Cursed by Gold (Once Upon A Curse)

1. She’s Not Gold!

She’s Not Gold!

Remme

W hat the hell just happened? She didn't turn into gold. She didn't turn into gold! She did just try to steal the only item I actually care about in my entire castle, but still, she didn't turn into gold! What did this mean?

I rise unsteadily from the cold golden floor, memories of my fateful coronation flooding back. Privately, I had been granted two wishes, the first being endless wealth so I'd never worry about money again. A childish desire that became my curse.

The moment the magic took hold, my clothing stiffened and transformed to gold, as did my throne and everything else I touched. I cannot even eat or drink, only watch helplessly as my world turns to unfeeling metal around me.

For my second wish, I begged for a way to survive the golden plague I had brought upon myself. But when I pled to undo the spell entirely, I was refused. Instead, I was given gifts - my body, sustained without food or water, and the Bodian crown. I was told if I gave the crown to one who truly loved me, their touch would break the curse.

But who could ever love a king who turns all to cold, lifeless gold with a mere brush of his hand? I have lived mostly in isolation for years, turning away any who drew close, for fear of harming them too. Consumed by grief, I became the very monster I wished so desperately to escape. Not the king I wanted to be.

I storm into the hall, ignoring that I always sleep in the nude. My personal guards already know this about me even if they don’t know why. It’s not like anything truly becomes comfortable once it’s turned to gold. Definitely not comfortable enough to sleep in for clothing. So layers of thin gold blankets over me are the most I can hope for at the moment to keep me warm at night.

"Guards!"

Moments later, a guard scrambles over, face drained of color. "Y-your Highness, we did not see—"

"Silence!" I snap, cutting him off. "Your incompetence has allowed a thief into my private chambers. A woman with blonde hair, dressed in leathers. She was after the Bodian crown!"

The guard pales further. "I will raise the alarm immediately, Your Highness! We will search every corner of the castle and beyond to find her."

I point angrily back into my room. "First, return the crown to its box, fool. Then mobilize all your forces. I want her found!"

Nodding nervously, the guard rushes to retrieve the crown with shaking hands. I tap my foot impatiently as he gingerly lifts it and places it back in the box.

"Now go!" I bark. "Turn the entire kingdom over if you must, but bring the thief to me unharmed. I want answers from her."

The guard bows and scrambles away, shouting for the castle guards. I seethe quietly, fists clenched. Incompetent fools! I should turn the lot of them to gold, for this failure. But I restrain my temper. For the first time in a decade, I can touch something without it turning to gold. Has more than just her changed?

I make my way over to the window, watching the moonlight filter through the trees in the courtyard below. Soldiers scurry below as the castle wakes.

I've spent so long living in isolation, surrounded by my golden possessions, afraid of losing another person who has worked their way into my heart, that I've forgotten what it feels like to be loved. I've chased away anyone who's ever become close to me, consumed by my own greed, grief, and power. But something about the thief...something about how she looked at me, with those piercing green eyes...makes me believe that maybe, just maybe, this curse may be over soon.

I shake my head, trying to clear my mind of such thoughts. How can I expect someone to love me when I've become a monster? Perhaps they were wearing gloves and I missed it.

Lost in my thoughts, I hear a soft knock at the door as I pace the room. I hesitate for a moment before calling out, "Come in."

The guard from before steps hesitantly into the room, his expression unsure. "Your Highness, they've escaped. The grounds are clear."

My heart sinks. I had hoped that perhaps they would find her and I could have answers tonight. It appears that won't be the case. "Leave."

The guard nods, bowing before quickly exiting the room.

I stay in my room for hours, listening to the silence and contemplating what this means. Ultimately I need to find out if this incident is because the spell is weakening or changing, or because of this woman specifically. I look around my rooms for something I haven't already turned to gold.

Eventually, I hear a faint buzzing sound coming from somewhere in the corner of the room. I approach cautiously, not wanting to startle whatever it is that's causing the noise. As I near, however, I realize what it is: a small beetle flies past me, its wings shimmering in the moonlight.

Without hesitation, I reach out and grab it with two fingers. Instantly, it turns into pure gold and falls lifelessly onto the floor at my feet. I cry out in frustration. The curse is still within me - it has simply been this woman who has been able to resist my touch.

I sigh deeply. If anyone else knows about this woman's ability to resist me - if anyone else learns about her - then surely they will come for her too? Maybe even use her against me.

I need to find her, and I need to do it now.