Chapter Text
Soft viscous gold, blissful in the rays of the rising sun. Light flows through the high windows, glides over the marble, caresses the detachedly cheerful faces. An island of prosperity in the middle of a dead sea.
Here, everyone's left to their own devices. Full-fledged monarchs of their own little countries. Small talk, curtseys, five-second waltzes — merely manners. A good sense of tact and humour is the key to good vibrations.
No one cares about each other in the slightest. Gold is blinding.
But it is also liberating.
You don't feel like you're ready for this freedom.
To tell the truth, you're not sure you’re someone entitled to such treats of fate. Seen nothing but cabbage and radish all your life, and then, out of the blue, delicacies names of which you're unable to remember, let alone pronounce. Anyone would be at a loss.
You visibly shrink, looking around the fancy hall like a cornered street dog. Your sad puppy eyes beg for the wise hand of the owner. Someone to make such intricate choice for you. Someone to point a finger, to give a command.
"Would you like some practical advice?"
Velvet pours into your ears.
A pearly white smile, curling silk, the shimmer of one thousand and one diamonds. Courage of a lion, majesty of a unicorn. Who would that be if not the messenger of Lord Almighty, endowed with his divine wisdom and willpower?
"Take this. No frills, down to earth, pretty realistic. Slightly bitter, just enough to feel the bite. A good starting point".
The king waves at one of the silver platters, filled with large, plump fruit.
"But that is simply advice. You are free to choose as you please, of course. We are all rulers of our own lives".
His imposing figure radiates providence. You feel its warmth on your cheeks. Like getting a good morning kiss.
Is it really up to question? Time’s a wasting.
You grab the nearest fruit with an intention to sink your teeth into its raw flesh.
The king sighs and shakes his head, graciously. His chuckle rings like gunfire. You stop dead in your tracks.
"A spoon would come in handy. It’s here for a reason, I presume".
You trace the platter once more. Lo and behold, it is accompanied by all the necessary gizmo.
"Then again, it’s your choice…if you prefer to look like a wild beast on a hunt for blood".
You’ve clearly made yourself a fool. A fool unfit for ruling. You’d set yourself on fire, if you were flammable.
Your king is merciful, however, and is gifting you a second chance. You must honour such generosity, and battle in its name.
Now, with a weapon in tow, you thrust into your adversary. Scarlet drips down your hands, onto the pristine marble floor. You paint white roses red, for the love of the Crown.
As your enemy lays fallen, you taste its meat and marrow. Its sweetness promises delightful experience. Its bitterness reminds you that you’ll still have to put in the work.
But it’s no longer impossible. Suddenly, it sounds…reachable. Like someone your size could make it. The decisions, the choices…everything.
You’ve conquered your fear. You’ll conquer every single one of them.
And each victory, you shall dedicate to the heavenly advisor. Your greatest ally.
One day, he’ll put a shiny golden crown upon your own head, you hope.