Oliver

I thought she was going to be mine. I thought I would be the one declaring my love for her in front of all the people in our kingdom. Alas, it’s not me. It’s the one man I despise above all others–Lucas Azure.

Even now, watching as Alison says words I wish were meant for me, I still have feelings for her. How could I not? She was promised to me and had been for years. Once I saw her, I had hope for the first time in so long. Then she walked away from me with an Azure. The image of her clutching to him outside of my cell, in their dungeon, is seared into my mind like a branding I’ll never be able to rid myself of.

Her beauty alone keeps me riveted to the scene before me. Her long, dark hair is piled high on her head. The dress she’s wearing accentuates her every curve. The royal blue sash atop the white of the gown in the front, and also down the back, makes my fists clench by my side. The color shouldn’t be blue. It should be green.

A crown, which is fit for a person of her status, sits atop her head. After the ceremony is complete, she will be a princess of two kingdoms. Pine and Azure. Daughter of a king who no longer lives, sister of the current king. We will be united with our age-old enemies by blood. I’m still in awe of how she brought our kingdoms together. Well, her and that prince standing by her side.

The blood pumping through my veins heats with rage as they complete their ceremony with a kiss. It’s taking everything in me not to rip her from him. I can’t and won’t do it. She has made it abundantly clear that he’s the one for her. Not me. It will never be me. I have to accept that and move on, even if it all feels wrong.

I lost her the day she entered the Azure Kingdom and found Lucas. He’s their fiercest knight, but also a prince. He isn’t immediately in line for the throne, but he is the leader of their elite forces and army, as well as the king’s youngest child. If there is any solace in their union, it’s that I know he will protect her with his life. I’ve seen him in battle and watched as he defended her against her own father. Lucas’ reputation is solid, as is mine.

When in battle, defending our land and royalty, I will cut men down faster than I take my next breath. I do not relish in having to do it, however. Each life lost is one which I will carry with me all my days. I don’t regret what I’ve done, and had to do, to ensure my kingdom’s safety. That is the harsh reality of war. We were at war with Azure for as long as I can remember. I wish I could forget it all. My mind won’t let me. It reminds me with nightmares of the battles I’ve fought, and the men whose lives I’ve taken.

Lucas and Alison depart the ceremony, on their way to their first day as a married couple. I’ve tried hard not to think about them together. It only makes me miserable when I do.

Reid Pine, king of the Pine Kingdom, and Alison’s brother, gets up from his seat beside me. I’m immediately on my feet, following him wherever he goes. The other guards we brought to protect him follow us on the sidelines, ever ready to jump in should harm befall him. I won’t let that happen. It’s my job to protect him, above all others. To keep him safe.

King Azure walks over to us. He’s wearing his crown and dressed in formal attire: black slacks, black jacket, white shirt, azure sash, and a matching azure cape. His full, dark brown beard covers much of his face, so it’s difficult to read his expression. Luckily, his eyes tell me he has no ill intent toward Reid. I make it my business to watch those around me and learn their mannerisms. Reid insists I call him by his first name and not King Pine. I’ve known him all of his twenty-nine years. I was only two when he was born. In addition to being his top advisor in all things war and protection, he’s my closest friend.

“Reid, so happy you could join us,” King Azure says with an extended hand. They shake.

Reid beams. He’s very happy our kingdom is finally at peace with Azure. The war was something he was against, but his father didn’t share his views. “I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”

King Azure turns to me to shake my hand. “I’m glad you could be here as well.” His smile isn’t as broad for me as it was for Reid. “I know with our history, it couldn’t have been easy for you to attend today.” He’s referring to the time he locked me in his dungeon. It was there I first laid eyes upon Alison. I’m also curious if he means the fact that I had to watch the woman promised to me, marry his son.

I force a smile. “I’m happy to be here along with my king. I know how important this is to him.” There is no love lost between King Azure and myself. I glance to Reid and notice he’s rigid beside me. He is waiting for me to say more. I don’t. I won’t say anything that could jeopardize the treaty we have with Azure, as well as all the other kingdoms in our realm.

After King Azure speaks to us for a few more minutes, he’s off to shake hands and thank other dignitaries for coming today. There are kings and queens here whom I’ve never spoken with and a few I’ve never even seen in person. Out of all the kingdoms, I’m sure our reputation is the most negative. Reid is trying hard to change that, but it won’t happen overnight.

Reid spends time talking with each person, assuring them we are in fact a peaceful ally. I watch those around us as they converse. Most of the time, I’m scanning the area as well as keeping Reid in my peripheral view. There are guards here for every member of royalty. When their leader moves, so do they. It’s interesting to watch them dance along the sidelines, always protecting.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spot the three other children of King Azure standing together. Ryland and Elliott are dressed as their father is. The only difference is that Elliott has a crest on his jacket, marking him as one of their Elite, second in charge to Lucas. Ryland is the tallest and leanest. He is the first in line for the throne. He also never goes into battle. His dark blond hair matches that of his mother. Elliott is only slightly older than their youngest brother. His light brown hair is styled back. He’s easy going when not in battle; he’s probably the friendliest Azure of them all. Well, to anyone who isn’t me. I’m not anyone’s favorite. Elliott has been glancing at me occasionally, throughout the entire ceremony, as if he was waiting for me to jump from my seat and steal Alison. There is hatred in his glare.

It’s neither of the brothers who hold my attention for more than a few seconds. It’s Addison. She’s second in line and the only daughter of their king. In the past, I’ve never given her a second thought. She looks different today. Her long, chestnut hair cascades down her back in soft waves. She’s shorter than her brothers. The dress she’s wearing is the same navy color as the sash on Alison’s gown. It’s more modern than the women here normally wear. I’m sure Alison had something to do with that. The top is strapless and scallops over her ample breasts. It’s fitted at the waist, falling to just above her knees. Most women don’t wear dresses so short. The skirts normally reach their toes. Addison has drawn the attention of almost every single male in attendance by showing off her legs the way she is. When she glances around, her eyes eventually rest on mine. She doesn’t try to hide the scowl on her face at my gaze. I wink at her before turning my full attention back to Reid. Playing with fire is something I’m very good at.

I’ve never seen Addison as anything other than an enemy. Her normal attire of pants and long-sleeved tops leave a lot to the imagination. Today that has changed. She’s voluptuous, and regardless of her once being my enemy, I can’t help but admire her body. If it wasn’t for the look she gave me, I would think she is an entirely different woman. They don’t allow her in battle, but she makes up for it in training with her brothers and their men. I know well of the rumors which spread about her. Men in her kingdom either lust after her or avoid her. Some are drawn to her strength while it repulses others.

We’re progressively getting closer and closer to the Azures as we make our way through greeting everyone. With each step, I feel their eyes on me. Not on Reid. Never on Reid. They’ve all warmed up to him better than he hoped.

Reid stops before the three of them and shakes hands. Normally, we’d greet a woman with a kiss on the back of the hand, but Addison isn’t the same as other women. Most welcome the attention and the distinction from men. She likes to be seen as one of them. Treated equally.

“It’s lovely to see you all again,” Reid says with a warm smile.

“You as well,” Elliott responds. “I know Alison was happy to have you here.” He says this to Reid, not me. Ali and I talk when in each other’s presence, but it’s under everyone’s watchful eyes. I wonder if I’ll ever be seen as something other than a threat to them. I’ve never shown malicious intent toward Ali. If anything, I would risk my life for her. I would die with honor so she could be saved from any danger.

“If you’ll excuse me,” Addison cuts in smiling. “It was nice seeing you again, King Pine. There’s something I must attend to.” Internally I’m laughing at her omission of my name.

She steps away. When she’s a foot from me, the heel of her shoe catches on a soft patch of grass. She starts to tumble forward, but I reach out and catch her before she can fall. The second my hands touch the bare skin of her arm, a current courses through me like lightning in my veins, rocking me to my core. I’m frozen in place. Addison’s head snaps up to mine. Loose strands of hair partially cover her face. It’s as if the rest of the world falls away only leaving the two of us. Does she feel it, too? She doesn’t shake me off, and I don’t release her. I would expect her to pull away from me like someone would touching a flame. Slowly, she stands. At her full height, she’s still shorter than me. Her light blue eyes hold mine.

Our spell is quickly broken when Elliott pulls her from me. I’m no longer completely enraptured by her. “Addi, are you okay?” he asks her, then turns to me with a face full of menace. “Don’t you dare touch my sister.”

I force myself to remain calm. Raising my voice to him, or anyone for that matter, will only reflect poorly on Reid. “I merely caught her when she fell. Nothing more.”

Elliott narrows his eyes at me. Addison places her hand on his arm. “It’s fine,” she says softly. He turns, not believing her.

“It is most certainly not.”

Another man comes rushing to her side. His clothes match Elliott’s identically. He wears the crest of the Elite. With one hand at her elbow, he looks her over making sure she’s unharmed. “Addison, are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine. No need to worry about me, Wesley.” She brushes him off.

His dark as night hair falls forward to his forehead. He looks like he sprinted across the field by how disheveled he is. He could have for all I know. “Are you sure? I saw Sage’s hands on you.” He turns to me and steps into my space. “You will never touch her again. Do you hear me?”

Our guards close in on Reid and me to flank our sides. They perceive this as Reid being in danger, even though it’s me who is face-to-face with Wesley. Without acknowledging them standing beside us, I lift an eyebrow at him, completely unfazed. “Is that supposed to be a threat? All I heard was jealousy.”

“Jealousy?” he seethes. “What could I possibly be jealous of?”

“You weren’t here to catch Addison when she fell.” I shrug. “Luckily, I was. Now, if you’ll excuse me, King Pine and I have other business to tend to.” We don’t; however, I know if I stay here, nothing good will come of it. I am also aware of how ready Reid is to get away from this situation. Confrontation isn’t a strong suit of his. He’s a peacemaker, not a fighter.

Wesley’s face is becoming red with anger. The clenched fist by his side tells me everything I need to know. That he’s nothing to worry about. I could handle him easily. It’s the ones that don’t show rage, which are eerily calm, who should be watched carefully. They are the ones who have plans.

“Say her name one more time, Sage, and I’ll make you wish you had never set foot on our land.” I look past him to see Addison standing behind him, not caring one way or another what he says. In fact, she’s having a whole other conversation with Elliott. Wesley and Addison seem to have different feelings for one another. If she valued his life at all, she’d be worried about the way he’s approaching me.

I don’t get a chance to respond. King Azure interrupts our confrontation. He places his hands on Wesley’s shoulders while smiling at Reid and myself. “Wesley, I heard Sam was looking for you. You should go and find out what he needs.”

Wesley looks to his king, and for a moment, I think he’s going to object to the direct order. He’s not a stupid man, though. He gives me one last hard glance before departing,

“Is everything okay over here?” the king asks.

Addison steps up beside him. She graces him with one of her smiles, which makes her look innocent. I bet she used that a lot to get out of trouble when she was growing up. “We’re fine. I tripped and Oliver was kind enough to catch me before I hit the ground. That’s all.”

“Be careful, my daughter. You know how jealous Wesley can be.”

“Wesley can take his jealousy and shove it–”

He chuckles. “Yes, I get it. You don’t need anyone acting out on your behalf.”

“No, I certainly do not.”

“I think we’ll be departing now,” Reid interrupts. “It’s not lost on me how our kingdom is viewed. I’m afraid the longer we stay, the more attention we may draw to ourselves.”

“Nonsense,” King Azure huffs. “Everyone here knows you’re working toward putting the reputation your father created in the past.”

“Perhaps, but I don’t need Oliver getting into a fight.”

“I would never jeopardize your reputation,” I state.

Reid turns to me. “I know you wouldn’t do it intentionally.” He lets out a long breath. “Come, let’s be off. We have matters to tend to back home.”

There is more I want to say. I want to defend myself and the actions I didn’t take. It could have easily been worse, but I wasn’t even close to fighting that knight. Instead, I say, “Yes, Your Highness.” Reid and I can talk once we’re back within our walls. With one last look to Addison, I turn on my heels and follow Reid to our horses.