Page 22 of Cursed By Gold

Why isn’t she removing herself from the situation? With the skills she just showed us she clearly can. This doesn’t make sense.

I want to intervene, but I have to be cautious. Drawing too much attention could ruin my plan and reveal my identity, so I sneak closer to hear what they say.

The man scoffs, “You must know that you’ll soon be mine,” he says to Scarlet.

Scarlet’s lips tremble as she nervously stammers a reply, “No... No, I’m sure that won't happen.”

He raises an eyebrow and continues patronizingly, “It is your stepmother’s decision. It has already been made.”

Scarlet’s face pales, and her hands clench into fists at her side. I feel my blood boil with anger and rage as I watch this man. Does she have no clear way of escape, being surrounded by a group of five men? Does she feel that it’s too much? Without thinking of the consequences, I step forward and clear my throat loudly, drawing both their attention towards me but careful to not reveal my face.

The man immediately steps away from Scarlet, eyeing me warily before quickly turning on his heel and disappearing into the crowd without another word. Scarlet looks at me with an expression of confusion and gratitude on her face before bowing her head slightly, mumbling thanks, and making her way out of the courtyard as well.

Who is her stepmother that would force such an unwanted marriage on her? I know the nobles often marry for alliances and not for love, but as far as I can remember, that is not how Lord Marheart worked. These questions rattle around in my mind as I return to the castle, eager to find answers that may or may not exist

Accepted

Scarlet

Ihave been gone longer than expected, and upon my return home, I know something is off as soon as I step foot in the doorway. Stepmother stands with her back to me, holding a letter in her hand. She whirls around to face me, her expression dark and unreadable.

“You’ve been accepted,” she says in a flat voice, handing me a piece of parchment.

Miss Scarlet Marheart,

You’ve been accepted as one of the participants in the King’s tournament. Room and board will be provided, as will the uniform required for participants to wear during their trials. You will be expected to report in two days’ time. If you fail to arrive, your spot will be forfeited.

Excitement and apprehension courses through me. But my stepmother’s expression tells me she is far from happy about this news.

“Yes,” I say hesitantly. “It appears that I’ve been accepted.”

“And who will take care of the household while you’re away, gallivanting around the palace with all those other lords and ladies?” Her voice is heavy with accusation.

I gulp, taken aback by her reaction. “I… I hadn’t thought of that.”

Why hadn’t I thought this through? Had a plan in place already about how to handle stepmother while I was away?

“You never do,” she spits.

“I’m sorry,” I say quietly. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

My stepmother sighs, her eyes narrowing with disdain. “It’s not about you upsetting me, Scarlet. It’s about your irresponsibility. Who will take care of the household while you’re off gallivanting at the palace? Do you think your duties here will magically disappear?” she snaps, her voice dripping with accusation. “You never think of anyone but yourself. You’re a grown woman, not a child. When will you learn to put others before your own selfish desires?” she continues, shaking her head in disbelief.

Her gaze turns even colder. “And what if you embarrass us? Do you think prancing around with lords and ladies will improve our situation? You’ve always been a burden, and now you’re abandoning your responsibilities for some foolish dream,” she spits, her words cutting deep.

Her anger is palpable, and I can see there’s no point in arguing with her. She’s only thinking of herself, as always.

“I will try to do better,” I say. “I will ensure I come home in time to care for the household.”

My stepmother smiles. “I know you will. You have my blessing as long as you fulfill your promise.”

I smile back, relieved that she isn’t refusing my opportunity entirely. “Thank you,” I say.

With the letter from the palace in my hand, I leave my stepmother to head toward the kitchen to begin dinner. Mymind races with everything that needs to be done before I can leave and figuring out how to work out my duties here and in the tournament. If I can win, everything will be different.

A knock at the window catches my attention as I enter the kitchen. A familiar dark-haired face appears in the window, his eyes twinkling with mischief. I scurry to the kitchen door and let him in.

“Congratulations!” Lucius says, a broad smile on his face. “I heard you were accepted into the tournament!”

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