Keys to the Kingdom by Fiona Wilde

can take care of themselves. Don't fear for them," she said.
    "No," he said, shaking his head. "You don't understand. It's my brothers I fear for. They lack the maturity to stop and listen. I need your advice, Lenora. How can my brothers reach your princesses? How can they win them?"
    She raised an eyebrow. "You expect me to help your brothers prevail over my own flesh and blood?"
    "Please," he said.
    She considered this. "If I do, what will you do for me?"
    "Anything," he said. "Anything. Your heart's desire - riches, jewels, fine horses."
    Lenora threw back her head and laughed. "You have nothing!" she said. "All you stand to gain now belongs to my father! You would take what is rightfully my inheritance and give it to me as a gift?"
    Kier reddened with embarrassment. She was right. He sounded like a complete fool.
    "Try again" she said. "You want to marry me. Show me how well you know me. Tell me, Prince Kier. What is my heart's desire?"
    "To be recognized as being as smart as if you'd been born a male," he said. "And to rule alongside me should I become king."
    Lenora walked up to Kier, stood on tiptoe and brushed her lips ever so slightly against his cheek.
    "Yes, Prince," she said. "That is exactly what I want. I am a strong woman. But I will require a strong man if I am to rule with him and not over him. Find that balance and you shall win my hand."
    She turned again and walked down the path. He watched her and his heart quickened. He'd set off to conquer her and instead she was conquering him. Kier was falling in love with Princess Lenora, and he was powerless to stop it.

    * * *

    In the evening they took their meals together in the suites.
    "Will I never see my sisters again?" Lenora asked, looking at him cagily.
    "I should hope we'll all see our siblings again, soon," he said. "Have you thought any more about whether you will help me?"
    "I have," she said. "And I am inclined to say yes save for one thing."
    "What is that?" he asked.
    "I do not know whether I can trust you. What do you have to lose by lying, after all?"
    "What every true prince fears losing the most, his honor." Kier looked down at the ring his father had given him before his death. "My father raised me and my brothers to be men of honor. If I were to break my promise to you then it would be the same as spitting on his memory."
    "So you will swear it then?" she asked. "You will swear that I will have a place of leadership by your side?"
    He walked to her and knelt, taking her hand. "Princess Lenora," he said. "Help my brothers understand how to tame and win your sisters and when I am king you will rule by my side as my queen. You will be neither more nor less than I, and I shall be neither more nor less than you."
    She smiled. "Rise, prince."
    He did, pulling her to stand along with him.
    "And now," he said, "I would taste that beautiful mouth. All day have your lips beckoned and teased me. I can wait no longer."
    "You would kiss me without my leave?" she asked, indignant.
    "Indeed I would," he said. "We may rule as king and queen one day, but in matters of love and lust I shall always take the lead."
    And his kiss was, indeed, masterful. Lenora had never been kissed, and the pressure and warmth of his mouth on hers made her frightfully weak in the knees. His arms encircled her, holding her up until she found the strength and bravery to return his kiss.
    Tentatively at first, her arms went around him and then his hand was entwined in her long, glossy hair, the fragrant waves spilling through his fingers like a golden tide.
    "Lenora," he said. "Beautiful Lenora."
    He wanted to do more. A hand went about her waist. She was so supple, so firm. His fingers ached to touch bare skin, to see her spill from the bodice that fitted her so tightly that her breasts swelled above the neckline.
    "No." He tore his lips away.
    She stepped back. "Have I displeased you?" she asked.
    "No, he said. "Indeed you please me greatly. But I gave my word to your father that I