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 check , sending a shiver though 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 .
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
