Page 83 of Cursed By Gold

"Shall we avail ourselves of some wine before I become too intemperate?" I suggest instead, subtly guiding her through the crush of people towards one of the refreshment tables.

We make our way through the crowded ballroom towards the long banquet table laden with decadent refreshments. As we near, I spot a familiar face chatting animatedly with one of the servants.

"Rose!" Scarlet exclaims, quickening her pace.

"Scarlet!" she cries, embracing Scarlet tightly. They chatter happily, exchanging pleasantries and compliments on their attire.

I hang back a few paces, watching the reunion unfold. She had been among the first of my victims that I reversed the curse on. Like the others, she seems to have no memory of those days encased in metal. A small mercy for which I am unspeakably grateful.

"And our king, you look simply dashing this evening," Rose declares, turning to grin impishly at me. "Who would have thought you cleaned up so nicely after all those years clanking around in armor."

I chuckle, inclining my head. "You look radiant as always, Lady Rose."

"How dare you! It’s quite the insult to throw at a woman of my standing to call her a lady," she scoffs, swatting my arm playfully. "We're all friends here. Now tell me, how did you convince him to finally emerge from his fortress of solitude?" She fixes me with a probing yet kindly look.

Scarlet slides me a sly glance, mirth dancing in her eyes. "Oh, I simply helped him embrace the merits of...balance," she murmurs, echoing her earlier words.

Rose arches a brow. "Is that what we're calling it?" she asks dryly, tone uncannily reminiscent of Lady Greystone's. But where the matron's words held scorn, Rose's reflect a happier and well intentioned tone.

Before I can formulate a reply, a bright, genteel voice catches my attention. "Well now, I hope my girls haven't been accosting the courtiers without a chaperone."

We turn in unison to find an elderly woman sweeping towards us in a swirl of emerald brocade.

Scarlet's face lights up. "Godmother! You made it." She embraces the woman warmly.

"Of course, my dear. I wouldn't miss this for the world." The woman's keen eyes meet mine over Scarlet's shoulder.

Sensing my confusion, Scarlet turns back to me. "Your Majesty, allow me to introduce Fairy Godmother, a dear friend and mentor to both myself and Rose."

"A pleasure to meet you, Madame Godmother," I respond politely, inclining my head. Inwardly, I am startled to finally put a face to the name I have heard whispered in select circles. She seems the epitome of gentility, yet I know her to secretly be one of the kingdom's most cunning outlaws. What game is she playing by arriving here tonight, I wonder.

"The pleasure is mine, Your Majesty," Godmother returns cordially. "I'm delighted to see Scarlet looking so happy on the eve of her engagement." She winks conspiratorially. "I always knew you two would suit marvelously."

Scarlet's lips quirk in a tiny, knowing smile. “I’m sure you did. You always seem to be able to see more than you should.”

“Should is a strong choice of words,” the elderly woman nods briskly. "But first, Scarlet my dear, won't you permit an old croneher moment? I am actually here on business and desire a word with both of you."

Rose and Scarlet pass a look that I can’t quite place, but something tells me Fairy Godmother is not someone to displease.

“Of course.”

"Excellent. Perhaps you could show me to somewhere more private where we can discuss this matter?" Fairy Godmother requests cordially.

I nod, offering my arm to Scarlet. "Of course. If you'll both follow me."

I lead them from the grand ballroom towards my private study, the sounds of revelry fading behind us. My mind races, wondering what exactly the infamous outlaw plans to propose. I have my suspicions, of course, but best to let her lay her terms plainly first.

Once secluded in my study, I gesture for them to take a seat as I move behind my desk. "Please, make yourselves comfortable. Now, you mentioned urgent business?"

Fairy Godmother folds her hands primly, leveling me with an assessing look. "Yes, well, I believe it's past time you and I had a frank discussion, Your Majesty. As I'm certain you've deduced, I lead a particular...collective that has operated in your kingdom's shadows for some time."

I incline my head, keeping my expression neutral. "Go on."

"Recently, after a rival faction perpetrated an attack on your person, I realized our uneasy truce could not stand any longer. For everyone's safety, it's time we legitimized our presence."

I nod slowly, memories of the incident she references flickering through my mind. I’m curious as to how she knew about it though. "What precisely do you propose?"

"A royal decree sanctioning our activities, in exchange for taxes and loyalty to the crown. We can provide services andaccess to information no legal force could and would consider negotiating the types of jobs we can take on."

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