All Chapters of Kiss Of The Scarlet Prince: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Chapter 23 — Veiled AffectionsThe week since the engagement ball had passed in a blur of palace routines, yet I felt myself adjusting to my place beside Kael. Every step I took, every word I spoke, had weight now, shaping how he saw me. I could no longer linger in thought of Blackthorn openly; it was time to play the part expected of me, and if building Kael’s trust and interest helped, I would do it.Standing before the mirror in my chamber, I smoothed the scarlet folds of my gown over my waist and hips, letting the silky fabric settle perfectly. The dress caught the candlelight in a deep, glowing shimmer. My hair was pinned softly at the back with a few loose curls framing my face, and the faintest touch of rouge and kohl made my eyes look brighter, sharper.I studied my reflection, straightened my shoulders, and let a small, serene smile settle. I would be the attentive, elegant fiancée. I would meet Kael’s gaze with warmth and interest. Even if my mind remained elsewhere, my face

Chapter 25: Secrets in the DarkThe morning sunlight barely pierced the heavy velvet curtains of Kael’s chambers, yet he lounged on the edge of the bed, a smirk playing across his lips.“You were impressive last night,” he murmured, his gaze tracking me with an intensity that made my spine stiffen.I arched an eyebrow, brushing him off. “Is that so?” I said lightly, keeping my tone detached. “I hardly think it deserves praise.”Kael chuckled, a low, amused sound that bounced against the gilded walls. I refused to meet his eyes and poured myself a glass of water, the cool liquid sliding down my throat and grounding me. His eyes followed me anyway, but I kept my expression neutral, careful not to betray the storm of thoughts swirling beneath my calm exterior.Once he returned to his papers and wine, I slipped quietly from the room. My thoughts, as always, were with Blackthorn. Days had passed since I last saw him, and each one had been filled with restless planning. I had listened caref

Chapter 27 — The Scarlet Prince’s GiftThe candlelight clung to every polished surface, turning the long table into something out of a dream — or a trap. I kept my back straight, my chin at just the right angle, my hands folded neatly in my lap. I had practiced the posture a thousand times. It didn’t stop my fingers from tapping together under the table, a restless little betrayal I hoped no one noticed.I wasn’t really listening to the murmurs of the other courtiers. My eyes kept straying to the tall windows, their panes like dark mirrors, as if something might be watching from the outside.“Lady Serenya.”My head jerked up at the sound of Kael’s voice. Every conversation around me faltered, like a string pulled too tight. His eyes found mine — deep, sharp, impossible to look away from.“Yes, my lord?” My voice was steady enough, though my mouth had gone dry.He didn’t answer right away. He reached beneath the table, and when his hand emerged, there was a small black velvet box resti

Chapter 30 — Shadows in the GardenSerenya’s POVThe garden was quiet, unnaturally so. Moonlight pooled across the cobblestones, illuminating the blooms that still clung to the last vestiges of spring. I had slipped out for some air, the weight of the palace pressing against me all day. Even with Kael gone for the evening, I felt his presence everywhere—sharp eyes, temper, impossible expectations.I wandered among the roses, letting my fingers brush the petals. The faint scent of dew and blossoms calmed my nerves, though my heart still beat too fast. The necklace Kael had given me glinted faintly against my collarbone, a constant reminder of his attention.And then I heard it—a soft shuffle behind a hedgerow, deliberate, careful.I froze. The garden was supposed to be empty. My pulse raced.“Who’s there?” I called, trying to sound braver than I felt.No answer. Only movement, like a shadow gliding along the hedges.Before I could retreat, a strong arm shot out, wrapping around my wais

Chapter 32 – The Scarlet Prince’s WrathThe grand hall of the palace trembled with the force of Kael’s fury. Guards lined the walls, standing rigid as the prince paced before the throne. His crimson cloak swept across the marble floor like a trail of blood, and the light from the sconces flickered with each slam of his boots.Serenya was gone.His mind replayed the words over and over, each echo worse than the last. Taken. By him.A captain of the guard knelt at his feet, head bowed low. “My prince… the men combed the gardens, the courtyards, even the forest’s edge. She was seen near the rose arbor at dusk… then nothing. Only a black-feathered arrow lodged into the hedge.”Kael’s fist tightened until the leather of his gloves creaked. “Blackthorn.” He spat the name like venom.He seized the captain by the collar and dragged him up until their faces were nearly touching. “How many times have I told you—her safety is paramount? And yet you let him slither in under your very nose?”The m