Spun Gold

Chapter five

Elizabeth sighed as she stood in front of the mirror. Her blonde curls had been left down, having given her only set of hairpins to the king's magician in exchange for his help. Her neck had been left unadorned for the same reason, but the beauty of her silver-trimmed blue day dress was enough to give her a modestly elegant appearance. She did her best to ignore the somersaulting in her stomach and the clamminess of her hands. It was likely only the guests of the closest noble houses would be in attendance, but with many having winter homes within the boundaries of Aurine, it didn't do much to quell the nerves that were plaguing her.

A knock at the door distracted her from her anxious thoughts as one of the maids moved to answer the door. She sighed with relief when she found familiar gold eyes peering back at her beneath silver hair. "I'm to escort you to the receiving hall at midday. I thought you might enjoy seeing the gardens beforehand." He said gently, holding his hand out to her.

Elizabeth gave him a grateful smile, grabbing her cloak before moving to take his offered hand. He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm, allowing the silence to stretch between them until she broke it at last. "I don't see any path where this does not make my life increasingly more difficult." She admitted as they made their way down the corridor and out to the expansive gardens behind the castle. The winter had removed most the color of the gardens, but the quiet stillness was enough of a comfort to her to make up for the lack of variety in the scenery.

Liam took a deep breath, running his free hand through his hair. "I said as much to the king, though I'm afraid it fell on deaf ears." He stopped as they came to a stone bench, motioning for them to sit.

"I don't know how I will explain any of this to my father without it turning into a nightmare. I'm not foolish enough to think that my life could ever be normal again after this, but it doesn't stop me from wishing there were a way." She said softly, a hint of sadness flickering across her face.

Liam shifted uncomfortably next to her. "I think there is something you should know." He began, taking a deep breath before he continued. "The king is concerned about your father's loyalty to the crown. I suggested he arrange a marriage for you to someone loyal to the crown, but in hindsight I think that was a mistake. You will have any number of noblemen bartering for your hand after today, and I fear most will not have good intentions." He didn't dare tell her that the whole reason she was going through this entire ordeal was because Liam had refused to marry her when the king had suggested it.

Elizabeth sighed, her blue eyes turning to the evergreen trees that lined the gardens. "My father's intentions will be no better. So, either way...my life is in danger." She said at last, remembering his warning about the spinning wheel. "We could destroy the spinning wheel, but then the king would know we tricked him. I don't want to drag you into the mess my father created. Especially when you were kind enough to help me."

Liam sighed again, running his hand over his face with a groan. She was right. Damian had them both with their backs against the wall. Damn him. "There is an option, but I warn you there will be consequences to it."

The hope that flickered across Elizabeth's face sent a stab of regret into his heart. "Please, tell me. It can't be any worse than what I'm already facing." She said quietly, her hands going to his as she pleaded with him.

"I've known the king for many years, he's well aware that I aided you, he just can't prove it." Liam began, leaning back against the stone backing of the bench with a sigh. "It was his suggestion that I marry you. When I refused, he thought he could force my hand by arranging a public display of your make-believe magical ability." He admitted, glancing sideways to gauge her reaction.

"Why would he be so intent on having us marry? I understand you are a loyal friend, but surely the king could arrange your marriage to a much more advantageous family." Elizabeth questioned, not understanding the king's motives.