VALERIA

I felt him freeze, his lips brushing against my scarred cheek.

I thought he would withdraw, upset by my rejection, storming off like the ogre he usually was.

But I’ve never been able to fully understand the King—he remains a mystery to me.

A soft kiss landed on my scarred cheek, sending a shiver through my sensitive skin.

It felt more intimate than kissing on the lips.

My chest fluttered nervously.

He exhaled deeply and finally let me go.

The coldness immediately invaded my body without his embrace.

"Fine. I understand your decision and that you’re angry. I won’t force you into anything you don’t want," he said quietly, and I thought this dramatic moment was finally over, that he would retreat to his room.

Instead, he walked to the old floral armchair near the bed and sat down calmly, crossing his legs and picking up a sewing book from the bedside table.

"What are you doing, Your Majesty? Is there something else you need?" I asked, confused by his actions.

"No, I don’t need an