"Tales of Desire: Forbidden Stories –
Story 1: The Demon Queen's Throne". Genre: Dark Fantasy / Erotica / Power Play)
Chapter 11: The Scars Beneath the Crown
Kael awoke before the first flame-torches lit outside the tower.
Velzaria was still asleep beside him, her back to his chest, one wing draped loosely over both of them like a blanket. Her breathing was steady, and for the first time since they met, her body seemed relaxed. At peace.
He raised a hand and gently brushed a lock of silver hair from her face.
That's when he noticed it.
A thin scar, nearly invisible, beneath her right collarbone.
Not from last night. Older.
Faded but deep. It cut diagonally across her chest like a blade's kiss.
His fingers paused.
Before he could move, her hand caught his wrist.
Not harshly—but firm.
"You saw it," she said quietly, eyes still closed.
Kael nodded. "Yes."
Velzaria opened her eyes and slowly turned to face him. "That's the price of wearing a crown soaked in blood."
The Story of Flame and Betrayal
They sat wrapped in sheets as daylight finally pierced through the obsidian curtains. She poured wine again, this time slower, not seductively—but thoughtfully.
"I was not born a Queen," Velzaria began.
Kael listened intently.
"I was the second daughter of a dying bloodline. My mother ruled in name, but my elder sister held the real power. Beautiful, cunning, adored by the Court. I was considered unnecessary."
She traced her finger around the edge of her cup.
"Until war came."
Her voice dropped lower.
"A rebellion. Demons who believed the crown had grown too soft. They swept through our lands like wildfire. My sister struck a deal with them behind the family's back. Promised them control if they spared her."
Kael's eyes narrowed. "She betrayed you?"
Velzaria's smile was bitter. "She betrayed everyone. Including me. I was offered as a sacrificial token. A 'marriage gift' to the new rebel general."
She lifted her cup, then set it aside without drinking.
"I was seventeen. My first night in his camp, he tried to break me."
Kael clenched his fists.
"But he didn't succeed," Velzaria continued, her tone colder now. "Because I tore out his throat with my teeth before the night ended. Then I burned his tent to ashes."
She turned to Kael.
"That was the first scar. He left it as he died. The first mark of power I earned with my own hands."
The Rise of the Black Flame
"I took his sword. His army. And I marched home."
She stood now, naked, unashamed, framed by the fire-glow.
"I killed my sister with that same blade."
Kael rose beside her, silent.
"She screamed my name as the tower fell. But I showed no mercy. You cannot rule demons with pity, Kael. They smell weakness."
She looked over her shoulder.
"They respect only what you take."
For a long time, Kael didn't speak.
Then he moved closer, standing behind her. His hand touched the scar gently again.
"And yet you showed me mercy," he whispered.
Velzaria turned, startled.
Kael's eyes held no judgment. Only understanding. "You didn't have to give me that chance. You didn't have to let me stay the night."
Velzaria looked at him, conflicted. "You're not like them."
"No," Kael said. "And you're not just a Queen."
She stared at him.
Then, slowly—she leaned in.
Softness in Shadows
There was no fire this time. No sudden passion. Just lips brushing together like leaves in wind. A quiet kiss. Long, unhurried.
Velzaria's hand moved to his chest, resting where his heart beat. She felt it—steady, strong, warm.
"I hated every man who ever touched me," she whispered. "Until you."
Kael held her close, letting her speak.
"I thought lust was a tool. Seduction a weapon. I thought love was weakness."
He met her gaze. "And now?"
Velzaria looked vulnerable—for the first time. "Now I'm afraid."
Kael kissed her forehead. "Then let's be afraid together."
She smiled softly.
Then climbed into his arms.
They stayed like that—no words, no games—just warmth between ancient stone.
The Queen's Chamber, Revisited
Later that night, as candles burned low and the room filled with the scent of her skin and him entwined, they lay side by side again.
"Kael," she whispered.
"Yes?"
"If I gave you a crown… would you rule beside me?"
He didn't answer right away.
Then he turned to her, brushing silver hair from her eyes.
"I didn't come to rule."
"But?"
"But I'll fight anyone who tries to take you from me."
Velzaria's breath caught.
And for the first time in a century, the Demon Queen wept quietly—tears of something deeper than lust.
[End of Chapter 11 – The Scars Beneath the Crown]