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A Queen's Move (Swithin Spin 1) Excerpt

“You make that sound as if it’s a terrible thing.”

Tressa ignored the disapproval in Meira’s voice. For an Azulite man, being in love could be a terrible thing, indeed. She hoped it wasn’t another man because, if caught… Well, although the authorities often overlooked such things, if it became public knowledge that a son of the king indulged in pleasure with another man and, worse, his heart as well as his cock were involved, her brother might well face an execution. That their father would make an example of one of his sons she never doubted for an instant.

“Who is the…” She hesitated, uncertain how to phrase the question. Her brother sat opposite, sniffing, as his eyes glittered with unshed tears.

“Kiana,” he mumbled, making the woman sound as though she were the epitome of misery rather than his heart’s desire.

“Can you not speak to our father and broach the subject of marriage?”

“That is the problem,” Arren mumbled. “Jemes has beaten me to it.”

Tressa exchanged a look with Meira. “I am one of four children and the only female. One of my brothers died a few years ago. Jemes is now the oldest and in line for the throne.”

“I presume that means he has his first choice of bride?”

Tressa nodded. “Although”    she turned her attention back to Arren    “maybe if you spoke to Jemes?”

“I have tried. He says that he simply wants to marry one of the Robeins women for they are good child bearers and that Kiana is the prettiest. He asked her if she would prefer me, and she…she said no.” The last came out on a wail that made even Tressa flinch.

She glanced towards the door, wondering if anyone else had heard. They would think Meira was torturing him. “She was likely too scared to speak up.”

“I tried to tell him that, but he assured her that he would take no offence. She said…” Arren took a deep breath. “When I asked her why she would take my brother over me, she said what did it matter to her which of the king’s sons she wed.”

Clearly, Meira couldn’t help the laugh that barked out of her. Tressa managed to hold hers in check.

“See,” she said, “what creating a nation of women with no reason to love men does for you?”

Arren glared at her. “Are you going to help me or not? Besides…” His voice trailed off as though he harboured second thoughts. “I fear it’s not that simple.”

Tressa stared at him in question. Arren glanced around and then leaned in over the table as though he feared someone hearing their conversation. “I am afraid that I have lost her to another. To that…desire that no man speaks of.”

It took Tressa a moment for her mind to catch up, and when she did, she blushed. Raising her cold hands to her face, she tried to force back the heat in her cheeks. Arren mistook her blush for embarrassment of a different sort.

“I am sorry to shock you, sister.”

Meira moved towards the table.

Tressa could hardly avoid her gaze. “He means…that Kiana feels love for another woman.” She didn’t have to look to Meira’s face to know that the woman’s expression would be full of amusement. Arren was understandably oblivious to the intimate play going on between them, but Tressa struggled not to lean away as Meira approached. Her steps were slow, measured. The woman almost stalked her. The heat eased in her face, but her heart picked up its pace.

“I believe that she means to carry on this…association even after she is wed. I cannot even imagine my sweet Kiana with…” Once more, words failed him. “She made it quite clear to me that Jemes intends to let Helsa attend her as a…a personal companion when they are wed. It seems generous of my brother, but if he knew… Well, of course I cannot speak to Jemes of this. If he should find out…”

“Perhaps he already knows.” Meira was smiling down at Tressa, who could not mistake the woman’s expression purely for one of amusement. Desire made the woman’s nostrils flare, her eyes to sparkle.

Oh my word, we really made love last night. Although she had been all too aware of that glaring fact, only now did Tressa realise and accept that she could not take it back. It crossed Tressa’s mind that Meira had waited on purpose. She had waited until they were very far away from Swithin land and Markis. Tressa had no one to turn to, nowhere to run…

Meira widened her eyes for a brief moment so that her gaze flashed at Tressa. That look dared her to run, hide, try to get away. That look said, I will have you. Tressa’s mind wandered to how many ways.

“He…knows?” Arren sounded amazed and perplexed in equal measure. “Then why marry such a woman?”

“Oh, come now.” Meira winked at Tressa as she took her hand and drew her out of her seat. Tressa shook her head only to have the other woman ignore her. Meira turned her without difficulty, easing her body back in against her. With her greater height, Meira easily rested her head on Tressa’s shoulder. “One man with two women… Are you telling me you’ve never heard of such a fantasy?”

Tressa saw her brother’s eyes go a little wide just before she felt the warm press of Meira’s lips on the side of her face. Arren’s gaze went from her face to Meira’s and then back again.

“Are you telling me the two of you and the Swithin king…?”

“No.” Tressa shook her head. She was aware that Meira could well be testing her feelings as much as putting on a show for Arren. “Markis has two male lovers.”

“He has…” Arren swallowed audibly. “You accept that? I mean, not that as his wife you have a say but   ”

“I most certainly do have a say.” Tressa could have gone on to explain but left it at that. Even though Arren was her brother, he was still an Azulite male, and the conversation swiftly grew tiring. “Even so, yes, I accept Markis’s choices, especially when I consider the simple fact that we married out of duty.”

“Our father would not be…pleased.”

“With my feelings for Meira? Or do you mean knowing that Markis loves two men?”

“Either. Both.”

“Our father already believes the Swithin to be heathens. What difference would it make?” Tressa waited for her brother to recover. He still appeared to be digesting the information.

“It could make a difference to your stay here. You know our father has a volatile temper. I’m surprised you’re brave enough to show your face.”

“I am certain my father has heard the rumours regarding Markis. In his eyes, I am already sullied. None of that has any bearing on my safety. The only thing that protects me is my position as Swithin queen. Markis and I may have married out of duty, but he cares for me enough that he will protect me as though I am the love of his life. If I come to harm during this visit, the Azulite nation will feel his wrath. Our father knows that.”

“Two male lovers…” Arren seemed preoccupied with the idea of men being lovers more than he was by any possible peril to his people. Then her words appeared to sink into his brain. “Oh my, so the rumours are true. As are…” He looked to her face. “Does he really wield so much power?”

The Swithin royal line commanded the power of a comet literally at its fingertips. Tressa nodded. “What you have heard of the confrontation on the Azu plains is probably mild in comparison to the truth. He could shatter the world.”

Arren paled. “And you are his false queen.”

“No, Arren. Many may assume that. All will be mistaken. I am the Swithin queen. I am just not the love of his life. He has left me free to find such a love if fate is kind enough.” Meira tightened her grip even as Tressa spoke. So perhaps Meira had made her decision about them, even if Tressa still thought it wise to be cautious. She would not speak of it yet. Still, she leaned into the other woman willingly enough, and not just to manipulate her brother, although she enjoyed it when his eyes widened even more.

“You are lovers?”

“As of…recently,” Tressa told him. “Love is love, Arren. It makes little difference what shell you inhabit. It’s not a choice you make, but it’s somewhere your heart and even your instincts take you. You have no control over it when the right person loves you as well.”

© Sharon Maria Bidwell, all rights reserved.

Don't forget to read further excerpts on my website or the publisher's site.