Page 82 of Cursed By Gold

Her compassion dissolves the last of my restraint. I pull her close, clinging to this sweet miracle in my arms - both the blanket and Scarlet herself. She holds me as the tears fall unchecked, murmuring soothing words. We stay entwined together as my shaking subsides.

Finally I take a deep, steadying breath and draw back to meet Scarlet's eyes. "Thank you," I say hoarsely. "For this gift, and for having faith there was still some humanity left in me after all this time locked away."

Her answering smile outshines the sun. "Of course. We will get through this, one step at a time." She nods encouragingly. "Now, can you try turning it back? We should see if you can control the transformations."

I nod, filled with new conviction. Focusing once more, I watch the blanket morph back to lifeless gold. Another deep breath, and it softens anew at my command. I let out an incredulous laugh.

Scarlet grins and squeezes my hands excitedly. "Control. You truly get to have what you wished for now." In her joy, she throws her arms around my neck. I cling to her, blanket wrapped snugly around us both, cocooned in fragile new beginnings.

The Thieves Guild

Remme

The grand ballroom buzzes with excitement as nobles and dignitaries from across the kingdom stream through the ornate doors. Liveried servants scurry about, offering crystal flutes of chilled wine and delicate canapés as the orchestra strikes up a lively waltz. Almost as extravagant as the masquerade where we had had our first kiss. What a cute story that we will never tell our children. The cleaned up version will be much simpler.

I survey the festive scene from my position on the dais, resplendent in tailored crimson silk robes adorned with intricate gold embroidery. My hands flex unconsciously at my sides, the feeling of the rich fabrics still novel after so many years trapped in a suit of living gold. A faint tremor runs through me at the memory of that long purgatory - but I quickly shake it off. Those dark days are finally behind me.

“Are you alright my king?” Sophia asks, her eyes on my fidgeting fingers.

“I’m fine. Thank you. Just adjusting.”

“Of course. I understand.” A warmth reaches her eyes that I haven’t seen in a long time. “I’m glad you get to be yourself once again. I look forward to seeing you become the kind of king you always dreamed of.”

“Thank you Sophia. Me too.”

Thanks to Scarlet's loving patience over the last few weeks, I have unlocked control over the curse that once rendered my very touch lethal. No longer will I be forced to wear concealing gloves and armor, unable to experience the simple joy of human contact. I can finally begin reclaiming my humanity piece by piece.

As if summoned by my thoughts, Scarlet appears at my side. My breath catches at the ethereal vision she makes in a flowing sapphire gown that brings out the striking blue-green of her eyes. The sweeping neckline accentuates the elegant column of her throat, while gossamer chiffon sleeves float around her wrists like whispers of smoke. I ache to reach out, to trail reverent fingertips along the silken expanse of that exposed skin. Ever since I gained control of my curse it’s as if I crave the constant touch of things. My soon to be queen being my favorite.

As always, Scarlet seems to read my mind. A sly smile curves her lips as she offers me her hand, the barest hint of a challenge glinting in her gaze. "Shall we go mingle, Your Majesty?" The honeyed lilt of her voice caresses over me like a physical touch.

Unable to resist, I capture her proffered hand in my own, savoring the simple thrill of feeling her warmth against my palms. "I believe we shall, my lady." The endearment slips free before I can rein it in, that dangerous flare of want I keep so carefully banked threatening to consume us both.

But Scarlet only arches one shaped brow playfully. "We mustn't shock the court too severely on the first night, my lord. They are here to celebrate our engagement. Not that kind ofshow. " she purrs in a tone meant only for my ears. The heated undercurrent blazes between us, awakening baser instincts long suppressed within my iron restraint.

Chuckling despite myself, I reluctantly release her hand and gesture for her to precede me in descending from the dais. My eyes shamelessly track the gentle sway of her hips beneath the diaphanous skirts with every unhurried step. Gods let tonight get over quickly...

Once on the ballroom floor, we meander through the glittering crowd, exchanging smiles and pleasantries with the curious nobles craning to get a closer look at their returned king. I can sense the weight of their appraising stares, no doubt taking in the vibrant wardrobe and changing familiarity I can now offer my people.

But one group in particular proves bold enough to probe that very mystery. Lady Aramina Greystone, a handsome matron known for speaking as uncouthly as she adorns her ample frame, steps squarely into our path with a proprietous sniff. She’s lucky I have no desire to punish entire families for one person's actions, considering she’s the mother of the man my love just killed. Although, considering the woman in front of me, the whole batch may be bad.

"Well, well," she drawls in that grating accent, raking her cynical stare overtly along the shimmering fabric swathing me from collar to cuff. "Look who's finally emerged from their gilded shell." The barb hits its mark, judging by the titters from her equally discourteous companions.

I feel Scarlet bristle beside me, but I squeeze her hand in a subtle caution before pasting on my most inscrutable smile. "Indeed, Lady Greystone. One might say I merely wished my subjects to become...reacquainted with a proper sense of aesthetics after so long."

Aramina snorts indelicately while her friends titter again behind raised fans. "Is that what we're calling it these days?" She leans forward conspiratorially. "One does wonder at the inspiration behind such an...awakening. Or should I say, who might be responsible?"

Her beady eyes slide meaningfully towards Scarlet, undoubtedly noticing the lingering glances and unconscious proximity we share. I tense despite myself, my protective instincts flaring hot and bright where Scarlet is concerned. But she only lifts her chin with serene poise, caressing my knuckles with her thumb in a wordless show of solidarity.

"You give me far too much credit, my lady," she demurs with saccharine sweetness. "His Majesty has simply...embraced the notion of balance and control in all aspects of life. A lesson from which we might all benefit, I daresay." Her smile remains firmly in place even as her eyes glint with subtle challenge.

Aramina blinks, clearly taken aback by the polite rejoinder. After a long moment of tense silence, she emits another derisive snort and gestures for her little group to move along before I can formulate a courtly response. As they retreat into the crowd, I find myself shaking my head in disbelief.

"You, my dear, have the soul of a diplomat," I murmur admiringly, toying with the soft ribbons lacing the back of Scarlet's gown. "Though I confess I nearly lost composure when she began speculating about...us." I trace the word delicately, watching in delight as her fair complexion pinks ever so slightly.

Scarlet's lashes sweep demurely downward, but the coy curve of her lips reveals her own sense of gratified triumph. "One grows accustomed to sidestepping impertinent assumptions in certain circles. Would it really be so bad though? It is our engagement party after all. Everyone knows what that means long term."

I chuckle at the mild understatement, though a part of me longs recklessly to defend her honor by exposing every last rumor and innuendo for the worthless drivel they are. But practicality stills my treacherous impulses - for now. Too much has occurred to potentially jeopardize the fragile path forward I now walk with Scarlet by my side.

---