Page 37 of Cursed By Gold

Remme

Iobserve as Scarlet, Rose, and Darius enter the throne room. The entire space turned gold from one of my early mishaps. It feels too opulent. I hear the rumors of me showing off and wasting the kingdoms wealth. If only they knew what really caused the entire space to become gold.

Scarlet and Rose appear worn and weary from their trials. Though successful, they bear signs of their challenges—torn clothes, scrapes, and bruises marring their skin. Yet beneath the dirt and exhaustion, something glimmers in their eyes—a spark of triumph kindled by survival. Scarlet clutches an ancient wooden staff carved with runes.

Rose grasps a glittering golden scarab in one hand while blood drips from her knuckles. Straw-colored strands escape her tidy bun, falling around haunted yet triumphant emerald eyes. Darius holds an intricately carved lute against his chest. Though outwardly composed, an uneasy energy radiates from him as he casts furtive glances between Scarlet, Rose, and myself.

Scarlet steps forward first. A

s she recounts their trials, I find myself drawn to her earnest yet reserved nature. Her honor contrasts with my initial suspicion. Yet something hints at secrets. I steeple my fingers. "You claim compassion yet wield a thief's tools."

Scarlet meets my gaze calmly. "I use the skills I have to survive."

"Your dagger skills during the application impressed me." Scarlet's eyes widen, betraying her surprise. Then she smiles wryly. "You saw?"

Scarlet's honesty and admission refresh me. "Why did you compete? It seems at odds with your gentle nature."

She laughs. "I wouldn't consider myself gentle. I seek to change my circumstances. Escape a life I did not choose."

Scarlet's words mirror my own imprisonment. Two souls yearning for freedom. I speak softly. "You wish not just for victory, but purpose. For a place in the world where you can live the life you want. To be seen for who you are and not what you are."

Scarlet's eyes widen at my insight. "Perhaps," she says quietly.

I smile. "Your wisdom does you credit." I hold out my hand. "Thank you for speaking with me, Scarlet."

Scarlet nods respectfully. "Thank you for listening, Your Majesty."

Rose steps forward after Scarlet leaves, her matter-of-fact tone hiding any emotions. "Tell me of the trials you faced down there," I demand.

Rose recounts their challenges succinctly but precisely. I sense worlds of meaning between her words. Her keen wit and composure fascinate me even as I search for dishonesty. Yet my every question is met with a clever rebuttal that leaves me wondering. She holds something back, her glimmering emeraldeyes hinting at secrets yet unspoken. I cannot determine if her silences stem from cunning or caution.

I search Rose's gaze. "Why do you compete, if not for mere victory?"

Rose pauses, considering. "Survival demands many skills. I apply them where needed." Her words mirror my own desire for freedom yet fall short of revealing deeper truths.

She stands, seemingly unmoved by our talk yet meeting my gaze. As she departs, my curiosity only grows. Beneath this woman's poised exterior glimmers ambition that intrigues me as much as it gives me pause.

After I dismiss Scarlet and Rose, my mind is in turmoil. I am no closer to knowing which one is the thief who tried to steal the Bodian crown twice. Both are very possible suspects. Though their artifacts point to dark potential, their actions hint at honor within.

The room now empty of those who are not my own I motion for Darius to step forward. "What have you learned?"

He shakes his head. "I don't have anything to share that you didn't just get out of them, Your Majesty."

Frustration rises within me. "One of them must be the thief who tried to steal from me. I need to know which."

Darius speaks gently. "When we label others, we risk missing their full truth. Give the women a chance. I'm sure they will reveal themselves in due time."

I sigh heavily. "You're right."

Darius nods. "Sometimes the truth lies in compassion, not suspicion."

Stargazing

Scarlet

I’ve been tossing and turning in my bed for what feels like forever, unable to fall asleep. My mind replays my conversation with King Remme over and over again. How his eyes search mine so deeply, seemingly able to discern my secrets with a single glance. His insights into my motives leave me wondering how much he truly suspects.

Part of me is terrified that he knows who I am. That Halisar's staff has given me away as the thief who failed twice. But another part of me is curious. For once, it feels as if someone is seeing me for me, not for what they can get out of me.

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