For a moment, I think he’s just stating his general claim until I realize that the silent war happening between them is something entirely different. The request that the king of Mubraulia asked for most likely was my hand in marriage. As much as I don’t want to be treated like a piece of meat, being claimed by Prince Theodore is hardly a bother.

  The heat emanating from Prince Oliver grows steadily before he releases an annoyed growl and stomps out of the room. Prince Theodore rushes over to me, gathering me in his arms. “Valentina, are you alright? I thought I’d be too late.” He places a brief kiss on the bridge of my nose and I cuddle a little closer as I nod. “I’m sorry. I didn’t have time to ask. My father required you and I to marry in exchange for rescuing you. Valentina-”

  A nervous giggle slips from my lips. “I’m not mad. Just shocked. I’ve never seen him so angry.” The lingering question on the tip of my tongue hangs between us and I can’t help but ask. “Does she know? Evelyn?” Will she be hurt that I’m required to marry Prince Theodore? Will she still want us to meet her at the gala? Will sh-

  He chuckles as he wraps me up a little tighter in his arms. “Valentina, she was the first person I told. Nothing has changed, save for the fact that you’ll be coming home with me. The fact that you will be my queen. The road might have become a little trickier. But in the end? We will be hers and the goddess will be ours.” A smile takes over my face as I angle my chin to look at up him. He dips his head to kiss me, a sweet and slow embrace that I can fall into.

  Evelyn might be dominant by nature by Prince Theodore is so wonderfully sweet and gentle with me. I sag against him, realizing how much I need their presence and comfort. “So, I’ll be a queen?” I squeak out.

  He nods, softly petting my hair, and soothing my worries. “Not just a queen. My queen. Our queen. Just trust me, Valentina. In a few weeks, we’ll be with Evie.” I’m about to ask how and I’m sure Prince Theodore knows. “Let her work her magic and while she does that, let me take you home.”

  “Happily,” I whisper. We stay like that for a little while longer because I’m not ready to leave the comfort of his arms just yet.

  Chapter 3

  EVIE

  My plan has gone awry. Inviting my lovers to the gala to claim them in a fashion that’s never happened before is scary enough. Now knowing that Valentina is Theo’s wife and queen of a country that has strained relations with Kusovania? Significantly harder. I still remember the frantic phone call from Theo moments after I set off with my guard to Kusovania.

  I stare at the carriage cell phone, confused as to why it’s ringing. No one ever actually uses it but this is the third time it’s gone off and I’m tempted to find out why. A royal convenience that’s quickly turning inconvenient. Marshall twists around just enough to catch my gaze, raising a brow to see if I’m going to silence it.

  “Hello?”

  “Evie?”

  “Theo?” I clamp my lips shut, knowing that I should be addressing him as Prince Theodore. Marshall knows a few slivers of my taboo relationship, but not enough to know that Theo bows to me in the bedroom. “Yes? Why do you sound out of breath?”

  “My father. He agreed.”

  “That’s good, right?” Happiness swells in my chest that Theo has found a way to save Valentina from Prince Oliver’s clutches. However, Theo’s continued hesitation and heavy breathing makes me worry. “What’s wrong?” I hunch forward in my seat and wrap a hand around my mouth to cover my words. No doubt Marshall will still hear it and tell my overbearing father that I’m not acting like a Duchess.

  “He… wants me to marry her. I didn’t ask. It’s his price. Evie-”

  “Do it.” There’s no doubt in my mind that they are perfect for each other. If my plan doesn’t work, I know that they’ll be safe and that they will love long happy lives. I can deal with the heartbreak but I’m not sure they would be able to. “Protect her, Theo.”

  “But…”

  I shake my head even though he can’t see it. “No, don’t worry. Save and protect Valentina. That’s more important than anything.” It takes me a moment to realize what has Theo out of sorts. “And then bring yourselves to the gala.”

  “Really?”

  “I still want you both, Theo. That hasn’t changed. That’ll never change.” My gaze darts to the front of the carriage and I know that I’ll regret this later. “I love you.”

  “I love you too, goddess.”

  My cheeks heat at the thought of his last words to me nearly three weeks ago. There have been several whispered phone calls between Valentina and me, including one about the lavish wedding they had a few days ago. The former king–King Andrew–wanted Theo to take his place immediately. We all think foul play but that has meant Theo’s presence in my life has become nonexistent. As the new king, he’s taken on a considerable number of tasks while my poor Valentina has all but been locked up in a tower to merely become Theo’s arm candy.

  Mubraulia’s strict rules and King Andrew’s requirements were nothing we anticipated. I stupidly believed that Valentina would be safer with Theo by her side, but it sometimes feels like I’ve just sent her to another form of prison. The tears I hear through the phone as I lay beneath my covers pains me. The three weeks we had to suffer through before the yearly gala would have always been the case but this feels so much worse.

  It doesn’t help that my father is constantly badgering me on my status and my training, sending commands through Marshall as if I don’t know how to act like a royal. Granted, my reckless decisions and the need to explore the vast countryside of Kusovania at a young age has prompted my father’s overbearing will. I’m supposed to act with a little more grace than I do. Unfortunately, Queen Daniela's wonderful tale of the power of love has spurred on these taboo thoughts of mating not just one but two.

  And now that they are married? My ideas of love have only become more forbidden.

  I won’t let that stop me.

  Especially when the alternative is my father shoving every possible royal and noble down my throat. Most of them are ten to twelve years my senior and their need to control me is not what I need nor what I want.

  My father–the previous Duke–thought that royal life would whip me into shape and is banking that my training would land me a respectable mate. While the choice is still mine in the end, he will receive a handsome dowry for whoever takes my hand. Little does he know that he’ll be acquiring another country if my plan works.

  I slip into the hallway, eyes peeled for my targets as I dash around bustling staff preparing for the masquerade ball. Unlike most years, this one is special–reasons unknown. Queen Daniela has prepared not just the yearly gala but this additional party two days prior. It is a weekend of festivities and galor. In previous years, I might have been over-excited, spending time with Valentina in hidden corners, our gazes following Theo as he walked around aimlessly looking for a mate.

  It’s been a little less than a year since we pulled him into our duo and I couldn’t imagine a moment without him. However, this weekend I’m hoping for a replay of some of our most tender moments. But first, we have to talk. I’m not sure my original plan will move forward as easily as I planned and they need to know that it could fail. That there’s a chance we don’t end up together.

  “Duchess Evelyn, what are you doing out here? This hall is for receiving royals as they enter the castle. It’s not really exciting,” one of the maids offers. I give her a small smile and then a wink, one that she promptly understands. Hailey, my favorite of all the maids, has been one of three that has caught me lip-locked with Valentina on more than one occasion. She cocks her head to the left, revealing the married royals I’ve been dreaming about for the past three weeks.

  Chancing a glance behind me, I’m relieved to see that Marshall either hasn’t caught up with me or hasn’t noticed that I’ve left my room. Either way, I have a very small window to grab my lovers and make a dash for the nearest empty room or closet. I’m not picky. I just need them close, preferably without clothes on.

  Theo is speaking with someone while Valentina is not so subtly looking around. When our eyes meet, it’s like the world falls away and I can’t help but smile at the little bit of sunshine that walks into my world. Anxiously, I wait for the right moment to grab them, vibrating out of my skin. Valentina gently tugs on Theo’s wrist. When he twists around to see me, something snaps. I’m not even sure how we find ourselves stuffed in one of the storage rooms but the door is firmly shut, Theo sandwiching me up against Valentina, his tongue stuffed down my throat.

  Valentina’s fingers are sensually undoing the ties of my dress along my spine, the tips grazing along my bare back with each touch.

  “Fuck, I’ve missed you,” Theo groans as he tugs at my bottom lip. The sound vibrates through me and pools between my legs as I cling to him, whimpering for more than just kisses, knowing that this could end up like a god-awful Cinderella movie without a happy ending. Lips attach to the back of my neck, reminding me that we’re not alone, Valentina giggling when a wanton moan slips from my lips.

  If we get caught, the least of my worries will be the shame and embarrassment.

  My hands fall to Theo’s chest and I push away from him as a sound just outside the door catches my attention. “Hold on-” My plea is cut off as his lips reconnect with mine, his hands falling to my waist to drag me closer. Valentina follows with the movement, squeezing me between them again. This is all sorts of wrong, especially a few days before the biggest gala in Kusovania.

  A gala in which I’m supposed to take part as the Duchess and third in line to Kusovania’s throne—not that I want any part of the royal shenanigans.

  “Theo, please.”

  The man in question finally pulls away, his gorgeous blue eyes searching my face for answers. “Evie, what’s wrong?”

  Valentina’s presence from behind me disappears as she moves to stand beside Theo, both of them waiting for my answer. My shoulders fall as I take in their flushed skin and hopeful glances. Theo is just as perfectly put together as he has always been, dark hair and a neatly trimmed beard that only accentuates the golden tint to his skin. His blue eyes are constantly bouncing around as if he’s holding the world’s best secret. His crooked smile used to get him in more trouble than he could afford, although now, that smile has been replaced with worry as he searches my expression.

  Valentina, on the other hand, has always been effortlessly elegant. Her eyes are the same as mine—hazel—soft with the purity of her heart. Long, wavy brown tresses have been pulled up into a bun at the back of her head, accentuating the thick jewelry adorning her ears and neck. I can only imagine that Theo gifted her those jewels during some convoluted ceremony as they promised to rule together.

  The problem is that this relationship between us is all sorts of screwed up and I’m pretty the staff is just outside, giggling and spreading gossip. We have to find a better place.

  Having them back in Kusovania has reignited the fierce passion between us but my head is finally catching up to my heart. While the ache in my lower belly is yearning for their touch again, I know I can’t indulge my sinful desires the same way we did at school.

  “Where’d your mind wander to, Evelyn?” Valentina asks, softly.

  I shake my head, coming back to reality to see Valentina’s concerned eyes shifting back and forth as her hands cup my cheeks. I bite back a moan when her fingers tickle the edge of my full curls, a shudder running down my back at the absolute filthy thoughts running through my mind. Slowly, I peel her hands from my face and put distance between us.

  The fear lingering in my chest that I may have to spend a forever without these two isn’t as irrational as it seems. Three weeks ago, I was confident about my plan, sure that it would work. But a Duchess claiming a married royal couple from a neighboring country? There’s too many unknowns and moving parts. I’m sure my cousin will never go for it and Her Majesty, Seraphina will laugh me into the pitiful corner I belong. And yet, staring at the two people who have a hold on my heart, I can’t deny the absolute need to have them by my side.

  Heat still bleeding through my limbs, my nipples chaffing against the rough fabric of my gown belies any real pushback I keep giving them. I focus my gaze firmly planted on Theo’s face, knowing that one look at Valentina and I’ll give in immediately.

  Theo tilts his head as he leans back against the wall, folding his arms across his chest. “What is going on, Evie?”

  “Do–are we still-” Why can’t I find the words? I clear my throat. “The gala is in two days. My father will be here, as will both of yours. Three weeks ago, I told you that nothing had changed. That I want you both. But-” Tears prick at the edge of my eyes and I smack them away, refusing to fall apart. They have no idea how lonely it has been wandering these halls without their touch when I’ve spent months with them every night. The sensual, hidden calls have left me wanting in ways that I can’t satisfy on my own.

  Receiving their wedding invitation left me aching. It was delivered to the royal family and by proxy, I saw it. However, with the strained relationship between our countries, the royal elders decided that it was best we not visit Mubraulia. A shuddering breath falls from my mouth even as I try to hold it together. I didn’t think it would be this hard to be without them.

  Valentina lets out a sob and I look over to see her hand covering her heart. “You’ve missed us too.” Her heartbreak is palpable and I resist the urge to pull her into my arms and tuck her head into my chest.

  “I tried to be strong, Valentina. I tried so hard.” Keeping my true emotions from them was difficult. I wanted to break down on the phone when Valentina called, to tell her how much I missed her. Instead, I told her how much I loved her and promised that we were just counting down the moments until we’d be together again. I craved Theo’s melodious voice, his fingers, and his absolute devotion to the two of us. I just didn’t know how much.

  I can see that my words are breaking their hearts, Theo’s pitiful expression as he reaches for me and tucks me into his chest. I’m not strong enough to fight him. “Evie...”

  A rough hand slides into my hair and tugs my head backward, lips meeting mine in a fierce kiss. Theo isn’t gentle with his embrace this time. There is no supping or tasting. He’s silencing me, telling me that everything I’ve thought is wrong, that in no way would they have ever left me if they had the choice. When his interest thickens against my belly, my fingers dig into his shirt, my back arching against him. That draws a deep chuckle from his throat before I regain my senses and pry myself out of his arms.

  “Don’t you dare distract me,” I say playfully, poking at his chest again. A sobering expression settles on his face even if I can’t help but peek a glance at the bulge between his thighs trying to jump out of his pants.

  He takes a few moments to catch his breath before he speaks. “I’m trying to get you to shut up. Evie, we’re back to see if we can bridge relations between Mubraulia and Kusovania.” I never would have thought of trying that. I don’t have that kind of pull as a Duchess but knowing that Theo has willingly come here to moderate the connection, more so than just showing up to the gala has me melting against him.

  They’ll be here for the weekend and I'm already planning on stealing them away for a little bit. However, I’m now hoping that Theo can pull a miracle between discussions with Queen Daniela and himself.

  I can’t help but kiss him again before twisting around to open my arms for Valentina. She steps up to me, settling her hands on my waist. It’s the first time I’m truly looking at her since she stepped inside the castle, the swirls of green in her hazel eyes showing me just how much she still loves me. It feels like an eternity as we stand there, both of us lost in our own world. I wrap a hand around her neck and drag her close enough to kiss her, to taste her. I’m remembering those sleepless nights, wrapped around my gorgeous woman as we giggled about Theo and all the things we’d do to him.

  “Evelyn,” she mumbles as I release her lips. “It was the only way Theodore was allowed to attend the festivities. Kusovania’s royal elders forbade our entry. Then he mentioned repairing what was broken between us and we were allowed the weekend. With our hasty wedding and Theodore’s father no longer in control, I assume they want to give Mubraulia a chance.”

  “This is what you’ve been working on?” Pride swells in my chest at how hard they’ve been trying to come back to me. I never thought the obstacles would be this difficult to navigate but I also know that the world is not on our side. I’m just glad they are here. The dirty phone calls and letters shared with Valentina will always be memorable. Some of the things Valentina would whisper in my ear could start a scandal, the likes we’ve never seen in Kusovania but I rather have the real thing. My cheeks heat and Theo smirks as if he can read my thoughts.

  “Goddess, I almost didn’t think we’d make it,” she mewls, kissing me again. “Queen Daniela agreed immediately.” Theo’s heat presents itself at my side as his arm wraps around my waist, his lips pressed against my temple. The revelation that their presence here in Kusovania brings is so much worse. Moments like this are no longer just taboo but very possibly an act of war. Our countries are officially in “discussions” and therefore anything could be the last straw.

  Crushed between them, I try not to melt and fail spectacularly, everything weighing me down over the past week slipping away. “Let us love you, Evie,” Theo whispers. It’s the same words he whispered to me when we were at school, when they wanted to take care of me as much as I do for them.

  When Theo lifts my chin to meet his gaze, I don't hold back, closing the distance between us as our lips collide. I’m walked back to the wall, one of the counters digging into my back until I groan and pull away. It’s fairly inconvenient in this small space for all the things I want to do to them, especially Valentina.

 

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