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 felt badass, driving the sands with a convoy of armored trucks - the skoolie looking comically out of place front and center.


With the help of the people, we had jailed the original Ivory Kingdom - AKA the Ivory Madmen - in their own dungeon. The cells were clear of debris and skeletons, and we let them wear their clothes, so it was an entirely more comfortable experience than they had allowed Rowan and I when we had first met them.


Those who hadn’t joined the battle at the Crimson Kingdom gates weren’t trained for war, but they weren’t all feeble elders or underage. Those who felt they could help, helped, while those who felt they were better suited to stay behind stayed behind. 


I looked, but I didn’t see Tulip anywhere. Or my dad.


Chapter 53: The King is Caged