---- 16, FALLING INTO TEMPTATION VALERIA "y-Your Ma" "Dont even think about it," Aldric snapped, his voice sharp, and the mans lips clamped shut as if glued together.
Thad noticed he preferred to keep a low profile, avoiding the mention of his title whenever possible.
The newcomer remained frozen in the middle of the room while the guests at the tables avoided direct eye contact with usyet it was obvious they were all eavesdropping on the drama.
"valeria, go to the room," his deep voice ordered, and I nodded, watching him head toward the exit with that wolf who, despite his submissive demeanor, definitely seemed like an Alpha.
I climbed the creaking old stairs up to the third and final floor while the coachman fetched the luggage.
The narrow hallway led to the so-called "largest" room available, as indicated by the number on the key.
"You've got to be kidding me," I muttered, on the verge of pulling, my hair out.
"Im screwed." 1 Sighing, I removed my cloak and glanced around.
---- A tiny bed was shoved against the wall, and across from it stood a glass-paned door leading to a small balcony.
1 A folding screen separated the sleeping area from a rustic wooden tub.
With just the King alone, this room was already crampedlet alone with both of us.
Am I supposed to sleep in the bathtub? Resigned, I approached the balcony door and opened it, gazing out at the distant, ancient pack Small wooden houses with tall chimneys lined the valley, smoke rising into the sky.
Mountains surrounded us on all sides, enclosing the settlement like a forgotten memory.
For some reason, it reminded me of my original packthe place where I was born and where my parents had died that tragic day.
A day so confusing...
so painful.
"Is sharing a room with me that awful? You look like someone just died." That rough, deep voice whispered suddenly at my ear, making me tense and pulling me from my thoughts.
---- "Y-Your Majesty...

you wont have any privacy or space" "stop calling me that," he corrected, though he didnt move an inch away, his warm breath fanning against my neck.
"T can decide for myself whether Im uncomfortable or not.
Besides, why does it bother you so much? Are you afraid 1ll take advantage of you tonight?" 1 His voice was husky, seductive evenbut to me, it felt like a cruel joke.
"Why would the King bother with his ugly maid when he could have any beautiful woman in his bed?" The words came out more bitter than I had intended, my gaze dropping to the floor.
Ina flash, a strong hand seized my waist, spinning me around to face him.
My breath caught.
Pressed firmly against his chest, there wasnt a sliver of space between us.
His hand gripped the back of my neck, tilting my head upward, forcing me to meet those icy, moon-gray eyes.
"Dont ever call yourself ugly or worthless in my presence again," he growled, threateningly.
1 ---- "Anyone who dares insult you like that...
Pl rip their throat out." His thumb traced my cheek, brushing gently over the jagged scars.
Rough yet tender.
Harsh but gentle.
Everything about Aldric was so...
confusing.
For some reason, I felt the sting of tears, remembering the brutal way I had been markedhow my baby had been torn from my body.
"s-Sir..." choked, a lump forming in my throat.
My eyes burned, but I refused to cry.
Not in front of him.

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Not in front of anyone.
Tell me one thing.
I never dared to ask...
because it's your private life.
But I cant hold it in any longer, Valeria," he whispered, the heat of his breath grazing my lips.
The bastard who did this to youwho hurt you so cruelly...
is he alive or dead?" A deadly rage radiated from his entire body, palpable and suffocating.
"Dead," I replied without hesitation, keeping the details to myself.
---- Thad killed him with my own hands.
I had ended him.
"What a shame," he muttered through clenched teeth.
1 "Because right now, I wish he was still alive." instantly recalled the gruesome scene at the castle walls.
Perhaps Dorian had died too easily...
too quickly.
2 "You're completely wrong, Valeria," he continued, his voice dropping lower as his face drew closer to mine.
"You shouldnt feel so safe around me.
Any male would kill to bury himself deep inside youto touch you, to scent you, to lick your delicious pussy...
to kiss these sexy, plump lips." 4 Itwas as if he were barely restraining himself from doing all the sinful things he described.
+ Heat stirred low in my belly.

The intoxicating tensionthe way his stormy eyes darkened with raw desirewas overwhelming.
His breath mingled with mine, and the tip of his thumb grazed my lower lip, parting it slightly, teasing me open for him.
What was I supposed to do in a situation like this? Why was he acting this way? ---- Despite his dominating control...
Icould resist him.
His hand gripped my neck, while his other slid dangerously low his palm splayed over my waist, just shy of my hips, pressing me closer to the hard length straining against his clothes.
Tcould say no.
Like in the dungeon, I could reject him again.
Yet with our breaths tangled, sparks crackling in the charged space between us...
I did the stupidest thing of all.
I closed my eyes, parted my lips slightly...
Waitingwantingto taste that smoky, addictive flavor of his kiss.
To get lost.
Just for a moment.
The brush of his lips barely touched mine, soft yet searing, and I was already surrenderingalready melting into him.
1 But then...
---- "No.
This is a mistake," he whispered hoarsely.
And just like that, he pulled awayabruptlyleaving me completely humiliated.