The Crimson Crown

The stone corridors echoed softly with the sound of our footsteps as Dorian, and I walked side by side, the quiet grandeur of the newly restored castle settling over us. Sunlight filtered through the tall, arched windows, streaking gold across the marble floors. I trailed my fingers along the cool stone walls, a faint smile tugging at my lips as I turned to Dorian.

“I still can’t believe we’re here,” I murmured. “You, wearing real clothes instead of a servant’s dress, and me…” My cheeks flushed slightly. “Well, slightly more dignified than before.”

Dorian chuckled, his hands tucked casually behind his back, his grin that perfect mix of playful and smug. “Oh, come now, my Queen. Don’t pretend you didn’t enjoy some of it.” He glanced at me from the corner of his eye, his voice dropping to that conspiratorial tone he loved to use. “You did look adorable toddling through the halls.”

I shot him a glare that lacked any real fire. “Don’t push your luck,” I muttered, though the small huff of laughter that escaped me betrayed my amusement. “But still… after everything, we’ve finally reclaimed it all.”

We slowed our steps at the mouth of a long, open hallway, stopping as if drawn by some unspoken feeling. The banners of crimson and gold hung proudly again, the sigil of the Four Winds kingdom swaying gently in the draft.

“It’s strange, isn’t it?” Dorian said quietly, his voice thoughtful. “We’re home, but everything feels… different. Almost as if—”

“Shh.” My hand shot up as I froze, every muscle in my body tensing.

“What is it?” Dorian’s voice dropped low, and I could hear the shift in his tone—alert, ready.

I squinted toward the end of the hallway, my heart hammering in my chest. A shadow moved just beyond the archway—small, deliberate, deliberate enough to feel… wrong. My breath caught as I saw it: a figure cloaked in dark fabric, their hood drawn low over their face. They stood there, perfectly still, like a predator watching its prey.

And then, as quickly as I noticed them, they moved—slipping back around the corner, vanishing like smoke into thin air.

“Someone’s there,” I whispered, my voice sharp. “Watching us.”

Dorian stiffened beside me, his gaze snapping to the archway. “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” I said firmly, my pulse pounding in my ears. “A dark figure. A hooded cloak… They were there. They’re gone now, but I saw them.”

He muttered a curse under his breath, his entire body going rigid. Without hesitation, he turned to the nearest guard stationed a few paces back. “You,” Dorian said, his voice low but urgent. “Fetch the personal guard immediately. Have them search this hallway and every room nearby. If anyone looks suspicious—hooded figures especially—they are to be apprehended. Now. Go.”

The guard didn’t hesitate, nodding sharply before bolting down the hall, his armor clattering as he vanished from view.

Dorian turned back to me, his hand finding mine and gripping it tightly. “You’re certain?” he asked softly, searching my face. “You’re not imagining things?”

I glared at him, even as my heart thudded painfully. “I know what I saw, Dorian. I’m not imagining it.”

His fingers tightened protectively around mine, his eyes dark with determination. “Then we still have enemies in the castle,” he muttered. “I won’t let anything happen to you, Liliana. Not now. Not ever.”

I nodded, though unease prickled at the back of my neck. My eyes flicked back to the empty hallway, but the shadows looked no different than before. I shivered despite the sunlight warming the marble floors, the air feeling heavier—thicker—like the walls themselves were holding their breath.

“Then we need to be careful,” I said quietly, my voice steady despite the weight of dread curling in my chest. “Whoever that was… they’re still here. And they’re watching.”

Dorian didn’t say anything; just pulled me closer as we stood at the edge of the hallway. For the first time since reclaiming the castle, I felt it—that gnawing sensation that this wasn’t over yet. Despite the banners hanging proudly once again, there were still shadows lurking, waiting to strike.

And in that moment, I knew one thing for certain: the fight for our kingdom was far from finished.

Moments later, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor, the heavy thuds of armored boots cutting through the tense silence. I turned to see them—our guard—arriving like a storm, weapons ready and expressions sharp. Without a word, they fell into formation, several guards surrounding us in protective flanks while the rest split off, searching the hallways and adjoining rooms with precision and urgency.

Dorian squeezed my hand firmly. “We’re heading back to our chambers,” he said to the nearest captain, his tone brooking no argument. “Sweep the room first. I don’t want any surprises.”

“Understood, Your Grace,” the captain replied, bowing slightly before gesturing for the rest of his men to follow.

Dorian turned to me, his other hand coming to rest on my back as he guided me gently. “Come on, Liliana,” he murmured, his voice softer now, though his jaw was still tight. “We’re not taking any chances.”

I didn’t argue, though the eerie weight of the encounter weighed heavily on my shoulders. As we walked, the guards flanked us like sentinels, their movements precise and deliberate. Their weapons glinted in the pale light filtering through the windows.

The castle felt different now—less like the haven we had fought to reclaim and more like a labyrinth of unseen threats. Every shadow we passed seemed darker, every hallway stretching out like a tunnel leading to nowhere. I couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched, of unseen eyes lurking just beyond the edges of my vision.

Dorian’s hand in mine was the only thing grounding me, his touch a silent promise of protection.

When we reached the doors to our chambers, the guards moved swiftly, sweeping inside without hesitation. I stood still, watching them move methodically through every corner of the room. Closets were checked, curtains pulled back, and the bathing room thoroughly inspected. For the first time since seeing the hooded figure, I allowed myself to exhale.

“All clear,” the captain finally reported, his tone crisp and reassuring. “We’ll post guards at your door and patrol this hall, Your Grace. Nothing will get past us.”

Dorian nodded, his hand never leaving mine. “Good,” he said firmly. “Stay sharp.”

The captain saluted before motioning for his men to take their positions, and the doors closed softly behind us.

For a moment, the room was silent. I stood there, my heart still beating a little too fast, my mind replaying the flicker of the hooded figure vanishing around the corner. It felt like a nightmare slipping into reality—a reminder that danger could still find us, even here.

Dorian turned to me, his gaze softening as he brushed his knuckles gently against my cheek. “Are you all right?”

I swallowed hard, forcing a shaky smile. “I will be,” I murmured. “It’s just… I thought it was over, you know? That we’d won.”

His eyes darkened slightly, and a shadow of understanding flickered across his face. “It’s never that simple,” he said quietly, gently pulling me into his arms. I rested my head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat—something solid, something strong amidst the uncertainty.

“We’ll figure this out, Liliana,” he promised his voice a low murmur above me. “Whoever they are, they won’t get far. You’re safe here.”

I closed my eyes, willing myself to believe his words. But deep down, I knew the hooded figure wasn’t just some stray intruder. They had a purpose, a reason to be watching us, and until we found out what it was, safety was little more than an illusion.

Dorian led me toward the bed, guiding me to sit as he crouched in front of me. His hand lingered on my knee, his eyes steady. “Try to rest,” he said softly. “I’ll speak with the guards again and see if they’ve found anything.”

I nodded faintly, though I doubted rest would come easily. As Dorian stepped away, I curled up against the pillows, pulling my knees to my chest. Outside, the guards’ muffled footsteps echoed faintly, a reminder that we weren’t alone—yet somehow, the room still felt stiflingly quiet.

I couldn’t forget the shadow I’d seen or the way it disappeared so effortlessly. The hooded figure wasn’t gone. I could feel it—lingering somewhere in the castle, waiting.

And whatever they were planning, I knew it was only just beginning.

I rested back against the pillows, willing my heart to slow. The room was dimly lit now, the curtains pulled to soften the afternoon sun filtering through. My mind churned with thoughts of the hooded figure, of dark corners and unseen eyes. Each faint sound from outside the door sent my pulse skittering, but I forced myself to breathe, to focus on the quiet stillness around me.

The door creaked softly, and my eyes darted up. Relief flooded me as I saw Dorian step back into the room. He closed the door behind him, his expression steady, though I could see the tension lining his jaw.

“The guards are still searching,” he said, crossing the room to me. “Whoever it was… they may have slipped away.”

My stomach twisted, but before I could respond, Dorian sat on the edge of the bed. His strong arms reached for me, and I didn’t hesitate, melting into his grasp as he pulled me close. I buried my face against his chest, my worries unraveling slightly as the warmth of his embrace wrapped around me like a shield.

“You’re safe,” he murmured, his voice low but firm. One hand stroked gently down my back, steadying me as I clung to him. “I won’t let anything happen to you, Liliana. Nothing, and no one will hurt you. I won’t allow it.”

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, a mixture of exhaustion and overwhelming relief. “Dorian…” I whispered, my voice muffled against him.

His arms tightened, and he held me as if he could physically protect me from the uncertainties looming beyond the walls. I could hear the steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath my ear; each beat calming the storm inside me.

“You’ve been so strong,” he said softly, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. “Through everything, Liliana, you’ve endured. And I’ll make sure you don’t have to fight alone anymore. We’ll face whatever comes together.”

The quiet promise in his words made my chest ache. I nuzzled closer, letting his warmth soak into me and ground me. For the first time since seeing that hooded figure, I felt like I could breathe again—like maybe, just maybe, everything would be okay.

“I believe you,” I murmured, my voice trembling slightly, but the words were true. Dorian had always been my anchor, my protector, and in his arms, the weight of the world didn’t feel quite so heavy.

We stayed like that for a long while, wrapped in each other’s embrace, the rest of the world fading away. The tension that had gripped me began to ease, leaving only the quiet hum of his presence, a comfort I never wanted to lose.

I felt Dorian’s grip loosen just slightly as he leaned back, his hand brushing a stray strand of hair away from my face. His gaze softened, his blue eyes steady and warm as they met mine. For a moment, the weight of the world didn’t seem quite so heavy.

“You know,” he said, his tone lighter now, a teasing edge curling at the corner of his lips, “I meant what I said earlier.”

I blinked, confused. “About what?”

His grin grew slow and deliberate. “About your beauty.” His fingers traced lightly along my arm, playful and tender. “I think I’ve made it clear just how much I adore you… especially in your diapers.”

Heat flooded my cheeks instantly, my face turning so red I thought I might combust on the spot. “Dorian!” I gasped, swatting at his chest, though it only made him chuckle.

“What?” he teased, tilting his head with faux innocence. “You don’t believe me? I’ll say it again if you want.”

“You absolutely will not!” I shot back, though my voice faltered, my embarrassment only deepening as he continued to grin at me like a mischievous boy.

“Oh, but it’s true, Liliana,” he continued, his voice dropping to a soft murmur as he leaned closer, brushing his lips against my temple. “You are beautiful—every bit of you. And I love you as you are, no matter what.”

I felt my heart flutter despite my flustered state, his sincerity shining through even in his teasing. I buried my face back against his chest, groaning softly. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re adorable,” he quipped, his arms tightening around me again. “Don’t think I missed how you lit up at my praise earlier. You’re not fooling me.”

My blush deepened as I swatted at him again, though this time I was smiling faintly. Somehow, he always knew how to pull me back from my worries, how to make me forget the darkness—even if only for a moment.

“Just you wait,” I muttered, shaking my head against him, my voice muffled. “One of these days, I’ll find something to embarrass you.”

His laughter rumbled against me, warm and infectious. “I’d like to see you try, my little queen,” he said softly, kissing the top of my head. “But for now, I’m content just having you here, safe and sound.”

I couldn’t help but smile against him, the lingering tension in my chest beginning to ease as his words settled around me. For all his teasing, I knew one thing for certain: Dorian’s love was unwavering, and in moments like this, I realized just how deeply I relied on it.

I felt his hand traveling down my side, having been resting on my shoulder. “I missed this,” he said with a sigh. I was so cooped up for so long that I forgot how wonderful it feels to be with someone you love.”

I felt my heart flutter as I leaned into him, his hand tracing its way down my side and toward the hem of my dress. “I missed it too,” I admitted. It was a grueling life being a servant: scrubbing floors, no proper baths, always working to the bone.”

“But you managed,” Dorian said, his fingers playing with my dress, gently folding it up and back, slowly revealing my diaper. I was always thinking about you, my little queen. I dreamed of our reunion, of the night we would finally be together once more.”

I couldn’t stop the giggle that escaped my lips as his fingers playfully ran across my diaper, feeling it, tracing its contours. “I thought about you a lot as well,” I admitted.

“You did?” Dorian teased, his fingers pressing in lightly, rubbing my diaper, his hand giving the sodden padding a firm squeeze, “And what did you think about?”

I squirmed beneath his exploratory fingers, my face flushing, “I imagined being in your arms again, being safe, your loving touch.”

“My loving touch,” Dorian mused, “a little something like this?” he asked, his fingers digging into my diaper, above my sex, and swirling playfully above my clit.

I gasped, letting out an involuntary moan, my legs spreading ever so slightly more as he stimulated me. I bit my lip, suppressing another moan, and nodded my head. 

Dorian grinned, leaning in and kissing my cheek, “I’m sure Clara was good to you, but be honest with me; when she was changing you, did you ever wish it was me?”

“I…-” I let out another soft moan as his fingers pressed in more firmly, “I did,” I admitted, my eyes falling away from his in shame.

Dorian leaned down and kissed me deeply, my heart swooning and my breath catching, “I think we have some ground to make up in that case.”