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

Rowan bolted in front of me, finding his footing after having missed one of the bus steps.


“Reigina Mathilde!” he cried, keeping me at his back.


“King Rowan,” replied the auburn-haired woman in the silver and quartz headpiece, her voice strong but without anger. She and her posse stood elevated on the stone platform with the amethyst columns, so even with Rowan in front of me, her light gray eyes never left mine.


Rowan peered from side to side and I followed his gaze, seeing just how many of the Ametyst Reigholt residents had drawn their blades and spears. 


“Lower your weapons,” said the Crimson King.


Reigina Mathilde cocked an eyebrow at him. No one lowered their weapons. 


“Your Majesty,” she said. “Did you not bring her to the Waters?”


“She isn’t a threat,” he replied, impatience sharpening his consonants. “Now lower - your - weapons."


She was the reason he took me to the Shrine of Truth.


Chapter 33: Burning Red