41. The Thieves Guild
The Thieves Guild
Remme
T he 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 of show. " 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.
"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 crone her 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 and access to information no legal force could and would consider negotiating the types of jobs we can take on."
I consider her words. Having the underground network on my side could be beneficial. "I believe an arrangement could be reached, with careful negotiations. I will have my advisors draw up an initial draft come morning."
Fairy Godmother smiles. "Excellent. With our powers combined, your rule will usher in a new golden era."
“Golden era? Really Fairy Godmother?” Scarlet groans.
The woman only shares a wide grin that reaches her eyes. She’s clearly pleased with herself for that.
We shake hands solemnly. I feel Scarlet's tension abate with relief. clearly this accord carries significance for her as well. I make a mental note to inquire after their full history later.
Fairy Godmother rises, smoothing her skirts. "Well, I believe I've taken enough of your time for one evening. We can finalize details later."
I stand as well, clasping her hand warmly. "Of course. I look forward to a prosperous alliance."
With a gracious smile, she takes her leave, exiting the study in a swirl of emerald brocade.
I turn back to Scarlet, who moves to follow. But I step swiftly to the door, blocking her path with one arm braced above her head. She gazes up at me, lips parted in surprise.
"Leaving so soon, my lady?" I murmur, leaning close. "The night has only just begun."
Scarlet's eyes darken. "The guests will wonder where we've gone," she protests weakly.
"Let them wonder," I breathe, tracing one fingertip along her collarbone. Her breath hitches. Taking advantage, I capture her lips in a searing kiss, backing her against the door.
She responds fervently, hands tangling in my hair. I trail kisses down her jaw, nipping at her neck. My fingers skim her leg, lifting the skirt up to bare one creamy thigh.
I pause, spotting an intriguing mark. A crescent moon with a woman sitting on the end. If you knew what you were looking for it would look like a capital G. I trace it, sensing subtle magic. So she’s a member too. I was correct.
"Well now...it seems you have your own secrets, my dear," I murmur.
Scarlet tenses. I tilt her chin up gently. "It's alright. I suspected as much already." I kiss her reassuringly. "But later, I would like hear the full tale."
She relaxes with a sigh, kissing me lingeringly. There is clearly more to her past than I realized. But I only find myself even more intrigued.