Page 11 of Cursed By Gold

I turn to face a mirror hanging on the wall and hold the mask up to my face. It is cold and smooth to the touch, decorated with drops of mist that drip onto my face and run like trails of rain down my neck. This must be part of Fairy Godmother's magic.

"People become uncomfortable around people who cry. You will be a sad beauty that turns the crowd's heads away, giving you an anonymity that should work in your favor to sneak out and steal the crown. Now hurry, get dressed in my room, so you aren't late."

Fairy Godmother leads me into her bedchamber where the beautiful ballgown awaits on a mannequin. I reverently run my fingers over the intricate beading and rich, vibrant fabric.

The ballgown shimmers with a red so vibrant it is almost translucent. The gown is strapless and tight-fitting, with just enough room for my breasts to move up and down as I breathe. The skirt is full like a red and gold cloud, mimicking the stormy sky outside. It flares out at the hips like a bell that continues down to my feet and dances with my every step. The red fabric is embroidered with gold thread and glittering beads that drape across my body like a river of blood and diamonds.

"It's stunning," I breathe.

"Only the best for you, my dear. Now go behind the screen and put it on."

I carefully remove the gown from the mannequin and step behind the screen. The cool silk slips luxuriously over my skin as I wriggle into it.

"Are you decent? Let me lace you up," Fairy Godmother calls.

I emerge and turn my back to her. Deft fingers work quickly up the gown's back, tightening and securing the laces. Her weathered hands are gentle and warm on my bare skin.

When she finishes, I turn and clasp her hands gratefully. "Thank you. For everything you've done for me."

She cups my cheek tenderly. "You deserve the world, child. Now come, take a look."

We stand before the full length mirror, her hands resting proudly on my shoulders. I hardly recognize the elegant lady staring back at me. No trace of the scorned servant girl remains. Tonight I can be someone new.

Fairy Godmother smiles at my reflection. "You're perfect. Now they'll never suspect who's under that mask. My masterpiece." She pulls my hair into a delicate bun and secures it with ruby clips. My face is painted delicately to bring out the green of my eyes, a bright red painted on my lips. I am finally ready.

I clasp my hands around Fairy Godmother and hug her tight. "Thank you so much," I say, tears forming in the corner of my eyes.

"You're welcome." She smiles softly and runs a hand over my head. "Be brave. Come back in one piece."

She helps me into a thick velvet cloak to shield against the night's chill. I pull the hood up to conceal my identity.

Fairy Godmother embraces me one last time. "Now hurry, your carriage awaits."

I step outside into the darkness, my cloak swirling around me. A carriage waits to whisk me off to the palace. As we pull away, I glimpse Fairy Godmother watching from the doorway, the warm light from inside framing her kind face until we round a bend.

I gather the cloak tightly against the cold night air as I peer ahead. In the distance, the glittering lights of the palace beckon. Soon, the real game will begin.

***

The carriage rocks to a halt, and I spin around, questioning the driver.

"What's going on?" I demand, voice shaking with confusion.

The driver tips his hat low over his eyes. "Fairy Godmother gave me strict orders. Said I had to wait here." He gestures out the window at the night sky.

I swallow hard, nerves buzzing in anticipation. "Wait? Wait for what?"

The driver shrugs and taps his fingers against the reins. "Don't know. Don't ask me."

The door opens, and Lucius climbs in with me carrying a box. He sits across from me with an amused look on his face.

"Good to see you, Scar," he says.

"Right back at you, Lucius," I reply.

The carriage clatters along, bringing us ever closer to the looming palace. I try not to think about how many guards will stand between me and my goal tonight.

Lucius gives me a roguish grin, no hint of nerves in his relaxed posture. "Well Scar, shall we review the plan one more time?"

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