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“Your majesty, I would accept only one prize for my services,” said the blond man, bowing deeply with a subtle grace. He wore an alchemist’s robes, heavily draped and unadorned but for the deep maroon color that could only be achieved from a long dyebath in ground cinnabar and onion skins.
The golden king sat on the wide mahogany wooden throne, a shimmering cloak about his shoulders, leather braces on his arms, and a thin silver and ruby circlet across his forehead.
“My godson’s illness has eased,” the king said. Though rulers old and young might thunder through their throne room, this king spoke with a soft rumble. Each attendee, whether a member of the court or layperson, leaned forward to catch every word. “His fits are far apart and notably less painful. We have you to thank for this, you and your,” he hesitated, lifting a hand.
“Potions,” the Alchemist interrupted. A subtle gasp flickered through the crowd at his daring.
“Potions,” the king echoed, unoffended. “So, Draco,” he began, and paused. He beckoned and a small goblet of claret wine was brought forward. He sipped and everyone waited. “Draco Malfoy, son of Lucius and Narcissa, savior of my young godson, pray tell, what is it you wish?”
“A dance.” Draco cast his eyes humbly away from the careful curl of the king’s fingers around the pewter goblet.
The king asked, “Is that all?”
“If it pleases his majesty,” Draco murmured.
“It pleases him,” he answered, passing the goblet to the waiting attendant. He slid from the throne without another word.
It took only the lift of one monarchic finger for the quartet of instrumentalists in the corner to pick up their craft.
The music resounded through the hall as the king reached for Draco’s hand and Draco gave it willingly. They danced. It was not the slow shift of their bodies close together and apart that had Draco’s breath in his throat, but the king’s expression, bright gaze intense and only for Draco.
Though the room was full of jealous watchers, all that mattered was this moment: palm against palm, turning slowly about, the king and his alchemist.