Chapter Seventeen
The four of them exchangedexcited smiles and bright eyes and Sky grabbed my hand, dragging me down the hall. Aster gathered up the scattered papers and followed behind. Sky stopped at the purposeless room and threw open the door, all but quivering with the excitement he was trying to hold in.
The other three hovered behind us as I stepped inside. One of them threw on the lights and I gasped. They’d completely transformed the spare room into the perfect oasis for me. A beautiful golden harp stood in the corner along with a small set of drums, a rail of chimes, and a few cans. The chairs had been moved into the center of the room aimed at the instruments, and there was a desk against the back wall with stacks of paper and a cup of pencils where I could write my music.
The best part was the gorgeous painting I’d adored so much was hanging from the center wall.
My chest tightened with so much emotion, it turned into a sharp, stabbing pain. “How did you do this so quickly? And without me finding out?”
Sky laughed. “Very carefully. And you’ve been busy these last few days. It was Saber’s idea.”
Of course it was. My sweet, thoughtful Saber. “Thank you. It’s beautiful and I love it.”
He smiled. “I can’t take all the credit. I mentioned it to Aster, and he ran with it.”
I tilted my head as I took in Aster. Did he do it to try and tempt me to stay? I wish I understood his motives.
Sky broke the tension and stepped between us. “You can show us your gratitude by playing for us.”
With a nod and a shaky breath, I slid onto the stool behind the harp, setting up the other instruments within easy reach. “I’ll need a minute to acquaint myself with these. I’m only familiar with the cans.”
“Take your time, doll. We’ll talk amongst ourselves while you figure it out.” Sky plopped onto one of the chairs, pulling Saber into his lap.
Aster took the other seat while Whist perched on the arm. I ignored them as I sampled and tested the instruments, learning the tones and notes. I’d read and studied all sorts of instruments, but this was my first chance to try them out. As much as I loved my father’s ukulele, the harp made an almost magical sound, one I felt vibrating deep in my soul.
Once I felt confident I had an idea how they all worked, I rose and approached Aster. He blinked at me, a hint of surprise in his eyes.
“I need the music pages.” I gestured at the pages clutched in his hands with a jerk of my chin.
The prince released them and rubbed his palms on his trousers as I returned to my spot in the corner. I spread out the papers on the music stand and breathed in and out, letting everything but the music float away.
No concerns, no worries, no confusion, no nerves were too strong to fight against the music inside me demanding to be released. My fingers slid through the chimes, sending them fluttering and tinkling against each other. I decided to leave the drums alone for the time being, instead I knocked out the beat on the side of the harp. I sank into the song, the harp and chimes creating a cacophony of mayhem. I peeked through my slitted lids to watch my kindreds, curious over their responses.
Sky and Saber’s fingers were intertwined, but their focus was completely on me. Sky’s expression lacked his usual mischief and humor, instead he watched me with soaked eyes and nibbled lips. Saber’s face shined with awe and affection, his luscious lips party slightly, like he wanted to drink up every note like it was a fine wine. Whist watched with set lips and crossed arms, his foot tapping against the floor, matching the beat of my song. Aster was the one I wanted to break though. He sat with his back stuff and straight, his hands clenched around his knees, his eyes narrowed, jaw tight. It was like every muscle in his body was locked as he fought to remain under control.
But when my voice joined the harp and chimes, he couldn’t stop the pain from rippling across his face, the longing, the deep and desperate need. I didn’t know what he wished for so strongly, but whatever it was I hoped he found it. Seeing the human emotions on his face soothed me in a way I’d never before experienced. It was only fair for me to see this side of him if I had to lay myself bare before him with this song. The lyrics were nothing special, just a rather common sort of love song. But the emotion I fueled the song with is what created the magic.
I grew more confident the longer I played, my spine straightened, my fingers flew, my voice rose. The music seduced me, carrying me along on a ride I was helpless to stop. I was lost to it, consumed. The guys disappeared, I disappeared, until the only thing left was the music. It had been a long time since I’d been taken over like this.
It took four times going through the songs until I was satisfied they were ready. The messages Aster and Indigo wanted me to include were hidden well though I hoped not too well. They didn’t make sense to me, but it didn’t matter at this point. It seemed a bit paranoid to do it this way, but I couldn’t really blame them for it. Treason wasn’t something to take lightly.
I opened my eyes and stood, stretching out my sore muscles. Whenever I went so deep and splashed around in the music within me, I always ached afterward.
The guys rose from their chairs as well, all of them but Aster approaching me, smiles wreathing their faces.
Aster cleared his throat. “I... uh... I need to go.” He hurried from the room, the door swinging shut behind him. My eyes narrowed at the door, suspicion and concern replacing the high from creating new music.
My three assassins surrounded me, their words tripping over each other as they tried to express their enthusiasm. I basked in their touches and comments. My skin buzzed and my head was so light I thought it might float away.
Whist picked me up and carried me from the room, Sky and Saber on his heels.