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

Every part of my body tensed at the loud tolls, the ball of the clapper continuously crashing into the bell’s sides.


Strides slowed and heads turned. I had the attention of the Ivory Kingdom. 


“Hello everyone,” I called as the tolls quieted. “It’s me. Lily Whitrose, the last sacrificial princess. I mean, I assume there wasn’t anyone after me. Anyway, hi.” 


A faster movement in the crowd pulled my gaze toward a middle aged woman striding toward the platform.


“Lily!” The woman smiled widely, blonde curls like a mane around her head. “I couldn’t believe it, but you’re here now, like you said.”


I recognized her voice and my eyes widened. I knew to expect her to be older, but the differences - and the samenesses - still threw me.


I laughed. “Gwen!” I hopped down from the platform, knowing I still had everyone’s full attention, and allowing this to stall the speech which would in turn give my smoke squad more time to set up. 


Chapter 52: Despite His Might