Chapter 85: A Mess
"Once the kings of old began to fear that there might not be enough of the fabled King’s Gold left for future rulers of the beasts, they made a historic and controversial decision. The royal law, which had long allowed the rulers to be buried with their vast treasures as symbols of their eternal power, was swiftly abolished. This decree ensured that the remaining wealth would be preserved, securing a prosperous future for their successors and safeguarding the kingdom’s legacy.
Yet, the tombs that had already been constructed, laden with riches and relics, remained untouched. Each burial plot held an unimaginable hoard of treasure, shimmering in the darkness, protected only by time and secrecy. The border region, once a desolate expanse, now carried an almost mythical allure, its soil hiding fortunes beyond comprehension."
Rhaegar paused in his storytelling, his gaze dropping to the princess nestled in his arms. Lorelai’s face, soft and serene in the warm daylight, seemed to embody a fragile peace he rarely encountered in his chaotic world. She looked so calm, so unguarded, that he found himself wishing he could wrap her in the coziest of blankets, shielding her from every care, and let her sleep for as long as her heart desired.
Somehow, this moment of tranquility transformed her beauty into something even more profound, a gentle radiance that spoke of a spirit untouched by the burdens she bore.
"Tell me more," Lorelai murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Though her body was heavy with exhaustion, melting into the warmth of the king’s embrace, her mind clung stubbornly to wakefulness. She wasn’t ready to surrender to slumber just yet.
Rhaegar smiled at her resilience, his rough edges softening as he reached out to brush a few errant strands of her silken blonde hair away from her face. His fingers lingered for a moment as he tucked the strands gently behind her ear.
"As you wish," he said softly, his voice as soothing as the gentle rhythm of her breath. He really felt like he was telling her a bedtime story.
"Since the King’s Gold possesses magical powers, the beasts were determined to keep it out of enemy hands. To protect it, they summoned all the sorcerers and witches in the kingdom and cast a powerful curse upon the buried treasure. The enchantment ensured that anyone daring enough to desecrate the tombs would suffer a devastating fate. The curse was not merely a deterrent—it was a shield, safeguarding the kingdom’s most precious resource from falling into the wrong hands."