Page 93 of Of Brides Of Queens

The words we had spoken now possessed a pale and faded quality to them, like they were never real. So much had altered when queendom came between us. We were destined still, but perhaps destined for doom. And perhaps I could take solace from the idea that he had not changed himself in response to my queendom, but was the victim of ancient design. As it was, I mostly understood how I felt for See by how I did notfeel for others. That could not be usual or healthy.

Queendom had come between us certainly, and doomed destiny whispered that Princess Take might insert her tongue into this weakness for a taste.

I arrived at See’s portcullis, and as ever, they opened wide in invitation. This king needed no gateman, for he could see all—or see sudden blindness. His kingdom reflected him.

So I was here in his palace, dressed in such a way. Though my outfit was expertly tailored, the message of it squeezed and pinched at my body.

“My queen,” said Will Be as I entered the palace. The future he implied gratified me, for See could have sent Has Been instead.

“Will Be, good evening. Where can I find your liege?”

“Kindly follow me.”

My pawn was unhappy. He was so distracted by Princess Take’s presence in the palace that he had not remarked on my outfit.

He bowed in front of a doorway I had never entered. “In here, my queen.”

“Thank you, Will Be.”

His eyes—all three of them—bugged as he viewed me for the first time, but I could not ask for his opinion when two sets of immortal ears would now hear.

Nothing remained but for a queen to put into action all the positive words of wellbeing she spoke to herself each morning. I tilted my chin and took a moment to notice how my body swayed so. My body was strong and agile and expertly crafted by fifty mothers. No one could take this away, and I would not let them. How I felt was entirely up to me.

I began to wear the outfit, where I had allowed it to wear me.

Will Be grinned, then winked for good measure as he swung open the door. “The most exquisite female monster in existence has come to visit you, my liege.”

My worth did not rely on another, yet a pawn’s show of support did give me a great positive boost.

King See sat on an armchair within.

Princess Take perched upon the small bar in the corner, managing to display one leg from arched and heeled foot to satin upper thigh.

They’d been speaking before I arrived—him in a bored voice and her in purrs, but both had stopped at my admittance, and they did not resume speaking upon my entrance.

See laughed.

He laughed, throwing his head back and nearly spilling the amber drink in his grip. He laughed in a way that a seeing king must not often get to do—because how could such a king be surprised?

Only now did I realize my surprising value to a seeing king.

I wore a womanly version of See’s kingly garb, though his shirt didn’t barely contain his chest, perhaps, nor did his trousers hug his behind.Nordid he wear towering black heels, but the similarities were otherwise very clear.

I was dressed in black trousers that belted low on my hips. The high leg holes of a black leotard embroidered with silver, peeked above the belted trousers somewhat and this leotard also laced over my breasts. My jacket was oversized, and I enjoyed the contrasting fit against the other hugging components of Valetise’s construction.

His laughter continued, and my crown had never fit better.

“How desperate,” drawled Princess Take.

King See’s grin was invisible, and so very clear. “Perantiqua, you entertain me greatly. And warm me. I had not expected such clothing would stir my blood.”

“I am happy to bring you surprise, sir.” And I used the word “bring” purposefully, as he had sometimes used the word “take.” Envy must sometimes win.

He grew more serious and intent, his warmth mounting, and this was how a king in a claiming mindset might react to see a queen wearing a sensual version of his guise.

“Do stop sniffing her, See,” Princess Take sneered. “You are but a dog checking for signs that another dog has been with your bitch.”

Part of me might like to lie about how I spent my time with King Bring. How would Princess Take react to hearing that I had been with two kings?

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