Part I: The Reluctant Bride. Chapter 1: The Kiss of Her Enemy
Part I: The Reluctant Bride
Chapter 1: The Kiss of Her Enemy
“Stop!” a rough voice bellowed behind her. The red-haired girl pushed herself to run faster, arms flailing in desperation—as if willpower alone could drive her exhausted limbs.
The thunder of boots pounded closer. Just a few more steps to the edge of the wall. She prayed—not for a miracle, only for time.
“Stop, you foolish girl!” the voice roared again, even closer now, just as the ledge appeared before her like a promise of freedom.
But her silent plea went unanswered.
An iron grip yanked her back mid-stride. The next moment, Rea’s body slammed against cold stone. A broad-shouldered, wild-haired man lifted her into his arms with terrifying ease. Her bruised body sank instinctively into his warmth—but her spirit cried out. And for the first time since her father’s death—seven long years ago—Rea broke down in tears.
“If not today... then tomorrow,” she whispered, choking on her sobs.
“Not today. Not tomorrow,” came his low, unrelenting voice. “Never. Because I said so. I am Thor. You’ll learn that my word is law. You will be my wife. The mother of my son—the future king who will conquer all lands.”
“But why me?” she gasped, struggling to break free. But whether from his jarring stride or the sheer horror of his words, something inside her twisted, halting her resistance.
Thor didn’t seem to notice. His tone grew strangely distant, almost reverent.
“Because it’s foretold. You—the red-haired one. The last of the Serpent’s bloodline. It all aligns.”
“You clearly didn’t read it very carefully,” she snapped, her voice gaining strength. Rea found her fire again. “The great child will be born of great love. You’re insane if you think I could ever love a beast like you!”
She hammered at his chest—hard, fast, desperate. But his body felt like sculpted stone. Pain shot through her hands, and she cried again—this time from frustration.
Then, without warning, he stopped. And for the first time, Thor truly looked into her eyes.
Rea froze. Her gaze flicked across his face—sharp cheekbones, a strong jaw, lips the color of dark wine. But when their eyes met, the world around her vanished.
His stare was bottomless—black, consuming. A well with no end. She remembered the stories: that Thor could win battles with a single glance.
Something inside her faltered. She saw him lean in—no pressure, no demand, just that hypnotic gaze. Like a serpent entrancing its prey.
It all moved slowly. And when his lips finally touched hers, it felt more like breath than kiss.
The world dissolved. In its place rose unfamiliar sensations. A feather-light touch turned deeper. Heat ignited in her core, rushing through her chest, her neck, her face…
She only realized what was happening when she found herself kissing him back.
Shocked, she tore away, struggling once more. He laughed—and pulled her closer.
“You’re fiery… Seems our marriage will be far more enjoyable than I imagined.”
“Never!” she cried out.
“Tonight,” he said simply, as if it had already been decided. “At sunset.”
