CHAPTER 40
Camavel came over in the morning for Oonag as usual, but this time, I had a cup of coffee that she could try. I actually never really liked coffee, but I had always loved the smell of it. My house smelled like a Starbucks today, and I adored it. I was feeling very nostalgic this morning.
I wasn’t sure how Camavel would feel about coffee, or any Earth food, but she was in love immediately. Oonag was also a bitter brew, so the bitterness didn’t seem to put her off.
“This is incredible,” she said. “There is a richness of flavor that I’ve never tasted before.”
“It is a strong flavor,” I agreed. “It contains caffeine, which is a mild stimulant for our kind, so it’s not good for us to drink too much, or it will keep us awake or give us the jitters.”
“The last word did not translate,” she said.
“Jitters - we start trembling or shaking,” I said.
“Ah, I understand,” she said.
“That reminds me, I’ve decided to start learning the Ptexari language,” I told her.
“Not that I object, but why?” she asked. “You have the translator.”
“Yes, but it doesn’t always work, and if I’m going to live here the rest of my life, I should learn the language.”
“I have always admired how sensible you are, my dear,” Camavel smiled indulgently at me over her coffee cup. “You have taken wonderfully to our weaving techniques. We will make a Ptexari Princess out of you yet.”
“Ha! I don’t know about all that, but it seems the right thing to do. Know any good language teachers?” I asked.
“There are language instruction tools in the communications panel,” she replied. “Start there, and we can find you a teacher when you have the basics mastered. I have no doubt you will learn quickly. You have many conversation partners available here in the village!”
“Very true!” I agreed.
We said our farewells as I got ready to head to the Palace for the concert.
I had thought a lot about what to play for the King.
I figured a few classics were necessary - Mozart, Liszt, maybe some Tchaikovsky.
But I would probably throw in some ragtime and showtunes for fun.
The piano was such a versatile instrument.
I wanted him to see how much it could do.
And I didn’t mind showing off a bit. I’d felt like such a useless drain on the King and his daughter for so long.
It was nice that I could provide them with some entertainment.
Andokar greeted me as I arrived at the Palace. “Lumanela,” he said. Nothing more. “Andokar,” I nodded back. No blessings exchanged, but I was still irritated with him and his treatment of Leo.
I went into the music room to warm up. It had been a long time since I had really played, and I was a bit rusty.
In addition to the piano, the room had been outfitted with a few floor cushions and low tables.
The King, Kashtinela, and Dakleth all walked in together.
“Blessings upon your house, your majesty and highnesses,” I said as I stood from the bench, dipping low in a curtsy.
“None of that, daughter,” the King smiled at me, nodding his head in greeting. “We look forward to seeing more of your musical ability.”
“I am honored to play for you on such an incredible instrument,” I said warmly. “I hope to do your gift justice.”
He and the others settled on cushions. A servant appeared and brought them cups of Oonag and plates of pastries.
“Please begin,” the King said.
I started with Liebestraum by Liszt. It was a soft, dreamy, classic piece that I always enjoyed as a warmup song.
Then I moved into Mozart’s Turkish March.
It was a light and happy song that took a fair amount of skill but wasn’t overwhelming to the listener.
I also thought it suited this Ptekari-made piano, which had a bit of a harpsichordish sound to it, particularly well.
My fingers flew over the keys, and I was grateful for the ease with which the melody came back to me. I lost myself in the music.
I continued with several different styles.
The Ptexari seemed particularly taken with the Maple Leaf Rag, which was a song I loved to play.
I decided to end with Tchaikovsky’s Waltz of the Flowers.
I loved the lyrical quality of waltzes, and this was probably my favorite.
Other ballerinas dreamed of performing as the Sugar Plum Fairy, but this was always my favorite part of the ballet.
I ended and gave a deep theatrical curtsy. The King and his children hissed their applause. A servant announced that Leo was outside and wanted to know if he could enter. The King nodded, while Dakleth scowled.
“So lovely, brighteyes!” Leo exclaimed as he pulled me into a hug. “I could hear you outside. I haven’t heard the Nutcracker in ages. It reminded me of Christmas! I’m going to need you to record these and send them to me when I return to Coromonn.”
“So you will be returning?” Dakleth perked up. Jeez, could he be any more obvious?
“Yes, I am thankful for the leave to come and meet the King’s lovely human daughter, but I have my own life to return to. And Andie here has already declined my offer of more than friendship, so you have no rival in me, Prince Dakleth,” Leo gave a short bow.
“LEO!” I whisper-shouted and hit him across the chest with the back of my hand.
“Best to get everything out in the open, huera,” Leo said. “Besides, I don’t want to be murdered in my sleep.”
“I would never stoop so low,” Dakleth said, straightening to full height, his crest rising on his head. Kashtinela cough-sneezed, hiding a smile behind her hand.
The King sighed. The Ptekari didn’t roll their eyes, but if they could, I’m sure he would have. “Enough posturing, younglings,” he said. “Andie, that was lovely. I am pleased you are able to enjoy your gift. It is obvious that you are a master musician. I hope you will play again for us.”
“I’ll probably be here most days after lunch to practice,” I said. “You’re welcome to come listen anytime.”
“I may do that from time to time,” he said. “Your Earth music is quite beautiful. Your human friend is right. You should record your music. There is nothing else like it. It would sell well, if that was something that interests you.”
I hadn’t thought of it, but the idea of making my own money and being able to support myself was very appealing. “I will consider it, thank you, Your Majesty,” I said.
He took his leave. Kashtinela said, “I know you are busy with your human friend for a bit,” she smiled and nodded at Leo, “but don’t forget me. I would love for us to catch up.”
“Yes! Of course. I’ll reach out through the comms panel.”
“Thank you, my very talented friend. I must go check on some correspondence,” she said as she swept from the room.
Leo and I plopped on a couple of cushions to enjoy some Oonag while Dakleth loomed silently at his table. He made no attempt to join our conversation, so I ignored him.
“Do you know any salsa?” Leo asked.
“I know some, but it’s not really the same without a band. Or drums, at least,” I said.
“Can you dance?” he asked.
“Of course! I took ballet and tap since I was about four, but I also did a lot of social dance, and of course, my theater friends were always hanging out in clubs. We loved Latin dancing -salsa, merengue, tango. I also like East coast swing. Never got into West coast or blues. And the classics, of course, I had to learn waltz and foxtrot.”
“That’s a lot of dance styles,” he said.
“Believe it or not, I used to teach at one of those Fred Astaire Dance studios all through college. It was a great way to earn extra money for books and going out.”
“Well, I can play the bongo drum if we can find something similar here, and you can play salsa on piano. We can record it, and then we could salsa dance if you like.”
“That would be AMAZING!” I exclaimed. “I’ve missed dancing.”
“Me, too. I grew up dancing.”
“Dominican family, right?”
“You know it,” he said. “Every birthday, anniversary, quinceanera, or just a regular Friday night was an excuse for a dance party at our house. I miss it.”
“Let’s do it!”
Dakleth had been silent during this exchange.
“Do you think you could help us find a drum?” I asked the Prince.
“There are many types of Ptekari drums. Describe what you need,” he replied thoughtfully.
Leo described a few different types of drums to be played either with a mallet or by hand. “I will speak to our court musicians to see what we can find,” Dakleth said.
“Wonderful!” I exclaimed. “Leo, I’m sorry, but I already promised some time to Dakleth today. Maybe we can work on recording salsa tomorrow, if we find any appropriate drums.”
“Sounds like a plan, brighteyes,” Leo said. “I need to run a few errands today and send messages to my partners. Lunch tomorrow?”
“That sounds great, thanks.” I hugged him goodbye and then turned to Dakleth.