Page 51 of Cursed By Gold

When our mouths finally clashed in that electrifying fusion, the sovereign's firm yet achingly tender kisses coaxed exquisite ecstasy from my very core. This is all feeling very familiar and I don’t hate it. For a moment I allow myself to imagine what could be between me and the king if things were different.

A sly, satisfied smirk curves my lips at the memory of how we taunted each other until we kissed. The moment would have been perfect if I hadn’t messed up stealing the crown.

The king regards me with intensity. Awareness thrums between us, charged and potent, before he speaks again in a low rasp.

"Does the mere notion not set your soul ablaze, my lady? Of escaping the restraints and giving in to whatever you heart desires?" Remme rumbles, those molten eyes glittering with unspoken invitation and wicked promise. A promise I find myself wishing he could fulfill. I know that I shouldn’t, but I do.

His low rasp strokes me in a way I am almost ashamed to admit to.

"More than you know, Your Grace," I breathe boldly, holding his heated gaze in playful defiance.

Remme's eyes bore into mine, his expression intense. "The idea thrills me," he says finally, his voice a low rumble. "To willingly give up control, submit to someone I choose out of my own free will. Someone whose wildness and fire stirs a part of me I've kept locked away."

He pauses, holding my gaze. "It would be freeing to let loose that side of myself with someone whose spirit resonates with my own. To open up and quench this thirst I've felt for real, raw connection for so long now."

The open vulnerability and magnetism of his words send a shiver down my spine. His eyes smolder like embers, daring me to make the next move. The air between us feels electric, weighted with possibility.

My heart thunders in my ears.. I can barely draw breath. That part of me that desperately wants to be seen and loved and cherished above all others is soaking this up.

Then, before I can find coherent response, the carriage rolls to a shuddering halt outside what I recognize as the dorms on the castle grounds. In an instant, that heated, tenuous connection between us severs like a bowstring snapped taut. I straighten automatically, wrestling back the impenetrable mask of propriety even as that untamed creature within me howls and claws in visceral protest.

I clear my throat, trying to appear unfazed despite the charged energy crackling between us. "Thank you for the ride, Your Majesty. But perhaps a chaperone would be wise in the future." My voice comes out a bit shaky.

One of Remme's dark eyebrows quirks up, his lips curving in that damnably attractive smirk. "The future, you say?” His voice drops lower, laced with temptation.

His bold words make desire flare hotly through me, leaving me momentarily paralyzed under the searing intensity of his gaze.

Seeing my flustered reaction, Remme moves closer, surrounding me in his earthy, masculine scent until I'm practically dizzy with want.

"Until next time, my lady," he murmurs, his voice a rough caress as he reaches to my side.

Why do I suddenly want him to touch me?

The door swings open before I can attempt coherent reply, and I find myself deposited in a daze, the carriage already drawing away at a brisk clip. Did he open it?

Reality crashes in in an unwelcome wave. I was just flirting with the king. He was flirting with me. Right? It’s dangerous to get too close to him. On the other hand, I could use this to my benefit. Get close enough to possibly find another opportunity to steal the crown.

A last glance at the carriage before it turns a corner and disappears entirely from view twists my insides into a knot. Maybe the king could be another way out. Maybe letting myself open up to him wouldn’t be so bad. If I played my cards right, he could be another way to escape my engagement. No one would refuse the king, right?

Points

Scarlet

The breakfast hall is a flurry of activity as I enter, the ornate double doors swinging open to reveal an array of aromas wafting from the long tables laden with food. My gaze is immediately drawn to the new large board dominating one wall, its surface covered in neatly written lines detailing donations and gifts received for each contestant.

I scan the names quickly until my eyes land on mine - Scarlet Marheart. A respectable sum. I quickly skim over the rest of the names and find Rose. Our totals are similar, but hers are from a spread over more donors. I’m sure many from admirers she’s gained while on the job.

Looking over my own list of donors my fiance's name glares back at me, the amount listed next to it like a slap in the face. Heat rushes to my cheeks as anger surges through me. How dare he! Iwon’t accept it. I want nothing to do with him and won't have his money taint my name.

I whirl around, scanning the crowd until I spot one of the event coordinators. "Excuse me!" I call out, waving to catch her attention. The woman turns, a polite smile on her face as she approaches.

"Lady Marheart, how may I assist you?"

"This donation..." I gesture at the board, struggling to keep my tone even. "From Lord Greystone. Is there any way I can refuse it or have it redistributed?"

Her brow furrows slightly. "I'm afraid not. Once a donation has been made, it is final and cannot be returned or transferred."

"But surely there must be some exception?" I protest, my voice rising slightly.

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