Duty & Desire

By M.O. Kenyan

They honor their Duty while trying so hard not to give into their Desires.

Archer has been raised to honor the duty his birth-rite as Crown Price gave him, over his own desires. When his father betroths him to a Princess he has never met, he doesn't question it but accepts it immediately. Archer has always wanted to marry for love, but he resigns himself to his father's will.That is until he meets the beautiful Adalia. She is everything he never knew he needed, but she loves another.

Adalia is angry she is not allowed to follow her own heart, all because she was born to a King and a Queen. Because of who she is, she has to give up her freedom to decide her own future and resign herself to duty. Her heart is broken when she is forced to marry a stranger while in love with another.

Brought together by duty, their desire for each-other births a deadly love triangle.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.O. Kenyan
• Release date: Sep 21, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005850432

M.O. Kenyan

I just love to create stories.I am an author.Creating alternate realities helps me escape.My imagination is my Fortress of Solitude, the place where I discover new things about myself, pretend that I understand what falling in love is and coming closer to discovering the true meaning of love.I leave a piece of me in every story I write, but don't try to figure me out.

Book preview

Chapter One

Dear world,

My little brother Noel was born yesterday. His birth brings the tally to six boys and three girls. I think father is making certain that there is an heir and a spare (and a few spares for both the heir and the spare).

I remember when I figured out my role in this world, as the future king of the Northern kingdom. My eyes took everything in, and out of the white crystal palace. At first, I only knew one color, white the royal color. Especially since everyone with royal blood is dressed in white plus, the palace decor was white. Now as I grow up, I have discovered numerous colors and all the meaning behind them. But it won’t matter, I am expected to focus on just the symbol of our kingdom.

Anyway, back to my growing family, my little sister and brother want to join me in my next battle against the rebels. I do admire their courage, but I feel that they will hasten my demise. The big brother in me will not allow my siblings to go out in the battlefield unprotected. They will only serve as a distraction. But even if I die there are eight other royals eligible for the crown.

Tomorrow we are meeting with the royals from the South Kingdom. Their women are coming in to see the new baby, while the men will be planning ways to rid ourselves of the rebel resistance.

I never considered that there was anyone more beautiful than my mother, but I have heard stories of the queen Leora and her awestruck beauty. It is said that their daughter, Adalia, bears her mother’s good looks and her father’s bravery and courage. The whole royal family will be here tomorrow; I will get a chance to dispute or confirm the rumors. Especially since Adalia is to be my bride.

Archer.

Archer!

He heard his father call for him from the hallway.

In a rush Archer closed his diary and tucked it under his bed- he was sure his father would think that chronicling his every thought and emotion was feminine -and then in a swift move, he placed his sword in its sheath and ran out into the hallway. Shoulders out, back straight, chin out and his right hand gingerly but firmly placed on the silver jeweled hilt of his sword, he stepped before the king.

Your highness, you called for me? He stood before his king. He gazed upon him but not directly in his eyes, careful not to disrespect him.

There you are. Have you gotten your gift for the King and his Queen? His eyes were slowly taking in his son’s appearance and posture. With that knowledge, Archer stiffened his spine. As the heir and future King of the North you must retain the amicable relationship we have with the Kingdom of the South, Lionell rested his arm on his son’s shoulder, as they walked down the hall towards the throne room. Remember our plight with the rebels. To protect this realm, we have to be strong. We cannot allow an invasion. I think we have learned about strength in numbers, especially from Earth.

Yes father, who could forget the invasion Earth had to fight off, in 2022, when their realm clashed with the Cyclops. It was disastrous, but the humans won in the end due to alliances. I had the blacksmiths mold a sword for the King and I got a black silk cloth embroidered with gold string for the queen. Will that suffice, or should I get something else?

He stood aside letting his father go before him into the throne room. He was careful not to mention the princess. Archer wasn’t sure if the marriage would still take place. It was a political, tactical move. But if the rebels withdraw, there would be no need for a marriage. So, he didn’t mention her.

You did well my son. This will be your event to host as the eldest son. You must make sure that the princess is satisfied. She has a very short temper, he tapped his jaw with his finger, an amused look on his face.

The princess, Archer thought. He still had to please her, amuse her. But from what he had heard about her, no precious embroidered cloth would do. Not even the most precious stones from his mother’s, the queen, own collection would satisfy her. He thought of what he held precious to him, his bow and arrow. What if he forged a weapon for her himself? That would surely please her.

I have been told. Everything is ready for the King, Queen and their six children. Trust me father, tomorrow will be a good day, he bowed before the throne as his father sat down.

Where is Doran? I hope he is aware of tomorrow’s meeting?

Yes, your majesty, Archer’s address to his father changed whenever he was on his throne. He was now his king first and his father second.

You have done well my son. Now let us hope that the South will be willing to join us in our fight against the rebels. Lionell waved him away.

You’re Majesty, Archer bowed down once more, backpedaling, never showing the King his back as he headed out the door.

Son? Lionell called to him.

Yes Sire, Archer lifted his gaze.

Make sure that you are in good terms with the princess. If we have to make an alliance, it will mean a marriage between the two of you.

Of course, you’re majesty. I will do my duty to the Northern Kingdom, with one last bow Archer left his father alone with his thoughts.

Archer headed for the blacksmiths, and then later, he would head to the royal jeweler. If there was the surety of a marriage between him and Adalia, he had better get to work on the sword. Black diamonds and gold on the hilt, silver and platinum on the blade, it would be magnificent.

Archer? Novia, his younger sister and second in line to the throne ran up to him.

Hey Novia, what is it? Archer adored all his siblings; to him they were an extension of who he was. Novia especially, she was witty and a tad bit vain, but dangerous with a blade. Novia as a princess in full silk ball gowns was a huge contradiction to the armor and sword she wielded during mock battle.

Mother would like to have a word with you, she wrapped her arm around her brother’s waist and leaned on him as they walked.

Is Mother alright, where is she? He was worried; his mother’s health had suffered after the birth of the youngest prince. It took her days to get back on her feet. But even now though she seemed fine, she was still weak.

She is fine and is out in the garden with the baby. She wants to talk to you about the royal visit tomorrow.

Father already spoke to me about that. Everything is ready for their arrival.

They walked to the garden and found the Queen with her three younger children. Queen Ilana looked well and her once pale skin was burning pink. She was beautiful, her sandy blonde hair gleamed in the sunlight and her delicate body was wrapped in swirling white silk. She was as delicate as a flower.

Mother, Novia said you wanted to see me, he kissed the back of her hand in respect and adulation.

Has your father talked to you about your possible marriage? She balanced the baby in one arm while the other stroked her son’s hair in adoration.

Marriage? What marriage? Novia interrupted.

Archer chocked on the shock clotting in his throat. He always felt like he was suffocating when they spoke of his marriage. His hand rested on his neck, just to make sure the noose wasn’t there already. Of course, he wouldn’t leave the palace, but bringing someone new in his little private bubble disturbed him. Although he wanted what Ilana and Lionell had, the companionship and support from a loved one, he wasn’t sure if he would love her as much as his parents loved each other.

Your brother may be engaged to Princess Adalia by tomorrow evening, Ilana rocked the sleeping baby in her arms.

I wouldn’t mind getting married to Prince Randi. I hear his beauty leaves women blinded with love for him, Novia twirled her blonde hair around her finger a dreamy look on her face. Besides I don’t think Adalia will marry. She acts more like a gladiator than she does a princess.

You wield a sword and carry a dagger in your stockings, does that make you a barbarian, Archer came in Adalia’s defense even though he hadn’t seen her before. But he would have to get used to defending her, coming to her aid if she was to be his Queen.

I’m just saying. Mother, if the princess doesn’t want to marry my brother, I will marry hers, she cooed as her mind raveled back into her fantasies.

Chapter Two

Dear Diary,

Mother says I should act more like a princess and less like a gladiator. A princess is never heard, she says. She’s supposed to be delicate and as sweet as a songbird. But how could I, if I was father’s son for the first two years of my life. I watched him train with the other soldiers. Mock battles are all that I know. Besides I don’t think anyone will look past my mother’s beauty and focus on me.

Leora is beautiful and I’m sure Aphrodite couldn’t hold a candle to her. She is not only queen of the Southern Kingdom, but also of beauty. I will be queen one day, but I will take a much more active duty. I understand the queen’s need to be a mother first, but I don’t understand why she had to put down her sword because of it. My father refused to let her join him in battle, but when I become Queen, I will go to each one. I will not throw away my passion for the sake of marriage. Why, when my brother Randi can produce more heirs if needed.

Tomorrow, we go to the Northern Kingdom to congratulate the royal family on the birth of their new prince. I know the visit is just a facade to cover the fact that father is going for a strategy meeting. Why else would General Conan come along? I haven’t picked a present for the prince or his parents yet. I’ll let mother take care of that for me.

The visit will allow me an insight to their military power and knowledge to what kind of help they will need from us. Diary it’s time for me to make my rounds and check on the guards. Let’s just hope that tomorrow’s visit bears fruit.

Adalia.

Adalia raised her sword to block the one coming down on her fast. The clang of metal announced the beginning of the fight. Adalia liked training with the guards. It was her way of sharpening her skills, ever since her father refused to train her. King Gabrielle wanted his daughter to be a delicate princess, a butterfly, but she wasn’t.

Adalia was as good as any of the guards and better than most. More times than her father liked it, she went out on patrol with Conan. She was well versed with the land and could easily lead her father’s army to a victorious ambush. Just to prove her point, she swiped the guard’s legs from under him. Her sword slicing the air with a loud whoosh sound, she brought it down to his chest, holding it inches away from his metal armor.

Adalia! Leora’s stern voice rang through the air as the guards dropped on one knee with their heads bowed. It never possessed a sweet melodic quality to it, but Adalia had never heard the hard set in her mother’s tone before.

My queen, Adalia gave her mother a slight bow and dropped the sword at her feet. Her face hidden, she scowled and pouted her lip. Her training was over for the day, and she wouldn’t be able to resume for the next two days.

Come with me. Now! Leora shuffled her ball gown as her maidens followed behind.

Adalia followed the tail of her mother’s gown into her chambers. Her commanding tone left no room for argument. She stood next to the door as her mother paced around her room. She stared at her as she moved. Leora looked as if she was floating above the ground. Her heavy dress covered her poised, graceful movements.

Leave us, the maidens hurried out immediately.

Mother, why are you so angry?

Angry? She gave Adalia a stern look before bursting into laughter. When I saw you beat each and every one of your father’s guards, I was proud. It reminded me of when I was your age, she gathered her dress in her hands and plopped down on the bed laughing.

Then why did you stop me? Adalia was confused. She didn’t understand why her mother had pulled her away from the fight with such a stern look and here, behind closed doors, she was doubling over in laughter.

Come here, Leora sat up and slightly tapped on the bed, inviting her to sit next to her.

Adalia dropped her armor and clumsily walked to her mother. Why would you give it up if you loved it so much?

Adalia envied her mother but didn’t understand her. Leora’s jet-black hair was braided and in curls cascaded down her back. Her brown eyes were filled with delicate humor and a ferociousness that only came out when she was protecting her family. But still she was the most beautiful woman in both kingdoms. And since her father had fallen in love with her on the battlefield, she never understood why she never fought beside him.

Being a wife to your father, and a mother to you and your siblings is more important. Besides your father needed to have control of one aspect of this kingdom, he is king after all, she teased.

Her mother’s wise words were ‘always rule the kingdom but always let the king think that he’s in control’. That way you protect your husband and your family from the hyenas lurking about.

I understand that but why couldn’t you do all three at the same time, wife, mother, and Queen? I intend to.

There is no guarantee of coming back alive from battle. What would happen if both your father and I went out there and something happened? Your father can’t handle life without me.

That is true, a booming voice echoed through the room.

Adalia looked up to find her father smiling at them. Father how long have you been standing there? She got up and gave him a hug.

A while, I was just gazing at the most beautiful woman in the kingdom, he stretched out his arm to his wife as she walked to him.

I hope that I can find happiness like yours, Adalia admired her parents. Ever since she was born, she had never seen them fight or angry at each other. They always had this smile on their faces and the look of love in their eyes.

"You will, when you