Winning The King

By Nicole Murphy

From Nicole Murphy comes a sexy new SF romance: everything has always come easily to her…except him.

Blue eyes, golden curls, a body songs are composed about, and part of one of the most powerful families in the colonies, Diana Wiltmore is not used to ever hearing the word 'no'. So when she sets her sights on a fling with the gorgeous, potent and single King of Angonia, Gareth, she is shocked when he turns her down flat. In an effort to put the rejection behind her, she agrees to her sister's plan to gain some political leverage by cosying up to a rival planetary ruler.

Gareth has responsibilities and no time for a woman like Diana. She is all temptation and distraction, but Gareth wants more from a woman than decoration. But it is Diana standing by his side as his beloved home of Angonia is attacked and he starts to see that underneath the surface is a strong woman even more beautiful than her picture–perfect exterior.

Gareth's people need him and to be there for them, he needs Diana. But has he ruined every chance he has of winning her heart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Australia
• Release date: Jan 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9780857992208

Nicole Murphy

Nicole Murphy is the author of the Dream of Asarlai trilogy, and a couple of dozen speculative fiction shorts. As Elizabeth Dunk she's published contemporary romance with Escape Publishing and in June will be releasing a collection of paranormal erotic novellas, also with Escape.

Book preview

Chapter One

‘Dammit. I knew I should have worn red.’

Diana Wiltmore reclined on the sofa and watched her twin sister twirl in front of the mirror. Cassandra was in her wedding gown, a bewitching concoction of blue lace bodice and sheer material skirt that was layered over itself to hide as much as it revealed of Cassandra’s legs. It was a stunning dress — Diana had designed it herself, determined that for once in her life, Cassandra was going to look as good as she should.

‘I told you it should be red,’ Diana said. ‘Grendon was a dick about many, many things, but he was right about the fact that red is your colour.’

Cassandra pulled a face. ‘I can’t believe that even from jail, he’s still managing to ruin my life.’

‘Grendon is nothing if not talented at being a complete and total arse.’ Diana got up and went over to stand at the mirror, as much to admire her own reflection as to support her sister.

The two of them were as different as two people could be. Physically it was hard to believe they were sisters, let alone twins — Cassandra was smaller, curvier, with dark hair and flashing hazel eyes. Diana was tall, svelte, with a cascade of blonde silk, and bright blue eyes set in a face that even complete strangers stopped to tell her was breathtaking.

Personality wise, Diana had thought they were also complete opposites. Cassandra was a workaholic, whereas Diana was all about enjoying life. As a result, they’d fought constantly.

But the events of six months ago, where the family company had been almost destroyed and Cassandra herself had been kidnapped and bashed by her then-fiancé, Grendon, had brought the two of them closer. Since then, Diana had found within herself a surprising pleasure in having a job — who’d have thought it? Now, she and Cassandra were best friends and Diana was glad of it.

Diana flicked one of the loose, curled locks of her hair off her cheek and pressed her palms down the length of her pale pink gown. Pink wasn’t a colour that worked well on her — a sacrifice she’d made to ensure her sister was the beauty of the day.

Diana put her arm around Cassandra’s shoulder. ‘You look wonderful, Cassie. That dress is absolutely gorgeous on you.’

‘So says the designer,’ Cassandra said, but she gave her body a half-twist to move the skirt of the gown, and the look on her face said she liked what she saw.

‘Stunning, my darling girl.’ Their mother, Venus, bustled across from the other side of the room. It was from her that Diana had inherited her golden beauty. Looks wise, Cassandra was a classic Wiltmore. ‘I’ve never seen you look lovelier.’

‘You don’t think it would be better in red?’

‘Of course not.’ Venus kissed Cassandra’s cheek but Diana saw the slight twist of her mother’s lips that signalled a little white lie. ‘And the fact is, red, blue or gold, Kernan won’t care about the colour. All he’ll see is his beautiful bride.’

Cassandra smiled at the mention of her soon-to-be husband and in that moment, she outshone both her mother and sister. Diana loved seeing that look on her sister’s face. For years, Cassandra had refused to succumb to the siren call of loving men. When she finally did, she chose a great one. Diana had wanted Kernan for herself, but she’d quickly seen how taken Cassandra was with him and decided to leave the field free for her sister.

Besides, it wasn’t as if Diana has issues finding men to love.

The fact that Cassandra had again brought up the colour red meant it was time. Diana nodded at Venus and their mother swept regally out of the room.

‘Mum’s right,’ Diana said. ‘You could walk in there naked and Kernan wouldn’t care. Actually, he would. He strikes me as the jealous type, and wouldn’t want other men ogling what is his.’

‘I don’t particularly want other men ogling me either.’

‘How about I go in there naked? Then no one will care what you’re wearing.’

Cassandra rolled her eyes. ‘You’d love to do that. Look at me, even without clothes, I’m more beautiful than my sister.’

Diana shook her head. ‘Not today. When you see Kernan and your face lights up, there’s not going to be a thing I can do to outshine you.’

‘Oh, thanks, Di.’ Cassandra gave her a hug, then turned back to the mirror. ‘I do look pretty fantastic. If only it were red.’

The door opened and Venus came in, carrying a box.

‘Perfect timing.’ Diana took hold of Cassandra’s shoulders and turned her around. ‘I prepared for this moment, in case it should arise.’

Cassandra frowned. ‘What moment?’

Venus put the box on a chair and lifted the lid. It was filled with red material. Venus started to lift it up and it soon became clear it was a copy of the dress Cassandra was wearing but in the much desired red.

‘I knew red would be the better colour on you, but I knew you’d never go for it after Grendon decided it would be the colour you wore when you married him,’ Diana said. ‘So I had this made up, in case you came to your senses and realised it for yourself.’

‘Oh Peace, Diana!’ Cassandra flung her arms around Diana’s neck. ‘I can’t believe you did that. Thank you. Thank you.’

Diana hugged her back. ‘My pleasure, darling.’

Cassandra put the new dress on. It fit her as perfectly as the old, but the red suited her skin so much better, lending a flush to her cheeks and bringing out the red tint in her hair.

‘Oh, Diana, you are a miracle worker.’ Venus clapped her hands. ‘You looked wonderful before, Cassandra, but this…’

‘I know,’ Cassandra said. She turned around slowly. ‘This is the most gorgeous dress ever created, and I look amazing.’

‘Yes you do,’ Diana said. ‘Now, let’s go get your man.’

The marriage ceremony was taking place on the rooftop of the Wiltmore family home in Ricmin City, the largest settlement on the mining moon, Rica. It was one of the tallest buildings in the city at three storeys, and with plants around the edges of the flat roof, it was a very private place.

This was the first of two ceremonies. The second would be a public one, in the park, with all the residents of Rica invited. It had been a long time since the heir to the Rican throne, which Cassandra was, had married. As their future Prince, they all wanted to be part of this day with her.

But both Cassandra and Kernan had wanted to have a prior ceremony, where they were married with just friends and family to witness. Cassandra might belong to the people, but they were both very private, and wanted to have a moment for themselves.

Diana got up to the roof before Cassandra and positioned herself so she could see Kernan’s face when he first saw his bride. The groom was looking unsurprisingly cool for such a big occasion — Kernan was a fighter of great renown, and in fact carried a scar from when he foiled an assassination attempt against the King of Angonia. He didn’t tend to give much away emotionally, except when he was with Cassandra. Diana didn’t doubt that the moment he saw Cassandra, the expression would be priceless.

Standing next to Kernan as his attendant was Gareth Palmerton, the King of Angonia. It said a great deal about Kernan that the most powerful man on the planet was willing to stand by him at this moment.

Diana took the few moments before Cassandra’s arrival to surreptitiously look over the king. She’d never paid him much attention before the events of six months ago — he was Cassandra’s friend, not hers, and she was more than content with the pickings in Rica, and occasionally down on the planet.

But when he’d helped Cassandra overcome Grendon and save the company, his intelligence and subtlety had impressed Diana. Not to mention the fact he was one of the most beautiful men she’d ever seen.

Blond, like her, but with light brown eyes that almost shone like gold. Tall — not nearly as tall as Kernan, but several inches over Diana’s height — and leanly muscled.

Having him in her bed would be a pleasure, and Diana was determined that by the time this day was out, that was exactly where he’d be.

Then a gasp and Diana’s gaze swung to Kernan. His eyes widened and then a slow smile spread across his face, joy radiating from every pore.

As much as Diana knew she had been loved, she had to admit she’d never had a man look at her the way Kernan was looking at Cassandra. Diana wasn’t convinced she wanted to settle down, but if a man smiled like she was Rica, Jorda and the whole universe to him, maybe it would be worth it.

Cassandra walked up to Kernan, a similar smile of pure love on her face. Diana waited for Kernan to take Cassandra’s hand, do something gallant like kiss her knuckles, then turn to face the priest of Zagham so they could be declared husband and wife.

Instead, Kernan grabbed Cassandra, hauled her against his chest and, uncaring for her dress or their audience, proceeded to kiss her until Cassandra was clinging to him.

Diana joined in the whooping and hollering and Andar, her and Cassandra’s father, stepped in and pulled the couple apart.

‘As much as I’d love to let the two of you run off, the public ceremony is in an hour, so if you want to get married before that you’re going to have to stop.’

‘Damn,’ Kernan said and gave Cassandra one more kiss before he let her go.

So they got married with Cassandra’s cheeks flushed and beaming with pride, or perhaps lust.

The moment the priest declared them husband and wife, Kernan swept Cassandra in his arms and marched off the roof, his wife laughing.

‘Be ready to go at quarter to,’ Andar shouted after them.

With the newly married couple gone, it was time for the guests to mingle, have a few drinks and some food until they had to move onto the public ceremony.

Diana angled her way across the rooftop, taking time to smile and quickly chat to anyone who greeted her, until she was with her parents and the King of Angonia.

‘Diana, that red dress was wonderful. Thank you so much for thinking of it and arranging it for Cassie.’ Andar kissed her cheek.

‘She looked so lovely, didn’t she? I’m so glad she finally got over Grendon and was able to go with wearing red.’

‘Ah, that’s right. I’d forgotten Grendon had decreed Cassandra was going to be married in red,’ Gareth said.

His voice was deep, smooth, like molten honey. Diana imagined it whispering naughty, hot things in her ear as they made love to each other, and shivered.

‘At one point tonight she’ll undoubtedly remember and get pissed off at it,’ Diana said. ‘But it seems that Kernan has a way to turn her frown into a smile.’ She winked at Gareth.

‘Diana,’ Venus chided. ‘We don’t need to bring that display up.’

‘Why not?’ Diana said. ‘I think it’s a beautiful thing when two people are so attracted that they can’t keep their hands off each other. Don’t you, Your Majesty?’

Most women would have fluttered their eyelashes at that point. Diana knew it was much more intriguing for a man to have a woman look at him calmly, with honest interest in her eyes, after a leading question like that.

‘I’m absolutely delighted for both Cassandra and Kernan,’ he said.

That was not the flirty, suggestive response Diana had been aiming for.

‘As am I,’ she said. ‘Their love and attraction is quite inspiring. I’m looking forward to celebrating it this evening.’

On the word celebrating she shifted her shoulders in a way that made her curls sway, drawing attention to their softness and golden lights. Generally men’s eyes drifted down her hair, and then kept going, exploring the rest of her body. It was a subtle, calculated move that generally worked.

‘I’m sure we all do,’ the King said. ‘Excuse me, but I must go and prepare for the next ceremony.’ He bowed his head to all three Wiltmores and walked away.

Damn, Diana thought. He gave no sign if he wants to party with me tonight or not.

‘Diana.’ Andar stepped in front of her. ‘You are not going to seduce the King of Angonia. You hear me?’

‘I’d much rather he seduced me,’ Diana said.

‘Not on your sister’s wedding day, dear,’ Venus said.

‘I won’t do anything definite until Cassie and Kernan are gone. This is their day. But after that, I’m perfectly entitled to hook up with Gareth Palmerton. He’s single. I’m single. We’re both hot. It would be amazing.’

‘He’s the King of Angonia, and you are the twin sister of the next Prince of Rica,’ Andar said. ‘The political implications of a liaison between the two of you are so difficult to see that there’s no way Gareth will take the risk.’

‘We’ll see.’ Diana sauntered away, giving her hips an extra sway just to annoy her parents. She had never before failed to get a man she wanted, not when she truly started the hunt, and she wasn’t going to fail now.

By daybreak, she would be exhausted and satisfied after a night spent in Gareth’s bed.

***

Gareth looked out over the crowd gathered in the main park of Rica. The stage had been built at the end, near the running track that was such a favourite of Cassandra and Kernan. It was two metres high, enabling the huge crowd to have a good view. There were screens up through the park to ensure people didn’t miss out on the details.

It was also being broadcast around the planet. A royal wedding wasn’t something that happened every day, and even if you weren’t Rican, everyone wanted to see the pomp and ceremony.

Gareth shifted his shoulders. Luckily, the artificial atmosphere of Rica was well controlled, and so the ceremonial robes of the King of Angonia weren’t as uncomfortable as they could be in some of the hotter countries on the planet’s surface. But still, the wide gold-embossed shoulders and high collar were stiff and unyielding, and he felt like an idiot.

To his left and right stood the other princes of the planet — the members of the planetarium, the ruling council. In honour of this marriage of a future member of the planetarium — assuming the Prince of Rica died while Cassandra was still heir, and he’d outlived the previous four — they were all bedecked in their finery.

Next to him stood Haiyim, the High Priest of Zagham. More than the ruler of a country — a very low populated country — he was the head of the Cult of Peace, the only official religion on Jorda. He should be presiding over this wedding, but had happily ceded the responsibility to Gareth. His long, brown robe was trimmed around the edges with gold, the only sign of his rank on the clothing that all priests and priestesses of Zagham wore.

Next to Haiyim was Henry. To keep a sense of continuity in the rulership of Flactor, he’d adopted some of his cousin’s habits. In this case, that meant he was in a skin-tight black- and orange-striped ensemble with a matching orange-lined black cape. Gareth had to admit that as much as Grendon had frustrated and annoyed him, the former Great Youson of Flactor would have pulled this off much better than his cousin did.

On Gareth’s other side stood the Pontifex of Tatryn, Wilma Ryan. The old woman was so feeble a man stood with her, ready to catch her if she fell. And there was great risk of that, for she was wearing a costume very similar to Gareth’s, only the lapels were wider, the collar higher, and there was so much gold hanging from her that the entire thing must weight a ton. But Tatryn wouldn’t be satisfied unless they were bigger and brighter than anything Angonia did.

On the far side of the Pontifex stood the Empress of Haityn, Poppy Chillax. Her name was as ridiculous as her clothing, which was a brightly printed bikini under a diaphanous white coverall. The Empress was at all times a living embodiment of her party-centric nation.

Above them on a massive screen, watching proceedings, was the Prince of Rica. Whoever was looking after him had done a good job of preparing him, and he looked like he should be alive, rather than the living skeleton he usually appeared to be. Gareth would have to find out the name of the make-up artist.

On chairs on the side of the stage were the Wiltmore family. At some point, his father and the Prince of Rica had discussed he and Cassandra marrying. Gareth and Cassandra had laughed in their faces. They both knew that a marriage between them would be disastrous.

But as he stood at this royal wedding, looking at the crowd, Gareth knew he would have to consider marriage soon. Or at least find a woman worthy to be the mother of his child and heir. He was moving into his mid-thirties, and it was time the future of the Angonian throne was secure.

He didn’t know why his gaze was drawn to Cassandra’s twin sister. It was true that theoretically Diana Wiltmore would be a great match for him. As a Wiltmore, she would have been brought up to understand the duties inherent in ruling a country. It would tie the Rican and Angonian thrones together, which could only be a good thing. And she was astoundingly beautiful. Having her in bed would be no difficulty.

Except what he knew of Diana made him certain she would be a terrible choice. She was so into her beauty, so sure of her attraction to any man, that it was distasteful. And while organising the red dress was a nice touch, he’d heard enough of Cassandra’s whingeing about her twin over the years to wonder if that wasn’t just an aberration. According to Cassandra, Diana wasn’t to be trusted around any man.

He knew, both from his own experience and his father’s, that you needed to be careful about the women you chose to take to your bed, let alone allow a permanent place in your life. His own mother had been sent on her way when she’d been discovered having an affair with one of the opposing proponents of an important decision the King had to make. It wasn’t that she’d been unfaithful — it was that she’d put herself in a position to be influenced, and thus made the King’s position in making the decision difficult.

No, it was clear Diana Wiltmore wasn’t suitable. He needed discretion and to be able to trust the woman he let that close to him. He didn’t believe Diana could deliver any of that.

Although he couldn’t deny he wished it were otherwise. That moment on the roof, when with just a shimmy of her shoulders she’d sent a spear of lust through him — that made it clear that she would be an amazing lover.

She turned her head to him and their gazes locked. Gareth pulled on his haughtiest expression, unwilling to look away and thus be made to feel guilty about looking at her. She smiled, and it was like a punch to the stomach.

Fuck, she was beautiful.

Gareth refused to let his reaction show. Instead, he slowly drew his eyes away, as if she mattered no more to him than the rest of the view.

As he did, he noted Kernan approaching. His former bodyguard had changed from the suit he had been wearing into the uniform of a colonel in the Rican Security Force. Gareth had liked the fighter from the moment he’d met him. Kernan was a dedicated, no-nonsense kind of guy. The day he’d dove in front of Gareth to take the laser blast meant for the King was the day Gareth swore eternal brotherhood with the Rican.

He was delighted his friend Cassandra had ended up with a man like Kernan. Having a solid, dependable, skilled guy like that at your side was what every prince needed.

Maybe he could find the female equivalent of Kernan somewhere on the planet.

Kernan winked and Gareth grinned. His friend was wearing the content air of a man well satisfied.

The more he thought of it, the more Gareth found the idea of marrying appealing.

A cheer — the bride had arrived. A long aisle had been left right down the middle of the park and Cassandra was going to walk all the way down it. She took her time, smiling and waving to the men, women and children she would one day swear to rule and protect. As she got closer, Gareth grinned. She’d swapped the red dress for a dark blue copy.

He leant over to Kernan. ‘She remembered about Grendon?’

‘She was scared he’d see it and think that she was doing it to honour him,’ Kernan said. ‘Plus, it’s not in much of a condition to wear any more.’

Gareth laughed.

Cassandra walked up onto the stage and across to Kernan. Her husband took her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles and the crowd went wild.

Gareth waited until they’d quietened before he stepped forward. As the head of the planetarium, it fell to him to officiate this royal wedding.

‘People of Rica. People of Jorda. Thank you for joining us on this glorious occasion to witness the wedding of Princess Cassandra Wiltmore, Heir of Rica, and Colonel Kernan Radaton. We are grateful they have allowed us to be here to witness this wonderful moment in their lives.’

Cassandra and Kernan beamed at each other and Gareth got a sense that as much as this was happening publicly, it was still very much their moment.

The ceremony had two parts. First, Cassandra and Kernan were married according to the words of the Cult of Peace. The moment they were declared husband and wife and kissed brought a frenzy of yelling that far eclipsed anything that had been seen so far.

Then it was time for Kernan to vow his service as the husband of the Heir and eventual father of the future Prince of Rica.

Kernan knelt before Gareth and looked up calmly. ‘I swear that my life will be forever in the service of Rica and the planetarium. I will put the needs of the people of Rica and Jorda always before my own. I will support the Prince and Heir in every way possible. This is my solemn vow.’

As he accepted the vow, Gareth looked up and saw Jorda shining in the black universe — the green and brown of the land, the blue of the oceans. It was a stunning sight, and while he was king of only one part of it, the entire planet held his heart. He’d do anything to keep every person on the planet — and on Rica — safe.

He knew Kernan would, too.

Finally, it was time for the Prince of Rica’s blessing. They all turned to face the screen.

‘My precious people.’ The Prince’s metallic voice was accompanied by the sound of liquid gurgling through pipes. The machinery that kept him alive long after most died was always apparent, even thought it was kept as subtle as possible. ‘This is a day of great joy and blessing for us all. Our Heir is married, and will soon give us another heir. Thus is Rica kept safe. Let us pray that she will prove fruitful and give us all a baby soon.’

‘In other words, get to it,’ Cassandra muttered.

‘Happy to,’ Kernan said. Cassandra gave her husband a thump on the arm.

‘Now, children,’ Gareth murmured. ‘Leave those shenanigans for the bedroom, please.’

With the Prince’s blessing done, the ceremony was over. Cassandra took Kernan’s hand and they started the journey back down the aisle, stopping to have their hands shaken and to receive congratulations.

Gareth walked alongside the Pontifex of Tatryn.

‘A lovely ceremony, didn’t you think?’ he said conversationally.

‘You rushed it,’ the Pontifex snapped.

Gareth wasn’t surprised. It seemed that everyone from Tatryn was indoctrinated with a hatred of all things Angonian from the cradle. They completed the long, slow journey through the crowd in silence.

The final event of the day was an evening reception for the various dignitaries and some of the leading socialites of Rican society. Gareth stood to one side, glad that his well-practiced hauteur discouraged most people from approaching him. It gave him peace to look around and take note of what he was seeing. Business deals being made in corners. People vying to win the attention of Cassandra and Kernan, the new important couple in Rica to know.

A serving tray glided up and he took a glass of wine. He’d allow himself this one indulgence tonight. He had to fly back to Angonia early the next morning for meetings to mediate between the farmers and the major chemical companies, who were arguing over the latest genetic development for ulbra, the main meat product on Jorda.

He sipped the wine and smiled as he recognised the dry taste of an Angonian vintage. He might be biased, but his country definitely produced the best wine on Jorda.

‘Your Majesty.’ The icy voice did a very effective job of chilling his mood.

He turned around. He hadn’t seen Plissa Waltric since the day he’d asked her to take over running distribution of the Rican Balcite Mining Company. It had been his way of punishing her for the illegal machine she’d installed in her office that had almost killed Kernan. She’d had to give up ownership of her own very lucrative company to take the role.

‘Ms Waltric. A delight to see you again. I hope you are well.’

‘Very well, Your Majesty. A delightful day, was it not?’

Her face was bland but she couldn’t hide the bite in her words. Several months ago, she and Cassandra had been at each other’s throats. Two strong, independent women whose agendas were diametrically opposed. They hated each other, a hatred only slightly tempered