No matter what I say at this point, it won’t do me any good. I know he means well, and he truly believes we were brought together for a reason. I’ve never put much faith in fate, or anything, for that matter. I’m going to have to take each moment as it comes. Deal with the blows today that I’m sure will come, one at a time.
I stand and try to walk past Luke to go to the bathroom. I only make it one step before his arm shoots out to block me across my waist. He looks to me, piercing me with his blue eyes.
“When you stepped into my path in the field of azure flowers, flowers of my kingdom, everything changed. The sky seemed bluer, the stars became brighter. True, when I first found out who your father is, it set me on the defensive, but once I read the letter, it all made sense. I feel like I have a greater purpose now. Yes, my job is to guard my people and land, but the high I got fighting is nothing compared to how I feel with you. When your hand touches mine, or you smile, it feels right. You’re my dream come true. I won’t let you go when I’ve been wanting you for so long.”
“Luke, I –”
Pulling me in front of him, he cuts of my words with his lips. This isn’t the quick brush of lips we had before. No, this kiss is heated, and I feel it down to the tips of my toes. His arms reach around me to pull me flush against his strong chest. All of the thoughts as to why I should leave this place, flee my mind. Luke is all that matters in this moment.
My body relaxes in his hold, molding to him. His tongue caresses my lips, urging me to invite him in. I know once I taste him I’ll be addicted. The notion scares me and excites me at the same time. The more I let him in, the harder it will be to leave if I choose or am forced to.
My heart overrules my head. My lips part, allowing him access. He wastes no time in his exploration of me. Tears threaten to escape my closed eyes. He’s perfect: his taste, his passion about wanting me, his vow to protect me. I don’t know what I did to deserve this from someone I only met yesterday. I’m afraid he will be ripped away from me in a matter of hours. This intense need and pull to him could be gone. I don’t know what the king wants with me, but I doubt it will be good.
We stand kissing for a minute more before his mouth breaks away. I can feel how much he wants me. His hardness is pressing against my lower stomach, only making me wild in my desire for him. He holds me close, his breath tickling my neck.
“Nothing will keep us apart. Not my father, not King Pine, and especially not Sage. There is always a way, Ali. We only have to find it.”
I nod, however don’t speak. I will end up full on crying if I do. So much is up in the air. Most importantly, my future.
I’m dressed in the spare clothes I brought, a light blue t-shirt and a pair of jeans, when we exit Luke’s home and walk through the morning bustle of people to have breakfast with the king. We’ve caught the eyes of the locals again. I’m sure my presence here made for good gossip for all of them over dinner last night, especially since I’m holding hands with one of their princes.
Luke is dressed in matching navy cotton pants and t-shirt. The way the shirt forms to him like a second skin had my breath faltering before we left. I couldn’t stop staring, which is oh so becoming. All I needed was to let my tongue hang out of my mouth. That would have solidified things with him. I mean, who could resist that?
I also watched as he strapped knives to each leg, while I placed my bag on my back. He contemplated strapping his swords on his, but thought he might be perceived as more of a threat if he did. He was sure to stress that he wanted to be able to protect me if the need arose. While he said his father is a good man, he will put the well-being of his people above mine. I honestly wouldn’t expect him to side with me.
I did ask Luke about how his father knew about where I was from. He was as confused as I was and said he did ask, but his questions were left unanswered.
We reach the same room I first met the king in, but this time it’s decked for a feast and smells of delicious food. Meats, spices, pastries, it’s overwhelming and leaves my mouth watering. As nervous as I am about what will happen, I know I need food to maintain my strength. I’ve never been one of those people who gets nervous and doesn’t eat. Quite the opposite. Nerves and food go hand-in-hand for me.
The king is standing as we enter. The only other people in the room are his guards. I have no idea if I’m supposed to bow or curtsey, and I honestly don’t care. This man locked me up and released me, only to say he wants to trade me. I’m not a pawn nor will I be handled as one. I will not bow to him or anyone else in this realm.
“Lucas, Alison, nice of you to join us,” he says, almost overly sweetly with a nod of his head. I respond in kind with a nod. That’s all he’s getting from me and because he did the same. “Let’s sit. We have plenty to discuss.”
Luke pulls out a chair for me. He once again puts himself between the king and me. I don’t know the proper etiquette for eating with royalty, so I wait for Luke to eat before taking a bite. The food is as good as it smells. I could seriously get used to eating like this. I also would need to work out like crazy, because I can imagine the amount of weight I’d gain.
We eat in silence for a few minutes when the king speaks. He looks to his guards and commands, “Leave us.” They bow and exit the room, closing the door behind them.
“I know you didn’t invite us here simply for food. Shall we get started?” Luke asks. I pick up an edge of steel in his voice.
“You were always confrontational, my son. It’s what makes you an excellent leader of my guard.” Luke nods in confirmation. King Azure turns to me. “Alison, we both have something the other wants. If you give me what I ask for, then I’ll grant your freedom. You may live in my kingdom and have our protection from any threat toward you, including your father. You will become one of us. No one will force you to leave, but if one day you choose to meet your father, we will send the Elite by your side to ensure no harm befalls you.”
My eyes narrow. He needs something I have. I have nothing, but this gives me leverage to get my way. I have a bargaining chip at this table. “And what if I don’t want to give you what you seek?” Luke’s head snaps in my direction. His eyes are wide, like I just said something completely foolish. Maybe I did. Or maybe I just started playing the game.
“You either accept my rules or I will have you escorted, with your intended husband, to the border of my land in exchange for my men that are being held by King Pine. I also will have him sign my peace treaty in exchange for you and Sage.”
“Okay, let me get this straight. You’re giving me an ultimatum? Either I give you whatever it is you want, or you’ll trade me to get something else you’re in need of. You win, no matter which I choose.”