Cross to Bear
Author
Silver Taurus
Reads
8.0M
Chapters
25
Princess Amari is sold like property to the dreaded dragon king to spare her kingdom from his flames. His cruelty is the stuff of legend, but there is something about her that intrigues him. And he isnโt the only one. His ally, the vampire king, is also drawn to her in this dangerous dance of kingdoms and consequences. Little do they know, she carries a curse that will soon claim her life. Is her fate sealed, or can a new path be forged through blood and fire?
Age Rating: 18+
Introduction
MAXIMUS
He gazed down at the girl kneeling on the cold stone floor of his throne room. Her emerald dress made her rich, brown hair seem even more vibrant. He despised her, yet he was drawn to her.
โLift your head,โ he commanded.
She sighed and did as she was told. Her icy blue eyes locked with his fiery red ones.
โYouโre not too bad for a princess. Now, take off your clothes,โ he demanded, right there in front of everyone.
AMARI
Fear surged through her. She stared at him, unable to believe what sheโd heard. Had she misunderstood?
โI said strip, now!โ he barked, his voice laced with anger. โDonโt make me say it again.โ
She nodded, her hands trembling as she began to unbutton her dress. All eyes were on her.
โStop,โ he commanded, raising his hand. โEveryone out.โ
Whispers filled the room as the crowd began to disperse. Once the doors closed and silence descended, he said, โNow, take off your clothes and turn around.โ
โButโฆ,โ she stammered.
He rose from his throne and descended the dark wooden stairs. His posture was rigid, his head held high.
He stopped in front of her, looking down at her as if she were nothing.
โI believe I gave you an order,โ he said, his eyes filled with contempt. โDonโt you dare piss me off. I donโt tolerate disobedience. Now, strip.โ
She lowered her gaze to her own body. She had no other choice. She stood, turned her back to him, and began to undress. Her green dress slid down her slender frame. Fear gripped her heart.
โWho did this to you? Your mother? Your father?โ he asked, tracing a finger down her spine.
โY-yes, my father,โ she managed to say, her voice trembling.
โHeโs more of a monster than I am, it seems,โ he murmured, tugging at her hair. โUnfortunately, no one can save you now.โ
He turned her to face him, wrapping his arms around her thin waist. He pulled her close, their breaths mingling, and whispered, โDonโt even think about running. No one has ever escaped me, the dragon king, Maximus.โ
Her eyes widened and she began to pant.
โW-what did you just s-say?โ she stammered, her lower lip quivering.
โYou heard me, human. Didnโt anyone tell you? Your father sold you to the dragon king? What a pity for you, but a pleasure for me. Now I can do whatever I want with you. Iโll show you what true fear is.โ
