Page 10

CHAPTER TEN

D inner with Reif, along with a few nobles from House Terensel, had come and gone.

Narissa had been obliging, as was expected of her.

She’s suffered through idle small talk about the bitter winter season, and she’d remained dutifully quiet when their guests tiptoed around the volatile topic of Queen Elowyn and her son, Prince Aspen.

Now, Narissa was perched on the edge of a stiff wingback chair near the hearth, pretending to be interested in a conversation about a hedge maze between Reif and Lord Florian Arborvin.

Apparently the maze was filled with topiaries that were brought to life with magic, their ultimate purpose to chase and terrify the participants.

Even more shocking was the fact that it was exceedingly popular.

To his credit, Lord Florian appeared as disinterested in the discussion as Narissa felt.

Her gaze wandered to the ornate window etched in frost overlooking the Arcasian Sea.

Darkness blanketed the sky like spilled ink and still Solarius had not yet returned.

Narissa wondered if perhaps this would be the first of many broken promises from him.

It never failed that even when she was in a room filled with her peers, she always managed to feel completely alone.

Not quite an outcast, just simply unseen.

Invisible.

Both she and Reif had been the only children of their parents, and when her mother and father passed in a freak carriage accident, Reif was already saddled with lordly duties, and left her to her own devices.

She was perfectly capable of occupying her time.

More often than not she busied herself in the secret wing of her room concocting potions and sorting herbs, or she lost herself to the wondrous melody of her harp.

Despite her unchaperoned upbringing, Narissa made every effort to be the epitome of a proper lady.

She rarely took up space, she blended in perfectly with the gilded papered walls of nearly every ballroom, and it was a rare occasion she was ever on the receiving end of any untoward behavior.

Save for in the case of Lord Solarius Starstorm.

For whatever reason, be it the cruelty of fate or the animosity of the stars, that male ignited her temper and set fire to her soul.

Both of which were precisely two more reasons why she absolutely could not stand him.

Her mind drifted to when they first met, when Solarius plucked her from obscurity at House Galefell’s Featherlight Ball and danced with her upon candy pink clouds set against the backdrop of a lavender sky.

Her knees had softened each time he flashed her one of his charming smiles and she’d been unable to tear her gaze away from the liquid silver of his eyes.

Solarius had captivated her with his chivalrous nature, with his amusing manner, with the intensity with which he spoke to her, as though he hung upon her every word and breath, desperate for more.

Narissa shook the memory away and swallowed a sigh.

Rising from her seat, she excused herself from the dull tedium of hedge maze talk, intent on finding another more stimulating pursuit, but not before Reif pinned her with a look of concern.

She attempted to placate him with a smile, and though he nodded once, approving her leave, she knew she would have to face his questions later.

Narissa went in search of an escape and found it in the music room down the hall, in the form of her beloved harp.

The walls were a rich navy with metallic gold swirls imprinted along the baseboards.

Rich flooring showcased a pianoforte, a violin, a lute, a few other woodwind instruments, and her harp.

Silver faerie fire glowed within a crystal chandelier, giving the space an ethereal feel like being underwater.

The harp was situated in the far corner near the bay window overlooking the sea, and a familiar kind of serenity drifted over her when she seated herself behind it to play.

Her dark aqua evening dress spilled open at the slit when she braced the harp between her knees, anchoring the instrument against her right shoulder.

Made of sleek cherrywood, it had been a gift from Reif for her birthday seven years prior, and she’d instantly taken a liking to it.

She loved the way her fingers floated over the strings, plucking them with delicate accuracy, creating the most delightful melodies.

Every song reminded her of the sea, the harmonious rise and fall of waves, the gentle lull and the mystical call that spoke to the magic flowing through her veins.

Narissa’s eyes fluttered closed and the tips of her fingers glided over the harp’s strings.

The song poured from within her, every chord an ode to the long-buried ache she kept hidden away from the world.

She played nimbly, allowing her fingers to catch and feather the strings with poignant perfection.

The haunting tune echoed through the stillness of the room, carrying upward to the vaulted ceiling where it lingered like a forgotten memory.

She played only the good notes, a devastating medley of major and minor chords, and each strum pierced her chest like an arrow launched from a bow.

It would have made a splendid aria, a wondrous refrain of foolishly broken hearts, and tragic lost love.

A single tear slipped from her cheek, and she felt the cool surface of a pearl before it bounced off the wooden floor and rolled away.

“You look absolutely captivating when you play the harp, Lady Narissa.”

Her eyes flew open, and she found Lord Florian standing in the doorway of the music room.

He bent down and picked up the runaway pearl, pinching it between his fingers in careful examination.

He was handsome, devastatingly charming, and moved with a sort of casual grace.

His hair was shaved on the sides with short, tight midnight coils on top.

He kept a neatly trimmed beard and the collar of his sage shirt was opened slightly, revealing a swath of flawless, rich brown skin.

A thin gold chain hung from his neck and tiny emerald studs glittered from his pointed ears.

Lord Florian set the pearl on a table full of scattered sheet music, tucked his hands into the pockets of his pants, and strolled toward her.

“Thank you, my lord.” Narissa offered him a kind smile, she was rarely paid such high compliments.

“I wasn’t aware anyone was listening.”

“I couldn’t quite help myself.” He angled his head, studying her with a warmth that wasn’t at all intimidating.

Instead, he watched her as though he was simply amazed by her.

“Your talent is rather immeasurable.”

A blush crept into Narissa’s cheeks.

“You flatter me, my lord.”

A faint line furrowed across Lord Florian’s brow.

“No, my lady. I merely speak the truth. I am most impressed by your musical accomplishment.”

Narissa knew she could play well, but she hardly considered herself a great proficient.

When she failed to respond, Lord Florian presented her with another question.

“Tell me, my lady.” He pressed his lips together, considering.

“Do you know Aeramere’s Amore ?”

“I do, yes.” She was quite fond of the song and had played it a handful of times, though it was incredibly difficult.

“Would you play it for me?” he asked and lowered himself onto the leather settee near her.

Candles flickered throughout the room, highlighting the intensity of his golden eyes.

“It’s my favorite.”

“Oh, well…” Narissa hesitated.

It wasn’t that she lacked confidence, but Aeramere’s Amor e was a rather…

sensual song.

It was intimate.

Passionate.

Something reserved for lovers.

“I’m not sure I could?—”

“I know it’s complex and requires the utmost care and precision.” Lord Florian gestured to her harp and flashed her a winning smile.

“But I would be honored if you gave it a try.”

Narissa loosed a breath, her teeth snagging on her bottom lip.

“Very well, my lord.”

Pleased, Lord Florian settled back, crossing one ankle over his knee, and Narissa played.

This time, she did not close her eyes.

She remained focused, her fingers moving over the strings as though she were plucking wisps of silk from the sky.

Keeping time, she lightly tapped one foot against the wood floor while Lord Florian strummed his fingers against the arm of the settee.

A faint smile lifted the corner of his mouth and though he continued to watch her, his gaze was distant, as if the song had taken hold of his mind and transported him to another time.

The amorous melody flowed through the space, soft and elegant, cocooning them in a bubble of musical splendor.

Until Solarius stalked into the room and froze, shattering the beauty she’d created.

Narissa ignored him, wetting her lips, determined to continue the song without interruption.

Her fingers nimbly plucked the strings for the crescendo, her heart thundering in her chest, overpowering the music of the harp as Solarius strode closer, coming to stand just behind her.

She played by memory now, becoming acutely aware of his every move even though she could hardly see him from the corner of her eye.

She sensed his breathing, felt the faintest graze of his fingertips as he toyed with the ends of her hair.

His scent clouded her mind, tore through her in a thousand different directions, and she held her breath, striking the final notes of Aeramere’s Amore .

Lord Florian’s applause shook the fog from her mind and she jolted, ready to lurch upright and put as much space between herself and Solarius as possible.

But just as she made to stand, his hand clamped down upon her shoulder, keeping her in place.

“Well done, Lady Narissa.” Lord Florian stood, practically beaming with awe.

“I have not been serenaded like that in an age. You are exceptionally talented.”

“Thank you, my lord.” She gave him her best smile.

“You are too kind.”

Lord Florian’s melted gold gaze landed on Solarius.

“Your wife is truly exceptional, her gift in the musical arts is phenomenal. You must be incredibly proud, Lord Solarius.”

Solarius’s hand tightened on her shoulder.

“Indeed.”

Narissa bit back the tart remark lingering on her tongue and schooled her expression into one of smooth neutrality.

It took every ounce of self-control not to roll her eyes toward the vaulted ceiling.

Solarius didn’t even know she could play .

“Lady Narissa, would you be willing to play the harp at the Festival of Roses?” Lord Florian produced a rosebud that bloomed fully in the palm of his hand, each petal scripted with rose gold ink—a formal invitation to House Terensel’s springtime ball.

“I would love to have your music be the star of the evening.”

Narissa ducked her head, blushing furiously.

“I, that is, I’m not certain?—”

“At least tell me you’ll consider it.” Lord Florian offered her another one of his winsome grins.

She sighed then, not particularly wanting to be the center of attention at the Festival of Roses but not wanting to offend Lord Florian, either.

Perhaps she could decline his offer gently in a few days.

“Very well, my lord. I shall give it some thought.”

“Please do.” Lord Florian bowed then.

“I bid you both goodnight.”

He left the music room, whistling the tune of Aereamere’s Amore , and once he was completely out of earshot, Narissa smacked Solarius’s hand from her shoulder.

“Are you quite finished being a self-righteous prick?” She shrugged out of his hold.

“I would very much like to stand and stretch my legs.”

Solarius released her then, tucking both of his hands behind his back.

“Do you make a habit of playing the harp for males seeking your company?”

Narissa almost choked.

What a crude insinuation.

She whirled on him then, smoothing the wrinkles from the skirt of her gown, and gave him a vicious smile.

“Only when they ask sweetly.”

Solarius damn near erupted with rage.

Color flooded his cheeks and his silver eyes turned molten.

There was a distinctive pop of his jaw, and though he stood painfully still, she didn’t miss the way his upper arms flexed with tempered fury.

Reif was right.

Solarius was incredibly overprotective and possessive.

As much as Narissa was loath to admit it, she supposed such a reaction could work in her favor if she wanted his attention.

Not that she was keen on making him jealous, but if there were no other options, then at least she had a last resort.

“Don’t be so dramatic.” She waved off his anger with an air of flippancy.

“It’s not as though it matters. Everyone knows Lord Florian prefers males over females. He just so happens to possess a love for music as well.”

“I hear he prefers the company of both,” Solarius grumbled, folding his arms over his chest.

Narissa shrugged, ignoring his complaint, and turned to leave.

“Where are you going?” There was something in Solarius’s voice that gave her pause, like an underlying twinge of worry.

Impossible.

He stopped worrying about her the moment he walked away from her and never looked back.

Narissa tossed a glance at him from over her shoulder, lifting it in feigned disinterest.

“Well, you’ve made it quite clear that you would prefer to be anywhere else than with me, so I figured I would leave you to it.”

She turned from him then, heading for the door of the music room, when Solarius’s hand snared her wrist.

He hauled her backward so quickly, she almost stumbled into him.

Her back smacked into the solid wall of his chest and though his grip remained loose, she knew he had no intention of letting her walk away so easily.

Solarius hooked a finger around one of her golden locks, sweeping it back from her neck so the warmth of his breath tickled her ear.

“You didn’t answer my question,” he murmured, his fingers idly stroking the inside of her wrist.

She turned her head to face him, crushing the flutter of butterflies swarming in her belly, when she realized their lips were a stolen kiss apart.

They were so close, their noses almost touched.

If she wanted, she could rise onto her toes and trace the line of his lips with her tongue, committing the fullness of them to her memory.

She imagined he tasted of warm spiced whiskey, of sleepless nights and silky tangled sheets, of frozen moonlight and desire.

His free hand moved to her waist, and he wrapped an arm around her, keeping her pressed close against him.

Their breaths mingled—hers slightly gasping and uneven, his calm and steady.

Her gaze flicked to the melted silver of his eyes and his pupils expanded, heated by an emotion she recognized all too well.

She blinked, focusing on his mouth instead, his next words lingering in the space between their lips.

“Where are you going?” he repeated quietly.

Narissa’s knees trembled, and she locked her spine, refusing to sway.

She would not give into his charms.

She could not.

She lifted her chin, and his eyes dipped to her mouth.

“Somewhere far away from you.”

Solarius grinned.

His hands slid from her waist to her hips, gripping her.

Tilting his head to the side, his silver hair with blackened tips fell over half of his face.

In the low, otherworldly light of the music room, she could almost give into the temptation of being a truly married couple, of pretending there was no past between them, of imagining a future of happily ever afters.

The light bounced off his handsome face, dousing him in a glow that almost weakened her, one that almost knocked down all her carefully crafted defenses.

“What if I wanted to go with you?” he asked, so earnestly she nearly fell for his scheme.

Nearly believed him.

“Then I would say too bad.” Narissa twisted out of his arms, breaking the spell he held over her.

“You do not get to pick and choose when you want my time or affection. I spent most of the day alone already and you cared not how I passed my hours. Therefore, it would stand to reason that where I go now and what I do next is none of your concern.”

She dropped into a curtsy, refusing to acknowledge the questions harbored in his hardened gaze.

“If you would excuse me, my lord. There is somewhere else I would rather be.”

Narissa left him then, knowing Solarius watched her as she walked away, and though it twisted a blade through that soul-deep ache in her heart, she refused to look back.