Page 120 of Princess Avenged

Crusher nods, as if he understands everything that I mean. And then my body goes into action. Hooking my legs around Blade, I ride his rod, galloping like I’m being chased by one of those monsters from the other realm, like his cock is propelling my escape. Like I’m that dragon rider and his cock is part of my saddle.

Looking down into Blade’s gorgeous eyes, I take in his beauty, his generous nature, and I tell him how much I love him. The other men gather in tightly around us, and I remind them all how much I love them too.

Chapter

Fifty

Ana

Leaving my apartment in the vampiric palace, I lean back against the door, pausing, hoping to prepare myself for a difficult conversation.

Less than an hour ago, two of Selina’s mates, Grayson and Pike, came by to show my four guys The Academy’s training facilities. The men were eager to go blow off some steam, and their short absence gave me a chance to go talk to my father. But his secretary said he wouldn’t be ready to meet me until…I glance at my watch…until five minutes from now.

I’ve been riding on a high since Paris, unable to catch my breath, but now that I have the chance, it’s time to face reality.

Over the two blissful weeks we stayed in Paris, the men and I had a few discussions about the future, but only in the vaguest, most fantasy-like terms—places we want to see together, experiences we’d like to share, new ways we’d like to make love, but those conversations always ended up with us testing out our love-making ideas, diverting us from all the important questions—all the practicalities of what our futures might hold.

I’m pretty sure it’s Crusher who’s been discouraging the others from mentioning making commitments, or how our future lives might work, and while that hurts, given all we’ve been through, I admit I haven’t fought hard to force the discussions either.

In fact, since we banished the demon, I’ve avoided any subject that might make the euphoric existence of the past weeks come to an end. Like, if we made our futures too real, it might shatter the love bubble the five of us have been living inside.

But yesterday, out of the blue, Crusher suggested we visit the palace, and the future smacked me right in the face. This palace is my past, but coming here also means facing all the obstacles to my future.

Straightening off the door, I smooth the front of my modern frock, one of several I bought in Paris. Simple, and crafted from good quality fabric, the champagne-colored shift dress brushes my knees and is a nice compromise between my old conservative gowns and the body conscious garments I tested back in Freetown. As much as the men liked them, those tight-fitting numbers were very much not me.

Gathering my courage, I head toward King Dunkan’s office.

Unless a miracle happens, I need to make a choice. A choice between a life with these four men whom I love, or my planned life in service to the crown. Because there is no chance that these men will qualify as acceptable mates for a princess. Not one of them.

The miracle I need is my father’s approval.

Seeking his approval isn’t about the patriarchy—not just about the patriarchy. It’s about the monarchy, about tradition, and maintaining peace amongst vampires. I am now second in line to the throne, but Selina has made her disinterest clear.

Father has shown no signs that he plans to retire and could sit on the throne for centuries to come, but if something happens to him, the lack of a clear succession plan would throw the vampire world into chaos. Again.

So, my choice of mates matters to more than just myself, and my choices won’t be acceptable to anyone, least of all King Dunkan.

As nerves gather inside me, I realize that it’s not just about the succession either. I want my father’s approval. King Dunkan has played such an important role in my life, and the thought of disappointing him, or of never seeing him again, should he banish us from court, is almost as horrible as the idea of leaving my men.

I could lie. I could make up acceptable backgrounds for the men, but I won’t do that.

Over the past months, the men have told me more details about their past missions. Crusher, in particular, has been eager to disclose far more than I want, telling me many things I wish I hadn’t heard, and if some of the crimes they’ve committed come to light, the four of them will end up in a vampiric prison for life.

Before I reach the door to my father’s office, it opens.

“Anastasia!” King Dunkan strides forward and pulls me into a warm embrace. Pulling back, he holds my shoulders as he looks into my eyes. “You look radiant, my girl. Absolutely radiant.”

A full body smile bursts out from inside me, quelling my nerves. “Thank you. I feel great.”

“I like your new style.” He winks. “Très chic!”

Blushing I run my hand over my dress again, thrilled that he approves of at least one change I’ve made.

“Come.” He slides one arm over my shoulders. “You said you had something important to discuss?”

“I do.” My choice of words only heightens my nerves.

Dunkan’s arm slips off my shoulder as we walk through the door into his study.

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