Chapter Text
Auren
Auren was sitting in her cage, as usual, watching everything happen without ever being a part of it. Midas kept her safe here. Auren knew, better than most, how cruel the world can be. Midas built this cage for her shortly after he married Queen Malina. She could go anywhere that the cage allowed her to. It wrapped around the entire top floor of Highbell Castle, which meant she had access to the library, the atrium, the drawing room, and her own personal chambers.
Auren was in the atrium, the only place that she could see the sky, when she heard footsteps. Looking to the doorway, she saw a flash of snow white hair. Auren jumped behind a tall potted plant to conceal herself. Queen Malina hated seeing Auren anywhere in the castle. Auren could understand why. She was Midas’s prized possession and Malina was just a powerless queen. She was born with no magic so she would always be in Midas’s shadow.
Malina had lived in this castle her whole life. When she married Midas, per her father’s orders, she had no idea that her new husband was going to be bringing Auren along. Midas had saved Auren, years ago. They lived on the streets, struggling to survive. But Midas had a plan to save them. Using his gold touch and his charm, he won over the king of Highbell and asked for Malina’s hand in marriage.
Auren could hear harsh voices as Malina entered the atrium. “I don’t care, Midas! I won’t do it anymore. Get that gilded whore out of my castle.”
“Malina, this is no longer your castle. I have the power. Auren is precious to me and I will not be getting rid of her.” Midas replied firmly.
Malina sighed. “You could at least pretend to care about me, Midas; as you once did. And don’t you forget that I know the truth about your so-called ‘gold touch’.”
Auren audibly gasped and prayed that they did not hear her.
“Was that a threat, wife?” Midas asked.
“It was whatever you take it as, dear husband.” Malina sneered.
Auren could not believe that Malina would speak to Midas in such a way. He could throw her out if he wanted to. The kingdom would always follow Midas now, since Queen Malina was born powerless. Auren couldn’t help but feel sympathetic towards her. She was a beautiful woman who deserved a husband that actually loved her. No wonder she was bitter.
“You would do well to watch your tongue around me, Malina. You and your kingdom would be nothing without me. Just remember that.” Auren heard Midas stomp away.
Malina stepped further into the atrium and Auren slowly tried to sneak away without being noticed.
“You!” Malina sped toward the cage, threw her hand between the bars, and grabbed Auren by her dress before she could get away. “You little bitch. You were eavesdropping, weren’t you?”
“No. I mean, that wasn’t my intention, Queen.” Malina pulls on Auren's dress, bringing her closer.
“You have been ruining my life ever since you got here.” Malina snapped with tears forming in her icy blue eyes.
Auren looked down at her feet. “I am sorry.”
Malina scoffed. “Your gilded skin makes me sick. Get out of my atrium.”
Once the queen released her hold on Auren’s dress, she quickly made her out of the atrium and back into her chambers. Midas was already there, waiting for her. Tonight was her designated night with him.
“Auren, come here.” Midas gestured for her to sit next to him on the bed.
He wrapped his arms around her when she sat down. “You are so precious to me.”
Auren wished desperately for him to go and comfort Malina, but she knew that he wouldn’t. Malina had disrespected him tonight and she would pay for it, one way or another.
“Midas?” Auren pressed.
“Yes, precious.”
“Do you love Malina?” Auren’s voice wavered a bit.
Midas chuckles. “Nobody compares to you, Auren. Don’t worry about Malina.”
Auren tried to think of a way to explain to him that that is not what she had meant, but came up short. She simply smiled at him.
Midas took her face in his hands and kissed her fiercely. He pressed her body down onto the bed and pawed at her breasts. Auren could feel him harden against her thigh. He quickly pulled up her dress and shoved himself inside of her. Auren could not focus, for Malina was still on her mind. Was she still in the atrium, crying? Midas continued thrusting into her until he pulled out his length and spilled his hot cum onto her stomach. Midas was never going to risk getting Auren pregnant. She took the potion every month to prevent it, but he was still cautious.
Midas was panting. “You are perfect.”
Auren offered him a fake smile. He started dressing himself and stood up to leave.
“You aren’t staying the night?” Auren asked. He usually did.
“I’m sorry. I can’t tonight. I have too much to plan for, precious.” Midas kissed her forehead and moved to unlock the cage to get out.
Auren was alone again. She had thought to go back into the atrium to see if Malina was still there, but thought better of it. She couldn’t offer her comfort even though she wanted to. The pain that Auren saw in Malina’s eyes tonight, haunted her. She had wanted to reach up and wipe away her tears. She wanted to tell her that she wasn’t powerless, even though she had no magic. But, she could do none of that. So she simply fell asleep instead.