and a challenge. Sir Matheas and King Ryker are handsome and proud men.”
Taking a seat at the vanity, I look at Kaya through the mirror.
“That they are.”
“They’re quite jealous of one another, aren’t they, my Queen?” Elisa asks, handing me a cup of water.
“Very. Yet neither of them should be. My love for them is equal.”
“Does that mean you don’t intend to marry one over the other?”
With the cool water quenching my thirst, I lower the glass slowly, feeling refreshed. Adjusting my position, I face both women.
“What woman wouldn’t want the love and affection of two magnificent men? There’s no need to choose when I can have them both.”
The ladies giggle, their cheeks growing pink.
“Well said, my Queen.” Elisa takes my glass, winking at me playfully as she refills it with more water.
Kaya’s smile remains ear-to-ear as she puts fresh curls in my hair.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
FIORA
My fitted gold gown glistens beneath the lights as I enter the royal tent. Inside are all the Anaukin royals, my father, His Majesty King Gregory, my Grand Nina, my brother Leon, Matheas, and all the royals who sponsored riders or who came from other territories to enjoy the festival and race. With my hand inside Pollo’s arm, he escorts me to the center of the head table where Matheas and Ryker have taken seats on either side. Next to Ryker is Kendrick and next to Matheas an empty seat for Pollo.
In front of our table are all the other tables, set beautifully with linens, flowers, and glasses full of wine or Anaukin ale. Before taking my seat, I raise the wine glass set out for me. Everyone follows suit, gathering their glasses.
“Let’s drink together in honor of this joyous and memorable celebration of Anaukin spirit.”
Kellan clears his throat at the next table over. “And to the return of our Queen.”
“Here, here!”
Glasses clink together, and everyone drinks as I take my seat and Pollo takes his. Glancing at Kellan, I give him a wink, mouthing, thank you.
“That was exceptional riding, Queen Fiora,” Theore praises from the table on the right. “What a surprise to us all when you removed your mask.”
Ryker caresses his hand over my curls, brushing some of my hair behind my ear, his gaze loving and proud.
“It was a pleasant surprise to us all. As was witnessing your excellent riding skills.”
My smile is beaming, I can’t help it. “I owe much to my horse, Artax and his devoted trainer.”
“I’m sure many lost their bets today as I did. I bet on the infamous black horse,” Theore shares, making a face at Kendrick.
Kendrick takes a drink of his ale, smirking at Theore. “How unfortunate for you. I, on the other hand, find myself in the opposite position. I bet on the winning horse.”
Theore’s lips turn down, his face long. Rolling his eyes, he sips his wine. “Of course, you did.”
A few of us chuckle at their banter. Conversations continue as plates are served, and we enjoy our dinner. As dessert is served, Matheas places his hand on my thigh, and Ryker glances down, his jaw twitching. Placing my hand over his, I caress it, and his muscles relax. Matheas’s looks my direction, and I meet his gaze. Touching the charm around my neck, I rub my fingers over it, smiling at him. He notices the charm I’m wearing as the one he gifted me, and his smile widens, his expression softening. His hand moves up my thigh ever so gently before firmly massaging. Ryker catches the movement and unlocks our hands. Resting his hand on my left thigh, he runs his fingers along my skin. Releasing a breath, my cheeks grow warm as I imagine both of them touching me and taking me together. Raising my glass of wine, I take a long swallow as I close my eyes, giving into the rush of pleasure flowing through my body. Ryker leans over and moves my hair, placing a kiss just behind my ear, prickling the hair on my arm and sending a subtle rush of pleasure over my skin.
“You look lovely when you’re flushed.”
Leaning back, I stare outward, unable to look at either of them in fear I might melt beneath their sultry stares.
Matheas leans over, feathering my ear as he whispers, “I’m glad these tables have long linens.”
His fingers slide farther up, grazing my opening, and my lips part, my breath coming out in a slow, pleasured sigh. Setting my wine glass down, I place my hands over theirs and end their delightful