beyond the veil

chapter 15

Neon's heart fluttered with unease as she entered King Dorian's bedchamber, her eyes scanning the scene before her. The room was filled with beautiful women, their voices soft and melodic as they served the king wine and adorned his hair with delicate ornaments.

Dorian reclined on a lavish divan, his regal presence commanding the attention of all who surrounded him. His golden hair cascaded around him like a halo, his molten gold eyes gleaming with an enigmatic allure.

Neon felt a pang of jealousy tug at her heart as she watched the women fawn over Dorian, their adoration evident in every gesture and word. She couldn't understand why she felt this way—after all, she had no claim over Dorian's affections. And yet, seeing him surrounded by these beautiful women stirred something within her, something she couldn't quite name.

Clearing her throat, Neon approached Dorian hesitantly, her gaze downcast as she tried to quell the tumult of emotions swirling within her. "Your Majesty," she began, her voice barely above a whisper.

Dorian turned to look at her, his expression unreadable as he met her gaze. "Ah, Neon," he said, his voice smooth and composed. "What brings you here?"

Neon swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry as she struggled to find the words to express her discomfort. "I...I just wanted to talk to you ," she stammered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I...I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

Dorian's gaze softened as he regarded her, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Not at all," he replied,

"What brings you here, Neon?" Dorian inquired, his tone measured as he regarded her with curiosity.

Neon took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead. "Your Majesty, it's been a month, and I wish to go back to my home," she replied respectfully, her voice steady despite the nervous fluttering in her chest.

Dorian placed his wine cup on the table, his gaze unwavering as he considered her request. As the other women in the room discreetly left, bowing to him in deference, Dorian remained focused on Neon, his attention solely on her.

Before Neon could react, Dorian reached out and touched her hair, his fingers threading through her curls with an intimacy that sent a shiver down her spine. "Leaving so soon, my dear princess?" he murmured, his voice low and seductive.

Neon's shock was palpable as she felt Dorian's strong grip tighten around her, his body pressing against hers in a possessive embrace. She could feel the heat of his bare chest against her skin, and a flush of embarrassment swept over her at his boldness.

"What's with the shocked expression, dear princess?" Dorian continued, his tone teasing as he held Neon close to him. "You thought I wouldn't know the truth about your lineage? You thought you could lie to me and fool me?"

Neon's heart raced with fear and confusion as she realized that Dorian had seen through her deception. She struggled against his grip, but his hold only tightened, leaving her feeling trapped and vulnerable in his embrace.

Neon's mind raced with panic as she found herself ensnared in Dorian's grasp, his powerful presence overwhelming her senses. She had never felt so exposed and vulnerable, her secret identity laid bare before the very person she had hoped to conceal it from.

Dorian's gaze bore into her, his molten gold eyes piercing through her defenses with unnerving intensity. Despite her fear, Neon summoned all her courage to maintain her composure, refusing to let Dorian see her falter.

"I... I don't know what you're talking about," Neon stammered, her voice betraying the unease that churned within her. She tried to pull away from Dorian's embrace, but his grip remained firm, holding her captive against him.