Page 12 of Cursed By Gold

I make a face at him. "Please, I could recite it in my sleep by now. You've gone over it often enough."

He holds up his hands in mock surrender. "Forgive me for double checking before our most daring heist yet! I know how you hate to be unprepared."

I have to smile at that, some of the tension easing from my shoulders. Beneath his swagger, Lucius is one of the most meticulous thieves I know. We make a good team.

"All right, surprise me then," I say, leaning back and crossing my arms. "What's in that suspicious box you've been guarding this whole ride?"

"Ah, straight to business! I thought you'd never ask." With a flourish, Lucius opens the box to reveal the most exquisite pair of glass slippers. They glimmer in the faint carriage light, carved into the shape of delicate goblets.

I gasp in genuine delight as I lift one shoe, turning it to admire the craftsmanship. "These are a work of art. Fairy Godmother outdid herself."

"She wanted you to have something suitable for a royal ball," Lucius says. "Can't wear your usual muddy boots tonight. I added some padding inside, given they're made of glass and all."

I carefully slip off my practical boots and slide my feet into the slippers. The smooth glass molds comfortably to my feet. "A perfect fit! Fairy Godmother thinks of everything."

"We're almost there." Lucius nods out the window at the looming palace silhouetted against the night sky. I feel my earlier anxiety returning. But one look at Lucius' rakish smile steadies me.

"Just promise you won't actually make me dance tonight," I quip.

He presses a hand to his chest. "You wound me! You’ve got to blend in but I promise I will keep it minimal. Afterall, there are plenty of other damsels to keep me occupied."

It is strange to see the palace ahead when I am actually invited. Well, sort of invited. I am using Fairy Godmothers invitation since I wouldn't be arriving with the one sent to my own family.

Standing tall and looming over Fallwatch, the castle is made of dark stone encircled by thick walls. Lanterns light up the road that gets busier as carriages start to move toward the gate. We stay among them, waiting to leave and heading toward the main entrance.

As the carriage pulls up to the entrance of the palace, I run our plan through my head for the millionth time. We have a small window of opportunity and have to act fast.

"We'll have to be careful," Lucius says as he adjusts his mask. "The guards are always watching."

I nod in agreement, my heart racing at the thought of being caught. I am about to break into the most heavily guarded castlein all of Fallwatch again. If we are caught, we will be jailed without hesitation. Worse for me, considering it wouldn't be my first offense.

"Once we're inside," Lucius continues, "we need to stay together until it's time for you to grab the crown. Several other guild members will create a distraction, and I will be on guard for you. Make sure you get it as quickly as possible."

I swallow hard, my hands shaking in my lap as I try to remain composed. "You got it," I say with more confidence than I feel.

"Good luck," Lucius says with a wink before disembarking from the carriage and heading toward the entrance.

I follow him shortly after with my head held high and a smile on my face, trying not to look too nervous or out of place among the many other guests that have been invited to tonight's masquerade.

Inside, music fills the air, laughter echoes off of walls covered in fine tapestries, and golden decorations are everywhere as if they are doilies. Someone really has a thing for gold apparently. The atmosphere is electric, and people are mingling and dancing with one another like no one has a care in the world. I slide my mask on, take a deep breath, and wait at the top of the stairs to be announced and join those in the ballroom below.

The Masquerade

Remme

The music swells as the first masked guests begin their descent down the grand staircase. I fix my gaze upon them, eyes narrowed, searching for any hint.

My heart pounds a steady beat in my chest that thrums through my veins. I arranged this lavish masquerade for one purpose only - to lure the wretch who stole into my very stronghold back into my clutches. She won't escape me again.

These simpering aristocrats mean nothing to me as they preen and glide across the polished ballroom floor below. I care not for their whispered gossip or displays of wealth and status. They are oblivious pawns in the trap I have laid tonight, one far more dangerous than their petty politicking.

Only one holds my interest now - the elusive thief who managed the impossible and breached my palace defenses once before. But I learn from my mistakes. She will find no such easy fortune this time.

My eyes sweep the colorful whirl of guests critically, searching for any sign of suspicious movement, any hint of concealed intent. For now, the crowd seems composed only of the usual vain, shallow nobility trying to curry favor. None stand out. But the night is still young.

I try to calm my racing thoughts, stilling my tapping foot and loosening my white-knuckled grip on the throne. Patience is key now. I must remain vigilant and wait for the perfect opportunity to present itself. And when she slips up, I will be there to catch her in the act and deliver ruthless justice.

The guests descend the stairs, their steps light and sure. Some of them are laughing, others whispering secret words amongst each other. They all move with a grace I envy, and I admire the sophistication and confidence each one commands. I remember when that was me, long ago in my youth. Before I could no longer touch another person.

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