“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 it 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.