Claimed Royalty: (Crowned and Claimed Series, Book 1)

by Betty Shreffler

“Be careful, darling. Your choice today could set the course for a treacherous path, not just for you, but for Anauka too. Heed the warning I gave you before the trials.”

  Fear seizes my body, rushing up my spine and tightening my throat, tears welling in my eyes. Nina takes my hand, giving it a comforting squeeze.

  “Trust your journey, darling. No matter where it leads.”

  My mother steps forward. Placing her hand on my face, she caresses my cheek.

  “We’ll leave you to have some time to yourself, but before we go, I wanted you to know how proud of you I am. You’ve grown into a beautiful and courageous woman. I have complete faith you’ll make a fine Queen.”

  A single tear rolls down my cheek. Very few times in my life has she spoken to me with such pride and conviction. To hear it now reaches deep within. Meeting her expectations is something I truly want to achieve as Queen.

  “Thank you, Mother.”

  When the door slides closed behind them, I feel the weight of my territory on my shoulders. For days, I’ve been thinking of only myself and my shattered heart. I haven’t thought of how my decisions could affect the Anaukin people. Refusing to choose is a choice I cannot make. To do so, would give King Belore the opportunity to propose our territories join together.

  Demerick enters, dispersing my thoughts. With a smile, his bright eyes expand as he looks at me.

  “Princess, you look beautiful.”

  His pleasant genuineness tugs at the corner of my mouth.

  “Thank you.”

  “Do you have a moment? There’s someone who wants to meet you on the veranda.”

  “Who?”

  “I cannot say, Princess. I’ve been asked not to.”

  “That would be one of the suitors then. Yes, of course. I’ll meet them.”

  Leading me down the hall, Demerick stops us before the veranda door. Approaching, I enter to the warm evening sun kissing my skin and the cool breeze hugging it. Standing at the railing in a sharp black suit, holding a red rose is Luther. Coming to me, he offers me the rose.

  “First it was white for letting me view your purity, on our date it was yellow for the joy you bring me, today it’s red for the passion and love I hope we bring one another.”

  Looking down at me, his eyes are filled with hope and desire. In my heart, I feel the pull to him, and it pains me. Taking my hand in his, he caresses it.

  “These last few days, I’ve felt you pull away from me, and it worries me. I needed to take this moment to reassure you I’m all in. I’m willing to take the leap if you’re willing to take it with me.”

  “You’re right. I have pulled away, and I’m sorry. You deserve for me to let you in and build a relationship together. I haven’t treated you well, and yet you continue to be patient and open with me. You deserve so much better than I’ve given you.”

  With my hand in his, he brings me close. Wiping my stray tear, he leans down, kissing me with soft affection.

  “I understand the situation you’ve been in. I’m aware it hasn’t been easy.”

  Knowing eyes stare down at me, his words surprising me.

  “I know you love Matheas.”

  Concern fills my chest.

  “You don’t need to explain. Just know I’m willing to be patient, to earn your love because I know what we can have. We’ve experienced a taste of it already. I believe you see that too.”

  Closing my eyes, the guilt overwhelms me.

  “I’m sorry.”

  Gently cupping my chin, he brings my troubled gaze to his.

  “Making you feel ashamed or guilty isn’t what I want. I want to begin this journey with you having both our hearts open to the possibilities.”

  Placing an arm around my back, he caresses me, the touch of his warm fingers soothing. Pressing his lips to mine, he puts the emotion he feels into the kiss. My body forms to his, my hands gently gripping his jacket as his tongue slides over mine, a delicate sample of his restrained passion. Fingers lost in my hair, his other hand caresses my ass, pressing me to him. Hand wound through my loose curls, he holds my head back. Releasing a breath, his eyes fill with lust as he looks at me.

  “Choose me. Become mine. I worry I’ll lose my mind if you don’t.”

  My opportunity to respond is disrupted by Demerick entering the veranda. Luther loosens his hold, and I turn in his arms.

  “Princess, it’s time.”

  Luther keeps my hand in his, walking with me into the palace. At the top of the stairs, he stops, leaning in to kiss my cheek.

  “I forgot to tell you how breathtaking you look.”

  Continuing down the steps, he reluctantly releases my hand. I watch him go, raising the red rose, inhaling its sweet scent.

  “I like him,” Demerick says next to me. “He adores you. I want to see you with a man who will love you.”

  “He would, but he’s not the only one.”

  Demerick tilts his head, his thoughts moving.

  “Still unsure of who you want?”

  “Completely.”

  “There isn’t much time left to decide, Princess. I’m to escort you into the Imperial Ball.”

  Putting out his arm, I take it. Together, we walk down the grand staircase to the palace ballroom. The doors slide open, and I’m accosted by the scent of flowers and specially prepared cuisine. Round tables covered in white linen are in countless rows. At their centers are gorgeous centerpieces of red flowers and candles. Through the middle of the ballroom is a red runner, the majesty’s path, leading to the altar and the empty King and Queen thrones. Every guest rises from their seats, watching me with exultant expressions as Demerick escorts me to the table nearest the altar where my family awaits me to join them.

  Once I take my seat, my family and every guest take theirs. Demerick disappears to join the rest of the arms men. My brother, Leon, dressed in a fine suit, leans over, kissing me on the cheek.

  “You look lovely, sister.”

  “Thank you.”

  Placing his hand on my back, he rubs sweetly.

  “Soon, I’ll be calling you my Queen.”

  “I’ll always be sister to you.”

  “That you will.”

  With pride and joy, my family smiles at us. Standing from his chair, my father raises his glass, the microphone in his soul band attached to the speaker system for this special occasion.

  “Today, we enter into an Anaukin tradition. The Imperial Dinner and Ball before the passing of the Anaukin crown. Tonight, I lose a daughter but you…gain a Queen.”

  Cheers erupt as glasses clink together.

  “Let us begin,” my father instructs.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  —

  FIORA

  With an exquisite five-course meal, my family and the guests display an array of satisfaction between patting their stomachs and complimenting the chefs and our Royal House. In the background, soft music plays, and my mind wanders as do my eyes. Searching the room, I find the table for each Royal House which provided a suitor. Each of them makes eye contact with me, their gazes hopeful, except Kellan who looks at me with sweet contentment. Each of their attention is pulled away by conversation from their families. My gaze continues around the room, but I never find the man I’m looking for. Sorrow fills my chest at his absence, but I understand why he isn’t here.

  Soon, guests stand and walk to the back of the ballroom to the dance floor. Couples move in sync in the traditional Anaukin dance. Luther fills my periphery. Outstretching his hand, he awaits me to take it. Warmth fills my palm as I slide my hand into his. Placing a hand around my back, he guides me to the dance floor.

  Together, we move in sync with the others. Silently, we dance together, our gazes meeting, sensing the emotion from the other. With no words spoken, we feel our way through the dance, giving in to the music moving through us. Touching my hip, he turns me out into a spin, the train of my gown billowing out like a blossoming flower. Brought back into his arms, he pulls me close to his chest, o
ur breaths heightened.

  Brushing his lips against mine, he teases me, pushing me out into a spin again, then pulling me back to finish the kiss. Around us, the dancers have created a circle, watching us in awe. Moving in fluid steps, he guides me around the dance floor, our eyes locked on one another. Between us, the heat is palpable, the desire strong. The tempo increases, and he pulls me close to his chest as he spins us around the dance floor.

  At the crest of the song, he slows us, dipping me gracefully. Bringing me back to his chest, he kisses me, unleashing the passion that has been building through the dance. The crowd around is a blur as it hums with cheers. My body is lost to the moment, his lips the only focus.

  When we separate, my chest rises and falls with the heat of my arousal. One more sweet kiss and he takes my hand, guiding me off the dance floor. The majority of the guests clap in a chorus around us. Luther doesn’t stray his gaze from mine. It’s as if the entire room of people don’t exist to him, and for a few minutes, I experience the same feeling.

  Kellan approaches and Luther smiles politely, giving my hand to him. Kellan winks, leading me back to the dance floor. With a slower song playing, we ease into a simple dance.

  “I can’t keep up with what I just witnessed, but I’ll do my best.”

  “Committed to the end, aren’t you?”

  “Entirely. I was worried for you when my House told me you were obligated to choose a suitor the day of your coronation, but watching the chemistry between you and Luther develop and that dance, I believe he should be your choice.”

  “I don’t want to choose. I wanted to be free to decide that on my own, later on.”

  “You hoped to choose Matheas one day?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m so sorry, sweet Fi. It breaks my heart to know this isn’t what you want. What are you going to do?”

  “I’m still struggling with that decision.”

  “He’ll forgive you. Matheas knows this isn’t what you wanted.”

  Tears well in my eyes as we swirl around the dance floor.

  “I have to let go of him, and it’s tearing me apart.”

  Kellan puts my head against his chest.

  “Ssh, don’t cry, sweet Fi. Not now.”

  Quickly wiping the tears away, I hide my emotion-filled face in his chest. To everyone else, we appear to be having a romantic moment. Hand rubbing my back, he leans his chin against my head, comforting me the best he can.

  “I don’t imagine Matheas will want to quit being your bodyguard. Perhaps you can have both of them.” Looking up at him, his smile is mischievous. “Don’t tell me you wouldn’t like it. I know I would.”

  Laughing, I shake my head at him.

  “That’s the smile I like to see.”

  At our sides, Riorrick comes into view, heading toward the dance floor and us. Kellan gathers my face in his hands, pressing his lips to mine. Sliding his tongue between my lips, he gives the appearance of a romance between the two of us. Leaning next to my ear, he speaks for only me to hear.

  “Is it bad I’m getting used to it?”

  Smiling, I laugh.

  “Just as bad as me enjoying your kiss.”

  Kellan taps my nose with his finger.

  “I told you not to fall for me.”

  “I can’t help it. You’re adorable.”

  “I know. I’m cursed with these good looks and charm.”

  Caressing my arm, he leaves just as Riorrick approaches.

  Taking Kellan’s place, Riorrick positions his hand on my lower back and holds my hand in his.

  “I know this will be our last time spent together, so I wanted to enjoy a final dance.”

  Guilt becomes an uncomfortable twitch in my gut.

  “I’m sorry, Riorrick. You’re an incredible man. I hope I haven’t hurt you.”

  “I’m disappointed you and I couldn’t find love, but I don’t have any animosity toward you. You can’t force something that isn’t there.”

  “I hope you’ll consider joining the Royal Faction. You would benefit the Anaukin people greatly.”

  “At the beginning of this, I would have thought the idea wasn’t for me, but after meeting you and the conversations we’ve had, I believe you’re right. When I return home, I’ll be enrolling my name.”

  Together, we continue to move eloquently around the dance floor. Smiling at him, I admire his sweet and handsome face I’ve grown fond of the last few weeks.

  “I think that is an excellent choice. If you accept, I’ll send an endorsement seal with you.”

  “This is why it’s so easy to fall for you. You’re beautiful and generous. I accept your offer.”

  Leaning in, he gives a tender kiss to my cheek.

  “I look forward to the next time we meet.”

  Leaving the dance floor, I follow Riorrick. Within a few steps from the dance floor, I’m stopped by Malark, looking handsome in his navy suit.

  “May I have this dance?”

  “Of course,” I reply, giving him my hand.

  Returning to the dance floor, we easily move into the proper technique for the song.

  “Can I ask you for an honest answer?”

  “Yes.”

  “What is it about me that turned you away?”

  “You did nothing wrong if that’s what you think. I’ve enjoyed our time together. It’s as simple as the chemistry wasn’t there between us.”

  “There isn’t anything I could’ve done differently to win your heart?”

  “No, you should return home, knowing you’re worthy of any woman. You’re handsome, talented in many areas, politically intelligent, and you’re ambitious. Had there been the right chemistry between us, you would’ve been a good choice for me.”

  “I’m going to return home regretting it wasn’t me you chose.”

  “Don’t. You’ll find the woman who suits you perfectly, and I’ll become a distant memory.”

  “There’s no forgetting you, Fiora. You’re every man’s desire.”

  “I’m a fantasy for men. The reality is, I’m just as flawed as everyone else.”

  “I’ll let you believe that.”

  Kissing his cheek, I smile at him.

  “Your flattery has been unrivaled.”

  Looking me in the eyes, his own fill with sadness.

  “I’m going to miss your quick wit.”

  “Then make sure to visit me so we can continue our debates. I need a friend to keep me on my toes.”

  “That’s something I would enjoy. With my move to the capital, I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other often.”

  “I assume your House supported your enrollment into the Royal Faction then?”

  “They did.”

  “Congratulations. I’m pleased to hear it.”

  “I’m glad you are, but you might not be when I don’t take it easy on you.”

  “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

  The song ends, and Malark raises my hand, giving the customary kiss of respect.

  “It’s been a pleasure, Fiora.”

  “It has.”

  Returning to my table, I quench my thirst with water. Around me, my family chatters in conversation, and I grow weary, my heart unsettled as I sit there watching everyone. A warm hand touches my shoulder. The feel of his lips grazing my ear. My body recognizes his touch instantly.

  “You look exquisite.”

  Rising from my chair, I admire him in his sharp black uniform, worn for special occasions like this. Reaching his eyes, I observe every emotion he’s feeling—sorrow, adoration, and enthrallment.

  “I couldn’t go without seeing you, not on the most important night of your life. We’ve spent too much time planning for it.”

  “I’m grateful you came to see me. You have no idea how much I hoped you would.”

  Unable to look away, we speak unspoken words, our eyes communicating for us. The desire to embrace one another is palpable, our breathing elevated. In his eyes, I see the longing, the need
to hold me.

  “There’s so much I want to say.”

  Gently taking my elbow, he leads me away from the tables into the dim lighting. Our conversation appears as palace affairs to the unknowing eye. Lowering his hand, he grazes my fingers. The gentle touch sends a warming sensation up my arm.

  “I know. So do I. The only thing you need to know right now is I’m never leaving you. I swore an oath to protect and advise you. That doesn’t stop after tonight. Even if I can’t sit on the throne next to you, I’ll still be at your side.”

  “I couldn’t take it if you left me.”

  “I won’t. Whoever you choose tonight, they’ll never convince me to leave you. I love you like the day loves the sun. One cannot be without the other.”

  With all my strength, I fight back the outpouring of tears. Fingers gently lacing through his, I stare up at his beautiful cerulean blues, feeling the warmth of his love just through his gaze.

  “I love you.”

  “I know you do, and I understand this isn’t what you wanted. I’ll never hold it against you.”

  To my left, Belore appears in my periphery. Reluctantly, we release our joined fingers, my chest aching the moment our contact severs. As he approaches, his stare is deadly, calculated. My body stiffens as he nears.

  “Princess,” Taking my hand, he kisses it. “I was disappointed you could not attend my coronation, but I came to discover you were busy planning your own. Perhaps with our new positions, we’ll both be more willing to work together.”

  “Surely, we will be,” I lie.

  Eyes dropping to my chest, a smirk appears before his attention returns to my eyes.

  “You’re striking in that gown.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Will you honor me with a dance?”

  “Of course.”

  My skin crawls from the thought alone. Looking at Matheas, I give him the expression he knows. As Belore leads me through the center of the room, Matheas stalks the outside, keeping a close eye on Belore and his two guards standing on the outside edge of the room.

  Pulling me tight against him, he takes my hand, leading us into the customary dance matching the current song.

  “The fact you’ll be crowned tonight pleases me.”

  “How so?”