Page 14 of Cursed By Gold

My stomach flips as the implication of her words sinks in. What does she mean? I was cursed so young that I lack experience in romantic areas. Sure I have watched others court each other but I have never done it myself. Is she offering herself? Or is she planning something else entirely?

I feel an unexpected spark inside me as I consider the possibilities—if only I could find out why exactly she is after the Bodian crown...

Without warning, her hand touches my arm and then it is confirmed; this must be the same woman who had tried to steal from me before. But more than that, there is something different about her now—something almost seductive that makes myheart race with anticipation. A part of me wants to confront her and demand answers, but another part of me finds myself drawn in by the unknown possibilities that weren’t possible only moments before.

I take a deep breath and step closer to her until our faces are mere inches apart. Her cheeks flush with color as she meets my gaze without flinching.

"What is it you want?" My voice rumbles through the room, sounding deeper than usual due to my sudden change in mood.

She hesitates before finally speaking up again, "I want you."

I can't believe what I am hearing. This woman not only tried to steal from me, but now she is making suggestive remarks like this? It is clear that she is up to no good, but something about her draws me in nonetheless.

I lean in closer to her, my lips dangerously close to hers. "You're playing a dangerous game," I warn her, my voice low and commanding.

Her eyes widen, and she presses her body against mine. I can't deny the desire that is quickly building within me, but I know I have to keep my guard up. This woman is trouble. She is clearly playing a game.

"What do you want me to do?" I whisper seductively into her ear.

The Kiss

Scarlet

His words hang between us. What do I do? I have a feeling that neither of us expected the conversation to take this route, but I can sense King Remme's curiosity stirring. I need to use this and think on my feet to figure a way out of there with the crown.

"What do you want to do?" I ask.

I hold my breath as I wait for his response, both of us frozen in time until his lips finally move.

"I don’t normally speak of such things in a lady's presence," he says, his voice low and full of intrigue.

I smile, heart pounding in my chest. I can feel his gaze searching my face, no doubt trying to figure out what is happening. Why is my body reacting to him like this? I've never done anything like this. There's been a few quick dalliances when I was younger, but nothing that was more than a moment of convenience and inexperienced lust. I have to play the part and do it well, or I may not be able to get out of here alive.

"You said we were playing a game. What does the winner get?" I reply, my voice filling with more confidence than I feel.

He seems to consider my words for a moment before finally speaking.

"How about a kiss," he says simply, his eyes never leaving mine. I can feel the challenge in those words.

I feel a wave of heat wash over me. My body wants to do more than just kiss, and I'm afraid he can tell. But I have to remain in control of the situation, so I coyly raise an eyebrow and speak.

"I suppose that could be arranged," I say, my voice dripping with confidence that I truly don’t really feel.

King Remme smiles, a sly smirk appearing on his lips. He leans down until the noses of our masks touch. I feel every inch of his presence. His eyes burn into mine as if he can see right through me as if he knows I am hiding something. I bite my lip, and can feel his gaze lingering there before he finally leans in and kisses me tenderly.

I am lost in the moment, completely forgetting the crown tucked away under my skirt. We stay like that for what feels like an eternity before he finally pulls away. His eyes still burn into mine, and his lips curve into a small, satisfied smile.

"So, who won?" he asks, his voice a low whisper.

I slowly shake my head, completely lost for words. He chuckles before pulling away.

A sudden sense of urgency grips me as my head clears, and I realize I need to get out of there with the crown now. Before I let my guard down enough to get thrown in the dungeons below. I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts, my mind racing with ideas. Perhaps I can distract King Remme long enough to grab the crown and make a run for it.

"You won," I say with a smile, hoping to put him off balance.

King Remme raises an eyebrow, his eyes still locked onto mine. "Are you sure about that?" he asks, a hint of amusement in his voice.

I nod, trying to maintain my composure. "Absolutely sure. A mere kiss from me, though, isn't much of a prize," I add with a sly grin. "I have a surprise for you."

---