Crimson Rose Queen

Part 1

What in the seven hells was I doing?!

Not resisting. Not fighting. Enjoying the kiss of a man who'd just violated me—a stranger with Ethan's face but none of his warmth.

Disgust coiled in my gut. I slapped him hard, nails raking his cheek. Blood bloomed in three jagged lines, marring his perfect features.

"Bastard!" I shoved him away, gasping for air. "That was my first kiss! It belonged to Ethan, not some lecherous courtier!"

The man—whatever he was—touched his wounded face and laughed. "Strange protest from a queen who moaned into my mouth."

"Liar!" My voice cracked. "You forced yourself on me!"

"Did I?" He stepped closer, amber eyes glinting. "Your body begged differently. Those pretty whimpers—"

"Enough!" I spat at his feet. "You and Sebastian are cut from the same rotten cloth. But mark my words: I'll make you both regret the day you crossed Eleanor Sterling."

His smirk faltered. For a heartbeat, something like regret flickered in his gaze—then vanished. "Promises, promises, Your Majesty."

I turned and ran.

Part 2

The forest blurred as tears streamed down my face. I collapsed against an oak, knees scraping stone. Pathetic. The "Scarlet Ros," reduced to a sobbing wreck.

Then—warmth.

Strong arms encircled me, pulling me against a solid chest. A scent like snow-laced lilies enveloped me, soothing the raw edges of my fury.

"Who…?" I whispered.

"A friend," murmured a voice like velvet over steel. Fingers brushed my tears away. "You're too radiant for sorrow, little queen."

I looked up and froze.

Him. The man from the locket. Not Ethan's doppelgänger, but someone new. Moonlight silvered his hair, his features achingly gentle.

"You're real?"

His thumb grazed my lower lip, where the other man's bite still throbbed. "More real than the nightmares haunting you."

Then he kissed me.

Not like the courtier's bruising claim. Not like Sebastian's cruel games. This was reverence—a whisper of lips so tender it unraveled me.

When he pulled back, my heart stuttered. "Was that… another dream?"

He pressed the silver locket into my palm—proof. "Look for me when the raven cries at midnight."

Then, like mist, he was gone.