Page 1 of Ruby Queen
Chapter1
The flames kissed the tender skin of her palm. The orange and red colors swirled across the surface of her skin, mesmerizing Rory as she stared at the magic dancing in her hand. It’d been two weeks since Dimitra was kidnapped.
Fourteen fucking days.
And not a single word about where Dimitra was, or why she’d been taken. The Emerald queen, Emersyn, stumbled across her father, King Virid’s journal. While Emersyn had been tight-lipped about the secrets it held, Rory suspected whatever that book held… it wasn’t anything good.
The day after she found the journal, it disappeared – only to wind up in the Onyx queens possession.
And now, Rory glanced towards the south, the Onyx kingdom was bathed in darkness. Onika must have learned something that put her in emotional turmoil.
“I see you’re still playing with fire.”
Rory startled, “Ha, ha,” she glanced over her shoulder, “It helps me think.”
“Rory,” the warm pressure of a hand rested on Rory’s shoulder, “you can’t hide in here forever.”
Smiling at the one person she could be herself with, Rory’s tone was playful when she spoke.
“You know, you shouldn’t sneak up on me… I could torch you with the flick of my wrist.”
“Baby… you set me on fire enough.” Tugging Rory into a firm hug, their mouths met in a fury. Rory slipped her tongue between soft lips and moaned.
Breaking apart, she gasped, “We can’t do this. What if someone sees us?”
“So what? You’re the queen.”
“Exactly. The people wouldn’t understand,” Rory motioned between them, “our relationship, Fitzy.” Rory let the pet name roll off her tongue with a twinge of bitterness.
“When will our feelings matter more than appearances? You can’t help whom you love, Rory. You do love me, don’t you?”
Rory reached out, lacing their fingers together, “Yes…but it’s complicated. You know my heart, it’s divided.”
“Your Majesty?” Commander Holsten called out, causing Rory to jump back and snatch her hand free.
“In here, Commander.”
Commander Holsten stepped out onto the terrace, his eyes bouncing between the two people standing in front of him, “I’m sorry to interrupt, but Queen Virid called. She and Commander Meyer are going to the Onyx Kingdom. They asked if we could send some men as well.”
“They’re worried…” it came out as more of a statement than a question.
“Yes… and frankly,” the Commander glanced at his feet before looking at Rory, “I am worried about Onika as well.”
“Commander…” Rory placed her hand on his arm, “Stop pretending to me. I know you care for her more than you care to admit. Do me a favor,” she sighed, “go to her. Tell her how you feel. Hiding your love for someone can be more painful than admitting the truth to others.”
Commander Holsten smiled, “Thank you. I will brief Captain Blake before I go.”
Heading toward the door, he paused, “Your Majesty,” he glanced beyond her shoulder, “perhaps you should take your own advice.”
Rory blushed, “It’s not as simple for me, Commander.”
“Love isn’t simple, Your Majesty. But you’re right. Running from it is much worse than admitting and risking heartache from losing it.”
Closing the door, the Commander left the two of them alone again. “I know this is hard for you. It’s hard for me as well. I love you, Rory. And no matter how long it takes, I will wait for you. My heart is yours.” Rory watched as the only other person she’d ever truly loved walked out of her room.
Rory collapsed onto the bed, a burning need hitting her straight between the thighs. They were both right, hiding from the truth was gut-wrenching – it was like someone shoved ice into her heart, leaving it in a frozen state of despair
The kingdom wasn’t ready to hear about the relationship – especially with Dimitra missing. Her focus had to be on finding her cousin, not on her own love life.
