Touch of Gold: (Rumpelstiltskin) (Tangled Tales Series Book 4) (11 page)

Kin turned and headed toward his squire. “Good,” he said. “Now do as I instruct. Put some food out on the table.”

“Aye my lord.” Quaid opened the basket and pulled out a cluster of red grapes and set them down on one of the worktables.

“Take some off the stem and put one on each end of the table,” Kin directed.

“My lord?” Quaid seemed confused.

“Just do it.”

“All right.” He did as ordered.

“Now stand back,” said Kin, walking up to the table. He reached out and plucked up the first grape, but before it even touched his lips, it turned to gold.

Olivia gasped and held her hand over her mouth in order not to cry out.  He spoke to her without turning.

“I think if your husband-to-be knew what kind of power I held, he wouldn’t be marrying you after all.”

“Nay. He’d be killing me instead,” she said in a shaky voice.

“My lord, what are you going to do with the other grape?” asked Quaid, his eyes flicking over to the far end of the table.

“I’ll show you. I need to know how this curse works and what I can and cannot do. This time, I’ll try to pick up the grape without using my hands.”

“Without using your hands?” asked Olivia. “That’s impossible.”

He turned and looked over his shoulder with hooded eyes that raked down her body as he perused her.

“Nothing is impossible. One just needs to know the rules of the game; that’s all.” He bent over and used his lips only to suck the grape off the table. It disappeared into his mouth with a small popping noise.

“Did it turn to gold?” asked Quaid with wide eyes.

Kin chewed and shook his head. “Nay. It stayed in its original form. “Put down another few grapes. This time, I’m going to pick them up with my toes.”

“Your toes?” Olivia had never heard such nonsense before in her life.

“You don’t think I can do it?” asked Kin, removing one boot and hose.

“I don’t think anyone can do that,” interrupted Quaid.

“Just watch the master at work,” said Kin, lifting his foot up to the table and somehow using his toes to grab the grape. It was an amazing feat for any foot to do a trick like that. And if that wasn’t odd enough, Kin used his foot to toss the grape into the air. With his mouth opened wide, he caught the grape and it disappeared.

“It didn’t turn to gold,” said Quaid. “So it looks like the only danger is if you touch something with your hands.”

“That’s what I figure,” said Kin, licking his lips. “The book was in my hand at the time of the magic, so only my hands are affected.”

“But how can you be sure?” asked Olivia. “After all, this is dark magic.”

“I’ll just keep experimenting,” he said, nodding to the pigeons in the cage. “Open the door to the cage, Squire.” Kin took his golden chain mail gloves from his waistbelt and put them on as he spoke.

“What are you going to do?” asked Quaid, opening the cage door as instructed.

“You’re going to try my suggestion, aren’t you?” asked Olivia.

“Aye,” agreed Kin. “I’m going to see if I can safely touch things and keep them from turning to gold while I’m wearing these gloves.”

He reached into the cage and grabbed one of the birds. It flapped around wildly, but it didn’t turn to gold.

“And there’s your answer,” said Kin, letting the bird go. It flew up to the rafters and settled there.

“But how do we know if someone who touches you will turn to gold or not?” asked Olivia. “Or if the curse works on a living thing at all?”

“We don’t know,” said Kin. “But we’re going to find out.” He stuck his gloved hand into the cage. The dove inside the cage pecked at him, its beak touching the golden mail of Kin’s glove. Nothing happened. “And there’s your answer to half the question,” said Kin. “And this should clarify the other half.” He removed one of his gloves and reached into the cage again, putting his hand in front of the bird. It fluttered a bit, and at first, Olivia thought Kin’s touch wouldn’t affect living things. But then her heart dropped in her chest when the bird pecked at Kin’s hand, actually touching him. It stopped fluttering and turned to gold.

“Oh, no!” Olivia exclaimed, holding her hand to her mouth. “You’ve just killed off one of the lovebirds, and now it has lost its mate.”

“So I have,” said Kin, looking in amazement at the gold bird as he scooped it up out of the cage. “I’ll need to catch the other one so I’ll have a pair of them to put on the mantle.”

“You beast!” said Olivia with tears in her eyes, her heart going out to the bird’s mate.

“Nay, you’ve got it wrong, love,” he told her with a smile. “The Beast is my brother, Stefan.”

“Shall we try it some more?” asked Quaid, seeming to like this little game almost as much as Kin.

“Nay. I have work to do.” Kin tossed the golden bird into the basket of food. “I’m going to do exactly what the baron wants, but I’m not doing it for him. I’m going to keep all the gold for myself.”

“Lord Kin, you’d better be careful. Hecuba warned us this would happen,” Quaid told him.

“Hecuba? What do you mean?” Kin put on his other gauntlet.

“Oh, I guess we didn’t tell you,” said Quaid. “While you were sleeping, the witch showed up. She informed us that your greed would destroy you.”

“She did?” Kin’s face turned red, and a vein bulged in his neck. “Why didn’t you tell me about this sooner?”

“I even stood up to her to defend you,” said Olivia. “But I’m starting to think that mayhap the witch was right. You are greedy! And you’re not doing this to save me at all. You’re only doing this for yourself.”

“Is that what you think?” His angry blue eyes bore into her. Then he spoke to his squire without turning around. “It’s time for you to leave now, Quaid.”

“But m’lord,” protested the squire. “I think it would be better if I stayed here and protected – I mean – watched over Lady Olivia.”

“Believe me, if I wanted to do something to her, there would be no way for you to stop me. And if either of you believes I would purposely hurt a woman, you don’t know me at all.”

“You’re right,” said Quaid with a nod. “I lost my head and don’t know what I was thinking.”

“Let’s just hope no one else loses their head, shall we?” Kin was looking at Olivia again, and she was confused as to if she should trust him or not.

“I’ll be back later if you need anything,” said Quaid, starting toward the door.

“Wait!” Olivia stopped him, wanting more than anything to go with him.

“What is it, my lady?” asked Quaid.

“Yes, what is it?” asked Kin, looking and sounding dangerous again.

“I – I just wanted to say . . . ” she looked to the ground rather than to have to look at Kin. He was handsome, but he was also scaring her. If she admitted it, it would only give him more power. She knew she had to stay in this room alone with him, and there was nothing she could do about it. If the baron found out she didn’t have the skills he thought she did, he would consider her useless. And with no purpose for her, she was sure he would kill her as well as her father for their lies. Right now, she wasn’t even sure Kin would do a thing to stop it. “I wanted you to tell my father I’ll be looking forward to seeing him later.”

“Aye, I’ll tell him,” said Quaid, leaving the room.

Kin followed after him and used his gloved hand to close the door.

Turning around, his piercing eyes met hers once again. He walked toward her slow and stealthily, and once again she felt as if he were a wolf and she his prey.

“You don’t need to fear me, Olivia.”

“I – I know,” she said, backing up to the window ledge with her hands behind her.

“If you know, then why do you move away from me every time I take a step towards you?”

“I guess I’m just still concerned about . . . things.” Her eyes flashed over to the table where the golden dove that was alive moments before, now looked like naught more than a decoration atop the basket of food. Then her eyes shot upwards to the bird’s mate alone and frightened up in the rafters.

“You’re afraid I’m so greedy that I’ll turn you to gold as well, aren’t you?”

“I never said that!”

“You didn’t need to. And now I think it’s time we get back to what you owe me for doing your bidding again.”

“I already gave you the metal circlet from my head.” She nodded toward her headpiece lying at his feet in the rushes.

“Ah, so you did. But just like the ring, I don’t feel a mere headpiece is enough payment for turning a dozen barrels of wool into gold. Do you feel that is a fair trade?”

“Please, I have nothing else to give you.” She found herself fingering her necklace, hoping he wouldn’t tell her he wanted that, too.

“There is something more you can give me,” he told her, coming even closer. “Or have you already forgotten? I like part of my payment to be a kiss.”

He bent over slightly, bringing his face closer to hers. Frightened, she turned her face to the side and squeezed her eyes closed. She kept envisioning that poor dove and didn’t want her father to find her dead on the floor and turned to gold.

“Relax,” he told her. “I’m wearing my gauntlets, so you are in no danger of being turned to gold.” She felt the metal links of his glove against her skin as he tilted her head upward. “Look at me,” he ordered.

“I – I can’t.” Her fingers behind her back gripped tightly to the windowsill, and she could hear the sound of people and horses down in the courtyard far below.

“If you back up from me any further, you’re going to fall out the window.”

Her eyes popped open and horrific thoughts flitted through her brain. Thoughts of Kin pushing her out the window, after he turned her body to gold. Then she’d break up into small pieces and be easier for him to sell.

“I do fear you, my lord, I cannot lie,” she blurted out, trying to stop him from kissing her.

“Look at me,” he told her again, with his hand on her chin. He waited until she lifted her eyes to meet his. “I am not the ogre you think me to be.”

“But I heard you say you were going to keep the gold for yourself. And if you do that it’ll mean my certain death.”

“I’d never let anyone raise a hand to hurt you.” His head dipped down, and his lips touched hers, sending a shiver through her body. “I might be keeping the baron’s gold, but you’re in no danger because I plan on making you my lady.”

“What?” she asked, thinking she’d heard wrong. “I’m supposed to marry the baron.”

“Over my dead body,” he said. “I heard you say for yourself you didn’t want to marry the man.”

“I don’t. But what would make you think I would agree to marry you?”

“Ah, you know so little and assume so much.” His mouth was against hers again, and this time, the kiss was different. Instead of a little peck on the lips, it was forceful and passionate – like he was claiming her as his own. Her fingers slid off the windowsill behind her, and she brought her hands forward slowly, slipping them around his waist as she surrendered to his kiss. Feeling her body becoming alive under his touch, all fear left her and was replaced by a lustful desire within her that she didn’t think she had. She tingled with excitement, and though it was wrong to want to be with a man she wasn’t betrothed to, she found herself craving another kiss from the dangerous, golden knight.

“What do you think I assume, my lord?” she asked in a sultry whisper. Her thoughts ran rampant in her head as she brought her mouth closer, hoping for another kiss.

“You are young and foolish,” he said, suddenly letting go of her and taking a step away. “But also very desirable, though I never said I wanted to marry you.”

“You don’t?” she asked in surprise, feeling very confused.

“I have work to do,” he said taking off his gauntlets and tucking them under his belt and against his waist. “And I suggest you don’t distract me with that seductive pout, or I won’t be responsible for anything that happens.” He picked up the metal circlet from the ground and once his fingers touched it, it turned to gold. He stuck it into a bag tied to his side and nodded. “This will be good for now, but if the baron keeps asking for more wool to be spun into gold, you’re going to run out of things to give me. And when you do, there’ll only be one thing left to give me, and I already know you don’t want to give that up to a man like me.” His eyes raked down her body again, making her feel very insecure. Could he possibly mean her virginity? Her fingers clutched her pearl necklace, and she saw his eyes settle on her chest.

“Those pearls are nice, but the pearl I’m searching for is one that will bring both of us much more pleasure.”

Her knees became weak, and she collapsed into a chair as Kin went back to the spinning wheel to work. He did want her virginity, and the evil thought of wanting to give it to him made her feel just as wicked as him with his greedy touch of gold.

Chapter 14

Olivia made her way to the great hall the next morning with her handmaiden at her side.

“My lady, for having been up spinning wool into gold all night, I thought you’d be tired this morning,” said Ruth.

“Nay,” she said, smiling at her handmaiden. “I feel full of life and energy.”

“How do you do it?” the girl asked. “And why does Lord de Bar stay in the ladies solar after you leave? What does he do in there while you’re spinning gold?”

Olivia didn’t know how to answer that. She was the one who had slept the entire time Kin practiced his touch of gold. She had woken several times during the night to see him watching her sleep. It would have been a disturbing situation if she hadn’t seen the care in his eyes. Every time she awoke, he made sure to ask her if she needed food or drink, or if she just wanted to talk.

She’d denied him each time, not wanting to distract him from his spinning. The baron’s demands were great, and no one could keep up this pace, even if they were using magic. Kin was drained and tired, and behind the care in his eyes, she’d seen a crazed look that made her wonder if the witch’s curse was affecting him more than he let on.

“Oh, I see my father, thank you, Ruth. You can go now,” she said, dismissing her handmaiden.

“Aye, my lady.” The girl nodded and headed away.

“Olivia!” Her father shot off the bench and hurried across the room to greet her.

“Good morning, Father.”

“I’m so happy to see you.” He held a tankard of ale in his hand and his cheeks were red. That told her he’d been drinking for a while. “The squire told me how Lord Kin turned a goblet and a dove into gold. That’s fantastic!”

“Shhhh,” she scolded her father, her eyes scanning the room to make sure no one heard them. “You’ve got to keep that a secret unless you want us to lose our lives.”

“Oh, Daughter, don’t be silly. The baron is infatuated with you. He wouldn’t hurt you – he’s going to marry you. And then we’ll all be rich.” The man threw his hand up in the air, almost hitting a serving wench passing by.

“Father, I think you need to hold your tongue. Now don’t mention any of this to a single soul.”

“Of course not, Olivia. Why don’t you join me at the table? Lord Kin’s squire is there as well and there is plenty of room. They’ve just started to serve the meal.”

She was about to do that when the baron walked up behind her and put his hand on her arm.

“Here you are, my betrothed. How did the spinning go, my dear? Now that I know you’re finished, I’ll have to go see the fruits of your labor.”

“Everything went smoothly,” she told him, not liking him touching her.

“Where’s de Bar?” he asked, looking around. “His brothers are already here but once again I don’t see him.”

“He’s sleeping,” she answered. “He stays awake while I work, and it makes him fatigued.”

“I’ll send a page to his chamber then.”

“Nay. He’s in the ladies solar, and I suggest no one disturbs him.”

“Why not?” he asked. “I’m beginning to think the man is lazy.”

“Who’s lazy?” came a deep voice from behind her, and Olivia turned to see Kin standing there. He had dark circles under his eyes and his long, blond hair needed brushing. He also wore his gauntlets, and that made her feel a little more at ease.

“De Bar, there you are,” said the baron, reaching out for a knightly embrace and slap on the back.

Olivia’s eyes opened wide, and she was about to stop him, but when the man didn’t turn to gold and Kin winked at her over the baron’s shoulder, she knew it was all right.

“Are you going somewhere, de Bar?” asked the baron, looking at Kin’s hands.

“Nay. I came for the meal,” he said. “Why do you ask?”

“Because you’re wearing your gauntlets. Take them off in my great hall, or have you no manners?”

His eyes met Olivia’s, and she could see his turmoil of not knowing what to do.

“Lord Kin, I’m surprised you’ve already forgotten that you promised to escort me outside the castle to look for herbs this morning,” interrupted Olivia. She figured this would be the answer to both of their problems at the moment.

“I did?” Kin asked, looking like he was trying to remember having made such a promise.

“Aye, I remember you saying just that, Brother.” Wolf walked up with Arnon at his side. “And since Arnon and I will be leaving this morning, we will accompany you part of the way.”

“You’re leaving?” asked the baron in surprise. “Why so soon?”

“We’re newly married and miss our brides,” Arnon told the man.

“Ah, yes.” The baron took Olivia’s arm. “I know the feeling. I think after the spinning tonight, I’ll know for sure that Olivia has earned her position as my wife. We’ll be married in the morning.”

“The morning?” Olivia had not been expecting this right now. “You said we’d post the wedding banns first, and that should take at least three weeks.”

“I decided not to wait,” said the baron. “Don’t you agree, de Bar?” he asked with a chuckle looking at Kin. However, Kin wasn’t laughing. “After all, I can’t take the chance of anyone stealing this gem away from me, can I?”

“Nay. You wouldn’t want that,” said Kin in an emotionless voice.

“I think I’ll accompany you to collect herbs today,” the baron told her. “Although I don’t know why you bother with it when you have much more important work to do.”

“It relaxes me,” she said. “I like to burn the herbs while I work and inhale the sweet essence. It makes me more productive.”

“I see. Then we’d better go at once.”

“Good baron, I’d think you’d want to inspect the gold up in the ladies solar, and possibly lock it away in the undercroft before someone is tempted to steal it,” said Kin. “I’m Lady Olivia’s escort and will accompany her on the menial chore so that you can take care of more important matters.”

“Chore?” asked Olivia, not liking him referring to her as naught more than a task.

“Aye, and we’ll be along with them for part of the journey,” said Wolf. “You’ll have naught to worry about.”

“That’s right,” said Arnon. “After all, with our brother, Kin, you’ll know that Lady Olivia is in good hands.”

“In good hands?” Olivia’s heart sped up as she eyed Kin’s golden gauntlets. She hoped he’d keep them on while they journeyed together.

“I guess that would be all right,” said the baron. “De Bar, tell me – where did you get those gold gauntlets? I’ve never seen anything like them before. They are exquisite.”

“They’re just a gift from an old friend,” he said, making eye contact with his brothers.

“I’d like to try them on if you don’t mind.”

There was a sickening silence between them, and Olivia was thankful that Wolf interrupted.

“Baron, I hope you don’t think it rude of me, but I’m in a hurry to get back to Babeny and would like to leave right away.”

“Go on then,” said the baron, holding his hand out for the gauntlets.

“I’ve got to leave as well, and we’d really like to escort your betrothed,” Arnon joined in.

“Ah yes. Well, mayhap I’ll try them on some other time then,” the baron finally agreed. “Please, don’t let me stop you.”

“Squire,” said Kin, raising a gloved hand in the air.

“Aye, my lord.” Quaid ran over to join them.

“Saddle my horse and one for Lady Olivia as well.”

Olivia was almost expecting Kin to say she’d ride with him as she’d done before, and was disappointed when he didn’t. But she realized it wouldn’t be proper now that they were at the baron’s castle, and she was to marry the man in the morning. Besides, with his curse, it was probably better to be cautious.

“I’ll just say goodbye to my father before we go.” Olivia headed over to the miller who was still drinking. “Father, come here,” she said under her breath, pulling him over to her to speak into his ear.

“What is it, my dear? Time to make gold already?”

“Nay, I want you to follow Kin and me outside of the castle gates.”

“Why? Where are we going?”

“You and I are going to escape.”

“We are? Why?”

“Because the baron wants to marry me on the morrow, and I don’t want to be his wife. And I’ll not stay here another night pretending to be somebody I’m not.”

“But Olivia . . . Daughter. Think what you’re saying. We – I mean you, could be rich by marrying the baron. It’s what we always wanted. Everyone’s already been calling you Lady, and you’re almost lady of the castle.”

“It’s what
you
always wanted, not me. Now follow me and I’ll think of some excuse to get away from Lord Kin and then we’ll leave this awful place forever.”

She joined Kin, and they walked out into the courtyard, and on the ground in front of her were the shadows of the heads upon the spikes up atop the battlements. She kept her eyes averted from them and pushed the thought from her mind that if she and her father were caught escaping, that’s where their heads would probably end up as well.