Alexandria's Knight

By S.T. Rucker

Soon-to-be demon Queen of the Underworld, Alexandria has one little problem standing between her and the crown--and his name is Adriel.

Dria has loved Adriel since she was a teenager and there's no one else she wants by her side and in her bed. However, having been her protector for years, it seems Adriel only sees her as his charge, nothing more. In order to fully ascend to the throne and claim what is rightfully hers, Dria must be mated by midnight of the next equinox. She has until then to prove to Adriel that her feelings are real and that they are meant to rule the Underworld together.

• Language: English
• Publisher: S.T. Rucker
• Release date: Mar 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005584306

S.T. Rucker

S.T. Rucker was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia USA. She earned her BA from Seattle University in English/Creative Writing. She currently lives in Fresno, California.She likes reading books that appeal simultaneously to her sense of justice, adventure, romance, and the fantastic and whimsical--this is also what she enjoys writing.

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Alexandria’s Knight

S.T. Rucker

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2021 by S.T. Rucker. All Rights Reserved.

Table of Contents

1. Queen—God & Hell Willing

2. Of Gettin’ Hitched & Gettin’ It In

3. That Zahir

4. A Little Prayer

5. Strengths

6. Twist

7. Balso

8. Byways and Bygones

9. Sanctuary of The Damned

10. Pink Slip

11. Motel Hell

12. The Grapevine

13. Don’t Let Go

14. Angel in The Wings

15. A Woman So Heartless

16. Intervention, Pt. 2

17. Heaven’s Arrow

18. Angel in Disguise

19. Lucil

20. The Claim

21. Long Live The Queen

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1

Queen—God & Hell Willing

Dria

Balance. Its all about balance. And maintaining balance in the human world means that demons exist and, contrary to popular belief, we are not all inherently evil.

I am Alexandria— the next Queen of The Underworld. You're lucky I'm not evil. I mean, what can I say except you're welcome.

I step out of the roiling, tickling green-black flames of the fireplace and into the ambient lighting of the decadent parlor of Lord Delsius's manor house. I catch glimpse of myself in a wall of spotted, antique mirrors. I am all brown skin and curves in my short, blood red velvet dress, the gentle swell of my belly highlighting my thick thighs and shapely calves in studded stockings and heels. My red and black curls shine in beautiful bounty around my shoulders. I don't see a screaming, emaciated ghoul when I look in the mirror. Never have. That's lower level demons doing time deep in The Underworld for heinous crimes committed during their mortal life. Most of the rest us tend to look human.

A familiar, brusque clearing of throat instantly confirms that the corseted mini dress is too short, my thighs are on display, the heels are too high, and my cleavage is too noticeable. I look up into the yellow eyes of one of my guards, Fane, the strictest among them, and shrug. These little parties are the only place where I relax the dress code. I enjoy the way the dress feels against my skin, how my thighs brush together below the short hem. How every eye in the room is on me as I stand among my guards.

For my arrival, eight of my nine protectors flank the fireplace entrance of the parlor. Therius, Kel, Garrick, Damus, Calcifer, Wynferd, Eric (yep, just Eric), and the scowling Fane. I turn around as I feel the flames shift behind me in the grate and my final protector walks through. Even though the fireplace is high, he has to stoop a little to step inside the room like some of the others had. For a second, I enjoy the solidness of his presence, the steady warmth and sense of muscled grace from him standing so close. Adriel rises to his full height and gives me a little bow from the waist before joining the others.

Ordinarily, I wouldn't have the full number of my most elite guards with me at a party like this one with so many established acquaintances. But with my coronation coming up, everyone around me is a little paranoid. I get it. I am the next Demon Queen of The Underworld, Guardian of the Nine Keys of the Gates of Hell. Holder of God's Mirror. Commander of Legion and The Hoards. All demons and souls of The Underworld will answer to me.

That's if I can get mated by midnight of the next equinox.

I peek over at Adriel as I, my guard, and a small, elegant entourage move through the room, greeting familiar faces, shaking hands, and making smalltalk. As for who I get mated to, I have someone in mind obviously. Too bad he's more concerned with his duty than giving me and my dress those eyes right now.

Adriel

Alexandria's efforts have seen to her future as Queen. All we guards have to do is keep anything threatening her life out of the way.

Looking around at the demons present, I know most of them don't really care about who comes to rule The Underworld so long as it brings stability. Routine. But there is always a threat lurking somewhere. Always. And that's what me and the other eight guards are for.

Watching the room, I affirm again that I live in Alexandria's shadow bearing a blade of light to cut down all darkness in her path. I will always have her back.

Too bad I can't cut this down.

My eyes narrow as I track a handsome demon, my height, in a tan suit, shirt unbuttoned at the collar approaching Alexandria's circle of guards. His jet black hair is tousled carelessly, matching the jet black eyes that glitter as they fall on my Queen.

Sahir.

All of us know him and do not react to his presence as he approaches Dria. He bows and, without rising, holds out his hand for hers.

My Queen Alexandria, he says in exultant tones. It is always my deepest pleasure to bask in your presence.

She smiles at him indulgently, giving him her hands, both of which he kisses. Her eyes are red, the pupils narrowed, as she stares down at him with her chin raised regally.

I grind my teeth even though Sahir isn't a threat. Not only is he not a threat, he is an obvious candidate for our Queen's affections. She doesn't have to love him though. She just has to marry him and fuck him. Not necessarily in that order. She doesn't really need to be looking at him that way either. Or letting him touch her quite so lingeringly.

I've had to endure a parade of fools approaching her over the years leading up to this moment. Of course I don't approve of any of them. Not that my opinion matters. Dria will choose who she sees fit.

Doesn't stop me from wearing my molars down.

Watching Sahir charm her and make her laugh, I think back to that time years ago, to the forbidden moment. Her hand in mine. Her lips whispering in my ear.

I push the memory away.

I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be now. Where I am meant to be.

At her side.

When I look at Sahir's lusty gaze on Dria, I think he sees the same thing I do. Five foot three, brown skin, pretty brown eyes (Well brown some of the time),