Queen Takes King: Red Knight, #3

By Martha Sweeney

Amazon BESTSELLING Series

Paperbacks available via my website

 

Red:
I've done something that may threaten my bond with Knight, one that I will gladly pay with my life if he deems it.  It was in self-defense while trying to protect Lolly and her unborn babe.

 

Knight and I end up in the Ones' sovereign and I undercover a sinister game that is beyond what I or any Jaruian could ever imagine.  When caught, I'm forced to escape, leaving Knight and Ronan behind to find Lolly on their own.

While avoiding the Ones by fleeing through No-Ja-Land, I learn more about myself than I could ever imagine, make new friends, and find myself leading the very people who wanted me dead for my actions against Breaker.

 

Knight:
All the things I thought Jagger was plotting are nothing in comparison to the hidden truths I find out about my home sovereign.  My mate is missing and the place I grew up in feels very different than what it once was.  There is a major power play taking place and Jaru might end up with a new leader--one who will enslave us all.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: WWN Publishing Group
• Release date: Feb 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201640484

Martha Sweeney

Pushing boundaries across genres. Martha Sweeney is a Best-Selling, multi-genre author who writes in a variety of genres: romance, suspense, thriller, coloring books, romantic comedy, and science fiction. She strives to push herself as a storyteller with each new tale and hopes to push her readers outside of their comfort zone whether it be genre or the stories themselves. With a B.S. in Psychology, Martha utilizes her knowledge of human and animal behavior successfully in the business world and in her writing to present realistic characters and situations. She's been creative since she was little, always drawing, coloring or making crafts, so her venture into being an author was a natural transition.

Book preview

Queen Takes King

QUEEN TAKES KING

RED KNIGHT SERIES BOOK #3

MARTHA SWEENEY

WWN PUBLISHING

Full Page Image

Queen Takes King (Red Knight #3) written by Martha Sweeney

Copyright © 2022 Martha Sweeney

Publishing 2022 WWN Publishing Group

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Copy Editors: Martha Sweeney & Thomas Sweeney

Cover Design: Martha Sweeney

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All rights reserved. This book was self-published by the author, Martha Sweeney, under WWN Publishing Group. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by any means without the express written permission of the author. This includes reprints, excerpts, photocopying, recording, or any future means of reproducing text and stories.

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If you would like to do any of the above, please seek permission first by contacting the author at: www.marthasweeney.com

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Connect with Martha Sweeney online:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorMarthaSweeney

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Published in The United States by WWN Publishing Group

ISBN: 9798201640484

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thank you, my best friend, my partner, my lover, the love of my life, my husband, Thomas Sweeney, for being you and being in my life. Here’s to our love, our laughter, and our never-ending journey through the cosmos together. I love you!

Thank you to all of my readers and fans! You make writing a blessing and fun in so many ways.

Thank you to a bunch of other people who I’ve been connected with online. Thank you for all the funny and hot posts, thank you for reading my books (if you have), and thank you for being a part of this awesome book community!

ALSO BY MARTHA SWEENEY

The Just Breathe Series

Breathe In

Breathe Out

Just Breathe

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Bookish: Adult Coloring Book

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The Killmore Series

Killmore

The Killmores

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Hot Georgia Rein

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The Red Knight Series

Knight Takes Pawn

Pawn to King

Queen Takes King

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Snowed In With Him

and many more to come…

JARUIAN LANGUAGE INDEX

These are a list of words you’ll find a different points in the story.

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Jaru: a planet in the Gatanemi Galaxy

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Jucas: a spineless coward

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Jaruian: the native, humanoid population on the planet Jaru

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dack: a vulgar expletive in Jaruian language that means intercourse; in other words, it closely resembles the word fuck (dack = fuck, dacker = fucker, dacking = fucking)

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ginamo: a drink made from giana beans which is similar to coffee

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temmia: a drink made from leaves which is similar to tea

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whimana: a fermented myaldia (fruit) that is make into a liquor drink

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houtis: a hard liquor made from the houta plant (grain)

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tekinemia : a potentially deadly illness on Jaru that attacks the lungs

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tackibeans: a sweat flavored bean

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hepora: a large boar-like, horse-like animal that’s ridden

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lejamae: a large, rodent-like and bird-like animal

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kyguda: a large, field grazing animal that is a main meat Jaruians eat. It’s considered a delicacy food.

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matdika: a green vegetable

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spumei: a yellow vegetable

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patirye: a potato-like vegetable

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frubejah: an animal that is similar to a wolf

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druimas: a Jaruian term for a druggy or drunkard

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bimea: a small bird like creature

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cajuga: a large, cat like animals that has long fangs

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potaya: a large acquatic mammal

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boga: a rat-like rodent

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ru (plural: rus): small Jaruian coins

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ja: Jaruian dollar currency

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hudo: the measure of distance (the equivalent to one kilometer)

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Inanna: ancient Jaruian Goddess

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arammu: ancient Jaruian term for love

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pulaga: Jaruian insult for an elderly person who appears to be senile

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betova: derogatory word towards women for bitch

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seporja: snake-like reptilian animal

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horjan: a horse-like animal

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Surja: A military rank as in colonel

CONTENTS

Sixty Six

Sixty Seven

Sixty Eight

Sixty Nine

Seventy

Seventy One

Seventy Two

Seventy Three

Seventy Four

Seventy Five

Seventy Six

Seventy Seven

Seventy Eight

Seventy Nine

Eighty

Eighty One

Eighty Two

Eighty Three

Eighty Four

Eighty Five

Eighty Six

Eighty Seven

Eighty Eight

Eighty Nine

Ninety

Ninety One

Ninety Two

Ninety Three

Ninety Four

Ninety Five

Ninety Six

Ninety Seven

Ninety Eight

Also by Martha Sweeney

About the Author

SIXTY SIX

KNIGHT

Ronin’s body bucks under me, trying to break free. I’ve got his face pressed into the floor with one of his arms twisted behind him that allows me to keep him pinned. The sound of a gun firing grabs my attention. Looking up, I find Jagger clutching his thigh as he falls back onto the floor. Red towers over him with the gun aimed at his head.

The room is silent. Not a single person speaks as Jagger grunts in pain. He tries to hide his discomfort, but you can see a bit of concern in his eyes.

Ronin’s body pulses under me from laughter. He’s pleased with Red’s actions.

Red, please! Lin begs, moving between her and Jagger.

"You said, We protect our sisters," Red states.

Yes, but—

Is Lolly not your sister? Red asks, aiming the gun at Lin.

Though I can see the fire burning bright in Red’s eyes, she’s calmer than I expect.

Lin does not reply as she cowers.

Move, Lin, Red commands.

Red, please, Lin stammers.

I will not repeat myself, Red informs.

Lin’s hesitant, but complies. She lowers herself to the ground at Jagger’s side.

Ryan, Red calls.

I don’t comment.

Let him up, Red commands.

Red, I warn.

She looks at me. He has the right to challenge him.

Red, I caution.

You would not think twice if it was I who was taken, Red states.

I take in a deep breath, hating the fact that she’s right. Two seconds later, I reluctantly let Ronin up. Don’t do anything stupid, I warn.

Ronin smiles when he looks at me. Afraid I’ll challenge you next?

I snort. Honestly, no.

Red takes a blade from her boot and voices whisper around us. Females have never been allowed to carry weapons let alone use them. The final confirmations of the rumors are being exposed. The hidden truths Jagger has avoided sharing are now being revealed. There are many outcomes that can come from this.

She hands Ronin the knife but doesn’t remove her hand right away. Red’s eyes blaze with something I’ve never seen before. Red is acting like no other female. Instead, she is acting more like a leader—a queen.

We will find her, Red states. We will gut those who took her and make them bleed until their last breath.

Ronin smiles and nods, pleased by Red’s declaration.

Red, I call.

Red looks at me and then nods in Jagger’s direction. Consider your options with him, she suggests to Ronin. She smiles at me before returning her attention to Jagger. Red takes a step toward him, grabs Jagger by the collar, and lowers herself enough so they’re face-to-face.

Everyone around us is unsure of what to do. Most are afraid, which has never happened with the males of our species. These males fear my mate and it makes me proud to see the change that is occurring. I just fear that it may lead to our demise that much sooner.

You don’t deserve to live, Red states. But, you also don’t deserve the honor of dying.

How can you let her do this, Knight? a male questions.

Control your mate, another states.

Control me? Red balks, shoving Jagger back to the ground.

I don’t comment.

You think you can control me? Red taunts. I’m right here. Challenge me.

Several of the men scoff.

Red grins. Scared to battle a woman?

Men don’t fight women, one of the males states.

Red takes a step toward him. No, but you’ll take from us what you want…beat us as if we are a male. She glances around the room. Females used to fight with males…along side them even.

Many faces reveal confusion while a few of the males try to maintain their dominance.

She battled Breaker, a male states.

Heads turn from side to side trying to find out who made the comment.

She didn’t, one of the men claim.

She did, Jagger grunts.

Red snickers.

I let her. I— Jagger tries to continue before Red slaps him in the face.

She laughs. You’d like to think that.

Jagger’s expression becomes puzzled for a second. I made you—

You did not make me what I am, Red states. She takes a hold of Jagger’s face. I made myself.

I—

I made the choice to kill, Red states sternly. You weren’t there. You didn’t know who I was when it happened.

Many gasp at Red’s claim.

You only saw an opportunity, Red says.

I am your King, Jagger warns. You would not—

You are not my king, Red announces, shoving Jagger’s face to the side. She takes two steps back. You have never been my king.

No one comments and they’re all unsure of what to say or do.

I was not born here. I was unknown to you until I defended my life from that filthy, dacking jucas you sent to have his way with me.

Jagger doesn’t comment.

I didn’t have to kill, Red continues. I could have let him use me, but I didn’t. I had a choice. I chose to kill him rather than let him touch me. Then, I chose to kill for you when you asked.

What? several people gasp.

Jagger’s head sways.

Yes, Red confirms. Just like I chose to not kill Breaker and castrate him instead. She lets out a low, devious chuckle. Just like I’m choosing not to kill you right now.

You can’t kill the king, a man claims.

A king bleeds just like the rest of us, Red reminds.

Several of the women gulp as the men consider her words.

A female cannot challenge anyone, especially the ki—

He is not my king! Red rebuts. She turns sharply wielding her blade up to shoulder height.

Red, Jagger cautions.

Why is Jagger not saying or doing anything? a male whispers lowly.

Red smiles and faces the man. His eyes widen as if surprised that Red may have heard him.

Come, Red calls, turning to face Jagger. Your people wish for you to do something.

Red, Jagger warns.

She places the blade at his feet. Come. Show them who you are. Show them that your word is law. Show them that you are king as you claim.

Red, Jagger cautions again.

Show them as you did in the arena with the Others and with those who have disobeyed you. Challenge me. Fight me.

Jagger does not move. He and Red stare at each other for Gods only know how long. The silence is deafening yet revealing to those around us.

Red’s smile returns. It is up to Ronin if Jagger should live or die, she declares. Ronin should have the choice since Jagger allowed his mate, his mate who is with child, to be taken by the Others.

You’re certain she was with child? Jagger asks.

Red smirks. Lolly told me herself.

She could have been mistaken, Jagger rebuts.

I felt the babe kick in her belly! Red shouts. She takes several breaths as she stares down Jagger. Do you want to call me a liar too?

Jagger shakes his head.

Gasps are low and the expressions on the faces around me flurry through a variety of emotions as they watch Red, Ronin, Jagger, and me.

Red’s head shakes in opposition as her lips move, but there isn’t an audible sound. She looks at Ronin and places her hand on his forearm. He’s all yours. Red steps aside.

Everyone watches Ronin, waiting for him to take action.

Red shifts back to me, keeping her head held high and her eyes on Jagger. She keeps a blade in hand as she crosses her arms.

Ronin, Jagger commands.

Ronin, Lin begs. Please.

Ronin picks up the blade at Jagger’s feet, flipping it in his hand as if he’s considering his options.

Ronin, Jagger calls with concern in his tone. I’ve been good to you and Lolly.

Ronin’s large hand wraps around Jagger’s throat. Don’t you dare speak her name. Don’t you dacking speak her name. You used her. You used me. And, I will not allow it again.

Are you sure about this? I ask lowly in Red’s ear.

In the next moment, Ronin thrusts the knife into Jagger’s shoulder. Jagger cries out as no one moves to stop Ronin.

Ronin, Lin pleas.

He used her, Ronin states. Let her and my child be taken.

Ronin, Jagger grunts. I—

Red’s right, Ronin growls. You don’t deserve to die…not yet. You will suffer long before you die. I’ll make sure of it.

A rumbling sound stirs in the distance, gradually getting louder. I check the room, wondering where it may be coming from. The room starts to shake beneath our feet, and just as I tug Red towards me, an explosion goes off on the other side of the building.

Everyone ducks except Ronin, Red, and me.

The ceiling quakes and dust shakes loose around us.

Another explosion goes off, sounding like it struck the back of the mansion. It shakes the room, making the females panic more.

What’s going on? someone asks.

We’re under attack, someone replies.

What do we do, Red? another inquires.

Why are you asking her? Jagger quips. I am your—

Ronin slams his fist into Jagger’s face. Shut it!

Jagger’s head slumps and his eyes close.

Red? one of the women asks. What do we do?

Red stands, looking at the people in the room. Another explosion happens, which causes her to change—into a leader.

Break off into groups, Red directs. No one goes alone. Get supplies…food, weapons, and anything else that we can use to fight.

Why food? a female asks.

Because… Red lets out a huff. We’re in no position to stay. The sovereign isn’t safe.

Where are we going? Ronin checks.

Red’s lip twitches. To get Lolly back.

Why is a female giving directions? a male inquires.

Why not? a female replies. She’s the first one to challenge Jagger. She could have killed him.

Is he dead? someone asks.

No, Lin replies. But, he will be if I don’t tend to his wounds.

Another explosion goes off in the distance, rattling the mansion again.

Blade, I call. You and Dragon stay with Ronin. The three of you will wait by the entrance that leads down to the garage so everyone knows where to go. The rest of you, do as Red said. Grab only food, weapons, and any supplies that will be useful for survival. You’ve got five minutes to meet up with Blade, Dragon, and Ronin over there. I point to the hidden door. If you’re not back in time, we leave without you.

Fight? a female asks nervously.

Yes, Red replies sharply. Either you get killed or taken if you don’t fight.

Who’s doing this? another female asks.

Does it matter? Red replies. It’s either your life or theirs. You have the choice to fight or surrender. It’s up to you.

Tell us what to do, Red, a female requests.

I just did, Red retorts with irritation. Either let them kill you, take you, or fight back. You’re free to choose.

Artuk, Ronin calls. You and Arsen escort Jagger and Lin down to the garage. Wait for us there.

Without a word, Artuk and Arsen follow their orders.

Red and I make our way to the staircase, keeping an eye on all corners for the possibility of infiltration. When we get to the floor just below our room, Red breaks off to the left.

What are you doing?

This is where it happened, Red replies, looking around the hall.

What? I ask. Where they got Lolly and Jagger found you?

Yes, she confirms.

We don’t have time, I remind.

I just need to see something.

What are you trying to find? I follow closely behind her.

The body, Red states. I stabbed a woman.

Are you sure it was a woman?

Red spins on her feet and looks at me. She came from behind me and tried to stop me from getting to Lolly. Aside from the fact that a female’s body is very different than a male's, she cried out when I jammed my knife into her heart.

We don’t have time for—

Look, Red exclaims, pointing to something on the floor.

I can’t see what she sees since the lights are still off and aren’t working. A second later, Red opens the door to a room. I feel around for a light on the wall and click it.

Dack, Red sighs.

What?

Red’s head sways slowly. Ryan. I…I—

What? I ask again, approaching Red.

My throat tightens when I see the body of a female on the floor. It’s not the fact that Red was telling the truth and it’s a woman, but the fact that it’s—my sister.

I swear, I….

I take in a deep breath, considering everything that’s happened thus far. She made her choice.

Ryan? Red calls, nervously looking at me. I swear. I was being attacked and blocked from getting to Lolly.

It takes me a few seconds to look at Red.

I’m so—

She made her choice, I repeat.

But—

We need to go, I remind, turning my back and heading out the door.

Red tries to speak again but stops the moment I turn and take a hold of her wrist, pulling her out of the room.

SIXTY SEVEN

RED

The air is suffocating though the front windows of the truck are halfway down. My body sways from side to side as we drive toward the border, heading for No-Ja-Land.

Ryan hasn’t said a word to me since we found his sister dead in that room. How are things going to be between us now? I killed his sister. It doesn’t matter that it was in self-defense. I killed her. Her blood is on my hands.

I keep my eyes out to the distance while Ronin and the other men who are in the back are monitoring for anyone who might be following us. I find myself getting distracted by the memory of how I killed Ryan’s sister. Every little detail from the moment when Lolly was pulled from me to plunging the knife into Ryan’s sister’s chest.

I don’t know if I will ever forgive myself. Regardless of the fact that she attacked me, she’s the first woman I’ve killed and there’s an eery feeling that lingers with the memory.

The truck comes to a sudden halt a little bit from a section of the sovereign border.

Tuac, Ryan calls.

I search the direction Knight is calling.

Tuac, he repeats. It’s me, Knight.

Knight? a voice calls out in the distance.

You okay? Ryan inquires.

What the hell was going on back there? Tuac asks, suddenly appearing from a level that’s about three tiers off the ground.

No one snuck in? Ryan checks.

I’ve got sensors and trips to let me know, Tuac confirms, stepping onto the second tier. No one will get past me and the boys without us knowing. Besides, they’d get fired upon if they did.

Then they came from a different direction or have been in the sovereign for a while now, Ryan states.

I’ve got five guys to do the work of twenty, Tuac returns snidely. This dacking shit is—

Yeah, I know, Ryan replies. Well, it’s time to take the traps down.

What? Why? Tuac inquires. What the hell are you—

We were attacked, Ryan informs.

Tuac remains silent for a long moment. Attacked as in—

They came in someplace else, Ryan states, inspecting the gate before us.

We can’t leave our post, Tuac replies.

There's nothing left to defend, Ryan claims.

It’s gone? Tuac asks nervously.

Will be soon, Ryan states.

So…?

I need you to let us out, Ryan says.

Tuac reaches ground level and walks toward us. He peers back toward the truck.

He had a better view of who’s in the back of the vehicle from his higher vantage point than down here on the ground with us.

Did Jagger—

Jagger doesn’t have power anymore, I claim.

Tuac looks at me and then back at Ryan.

Ryan nods. I can fill you in if you want to join us.

Where you headed? Tuac inquires.

For now… Ryan lets out a sigh. No-Ja-land.

Are you dacking crazy? Tuac laughs.

The mansion was attacked, Ryan explains. They took Ronin’s mate first, and who knows who else, and then—

Ronin’s mate? Tuac balks. He peers past us.

I look back and see Ronin wave and jump out from the