Page 2 of Cursed By Gold

"My turn!" Lucius chimes in eagerly. "Never have I ever...seduced someone as part of a disguise."

More drinks are taken, along with some bawdy laughter. "Come now Lucius, we all know that's your specialty," Rose calls out from across the room, lifting her glass with a wink.

When it's my turn, I consider for a moment before stating, "Never have I ever accidentally betrayed the guild." A bold statement, but I know it will hold true for everyone here. My loyalty is unshakeable when it comes to my found family.

"Getting cocky there, Scarlett!" Elias jokes. "Alright, never have I ever botched a job so badly I had to lay low for weeks."

I begrudgingly take a sip at that, along with several others. The room fills with teasing and colorful stories of close calls and bungled jobs. Though rivals, we can all sympathize with the unpredictability of our line of work.

The game continues, secrets and entertaining tales flowing along with the ale. Lucius regales us with a story involving a noblewoman's missing jewels that has us all roaring. Gen reveals she was once stuck in a chimney for an entire night waiting for the household to sleep.

When it's my turn again, I consider for a moment before stating, "Never have I ever had to hide from guards inside a noble's privy."

Everyone laughs as a few people sheepishly take drinks.

"No way, I have to hear this story!" Tabitha crows, pointing at Jonas who is glumly sipping his ale.

"Let's just say the lord's digestion issues provided an opportune distraction," he mutters, to even more howling from the group.

“No!” Gen gasps. “You mean he was in there with you hiding?”

Jonas only finishes his drink and pours another, shaking his head no.

Elias calls out next, "Never have I ever accidentally robbed the wrong house on a job."

Again drinks are taken amidst colorful stories of bungled plans and mistaken addresses. I don't partake, but get my fair share of good-natured ribbing all the same.

"Of course pristine Scarlet would never make such a mistake!" Gen teases.

I spread my arms magnanimously. "Some of us are simply more adept at our work than others."

Their heckling continues fondly as the drinks flow. Surrounded by my odd little family of scoundrels and thieves, I feel light and warm, all sharp edges smoothed away by companionship. Here, I belong.

I'm still flushed with laughter and camaraderie when a hand grasps my shoulder. I turn to see Lucius gazing at me intently.

“When did you get up and leave?” I laugh as I stare at my mug trying to remember exactly how many I’ve had by now.

"Fairy Godmother wants you," he states.

Puzzled, I follow him through a side door into the private chambers used for sensitive guild business. There I find Fairy Godmother seated at an ornate desk. She gestures for me to sit, as Lucius leaves the room.

As I sink into the plush chair, curiosity warring with unease in the pit of my stomach, she passes me a parchment. I scan the document and inhale sharply—the payout listed is astronomical, enough to sustain the estate for a full year. But a job promising such riches means unprecedented risk.

I meet Fairy Godmother's steady eyes, feeling an anxious twist in my gut. She regards me solemnly from across the desk.

"I know it is a bold task, child. But you are my best. I would trust no one else with this."

Her unwavering faith steadies me. I nod slowly, resolve hardening as I accept the parchment. My fingers worry at a lock of golden hair as I process the enormity of what I've agreed to. The candlelight flickers over the contract, making the inked letters seem to dance with possibility and danger, in equal measure.

This will be the most daring - and potentially deadly - job of my career. But for Fairy Godmother, I can do anything. For the future of my family legacy, I must succeed.

I meet her gaze again with firm determination, my mentor's pride washing away any last traces of doubt. She believes I am up to this task. I refuse to fail her now.

Complaints at Court

Remme

Islouch on my golden throne, chin resting on one golden-gloved hand as I half-listen to the drone of voices below. My assembled council of advisors chatter and squabble amongst themselves like gulls fighting over scraps. I've heard enough of their ceaseless petitions and minor quibbles to last a lifetime.

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