I circled him slowly, tracing my fingertips along his back, ribs, and stomach. His hair stood and I saw other clear signs of arousal, but I knew I could do better. I wanted him to beg - for what, I didn't yet know. He would tell me, and I would use it against him.

"Scarlet," he whispered, voice heavy with need.

I kissed his cheek.

My purpose was to serve the Ivory Kingdom. Be their sacrificial princess; enter the Other world; seduce our enemy, Rowan the Crimson King. I did all of these things. Now he would take me to the Crimson Gates and unwittingly break the banishment curse on my kingdom. My kingdom would invade his overnight. But he wasn't the monster I was told he would be. He was precious, playful, and all things good. I didn't want to betray him, but I didn't know what else to do.

18+ for sexual content
TW: mild violence; substance-induced psychosis; recovery from cult/mental abuse.

Of What is Red is created by Diana Regolizio, an eGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.

Of What is Red

I reported to Corbin at the town door. “I think she likes him. She’s hard to read.”


“Oo!” The older teen clapped and rubbed his hands together, excited. “This is gonna be good. Magic of the festival.”


“Magic of the festival,” I echoed, loving this energy.


We waited for Rowan. Corbin seemed content to lean against the door, smiling, mind elsewhere. 


“You can’t split shifts with anyone?” I asked. “So you can enjoy the festivities?”


His smile deepened, but his eyes were more somber. “This isn’t a real job. They didn’t have a door guy before me. I just really care about someone being here for anyone wandering in from the Night.”


“Is that how you found this place?” I asked. 


He nodded. “I wasn’t waiting for a long time, but it would’ve been a ‘while’ if King Rowan hadn’t visited that day. He has a key to the door, you know. I think about how it would’ve been if he never showed up. If no one ever heard me at the door.” 


Chapter 20: He Can Lay Well