’m thoughtful. I probably spend too much time in my own head,” he laughs.
“Not a bad thing.”
“I agree. I enjoy things that are mentally stimulating like writing and playing chess. I’m easily bored when something isn’t thought-provoking.”
“What do you like to write?”
“Short stories.”
“Would you let me read them?”
“I would if we married,” his lips turn up, lightening his eyes. “If I let you read them before, you would have leverage against me.”
His playful comment tilts my lips.
“You likely don’t give yourself enough credit.”
“I had one short published in the Anaukin journal. People did leave positive comments below it.”
“See what I mean. You’re a humble man, aren’t you?”
“I try to be.”
“I believe as King you’d care about our people and truly want what’s best for them, but what about the part of being King where you have to enforce laws, punishments, and make choices to protect our people. There’s a constant threat outside the boundaries of our territory. How would you handle it?”
Claimed Royalty: (Crowned and Claimed Series, Book 1) Page 13
