Page 81 of A Kingdom so Crimson

I let out a breath. "What now?"

"We wait until tomorrow. The king will want to meet you all personally at his feast and make you a spectacle at his Court."

"A spectacle? Meaning showing me off like a prize," I growled, biting down on my anger at the memories of Jesri doing the same to get what he wanted.

"Yes," Levon rasped, sadness lacing his voice. He opened his mouth, then shut it again but continued. "I…got word thatJesri and Calum will be attending. They should also be arriving tomorrow."

My heart sank into the depths of my emotions, burning within me like flames.

"I expected as much. I hope Jesri doesn't expect me to play his pet still and act as he desires. I'm no longer afraid to bite," I promised, letting my defiance color my words.

"I wouldn't expect you to," Levon replied, his smile widening as he backed away again as if refraining from further physical contact. He walked over to the basket of goods on the large table next to a vase filled with sweet-smelling summer flowers. "In agreeing to them attending, I requested that Aoife join."

I couldn't contain my smile, remembering how much I missed her. "Thank you," I said, watching him dip his head and continue aimlessly glancing through the basket of goodies. The air between us intensified as I felt a palpable sense of anticipation to be near him, feeling rather confused at such an emotion.

I swallowed, feeling those butterflies return and fluttering my heart to open—to let him in despite my past. Despite my brokenness. Despitehispast and brokenness.

I had watched Levon; his smile was always genuine, and his actions were thoughtful and caring to those around him. Even though his past was as complicated as mine, he was still trying all the same. Trying to be a better man. Trying to help me gain my freedom though they were through completely idiotic paths.

I looked up at him and took a deep breath, unsure if I should step into this unknown territory.

But he had helped me to believe that I was more than a pathetic orphan; he desired my safety and wishes, and now he was ensuring Aoife would be by my side.

My thoughts were a chaotic swirl of confusion and longing. I had spent so long hiding my feelings; now, they felt impossible to ignore in this enormous room that felt all too small with himin it. The warmth in his eyes and the tenderness in his touch chipped away at my stubborn resolve, and the more I fought against it, the more my heart betrayed me, leaving me breathless and…yearning. Perhaps I didn't have to follow through with my promise not to let anyone in. And perhaps I was worthy of such admiration and that most men were not like Jesri and Calum. I saw the good in Levon; he was gentle, affectionate, and truly cared about my well-being, whereas Jesri never did.

I took in a long breath, feeling my fears fight back that this would all end like all my dreams ended, forgotten and non-existent.

My thoughts drifted back to our almost kiss at the estate. Grateful Kaizen broke it off because I was unsure if I would have been able to do it myself and unsure if these feelings were infatuation or real.

You'll end up being the one to kill her before the others get a chance.Kaizen's voice drifted into my mind, souring my mood as much as it did the first time he said it.

You'll end up being the one to kill her.What did that mean? Was it the Match? Or something else?

I cleared my throat as I watched him rifle through the basket. The butterflies in my stomach swirled into a frenzy, and I knew I was somehow falling for himdespiteeverything. Despite Jesri, despite the Match, despite my fears. I was falling for him because he showed genuine concern and kindness, but I had to know.

"What did Kaizen mean when he saidyou'llbe the one to end up killing me before the others do?" I muttered, not wanting to turn the air around us somber.

Levon turned back to me, his eyes meeting mine with a softness that made my heart skip a beat. His brows furrowed in confusion as he leaned up against the gold table.

He took a deep breath as he rubbed the back of his neck. "He was…referring to this," he said, gesturing to the room. "To the Match," he muttered, his voice going quieter.

I knitted my brows together, feeling indifferent to his answer but accepting it nonetheless, knowing he was trying to help me obtain freedom.

He slowly approached, closing the distance between us and pulsating my heart into a frenzy. "I'm sorry, Eliah. You know how I feel," he stated, his expression saddened. He looked up into my eyes as his hand reached out, gently cupping my cheek, his touch melting me, and his other hand took my own. "If there was any other way, I would take it. You know that, and I—"

"I know," I said, interrupting him. I knew his pain. I knew that he wanted my freedom as much as my own.

We stood there for a moment longer before he dropped his hands, yet there was an unspoken question in his bright emerald-blue eyes, a silent plea for permission that sent my heart racing with anticipation and fear of the unknown.

A warmth spread through me that was as terrifying as it was beautiful.

"You should blush more. It suits you," he remarked softly, his voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid to break the fragile tension between us. I let out a small chuckle, feeling the turmoil within me fizzle out as he took a step, taking my hand again.

Inhale.

I closed the gap between us without thinking twice, pressing my lips into his. A rush of sensations swept away all my worries, leaving only the crackling embers of desire in their wake and feeling a sense of freedom and control for the first time.

His soft lips sent a thrill of fire deep within my stomach as he took my face in his strong hands. I clenched his tunic, pulling him closer to me and feeling my legs weaken. Convincing myselfthat this was good and hearing Aoife's voice in my head that these feelings should be explored.

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