Aloura, a journey of the Dimensions Book 1

A Kings Honor

Feeling the heat fill my cheeks from King Ryker's direct reply, I turned back to my meal, desperate to collect my thoughts. The over-heaped plate of food before me sat untouched, a testament to my preoccupation with the man sitting next to me. I was far too distracted by him to have noticed the mess I'd created on my plate. Selecting a fork, I dug in, determined not to make an even bigger i***t of myself.

Drissel, sitting across the table and three seats further along, glared daggers at me. I could feel her eyes boring into me like laser beams, and I made a resolute decision to keep my gaze averted from her. The chatter around the table was lively; the man on my other side was describing with great detail a lady of the night whose company he had enjoyed that very afternoon. How on earth could he speak so openly about such matters? I couldn’t help but blush at the vividness of his descriptions.

Meanwhile, King Ryker had taken up conversation with my father and the two men across from him, discussing trade opportunities and future plans for a training camp for soldiers. Occasionally, I heard Drissel chime in, but I remained steadfastly focused on my plate, avoiding her glare at all costs.

By some miracle, I managed to make a dent in the food before a servant discreetly took my plate away. I took a sip of the wine offered to me, mentally preparing myself for whatever might come next. The lively banter at the table was perplexing. Listening to these people engage with each other reminded me of the camaraderie I missed in my solitary life back home. I lived in a small apartment and saw my friends only once a month; we were all glued to our phones and televisions, disconnected despite our digital connectivity.

“So, Princess,” King Ryker’s voice pulled me from my thoughts, “did you have enough to eat?”

“I did. The food was amazing, and I am terribly ashamed my eyes were much larger than my stomach,” I replied politely, forcing a smile.

“Well, if you’re not so full as to retire, I’d like to ask you to join me for a walk,” he mused, a glint of something warm in his deep-set eyes.

A walk with this man? I gulped, feeling my heart leap in unexpected excitement and apprehension.

“I, uh...” My eyes flicked to Drissel, her annoyance palpable, then to my father, who looked almost delighted. “I would enjoy a walk with my father’s blessing, of course.”

“Your Majesty, would you be opposed if I took your lovely daughter for a walk?” King Ryker asked, still looking at me as though I were the only person in the room.

King Byron chuckled. “I have no issue, but as you’re not yet wed, I would have to insist she take an escort—either a maid or a guard.” He waved his hand, as if sending us off into a grand adventure.

“Of course,” King Ryker said, a smile gracing his lips as he stood, pulling my chair out for me. “Shall we?” he offered his arm, and I hesitantly took it, feeling a soft flutter in my stomach at the proximity.

As we moved away from the dining area, he asked, “Would you prefer a guard?” His tone was genuine, as if my opinion mattered.

“I think my maid will be fine,” I nodded toward Lacy, who I spotted leaning against the wall, appearing bored. “Lacy, if you could join us, please.”

Lacy glanced up, her eyes widening at the sight of me on the arm of the formidable King Ryker before she scurried to my side, her complexion pale.

“Interesting,” he remarked, glancing my way with an amused expression. “Most people would be intimidated by this circumstance, yet here you choose a timid maid to keep me in check.”

“I didn’t choose her to protect my virtue,” I replied with unexpected boldness. “I chose her to bear witness to your honor.”

He chuckled, the sound like silk sliding over my skin. “My honor?” he mused. “And what honor do you think a ruthless king like I have?”

I couldn’t help but speak my mind, a habit I was only now beginning to understand. “If you had no honor, you wouldn’t have an army and men who followed you.” I met his piercing gaze steadily. “And if I am to become your wife, then I have to hope that you would treat me well as I am to bear your future children.”

“There is no ‘if’ you become my wife. It’s merely ‘when.’ I heard you have run off many suitors, and I hadn’t anticipated much when I arrived. But I can tell you for certain that since the moment you fell into my arms, this marriage will happen regardless of your desires or your father’s approval.” His voice was firm, but I did not sense a threat, only a direct, unwavering conviction.

“Oh,” I replied, my mind racing.

“Just ‘oh’?” His voice was tinged with mischief. “No argument, no ‘how dare I?’ It’s as if you want me as your husband.”

Husband. The word echoed in my mind, both terrifying and thrilling. My heart danced with confusion and curiosity.

“I must marry someone,” I finally blurted out. “And you are strong; you have a loyal army. And I’m not scared that you will hurt me,” I admitted, voicing a truth I hadn’t fully acknowledged until that moment. “For some reason, I don’t feel unsafe around you.”

“You don’t feel unsafe?” He arched an eyebrow, his tone incredulous. “I’m known as the Butcher King, and you aren’t worried?”

“The Butcher King?” I cursed myself for my impulsive mouth. I wished I understood whatever Aloura had experienced to navigate these turbulent waters. Yet here I was, tethered to a fate that drew ever closer.

“What your war titles are are just that: war titles. No man is only one thing. Would you rather I be afraid of you?” I challenged, braving the turbulent current of our conversation.

He halted our walk and raised a hand to Lacy.

“Girl, please head back to that tree line. Keep your mistress in sight, but I need a moment to talk without ears.” His command was clear and firm.

Lacy glanced between us, terror etched on her young face before I offered her a reassuring nod. “It’s alright; he won’t hurt me.”

With a hesitant nod, Lacy scampered back toward the entrance, her back tense with anxiety.

“Your maid is loyal,” King Ryker stated as we resumed walking, an earnest tone in his voice. “I will ask your father to allow her to accompany us.”

“What makes you so sure of her loyalty?” I asked, curious about his perspective.

“Most people avoid my presence; I’ve never seen a maid like her look to anyone but you for assurance. She waited for your approval. She’s loyal to you, and you’ll need that. You’ll be my queen, the mother to my children. This woman is the right fit for our house,” he concluded.

I fell silent, contemplating his words. It was bizarre to realize how true they were. Lacy, sweet and timid, had been my constant shadow since the moment we’d crossed paths.

“Now, for the next topic,” King Ryker said, shifting the conversation again. “I never want you to fear me. I am a king, a warlord, the Butcher. But to you, the only woman who hasn’t shied away, who has openly regarded me in public, who has ignited my very soul, I will be your husband, your lover, your safety.” His declaration sent a rush of warmth through me.

My heart raced from his words. What was this man doing to me? Good heavens, he had a way with words that stirred something deep inside.

He lifted a hand, sliding his fingers along my jawline before his thumb rolled softly across my lips. My breath hitched in response.

“Isn’t that good enough for you, little princess?” He asked, his voice low and inviting.

“If that’s your deal, I’ll accept your Majesty’s proposal,” I found myself murmuring, my voice low and slightly husky. “But will it change if the veil is lifted and I’m ugly?”

“No,” he replied without hesitation, his voice resolute. “Even if your eyes were too far apart and your brow grew together, I wouldn’t be ashamed to look at you.”

“Ryker,” I repeated, testing his name on my lips.

His smile was intoxicating as it spread across his face.

He took my arm and tucked it into the crook of his own, and then waved Lacy back toward us. His fingers brushed my own, igniting a spark at our contact.

“Girl,” he said to Lacy as she returned, “Please lead us back to the princess’s room. I believe my betrothed needs rest before our wedding tomorrow.”

As we walked back, I couldn’t shake the feeling that destiny had entwined our paths for a reason, threading hope through the uncertain future that lay ahead. Whatever this world was it was starting to feel like somewhere i wanted to be.