its mouth. “You’re a magnificent woman.” Lowering my hand, I swiftly bring it back to my side. “Will you walk with me? There’s something I’d like to discuss with you beneficial to both our territories.”
With a quick glance at my father, his lip curls in anger. Giving him a silent, Please stay calm, I can handle this, I return my attention to Belore.
“It must be brief, Prince Belore. Our meal will surely be here at any moment.”
“Of course.”
With his gesture for me to leave the tent with him, I step out, leading the way. Joining my side, he walks alongside me, much closer than is customary. Without having to look, I know there’s multiple arms men with a view on me from several directions.
“Are you enjoying the trials so far?”
“I am. You’ve amazed me with your strength and skills.”
“You’re too kind.”
Looking at his side profile, his devilish smirk pulls at his lips.
“I’m not only here to support your trials. I’m here because I’ll soon be King of Iowan and will need to take a Queen. You and I are two very similar people. We’re both born to lead, both strong warriors, and both enjoy a challenge. I see you as a woman who matches me. Who could handle the man I am. However, it’s not only myself I’m thinking of, but of our territories as well. Our lands are connected on one entire boundary. Combined, our joined territories could dominate trade and have an army fiercer than the Free territory.” Stopping at a vendor booth, we face one another. “Together, you and I would be unbeatable and fiercely powerful.”
Staring into his dark emerald eyes, I see a dangerous man determined to achieve his goals. A man who will soon become a King to a neighboring territory, and at this moment, my answer will determine our fate, making him an ally or an enemy.
“You’ve given me a lot to think about. With a decision as impactful as my future and the future of Anauka, I’m sure you understand I need time to come to an answer.”
“Of course.”
When he steps closer, my skin prickles with goosebumps. Placing a hand at the nape of my neck, he leans in to say something private.
“I always get what I want, and I want you, Fiora. Give me your hand in marriage, and I can guarantee you pleasure like no man can. I can show your body that pleasure has no bounds.” Lowering his hand, he caresses my neck, his thumb grazing the top of my cleavage. “Between you and me, I believe you’re a woman who craves that kind of satisfaction.”
Blushing uncomfortably, I pull my gaze from his. Meeting Matheas’s furious eyes, I keep the contact. He approaches with quick steps, and I shake my head, stopping him. Returning my attention to Belore, I force a smile. Taking his hand in mine, I lower it.
“Careful, Belore. It’s not wise to assume what satisfies me.”
Raising one brow, he admires me, licking his lower lip. “I’d take great pleasure in discovering what you can and cannot handle.”
Discomfort at the thought whips up the back of my spine, squaring my shoulders in response.
“It’s time I return for the Royal lunch. I’ll consider your proposal. Enjoy the trials, Prince Belore.”
Feeling his eyes on my back, I don’t need to look to confirm it. Matheas puts his arm out for me to take it. Slipping my arm in his, I keep my gaze forward, my posture straight, regardless of the rapid beating below my chest.
“If he touches me again, hurt him.”
“You have my promise.”
Matheas moves his arm, placing it behind my back, comforting me with his touch as he guides me into the tent. Everyone’s conversations stop when I arrive. I know they’re worried, wondering what the Prince had to say.
“Thank you for your patience. Please do not concern yourself with the conversation between the Prince and me. Everything continues as planned.”
That satisfies the crowd. Chatter picks up again, and I take a seat to enjoy the meal prepared. At the end of the lunch, Kellan comes to my chair.
“Princess, could we walk together?”
“Of course.”
Giving him my hand, I stand from the chair. Outside of the tent, he leads me toward the pergola overlooking the pond. Intertwined through the white wood is a plethora of hanging purple wisteria. Beyond the pergola is a teal blue pond with two flawless swans swimming in the center.
“To me, this is the most romantic place in the palace,” I share. “It’s where I would