#gold rate prediction for tomorrow

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Tomorrow's Gold Rate Forecast for Smart Investors in 2024

Introduction

Gold has always been a cornerstone of investment portfolios, providing stability and acting as a hedge against inflation and market volatility. As we step into 2024, predicting gold rates becomes crucial for smart investors looking to optimize their returns. In this blog, we will explore gold rate prediction for tomorrow and provide insights to help investors make informed decisions.

Gold has been a valuable asset for centuries, cherished for its rarity, beauty, and diverse applications. For investors, gold is more than just a precious metal; it’s a safe haven in times of economic uncertainty. Understanding gold rate predictions, especially short-term forecasts like tomorrow’s rates, can significantly enhance investment strategies and decision-making processes.

Importance of Gold Rate Predictions

Gold rate predictions are essential for several reasons:

Investment Planning: Accurate predictions help investors plan their purchases or sales to maximize returns.

Risk Management: Understanding potential price movements aids in mitigating risks associated with market volatility.

Economic Indicators: Gold prices often reflect broader economic conditions, including inflation rates, currency fluctuations, and geopolitical tensions.

Portfolio Diversification: For investors seeking to diversify their portfolios, knowing when to enter or exit the gold market is crucial.

Factors Influencing Gold Prices

Several factors influence gold prices, making prediction a complex task. Key factors include:

Economic Indicators

Economic data such as GDP growth, unemployment rates, and inflation influence gold prices. For example, higher inflation often leads to higher gold prices as investors seek to protect their purchasing power.

Interest Rates

Interest rates have an inverse relationship with gold prices. When interest rates rise, gold becomes less attractive as an investment since it does not yield interest.

Currency Fluctuations

Gold prices are typically quoted in US dollars. Therefore, any fluctuation in the value of the dollar can impact gold prices. A weaker dollar makes gold cheaper for foreign investors, potentially driving up demand and prices.

Geopolitical Tensions

Political instability and conflicts often lead to increased demand for gold as a safe-haven asset, driving up prices.

Supply and Demand

Basic supply and demand dynamics also play a crucial role. Factors such as mining output, central bank reserves, and consumer demand (particularly from countries like India and China) can influence prices.

Market Speculation

Trader behavior and market sentiment can cause significant short-term price fluctuations. Speculative activities based on news, trends, and forecasts can impact gold rates.

Historical Gold Price Trends

Analyzing historical gold price trends provides valuable insights into potential future movements. Over the past decades, gold prices have shown periods of rapid growth, often during economic downturns or financial crises. For instance, during the 2008 financial crisis, gold prices soared as investors flocked to safe assets.

Key Historical Trends:

1970s: Gold prices surged due to high inflation and geopolitical instability.

1980s-1990s: Prices stabilized as economies recovered and inflation rates dropped.

2000s: Significant price increase driven by the 2008 financial crisis.

2010s: Continued growth with fluctuations due to varying economic conditions and geopolitical events.

Methods of Predicting Gold Rates

Predicting gold rates involves various methodologies, each with its strengths and limitations. Some common methods include:

Technical Analysis

Technical analysis involves studying historical price charts and using statistical tools to predict future price movements. Indicators such as moving averages, relative strength index (RSI), and Bollinger Bands are commonly used.

Fundamental Analysis

Fundamental analysis examines economic indicators, market conditions, and geopolitical events to forecast gold prices. It involves a detailed assessment of macroeconomic factors and their potential impact on gold.

Quantitative Models

Advanced quantitative models use algorithms and statistical techniques to predict price movements. These models can incorporate a wide range of variables, including economic data, market sentiment, and historical trends.

Expert Opinions

Consulting expert opinions and market analysts can provide valuable insights. These experts use a combination of technical and fundamental analysis to make their predictions.

Expert Opinions on Gold Rate Predictions for 2024

Experts have varying opinions on gold rate predictions for 2024, influenced by their analysis of current economic conditions and future expectations. Some anticipate continued growth due to ongoing economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, while others foresee potential corrections based on anticipated interest rate hikes and economic recovery.

Bullish Predictions:

Continued Economic Uncertainty: Experts citing prolonged economic challenges and inflation concerns predict higher gold prices.

Geopolitical Risks: Analysts focusing on geopolitical tensions and conflicts suggest a bullish outlook for gold.

Bearish Predictions:

Interest Rate Increases: Some experts predict that rising interest rates will reduce gold’s attractiveness, leading to price declines.

Economic Recovery: Analysts optimistic about economic recovery post-pandemic foresee a stabilization or decrease in gold prices.

Gold Rate Prediction for Tomorrow

Making an accurate gold rate prediction for tomorrow involves considering immediate market conditions, current economic data, and ongoing geopolitical events. As of today, several factors might influence tomorrow’s gold rate:

Economic Data Releases: Scheduled releases of economic indicators such as employment reports or inflation data can impact gold prices.

Market Sentiment: Current market sentiment and speculative activities based on news or rumors can cause short-term price fluctuations.

Geopolitical Developments: Any sudden geopolitical developments or announcements can lead to immediate changes in gold prices.

Example Prediction:

Based on the current market trends and economic indicators, a modest increase in gold prices is anticipated for tomorrow. This prediction is driven by recent reports of rising inflation and continuing geopolitical tensions, which tend to boost demand for gold as a safe-haven asset.

Investing in Gold: Strategies for 2024

Investing in gold requires a well-thought-out strategy to maximize returns and mitigate risks. Here are some strategies for 2024:

Diversified Portfolio

Incorporate gold as part of a diversified investment portfolio. This approach balances risk and enhances overall returns.

Dollar-Cost Averaging

Investing a fixed amount in gold at regular intervals helps mitigate the impact of market volatility and reduces the risk of investing a lump sum at the wrong time.

Monitor Economic Indicators

Stay informed about key economic indicators and market conditions. Use this information to adjust your investment strategy as needed.

Use of Gold ETFs

Consider investing in gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) for ease of trading and liquidity. ETFs offer exposure to gold prices without the need to physically own the metal.

Hedging Against Inflation

Use gold as a hedge against inflation by allocating a portion of your portfolio to gold investments, protecting your purchasing power.

Risks and Considerations for Gold Investors

While gold is considered a safe-haven asset, it is not without risks. Investors should be aware of the following considerations:

Market Volatility

Gold prices can be volatile in the short term, influenced by market sentiment and speculative activities.

Economic Conditions

Changes in economic conditions, such as interest rate hikes or economic recovery, can impact gold prices.

Storage and Security

Physical gold requires secure storage, which can incur additional costs. Investing in gold ETFs or digital gold can mitigate this issue.

Liquidity

While gold is generally liquid, selling physical gold can sometimes be challenging and may involve additional costs or discounts.

Conclusion

Predicting gold rates, especially short-term forecasts like tomorrow’s rates, is crucial for smart investors aiming to optimize their returns. By understanding the factors influencing gold prices, analyzing historical trends, and leveraging various prediction methods, investors can make informed decisions. As we move through 2024, staying informed about economic indicators and geopolitical developments will be key to navigating the gold market effectively. Whether you are a seasoned investor or a beginner, incorporating gold into your investment strategy can provide stability and act as a hedge against uncertainty. Use the insights and strategies discussed in this blog to make the most of your gold investments in 2024.

[goldrateforecast-blog]

What would be the gold rate prediction for tomorrow in 2024?

Predicting the gold rate for a specific day in the future is challenging due to the numerous factors that influence its price fluctuations. However, based on market analysis and trends, we can make educated guesses about the potential direction of gold rate prediction for tomorrow. Gold is often seen as a safe haven asset during times of economic turmoil or uncertainty. When investors become nervous about the economy, they tend to buy gold, which drives up its price

Source - https://goldrateforecast.hashnode.dev/what-would-be-the-gold-rate-prediction-for-tomorrow-in-2024?

[hmatrading]

Wondering what the future holds for gold prices? Look no further! In this article, we will dive into the crystal ball of forecasting to bring you the most accurate gold price predictions for tomorrow, next month, and even as far ahead as 2023 and 2024. Whether you're a seasoned investor or simply curious about the fluctuations in this precious metal's value, we've got you covered. So grab a cup of coffee and get ready to uncover the secrets of gold price prediction!

[tfatrading]

As the global economy shifts and financial markets fluctuate, the gold rate forecast today is a topic of great interest to both investors and jewelry buyers. With today’s gold rate standing at ₹7,804, many are eager to know whether gold prices will rise or fall in the coming days. In this article, we’ll explore expert predictions for the gold rate, including short-term and long-term forecasts, and provide insights into market trends and factors driving these changes.

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[commandershepardvasfuckit]

3rd chapter for my own little self indulgent original writing.

Still nothing polished, just first draft stuff to get the ideas out of my head

The first two chapters can be founded in my pinned post, but as another reminder it’s still a depiction of a wildly unbalanced power dynamic, manipulation, and whatnot

But dead dove, do not eat.

Forced consent/dub-con, intentionally harmful sex, and if you’re reading this I’m assuming you’ve read the other chapters and know how the main characters are

The air smelled of fresh foods being cooked and hawked by the local merchants, the market busy as always while you made your way through the narrow twisting roads between the council building and your own home. It was not an exciting or glamorous life, but it was predictable and steady.

Life had not always been easy, but at least now it was pretty good. You had enough money to keep yourself a float and even afford little trinkets and luxuries once in a while. Your clothing was not fancy, but still had little details and embellishments that years ago you would have never thought you could buy. You no longer worried about having enough to eat, it often was nothing fancy but filling and tasty enough.

As you walked down the winding roads you mused on how one short encounter lifted you up from barely scraping by singing in rundown taverns to routinely preforming for the council. Just a chance encounter with staff attendant and an offer to sing in front of the council as they looked for performers for an event.

It had gone better than expected, you preformed at many events and were paid fairly well for your work. There were sometimes long gaps in between work for them, but with your new reputation you found you were now being invited to preform in the much nicer taverns in High Town instead of being relegated to the lower city.

There was a spring in your step, with the money you had gotten today you were fairly certain you had saved enough for a hair piece you had been eyeing. A merchant situated just on the cusp of High Town had started selling beautiful hair sticks the other week. Nothing as ornate as the denizens who lived in High Town would be wearing, no precious stones, but the metals there were shaped so intricately, doted with common but still colorful stones. In particular you had been eyeing one whose long brained stick ended with a flower and a bird spreading its wings in flight. It was not luxurious enough to be real gold, but the craftsman had done an excellent job of mimicking it, and if your math was correct then tomorrow it would be yours.

While lost in your thoughts the walk home felt shorter than usual, a pleasant surreality seemed to cling to everything that you dismissed as just your current happiness making everything else around feel a little soft around the edges. The door to your small home swung open with a gentle touch and you busied yourself setting down your things, humming to yourself and thinking how you would spend you free time tomorrow. First you would head straight to the market to buy the hair stick, then wander and find something to eat, and the trees in the square were in bloom this time of year so maybe after you would take a walk to see them?

Before anything else though you wanted to change into something comfier, you turned from the counter where you had been organizing and putting your belongings away and nearly jumped out of your skin as you noticed the figure seated at your table. In the dim lighting you could not make out many features, only the imposing size and two unnatural gold eyes.

“I’ve been waiting so long for you, my little pet”.

You shot up in bed, gulping down deep breaths of air as you tried to steady your heart rate, cursing under your breath that even in your dreams you had no reprieve.

“What are you doing?” came a groggy voice next to you. His eyes were barely cracked opened and his brow furrowed together in annoyance of being suddenly awoken early in the morning, clearly someone was not a morning person.

���Lay back down, I’m not ready for you yet” he pulled you back down on the bed, wrapping his arms tightly around you as he laid on his side so that your back was to his chest. “You do not have to sleep, but you will remain in bed with me until I decide to get up for the day”.

Revulsion coiled through your body as he ran his fingers down your side, his hand coming to rest just below your hip and his fingers tracing circles on your inner thigh.

“Answer me so I know you heard me”.

“Yes, my king” your voice was small, doing everything you could to quell your nerves and not flinch at his touch.

“And what are you to do?”

“I will lay with you until you get up, my king”.

A low hum of approval from his vibrated against your back, “Good girl. And see? This isn’t so bad. You slept peacefully in my arms all night, even nuzzling into my neck a few times while you slept. Deep down you enjoy this, don’t you? Being desired like this. You don’t have to say anything, I know you like this, you just need to embrace it”.

His other hand closed around your neck, not enough pressure to restrict your breathing or harm you, but a message all the same. “All mine to be used and played with. No worries or concerns in that pretty little head, just your devotion and desire for me”.

“I feel you squirming now, is it because you know I’m right? Because you, just a little mortal human, have been elevated to such a lofty position? That you, and you alone, sleep with your king? Surely that must feel good, to be chosen like that”.

Firmly, he pulled your hips back against him, “But on second thought, maybe I don’t want to go back to sleep quite yet now after all, why waste this time to bond if you’re already awake? Especially with how good you feel against me like this” his hand slipped lower, between your thighs, “Let me show you how good I can make you feel. Let me toy with you until you beg me to fuck you”.

With warm, deft hands his thumb found your clit and you shuddered. It was a horrid, involuntary response that only seemed to spur him on. He settled into a steady rhythm, using a gentle pressure on you to rub circles.

Your breath hitched and you hated how good it felt, how he clearly knew what he was doing. His other hand left your throat to wander down and cup your breast, alternating squeezing it and rolling your nipple between his fingers.

A moan left your lips, you could not help it.

“That’s it, my little song bird. There’s so much I can offer you; pleasure, safety, a comfortable life. Now that you’ve accepted this you could be so happy at my side if you fully embrace it. You could be the center of attention, sitting on my lap in front of everyone, constantly doted on and being the only one to receive my attention”.

‘What’s the harm of just letting go?’ echoed a small voice in you mind, a voice you wanted to squash down. ‘It would be so easy to just surrender fully. Is there really another option?’ There was not much of a choice, either play your role or at best it was likely imprisonment, at worse? You did not want to think of it.

Maybe someone stronger would have resisted, or someone with more pride. Someone who would rather embrace their possible death than be treated like this.

But that was not you. The thought of death or imprisonment terrified you, even more so than submitting to the Dragon King did.

With deep breaths you willed some of the tension you were carrying away, unclenching your jaw and shoulders and drumming up the courage to fully take the plunge. Before you could talk yourself out of it you rolled onto your back and parted your legs a bit, giving him the access to you he sought.

“Oh!” his face lit up in genuine surprise, “I was not expecting you to relax so quickly, I- I-“ he drew a deep breath to compose himself, “I want you to enjoy this, to enjoy me. I do truly mean that”.

It was difficult to read his expression, his eyes inscrutable as ever, but what you thought you might have saw was a certain softness. Not the bravado of the past day, or cocky confidence, but an almost human sort of tenderness if he was even capable of such a thing.

Here now, resting in the bed of a king, after the most harrowing ordeal of your life, a new chapter began.

The following kiss was hungry against your mouth. He quickly parted your lips with his tongue and wasted no time exploring every inch he could.

A finger slid between your folds, teasing at your entrance while he continued his steady attention on your clit.

“So wet already” he murmured into your mouth, barely breaking the kiss.

He entered you agonizingly slowly with a single finger, taking his time and drawing out your reaction.

Being with someone was nothing new to you, but everything now was a strange new experience. The softness of the blankets under your bare skin, the opulence of your surroundings, and the very nature of the man you were laying with were all coming together to form a strange new experience for something normally so familiar.

“Ohhh” you moaned into his mouth as his finger stroked a particularly sensitive spot in you.

“There you go, my little song bird, sing for me”. He slid a second finger into you and slowly began to work you open, gently spreading his two fingers apart, preparing you to take him.

Unsure what to do with your hands you balled them into the blankets. With anyone else you would have wrapped your fingers into their hair or clung to their body, but something about that did not feel right here. Your squirmed under his careful touch. He maintained a slow and steady pace, focusing on precise and careful movements over anything else. You rolled your hips up against his hand, seeking more friction as you felt your release building.

“Are you close already?” he asked.

“Yes” you whined.

“Yes?”

“Yes, my king”.

“Good” he swiftly removed his hand from you.

“What-“ you began before he cut you off.

“I do not want your first time with me to be on my hand, come here” he rolled onto his back and pulled you on top of him, your legs straddling his hips and his cock resting just between your thighs. “I want to see your face while you realize I’m better than any partner you’ve ever had, that moment of bliss when you truly understand how good it feels to be fucked by you king. Despite your actions I know part of you still resists me, don’t think I haven’t noticed, and I want to see the moment that last little bit of defiance finally snaps and you give in to me entirely”.

Your face was white hot, it was one thing when your back was to him and you did not have to see how he looked at you, but this was too much. Having to play an active part in his conquest instead of laying back and just letting it happen was more than you could stand.

“What is with that face, my pet? Is this not a generous offer? I am giving you a very rare gift, letting you decided how long this will last. You can drag this out as long as you want, or not. I won’t even hold you responsible for my pleasure, no, I just want you to enjoy yourself upon your king’s cock this time”.

“And then,” his voice dropped to a growl, “I will claim you as I see fit. My pretty little pet will know the joy, the honor, of satisfying me and being made mine”.

You stared at him, frozen, just wanting to get things over with but unable to start. Hesitantly you rose up on your knees to position yourself and tried to look anywhere but at his face. You reached down to guide him in as you lowered yourself onto him, his tip pressed against your entrance for just a moment while you gathered yourself before sinking down and accepting his first few inches.

Nothing could have prepared you for this. You knew he was much more than you were used to, even when you tried to look away last night when you undressed him you still got a good glance at him, more than enough to know that it would be a struggle.

Your whole body heaved from the intrusion, forcing you to brace your hands against his chest. He was stretching you much more than you had ever felt before, nearly equal parts pleasure and pain as you struggled to adjust to him.

“Gods, you’re still so fucking tight” he moaned, “You were so ready to finish with just two fingers, will you even be able to take it all before you cum?”

You did your best to block his words out, only focusing on remembering how to breathe. It felt incredible though, hurting in a good way as he forced you open.

His fingers returned to your clit, rubbing the same gentle circles as before, “Let me help you relax, I want to watch you sink down and take it all and hear all those pretty little mewls you’ll make. Wouldn’t it feel so good to test your limits like that?”

Slowly you took another few inches until you felt his tip press into your cervix, it was as far as you could go. You were nearly gasping for air, between how deep you felt him in you and how much he was stretching you. Such an intensity you did not know was possible.

“You look so beautiful like that, so overwhelmed and helpless, trying to be such a good girl for me, but I know you can keep going. You don’t want to stop here, not when there’s only a few inches left, do you?” he cooed at you, though it sounded like he was struggling to maintain his composure too.

“I can’t” you pleaded with him.

“Shhhhhh, just try for me”.

Slowly you attempted to lower yourself farther, his tip jabbed into you more, going past the level of pleasurable pain.

“Almost there little one. I know it must hurt, but you’re so close” his free hand dug into you hip, slowly pushing you down on him, not giving you an option.

“See? Look what you’re capable of, you’re such a good little thing to let me bury myself in you like this”.

“It hurts” your eyes watered, tears threatening to roll down your face, but his grip on your hip did not loosen.

“I’m sure it does, but let me show you how good you can feel like this anyways”. He rolled his hips against you, pressing himself in as far as possible before pulling back to give you a bit of reprieve, though his cock stayed pressed against your cervix the whole time, fluctuating between a bearable pain and a near blinding pain. His pace and pressure on your clit increased, making you feel overstimulated and every touch sent lightning racing through your nerves.

“Just focus on the good, how my fingers feel on your clit, how it it feels to be stretched around me. It’s all the same feelings you mewled over before, I’ve just added one other thing, just block it out. I feel that you’re close, the way you clench around me. Let go and enjoy this”.

“You said you’d be gentle” you managed, trying to hold back tears.

“Oh my sweet, this is very gentle. I used my fingers to warm you up, let you go at your own pace until you needed a little help, I’ve been oh so softly rubbing your clit this whole time. And now you’re so close to your end, and here I am still helping you finish before me”.

The pleasure was starting to drown out the pain. The pain was not receding but instead your own building release was growing louder in your mind and between your legs, making the feeling of him so deep inside you easier to ignore.

“I don’t often care about others’ pleasure, but for you? I want to see how beautiful you look finding your release on my cock, the sweet sounds you’ll make, but your pleasure still comes on my terms. I want you to understand that I can give you great pleasures here at my side: beautiful clothes and jewels, exquisite foods, any hobby you’ve ever wished to learn, anything you want, as you always obey me. There will not be one without the other” his words came between ragged breaths, he was coming undone just as fast as you it seemed.

His words were only barely reaching you, you were so close to bliss you could not focus on anything else.

“I-I, ohhh” you moaned the waves of your orgasm hit you hard. You heaved forwards, leaning onto his chest more until you were flush against him, gasping and sighing as he continued to rub your overstimulated clit, drawing out your pleasure farther.

Even after the initial rush started to fade you still felt yourself clenching around him, tingles still diffusing throughout your body as he wrapped his arms around your middle to hold you against him and thrust into you.

“Gods, you feel incredible. I need to feel your lips on mine, I need to feel all of you”.

You caught his mouth in a desperate kiss and you were leaning into the kiss and desiring him as much as he desired you. He moaned in your mouth, panting, struggling to even kiss you back as he got lost in his own pleasure.

For the first time in the last day you felt power. How lost in everything he was now, how he was scarcely aware of anything else, how now in your clarity you saw him at his weakest. The mighty Dragon King, not claiming you in some powerful, dominant way, but asking for a kiss and holding you closely, face to face, almost on equal footing if only for a moment.

It was not some mighty roar, or even anything loud, his moans were soft and getting caught in his throat. You felt the warmth flood into you as he found his own release, his cock twitching with each spurt and you felt his cum dripping down your thighs even with how tightly plugged you felt by him.

“I-“ he began, struggling and panting for air, “I was not expecting that”.

There was something borderline sweet about his expression, it was the first time you saw him not entirely in control of the moment, the first time he just seemed relaxed.

You nuzzled into his neck, enjoying his scent and feeling his pulse on your lips as you kissed up and down from his ear to shoulder. Maybe it was just the afterglow from your orgasm, but you were enjoying the way he was softly stroking your back, just the feeling of staying entwined after sex, enjoying his touch for the first time.

“I didn’t expect that” he repeated.

“Didn’t expect what?” you asked.

“Getting caught up in everything so much. I couldn’t bring myself to pause for even a moment to move you into a position that’s a bit more, uh… natural for me”.

“Natural?”

“Yes. Natural. Do not forget that this isn’t really me, not completely anyways. What I had intended was to flip you over, yank your hips up in the air, and take you on your hands and knees, or at least bend you over the table, something a bit more familiar for me���.

It dawned on you what he meant, a position better suited for dragons.

“No matter,” he waved his hand dismissively, “there will be countless other times to fuck you in a manner more appropriate for myself”.

Whatever softness he had shown you for a moment while you laid together was already gone, he was back to himself.

“You will accompany me for breakfast, then around the palace grounds so that I may show you around your new home, and also show you off”.

You nodded against his neck, too tired and sore to continue speaking, especially as he was back to himself and the less conversation with him the better in that case.

“You will use your words and manners to answer me. I was willing to let it slide earlier since you were clearly overwhelmed. It wouldn’t be fair of me to expect a sweet, simple little thing like you possibly think straight after being fucked like that, your thoughts all scrambled up in that pretty little head of yours”.

“Yes, my king” you replied, any bit of quasi-affection you may have felt towards him gone.

“As my tailor has still not dropped off anything for you to wear, you’ll wear one of my shirts for now, it should be long enough you” he shifted you off his chest so he could get up.

As usual he moved with unnaturally light footsteps, crossing the room in a few long, quiet strides to retrieve a shirt for you and toss it your way.

“Get dressed quickly, there is much to do today. And no need to clean up”.

The material of the shirt felt like water on your hands, soft and flowing, much nicer anything you had certainly ever worn. It came down to your mid thighs, long enough to cover you but not well if you moved much.

His eyes never left you as you dressed, his head tilted slightly as he watched you fumble with the buttons.

“I will say,” he began, “seeing you in my shirt, in my bed, with my cum still dripping down your thighs, still all flush is most definitely doing a lot for me. Makes me want to fuck you again right now, though I do suppose you’ve earned a treat with how good you were for me. We’ll have a nice breakfast together and spend the morning, just the two of us, touring my palace. How does that sound, my pet?”

“Very good, my king”.

“Come, help me dress” he beckoned.

Your thighs ached from how long you straddled him, and deep in your core you were tense and tender feeling from him. You swung your legs of the bed, unfortunately for you they gave out immediately as you tried to stand, toppling you onto the floor.

“Ok” he sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, his expression somewhere between pained and annoyed. “You have the muscle tone and stamina of a noodle, great. Can you stand at all?”

You forced your legs under you, grappling at the bed post for support so you would not fall again.

“Fantastic, I suppose you won’t be walking to breakfast then” he turned from you and began to dress, dark pants and a dark shirt, the v-shape of the collar loosely laced closed.

Without a word he returned to where you attempted to stand and swept you up into his arms, “We will work on your stamina and muscle strength, you may be my little pet but I will not be carrying you all the time”.

You squirmed in his arms, trying to yank the shirt down to cover your rear as it rode up.

“That doesn’t matter” he said flatly, “the whole court saw you naked yesterday anyway. And half the royal guard was there when Alondis stripped you down, though don’t hold that personally against him. If anything you should honestly thank him, I ordered him to bring you to me naked but he’s got a soft heart and gave you his cloak”.

His eyes scanned your face, taking in your perplexed look. Truth be told, you had blocked out almost everything yesterday between being escorted from the carriage to right before you reached the throne room.

“You really don’t remember, do you? You did look quite terrified when you stood before me, no room for other thoughts, hmm? I’m am not surprised you don’t remember his face either. No matter”.

You buried your face in his chest as he carried you out of the room, not wanting to meet eyes with anyone you pass in your way down to eat. You did not want to think how many people in this palace had seen you naked.

[palmoilnews]

Market Review / Outlook of the day Primary Sentiment : Neutral Immediate Trend : Neutral BMD Market Re-cap: - BMD FCPO futures rallied on Friday, snapping a two-day decline and mirroring gains in soybean oil, as tightening supplies and strong demand for the world's top edible oil provided support. - Oil prices surged over $1 a barrel on Thursday, ending the month on a high note. This rally was fueled by expectations of OPEC+ maintaining production cuts, along with ongoing attacks on Russia's energy infrastructure and a declining U.S. rig count, which suggests tightening crude supplies. - Indonesia plans to significantly increase subsidies for palm oil replanting to 60 million rupiah ($3,785.49) per hectare starting in May, aiming to boost farmer participation. - Indonesia's palm oil exports fell in January 2024, reaching 2.8 million metric tons including refined products. This represents a decrease compared to 2.95 million tons exported in January 2023, according to data released by the Indonesian Palm Oil Association. World Oil and Grains - CBOT market was closed for Good Friday holiday, agricultural prices exhibited minimal movement on Thursday. This followed the release of USDA data on soybean planting intentions and quarterly stocks, which aligned closely with analyst expectations. - The USDA set soybean stocks at 1.845 billion bushels on March 1, exceeding analyst estimates of 1.828 billion bushels, and pegged prospective U.S. plantings for the 2024 harvest at 86.510 million acres, compared to analysts' prediction of 86.530 million acres. - The market remains clouded by stiff competition from Brazilian exporters and uncertainty surrounding Chinese import demand. Base and Precious Metals - Copper futures climbed on Thursday. Traders adjusted their positions before the close of the first quarter, which falls on the same weekend as Easter in the UK. - The U.S. dollar index remained flat as markets awaited key PCE inflation data from the U.S. tomorrow. This data could impact the Federal Reserve's next decision on interest rates. - Gold capped its best month in over three years, surging to a record high on Thursday. This stellar performance was fueled by expectations of U.S. interest rate cuts and a surge in demand for safe-haven assets. - Despite ongoing inflation concerns not fully explaining gold's current highs, prices are bolstered by persistent geopolitical tensions, potentially driving investors towards this neutral reserve asset. Market Outlook - Palm oil recouped its erased on last Friday, recovering near RM4,200 after dipping as low as RM4,128. The price remained within the confines of the large bearish candlestick formed last Thursday. If prices breach RM4,200 again, it could be seen as a second failed breakout attempt, potentially indicating continued bullish consolidation. - Palm oil is poised for an opening gain today, tracking advances in Dalian palm oil and U.S. soybean oil markets. The market has a higher chance of recovering within the wide consolidation range of RM4,128 to RM4,327. Opening range: 4230 to 4240 Projected range of the day: 4150 to 4350 Support 4150 Next 4050 Resistance 4300 Next 4350 BMD FCPO Total Open Interest 14/03/2024: 299,190 (+9,781) 15/03/2024: 291,546 (-7,644) 18/03/2024: 288,224 (-3,322) 19/03/2024: 294,548 (+6,324) 20/03/2024: 291,127 (-3,421) 21/03/2024: 287,251 (-3,876) 22/03/2024: 288,214 (+963) 25/03/2024: 289,030 (+816) 26/03/2024: 289,462 (+432) 27/03/2024: 287,917 (-1,545) 29/03/2024: 284,711 (-3,206) Source: Bursa Malaysia Futures

[cheapstockbroker1]

Gold Rate Prediction for Tomorrow, This Week and Month

When it comes to Gold Rate Forecast, there are several factors at play. From global economic conditions to geopolitical tensions, these variables can have a significant impact on the price of gold. Visit us: https://cheapstockbroker8.hashnode.dev/gold-rate-prediction-for-tomorrow-this-week-and-month

[kundkundtc9]

Gold Rate Tomorrow 2023

Gold is considered one of the most precious assets that will never lose its authenticity in the market for long. The article solely deals with the Gold Rate Forecast or the prediction for the Gold Rate for tomorrow. Also, there is an overview of the prediction of this entire month, next month, and the whole financial year 2020-21. If you want to have an overview of the prediction for the next financial years 2021-22 & 2022-23 is also given.

[besttradingplatform1]

What are your future predictions for the gold rate in the upcoming year?

Our team of gold analysts and economic experts have the most up-to-date information to make sure your investments are backed by the best insight. We believe that gold prices are set to remain steady in 2021, barring any unexpected major catastrophes or geopolitical shifts. From our data analysis and predictive models, we predict that the gold rate should remain between $1,500 - $1,800 an ounce. However, it's always important to remember that no predictions can guarantee absolute accuracy in predicting future trends. So make sure you stay informed with us!

Source - https://goldrateforecastpune.quora.com/What-are-your-future-predictions-for-the-gold-rate-in-the-upcoming-year

Read more -

Gold Rate Forecast for Tomorrow, Historical Overview - Compare Broker Online

Gold Rate today kochi - Update with Gold Rate Forecast For the Next 30 Days and Gold Price Prediction In India. Today Gold rate perdition in different cities like Today gold rate in vizag, today gold price ahmedabad, gold rate in pune, today gold price in ahmedabad, gold rate today kochi, todays gold rate kerala, gold rate in kolkata and more.

[goldrateforecast-blog]

Will the price of gold rate prediction for tomorrow?

The price of gold has been a topic of interest for many investors and traders. With its reputation as a safe-haven asset, fluctuations in the price of gold can have a significant impact on the global economy. As we look towards tomorrow, the question on everyone's mind is, will the price of gold continue to rise or will it experience a dip? To accurately predict the price of gold rate prediction for tomorrow, we need to understand the factors that influence its value. One of the main drivers of gold prices is the demand and supply dynamics.

[hmatrading]

Unlock the Mystery of Gold Rates: Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond!

As a timeless symbol of wealth, beauty, and prestige, gold has captivated humanity for centuries. Its allure only grows stronger as investors seek stability in uncertain times. Whether you’re an avid investor or simply curious about the trends shaping the world of gold rates, this blog post is your golden ticket to understanding what lies ahead.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the factors that influence gold rates and provide insightful forecasts for today, tomorrow, next month and even years down the line. Get ready to embark on an enlightening journey through time as we navigate the labyrinthine world of gold rate predictions. Are you ready to uncover the hidden treasures within? Let’s dive in!

Factors Affecting Gold Rates

The price of gold is influenced by a myriad of factors, ranging from global economic conditions to geopolitical tensions. Understanding these key drivers can provide valuable insights into the fluctuations in gold rates.

First and foremost, supply and demand dynamics play a significant role in determining gold prices. Limited supply coupled with high demand tends to push prices higher, while an oversupply can lead to downward pressure on rates. Factors such as mining production, central bank buying or selling, and jewelry consumption all contribute to this delicate balance.

Economic indicators also have a profound impact on gold rates. In times of economic uncertainty or inflationary pressures, investors often flock towards the perceived stability of precious metals like gold. Conversely, during periods of robust economic growth or when interest rates rise significantly, the appeal of other investment options may overshadow that of gold.

Geopolitical events exert their influence too. Political instability, conflicts between nations, trade wars — all these factors create an environment where investors seek refuge in safe-haven assets like gold as a safeguard against potential risks.

Additionally, currency exchange rates can affect how attractive investing in gold appears relative to other currencies. When local currencies weaken against major international currencies like the US dollar or euro, it often leads to increased demand for gold among foreign buyers seeking protection from currency depreciation.

These are just some fundamental factors shaping the ever-changing landscape of gold rates. By staying attuned to these influences and closely monitoring market trends and news updates related to them — such as changes in government policies — one can gain valuable insights into what lies ahead for this precious metal.

Today and tomorrow’s Gold Rate Forecast

Gold rates are constantly fluctuating, influenced by various factors such as market demand, economic conditions, geopolitical tensions, and central bank policies. While it is impossible to predict with absolute certainty what the gold rate will be today or tomorrow, we can analyze current trends and make educated forecasts.

Based on recent market data and expert analysis, it is expected that the gold rate may experience slight fluctuations in the coming days. Factors such as global stock market performance, inflation rates, and currency movements will play a significant role in determining these fluctuations.

Investors should keep an eye on key economic indicators such as interest rates announcements from central banks, GDP growth figures, and geopolitical developments. These factors can have a direct impact on investor sentiment towards gold as a safe-haven asset.

While short-term predictions can be challenging due to the volatile nature of financial markets, long-term projections tend to provide more stability. Analysts suggest that over the next few months or years, the gold rate may continue its upward trajectory due to ongoing uncertainties in global economies.

However, it’s important to note that unforeseen events or policy changes can always disrupt these projections. Therefore, it is advisable for investors to consult with financial advisors before making any investment decisions based solely on gold rate forecasts.

In summary, it’s best not to rely solely on daily or even monthly forecasts when it comes to investing in gold. Instead, focus on long term trends, and consider diversifying your investment portfolio appropriately.”

Long Term Gold Rate Predictions

When it comes to predicting the long-term gold rate, there are several factors that come into play. One of the key drivers is the global economy. If we see a slowdown in economic growth, investors tend to flock towards safe-haven assets like gold, which can drive up its price.

Another factor to consider is inflation. Historically, gold has been seen as a hedge against inflation. As prices rise and the value of fiat currencies decreases, investors often turn to gold as a store of value.

Geopolitical tensions also have an impact on gold rates. Uncertainty and instability around political events can cause investors to seek refuge in gold, driving up demand and ultimately its price.

Additionally, central bank policies play a role in determining the future direction of gold rates. Changes in interest rates or monetary policy decisions can influence investor sentiment towards gold.

While it’s challenging to predict with absolute certainty what will happen with long-term gold rates, keeping an eye on these factors can provide some insight into potential trends and movements in the market.

FAQs about Gold Rate

Q: What factors influence the gold rate?

A: Several factors can impact the price of gold. These include changes in global economic conditions, political instability, inflation rates, interest rates, and currency fluctuations.

Q: Can I predict tomorrow’s gold rate accurately?

A: While it is challenging to predict gold rates with absolute certainty due to volatile market conditions, analysts study various indicators and historical patterns to offer forecasts. However, these predictions are not foolproof and should be taken as educated guesses rather than definitive projections.

Q: Where can I find the expected gold rate for tomorrow?

A: Many financial websites and news platforms provide daily updates on gold prices. You can also consult with trusted jewelers or financial advisors who closely monitor market trends.

Q: How long-term are the predictions for gold rates?

A: Long-term predictions for gold rates typically span months or years. Factors such as economic stability, geopolitical events, and demand-supply dynamics contribute to these forecasts. It’s important to remember that unforeseen events may alter these projections over time.

Q: Can I rely on regional-specific predictions for specific cities like Chennai or Kolkata?

A: Regional-specific forecasts take into account local demand patterns and market dynamics but are still influenced by broader national factors. While they might offer insights into localized trends, they cannot guarantee accuracy given the interconnected nature of global markets.

Conclusion

We’ve gone through the different factors that influence gold prices and offered our own crystal ball prediction for what the rate of gold could be today and tomorrow. While these predictions are far from infallible, they should prove helpful for those who are considering buying or selling gold in the near future. Gold is a volatile asset but if you pay attention to current events, market trends, and other indicators of its price movements, you can make more informed decisions when investing in this precious metal.

[hmatrading0]

Crude Oil Price Prediction for Tomorrow in India

Crude oil price forecast for next week can change due to various market and economic factors. This estimate stems from current patterns and available information, but actual prices may differ.

Please visit our blog - https://hmatrading.in/crude-oil-price-forecast/ Address: Ground floor, D - 113, D Block, Sector 63, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301 Phone: 9625066561

[theonemyleejongsuk]

ARTICLE TODAY‼️

Whatever it takes, we are soo honoured and proud of you, Our DEAR LEE JONG SUK 👏🤞Thy well be done...🙏

[Naver] Anyway, the target is Lee Jong Suk? MBC Acting Awards 2nd Grand Prize

This year's MBC drama did not have a 'big hit' like last year's 'Red Sleeves', but the average viewer ratings and topicality increased. Among them, actor Lee Jong Suk is predicted to be a strong candidate for the grand prize.

The 2022 MBC Drama Awards will be broadcast live at 8:30 pm on the 30th.

Looking back at the MBC drama lineup in 2022, 'Tracer', 'Tomorrow', 'Showtime From Now', 'Doctor Lawyer', 'Big Mouth', 'Gold Spoon', 'One Hundred Butlers', 'Golden Spirit, Joseon Marriage' Ban', 'Secret House', 'Witch's Game', and 'Boar Hunt' met with viewers.

Recently, MBC has revealed the potential candidates for the award through a teaser video that begins with the phrase 'We invite you to the acting awards'. So Ji-seop, Lee Jong Suk, Kim Hee-seon, Park Hae-jin, Yook Sung-jae, Im Si-wan, Lee Hye-ri, and Choi Soo-young are the main characters.

In "Doctor Lawyer ", So Ji-seob played the role of Han Yi-han, a doctor who was falsely accused of causing the death of a patient, and Kim Hee-sun, who charismatically portrayed the role of a beautiful reaper with a story in "Tomorrow," stands out.

In 'Golden Spoon', Yook Sung-jae portrays Lee Seung-cheon, who is conflicted between his desire to have money and his poor but warm family, without a sense of difference. Expectations are gathering for grand prize winners such as Im Si-wan, who played Hwang Dong-joo and led the viewership rating to 9%.

The actor most likely to win the grand prize is Lee Jong Suk, who appeared in 'Big Mouth'.

'Big Mouth' was the only MBC drama this year to record double digit ratings. 'Big Mouth', which started with a national audience rating of 6.2%, ended with a rating of 13.7% and reaped the beauty of the end. It was also a hot topic, taking first place in TV topic in the Friday and Saturday drama category.

The main character, Lee Jong Suk, played the role of Park Chang-ho, a livelihood lawyer with a 10% win rate. He is a person who became involved in a murder case by accident and became the genius con artist 'Big Mouse' overnight. In order to survive and to protect his family, Park Chang-ho, who struggles to uncover the true face of the privileged class stained with a huge conspiracy, is delicately portrayed.

Lee Jong Suk led the turbulent play by showing various aspects of Park Chang-ho in a short period of time, from the incompetent and stressful life of a lawyer suffering from debt, to the way he was falsely accused and desperately screaming, and to the way he woke up to protect Miho.

If he receives the grand prize at the acting awards this time, he will be honored with the second grand prize. He won the grand prize at the MBC Drama Awards at the age of 28 in 2016 through the drama 'W'.

At the time, he played a unique setting called a character in a webtoon, and contributed to the success of the drama by expressing various characters such as Olympic shooting gold medalists, super conglomerates who own broadcasting stations, and national stars without a sense of separation.

In this 'Big Mouth', which he chose as his first work after being discharged from the call, he showed his potential with a flawless appearance. As expected by many, attention is focusing on whether Lee Jong Suk will receive the grand prize or the honor of being the second grand prize.

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Photo = MBC

Source��https://t.co/lhvK9srCtz

19 Dec 2022

Thank you for sharing🙏

My @jongsuk0206 #LeeJongSuk is life.

#TheOneMyLeeJongSuk

#이종석 #李鍾碩 #李钟硕

#อีจงซอก #イジョンソク

#Decibel #BigMouth

[emospritelet]

Storm Warning

A Rumbelle Bingo fic - the prompt is: Tears, Locked In Together, Cry For Help, Dagger, Roses.

Belle gets trapped in the library with a storm bearing down on Storybrooke. Luckily Professor Gold is there to get her out. No angst, T-rated, 5,331 words

[AO3]

-

The university halls seemed even more crowded than usual, and Belle French kept her head down and her pace rapid, weaving in between the other students walking in pairs and trios. Her backpack was digging into her shoulders from the weight of her books, but she kept her eyes fixed on the corridor ahead of her. It was Friday afternoon, and the last scheduled class of the day had just ended. The majority of students would be leaving, headed for home or the diner. The more athletic amongst them would be headed to training before the storm that was predicted blew in that evening. At least she no longer had to spend her spare time standing on the sidelines in the freezing Maine winter pretending an interest in football. Being single definitely had its advantages, one of which was using her evenings to study.

She dodged around two girls, who were peering at a phone screen and giggling with no regard for the path ahead of them. Her own phone buzzed in the pocket of her skirt, and she fished it out, smiling as she saw Ruby’s picture pop up.

“Hey!” said Ruby brightly. “I finished class, you want to go and get hot chocolate?”

“I can’t, I have a paper to prep for,” said Belle. “But we could do it tomorrow, if you like?”

“It’s Friday night, Belle.” Ruby sounded stern. “I know there’s a storm coming, but even if we can’t go to the Rabbit Hole, we can still hang out at mine and have a PJ party or something. I’ll bring the wine.”

“I’d love to, Rubes, really, but I feel like I’m getting kind of overwhelmed at the moment,” she said, side-stepping a young man who was hugging books to his chest with a somewhat vacant look. “I’ll feel much better if I can break the back of this paper.”

“Okay, but at least tell me you’re not staying at the library all night.”

“Uh…” Belle winced. “Probably - not?”

“Belle, I’m serious, there’s a big storm heading down the coast! I saw David in the diner earlier, and he says if it hits us, the power could be out for days like last time!”

“I’ll be back before the storm,” Belle assured her, and Ruby snorted.

“Like being trapped in the library with all those books for days on end wouldn’t be your idea of heaven, hmm?”

“Well, I’d probably get hungry,” Belle quipped, pushing open the last set of double doors that led to the library. “I have a banana and some chips in my backpack but that’s pretty much it.”

“Even more reason to get out of there as soon as you can.”

“As soon as this paper’s done, I promise.”

“Okay. Call me later?”

“Sure thing.”

Belle rang off, turning the phone to silent before slipping it into her pocket. She pushed open the library door, inhaling deeply and smiling as she breathed in the familiar scent of books. The librarian, old Miss Ginger, was dealing with a student, and Belle headed for the far corner and the stairs that led to the books on history. She was taking a class in European Medieval History that semester, and her paper was on the Black Death and the sociological changes that had followed.

Setting her backpack and laptop down on one of the tables, she moved in amongst the stacks, eyes scanning for the reference numbers that she sought. Disease and Culture in Early Renaissance Europe. That’s the one.

She reached for the book, and let out a squeak of fright as another hand touched hers. The hand darted away, and Belle turned to see her History professor looking as startled as she felt. Professor Gold was in his middle years, short and thin, with brown hair that fell around his face and curled over his collar, turning silver at the temples. He always dressed immaculately, in three-piece suits that fitted him perfectly, silk shirts and gold cuff links. At some point he had suffered an injury to his right leg; he walked with a limp, and carried a cane made of shining dark wood with a brass handle. His brown eyes were usually staring off into the distance with a vague look in them, and she suspected that he spent most of the day in a world of his own. He was a good teacher, enthusiastic about his subject and encouraging of his students, and she had been enjoying her studies. The fact that she found him very attractive was a bonus, but certainly not something she was about to admit.

“Professor Gold!” she said, trying to ignore her thumping heart. “I didn’t know you were there!”

“Apologies, Miss French, I didn’t mean to startle you.”

His voice was attractive too, a soft, warm Scottish brogue that thickened when he was lecturing, when he was passionate. It had often made her wonder what he might sound like in bed, and the memory of that made her blush. She stepped back, smoothing her hands over her hips.

“It - it looks as though we were after the same book,” she said lamely, and he smiled.

“Please, you take it. You have a paper due, after all.”

“Right.”

Belle hesitated, feeling as though she was frozen in place, and after a moment Professor Gold reached up to the shelf, one finger tucking into the top of the spine and pulling the book out. He had nice fingers, long and slender, and Belle could feel a blush start to rise in her cheeks as her imagination began to create fantastic scenarios in which those fingers might be used to good effect. She hurriedly shoved the thoughts away as he turned to her, book in hand.

“Here. Oh, you should take this one, too.” He laid the book in her outstretched hand and reached up for another. “The Great Mortality. It has some interesting sections on the progress of the disease and the social upheaval.”

“Thank you,” she said, and he nodded, gave her that brief, vague smile again, selected another book, and wandered off.

Belle watched him go, his stride surprisingly swift for a man with a limp. He was headed for the corner that she sometimes liked to study in herself; it was tucked under the slope of the roof with a skylight providing good light and the one of the comfier chairs. She pulled her books against her chest and headed in the opposite direction, finding a desk tucked out of the way behind the stacks containing texts on philosophy and parapsychology. She knew from experience that she was unlikely to be disturbed in that corner of the library, but she put on noise-cancelling headphones anyway, got out her laptop, and started to read.

-

The lights going out some time later made Belle glance up. The library was dark and gloomy, what little light there was coming from the street lights outside. Glancing out of the window, she could see snow flurries pattering against the glass, and hissed in vexation. The storm had arrived. Cursing her decision to stay in the library, she shoved her laptop back in her backpack along with her headphones, pulled on her coat, gathered up the library books and headed for the stairs, picking her way carefully down as her eyes adjusted to the dark.

The circulation desk was deserted, the library apparently empty, and Belle looked around, chewing her lip as she pondered her options. The computer appeared to have been switched off, and so she set the books on a cart with a sigh. She would have to return to check the books out the next day when Miss Ginger was back.

The lights were still on in the corridor outside the library, and so she made her way to the double doors, pushing against one of them and rocking back on her heels as it stayed shut. Frowning, she pushed again. The door didn’t budge. Heart thumping in something approaching panic, Belle shoved at the doors with both hands, listening to them rattle loudly, and bent to squint between them. As she had thought. Locked.

“Hello?” she called, rattling the doors again. “Help, I’m locked in! Hello? Miss Ginger? Anyone?”

There was, of course, no answer, and Belle could feel her rising fear as she shook the doors in another futile attempt to break out. Being locked in overnight would be bad enough, but if the power went out she could freeze.

“No no no, this can’t be happening!” Her fear had progressed to full-blown panic, and she could feel tears begin to prick at her eyes, her lip trembling.

“I see we have a problem.”

Belle bit back a scream at the sound of a voice mere inches from her ear, pressing a hand to her chest as she turned. Professor Gold was eyeing her calmly, and she felt herself heave a sigh of relief, sagging back against the door even as her heart hammered against her ribs. For a guy with a cane he was eerily quiet when he walked.

“We’re locked in,” she said in a rush. “I - I must have lost track of time, and now we’re trapped! I was researching, typing up my notes, and - well, we’re screwed. The storm's already here, and I don't know if anyone could get out to help us even if I can call them.”

“I see.” Gold bent to peer at the lock.

“I can’t believe I’ve been so stupid!” she went on, feeling her tears brim over and run down her cheeks, her voice cracking. “Ruby told me to make sure I got out early, but - but I just carried on reading like an idiot, and now we’re stuck here!”

Gold straightened up, glancing across at her, and she heaved a shaking breath, dashing tears from her cheeks. He gave her a tiny smile.

“I certainly wouldn’t call you an idiot for your dedication to study,” he said. “Worry not, Miss French, I’m sure we can find our way out of here.”

“Really?” Belle felt a rush of relief at the certainty in his voice. “God, I hope so. I don’t even know why the doors are locked. I thought the library didn’t close on weekdays.”

“I imagine the storm outside made Miss Ginger eager to get home and unsure when she might return,” he said. “Of course, she really should have checked the rest of the library to make sure everyone was out, but done is done. I suppose I should suggest a tweak to the adverse weather procedures.”

Belle sighed, wishing she felt as calm as he seemed.

“I don’t suppose you have a key?”

“I’m afraid not,” he said. “But let me see if I can do something with that lock.”

She watched as he walked over to the circulation desk and began poking around in the drawers. There was a small noise of approval, and when he returned he was holding up a paperclip, a triumphant expression on his face.

“You’re going to pick the lock?” she said. “Do you know how? I wouldn’t know where to even start.”

Gold grinned then, an almost wicked gleam in his eyes which made her belly tighten.

“I won’t bore you with tales of my misspent youth,” he said. “But perhaps I can remember enough to get us out of here.”

He hooked the cane over his arm, using both hands to tease the paperclip open before nodding to himself.

“Looks good enough,” he murmured, and bent to peer through the doors at where the bar of the lock went across before inserting the paperclip into the keyhole.

“Ordinarily I wouldn’t mind being stuck in a library,” said Belle. “But I have a feeling this storm’s going to get worse, and I’d prefer not to have to spend the night here.”

“Likewise.”

She watched, fascinated, his face taut with concentration and his ear pressed to the door. A loud click made him smile, and he straightened up, pushing the door open and letting light stream in from the corridor outside.

“After you, Miss French.”

“Oh, thank goodness!” she sighed, stepping through. “You’re really good at that.”

“I don’t make a habit of picking locks,” he said, following her out. “But it’s comforting to know that one’s talents are not entirely wasted. May I give you a ride somewhere?”

“Oh, that’s kind,” she said. “Into the centre of Storybrooke would be fine. Granny’s Diner.”

“My car is outside.”

She followed him along the corridor to the rear doors of the university that led to the parking lot. Their footsteps echoed in the halls, the only sound in the university. She had often spent late nights - sometimes the whole night - in the library, but there was usually some other human presence. Cleaning staff, or other students as eager to learn as she. It felt strange to know that they were the only two in the entire building.

“I’m sorry for freaking out,” she said. “Ruby said getting locked in the library would be my idea of heaven, but with no light or heat or - or food It’s not exactly a thrilling prospect.”

“Quite.”

Gold made a growling noise under his breath as they reached the doors, and Belle felt her heart sink. The snow had piled in drifts outside, the air white with it.

“I - I don’t think we can drive in that,” she ventured.

“This day is not going well,” he observed, and the lights went out.

They were plunged into semi-darkness, and Belle let out a tiny scream, clutching instinctively at his arm and making him jump.

“Sorry!” she said hastily, stepping back immediately. “Power cut, do you think?”

“Looks that way.” He was peering through the glass doors. “We appear to be stuck here until the storm passes.”

Belle tugged at her lower lip with her teeth.

“I - I suppose we could always walk back to town,” she ventured, knowing it was a ridiculous suggestion. Gold turned to her with a frown.

“Certainly not, you’d freeze to death,” he said. “Come. I have a kettle in my office. I can at least offer you a cup of tea.”

“Power cut?” she reminded him gently, and he seemed to deflate.

“Ah. Well. In that case I have candles, and - and probably some cookies or something.”

“Oh, I have a big banana!” she said brightly, and Gold blinked rapidly.

“Right,” he said. “That’s - good to know.”

Belle wondered why the ground refused to open up and swallow her when she wanted it to, and was grateful for the dim light hiding her blush.

“Follow me,” he said, and set off again with that swift, limping stride.

His office was on the upper floor of the university, and Belle groped her way towards it along the dark corridor, following the tread of his shoes and the gentle tap of his cane. Gold seemed to have no problem with the dark, and she presumed that he had held the office for years. He could probably find his way there blindfolded.

She waited in the doorway, listening to him rummaging around in the room and muttering to himself. The wind was howling outside, the storm growing in strength, and she was relieved that they had chosen to stay inside. There was the sound of a match being struck, the brief scent of sulphur in the air and the glow of a flame.

“Come on in, Miss French. Shut the door behind you.”

She edged into the room, which was beginning to glow with a warm light as more candles were lit. Looking around, she could see shelves lined with books, a desk and chair, and a computer monitor. A squashy leather couch was against the wall next to her, a coffee table in front of it. Gold was dripping wax onto the top of the filing cabinet beside the desk before setting a candle into it, pressing it down firmly into the melted wax until it held fast.

“I have a few more, but I think we ought to keep some in reserve,” he said, turning to face her. “I could break into Professor Mills' office, of course. She looks the type to have candles, though I can’t promise they wouldn’t be cursed.”

He grinned as he said it, teeth very white in the candlelight. His face looked more angular, his cheekbones pronounced and his eyes pinpoints of light in the shadow of the sockets. Belle licked her lips somewhat nervously, and he motioned to the couch.

“Please, take a seat,” he said. “We could have a game of some sort while we wait for the storm to blow itself out. I think I have a pack of cards somewhere.”

“Okay, that sounds good,” she said.

“Perhaps we should pool our rations,” he suggested. “Let me see what I have in my desk drawer.”

“Okay.”

Belle slid her backpack to the floor and began hunting through it. She had eaten the bag of chips earlier that day, but the banana was still there, if a little bruised. She set it on the coffee table just as Gold made a noise of approval, straightening up from behind his desk.

“Thought I had some,” he said, holding up a packet of double chocolate cookies, and hesitated. “Would you like a drink?”

“A drink?” asked Belle. “You mean alcohol?”

“Well, I can’t make you tea,” he said apologetically. “I’ve got a decent bottle of red here, though. A gift from Professor Hopper.”

“Are you sure you want to share it?”

“Better than drinking it alone on the last day of term like I planned,” he said, with a lopsided grin that made her want to giggle.

“Well, if it means I’m saving you from the inevitable hangover, I’d be happy to.”

“Great.” He edged around the desk and set the bottle, a pack of cards and the packet of cookies down on the coffee table. “I’m sure I have a couple of glasses in here somewhere.”

He went back to poking around under the desk, and Belle eyed the wine bottle.

“And a corkscrew, I hope,” she said, and Gold stuck his head up.

“Oh, bollocks, I’d forgotten it wasn’t a screw top,” he muttered. “I’ll tell Archie to get me the cheap stuff next time.”

Belle chuckled, lifting the bottle to read the label.

“Curse the vineyards of - Misthaven - for thwarting our drinking plans.”

“Oh, I’ll get into the thing, just you watch.”

There were more rummaging noises, and after a moment, he emerged with what looked like a thin, shining silver dagger. Belle blinked in surprise, but as he drew nearer she could see that it was a letter opener. Gold twirled it between his fingers with a dexterity that seemed almost unconscious, and made her curiosity grow. He used the edge of the knife to cut the foil surrounding the cork, tearing it off and tossing it towards the waste paper basket. Flipping it between his fingers again, he pushed the point into the cork, twisting it as he leaned on the handle of the knife. The cork moved down the neck of the bottle with a squeaking noise, until it left the neck with a dull pop, a tiny jet of wine spurting out of the top. Gold pulled a face.

“A bit awkward to pour, but at least we’re in.”

He fetched the glasses, cut glass bowls with thick stems and sturdy bases, and proceeded to carefully pour the wine, occasionally using the letter opener to push the cork out of the neck again. He handed the first to Belle before pouring his own, and raised his glass.

“To surviving the storm in good company,” he said, and Belle clinked her glass against his.

“I’ll drink to that.”

She took a sip, making a noise of approval. The wine was rich and fruity, with a dark cherry taste and a pleasant warmth.

“I’m not sure Dr Hopper imagined that this was how his present would be drunk,” he remarked. “Still, the flavour is excellent, and the atmosphere adds a certain something.”

“Must be the candlelight,” she said, and he chuckled.

“Or the threat of hypothermia.”

Now that he mentioned it, the room was getting colder. Belle shivered a little, and Gold set down his glass.

“I have a blanket,” he said. “A moment.”

He opened one of the drawers of the filing cabinet, pulling out a thick woollen blanket with a pattern of dark red roses on a forest green background.

“You’re well prepared,” said Belle. “Wine, glasses, even a blanket. You have picnics in your office a lot?”

Gold let out a snort of amusement.

“There have been times when I have slept in here after late night research,” he said, sitting next to her and spreading the blanket over them. Belle pulled her legs up, turning to face him and leaning back against the cushions.

“No family?” she asked, and he hesitated.

“I have a son,” he said. “But there’s no one at home, if that’s what you mean.”

He reached for his glass, sitting back and drawing one knee up onto the couch so he could turn towards her.

“What about you?” he asked. “Family, I mean. You’re clearly not a local.”

Belle giggled.

“No, I’m from Melbourne originally. Dad moved over to Florida when I was fifteen. How long have you been here?”

“Since I was in my early twenties,” he said. “I did my first degree at Oxford, and went to Boston to do my Master’s. I spent some time back in Scotland, teaching, but moved to Maine in 2004.”

“Wow.” She took a sip of her wine. “Tell me about your son. What does he do?”

“He works in advertising down in New York,” he said. “Enjoys it immensely. He and his wife recently had a baby boy. Henry.”

“Oh, congratulations!”

He gave a soft smile, his eyes gleaming in the candlelight.

“Thank you. I’m looking forward to when he’s a little older and tearing around the house like Neal used to.” He took a drink. “I don’t suppose you have children?”

“No, no,” she said hurriedly. “Not much chance in the near future, either, given the sorry state of my love life. I definitely want to, though, one day. I love kids. It’s part of why I want to be a librarian. It was either that or a teacher.”

Gold smiled, his eyes seeming to brighten.

“I’m sure you’ll make an excellent librarian,” he said. “If you can remember to take a spare set of keys each time, of course.”

Belle giggled, shoving him with a foot, and he grinned, taking another sip of wine.

“So no one you need to call about being trapped here?” he asked. “No large, muscular boyfriend who can come and dig us out of the inevitable snow drift tomorrow?”

She pulled a face.

“Not really big on the large, muscular type,” she said. “Been there, had zero in common, got out. How about you?”

“No large, muscular boyfriend for me either.”

Belle giggled.

“Guess we’ll have to get ourselves out,” she said. “So - you live alone?”

“For a couple of decades now,” he said, and hesitated, his eyes looking somewhere far off. D’you know, I hadn’t realised how long it had been. Ever since Neal was a lad.”

“You don’t miss it?” she asked. “Company, I mean, not - anything else.”

Gold took a sip of his wine, looking thoughtful.

“I suppose I got used to it,” he said. “It’s not as though I don’t have friends, I just - live alone.”

“I can understand that,” she said. “Oh, that reminds me, I should text Ruby, let her know I’m okay.”

She reached for her phone, rattling off a quick message to Ruby and pressing send.

“Did you tell her about our predicament?” asked Gold, and Belle wrinkled her nose.

“If I did, she’d probably try to come over here. She doesn’t need to know my shame. At least not right now.”

He made a noise of amusement, setting down his wine glass and picking up the pack of cards.

“Alright, I’ll deal,” he said. “Gin rummy?”

-

The storm continued to howl outside, but they were warm enough beneath the blanket. By the time the wine was gone and half the cookies eaten, Belle was pleasantly light-headed. She began yawning just after eleven, and Gold set down the pack of cards and went to fish the toothpaste and a new toothbrush out of the drawer of the filing cabinet. She went to the nearby bathroom to clean her teeth, and took the opportunity to remove her bra, knowing it would be uncomfortable to sleep in. Shivering in what was now a bitterly cold corridor, she hurried back to the office. The candles had burned down a fair way, and Gold blew out a couple of them to dim the light in the room. Belle quickly tugged her sweater over her head, leaving her long-sleeved shirt on and tugging off her boots. She decided her thick tights could stay, but she unzipped the skirt and tossed it over the back of the couch.

“You can take the couch,” said Gold.

“Where are you going to sleep?”

“I’ll just take the chair.”

Belle put her hands on her hips.

“You can’t sleep in a chair!”

“Well, neither can you,” he said. “I’ll be alright.”

“Don’t be silly, we can both squeeze on here,” she said. “We’re both - compact.”

“You’re very diplomatic, but I think I ought to take the chair.”

“You can’t sit over there, you’ll freeze!” she protested. “I’m cold now, just standing here.”

Gold sighed, his expression somewhat pained as he gestured between them.

“I - I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable,” he said, and she rolled her eyes.

“I won’t be able to sleep if I’m a) cold and b) worried about you getting hypothermia,” she said. “Now get your clothes off and get under this blanket.”

Gold chuckled, and she closed her eyes, feeling a blush start to heat her cheeks.

“Just don’t tell anyone I said that, and I’m sure your reputation will survive,” she said.

“Yes, but will yours?”

“If you think I plan on telling anyone I was stupid enough to get locked in the library in the middle of a snowstorm, you’re gravely mistaken.”

He was grinning, but he nodded, standing up and shrugging off his jacket.

“Alright,” he said. “I’m not sure I’d be very comfortable in this suit anyway.”

“That’s what you get for wearing ‘em tight,” she said.

“The word is ‘tailored’, Miss French, and one doesn’t usually sleep in them.”

He was unbuttoning the waistcoat now, sliding it from his shoulders and draping it over the back of the chair. The tie and cufflinks had gone into a pocket, the collar of his shirt open a little way. It was by far the most skin she had ever seen him display, and that fact was highly alluring. Belle gestured at his feet.

“Shoes too,” she ordered. “And the pants. I’m not having that belt buckle digging in my ass.”

“God, this is awkward,” he muttered, but sat down to take off his shoes.

“I’ll close my eyes,” she offered.

“Thank you, I’d appreciate that.” One shoe hit the floor with a thump, then the other. “Not that there’s anything worth looking at, of course.”

“I’ll be the judge of that.” Belle wanted to bite her tongue. “Or rather I won’t because I’m not looking. Curse my insatiable curiosity!”

“I feel certain any curiosity would be instantly cured by the alarming sight of my legs,” he remarked.

“Well, now you made me look.”

Belle had opened one eye, and Gold was giving her a flat stare which made her giggle. She closed the eye again, but not before catching a brief glimpse of black silk boxers and thin legs with lean, wiry muscles.

“Do you want to be the big spoon or the little spoon?” she asked, and heard him sigh again.

“To be filed under questions I never thought I’d be asked,” he muttered. “You choose.”

“Fine, I’ll be the little spoon.” She patted the cushions behind her. “Which means you lie down first.”

Gold ran a hand through his hair, looking awkward, but nodded, climbing onto the couch and lying down on his side. She lay down next to him, bending her knees so that the angle of her legs matched his and pulling the rose-covered blanket over them. He seemed to be holding himself very stiffly, and she yawned, taking a deep breath in and out.

“I can feel this little nest getting warm already,” she said sleepily. “Just relax.”

-

Daylight pressing against her eyelids woke Belle, and she smiled, feeling very warm and comfortable. There was an unfamiliar scent in her nose, a warm male smell of musk and expensive cologne, and the weight of a heavy arm around her waist. Even breathing was tickling the nape of her neck, making goosebumps bloom on her skin, and she smiled to herself.

The arm moved, a hand sliding upwards, and she heard him mumble and jerk a little, twitching in his sleep. His fingers brushed the underside of her breast through her shirt, and she bit her lip, sudden arousal tightening her belly. Gold let out a tiny snore, huffing out air and making her shiver, and her eyes widened as she felt a hard pressure against her buttock. His hand cupped her breast, nose pushing into her hair, and Belle bit her lip to keep from giggling.

“Good morning to you too,” she said clearly, and the heavy breathing stopped.

She heard him inhale deeply, hand clenching a little around her breast as he awoke.

“Fuck!”

He released her, springing back from her to flatten himself against the couch cushions, and Belle tried not to burst out laughing as she wriggled around to face him. His dark eyes were wide, his mouth open and chest heaving, and he gave her an agonised look before glancing down and hurriedly putting a hand over his groin.

“I - I’m so sorry!” he gasped. “I was asleep, I swear it!"

“It’s fine,” she said soothingly. "I know you were asleep, you were snoring in my ear a little."

"I had no idea I would ever - it wasn’t on purpose, really it wasn’t!”

“It’s okay, really.”

“You must think I’m a total pervert.”

Belle pursed her lips.

“No more than I am,” she said.

He was looking extremely uncomfortable, so she got out from under the blanket, the cold air biting at her before she pulled on her skirt, sweater and boots. A peek out of the window showed a clear sky and a thick layer of white over the car park. She could just about see Gold’s Cadillac, a snow drift piled up against one side of it. Turning to face him, she could see that he had bunched the rose blanket around his waist, hiding his groin from sight. He was even more attractive like this, with his messy hair and unshaven chin and the top of his smooth chest showing. It made her want to lick her lips, and so she fixed her eyes on his, deep brown and anxious.

“Sorry,” he said again.

“It’s really okay.”

“I - I guess I’m really not used to sharing a bed,” he added lamely.

“Oh, I don’t know,” she said. “Seems like you’re a natural.”

She was finding it hard to hold back her grin, and Gold closed his eyes, running a hand over his face with a groan.

“Please tell me this will stay between us,” he said, his voice muffled.

“On one condition,” she said, making him look between his fingers. “You let me take you to Granny’s and buy you breakfast. As a thank you for saving me from freezing last night.”

He sighed, the hand dropping to his lap.

“Alright,” he said. “Deal.”