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 woke when I noticed the bus had stopped. I didn’t forget my anger at Rowan, so I stayed where I was, curled up in the bed nook with my back to him.


I heard his steps approach slowly, then it was quiet.


“We’ve arrived,” he finally said, likely intending to sound informative and nothing else.


I decided not to answer. I didn’t care if he believed I was still asleep or not.


Feeling nasty, I decided I would respond after all. “Do I have a choice? Or does my king command it?”


“If that is the only way we can have a conversation, then yes, your king commands it.”


Chapter 23: A False Red