Four
CHAPTER
Iknew where I would find Neil. The same place he always seemed to be anytime I couldn’t find him.
His study. Without fail, he was always there.
Drowning himself in a stack of papers and far more work than anyone sane should do in a day.
Or indulging himself in studying whatever was within the pages of that black book of his he was so secretive about.
Being a High Lord was no easy feat, no doubt.
I rounded the corner, my white and gold dress dragging against the marble flooring, my footsteps echoing beneath me.
Skipping down the hall and straight to Neil’s study, I hummed merrily.
Admiring the golden etchings of clouds and turtle doves on his door, I knocked three times to let him know it was me before letting myself in.
“My dearest High Lord?” I hummed, peering inside.
His study was made of marble, with shelves from floor to ceiling, filled with all sorts of books, artifacts, and trinkets. Tall windows were open, with white curtains billowing with the breeze. Crisp fresh air filled the room around me. His maplewood desk was in the middle of the room where he sat.
Neil smiled at me, beckoning me to join him. “You are up rather early this morning, Little Dove,” he cooed.
“I suppose I am,” I replied.
Neil scooted his chair back just enough for me to climb into his lap at his request. His arms looped around my torso, hugging me from behind. He rested his chin on my shoulder. Tilting his head just enough to look up at me. “And how are you this morning?” he asked.
“Good, now that I am with you.”
“That is what I like to hear.” Parchment and books were sprawled across his desk. He reached around me, lifting a piece of paper high enough that he could read it.
“What are you doing?” I asked, tilting my head to the side slightly. Resting my head against his.
“What does it look like I am doing?” He raised a brow, peeking at me and back to the paper again.
A giggle left my lips. “Working.”
He nodded, a smile appearing across his thin lips. “That I am. I am looking through requests within my Realm. See here—” He pulled the paper closer to me, pointing out the line he was just reading. “What do you think of this request?” I read it carefully, then turned to him.
“I think you should accept it,” I answered honestly.
“And why is that?” he asked, placing the paper back onto his desk before using that same hand to tip my chin, pulling me closer to his face.
Flustered, my cheeks heated. “It would benefit the Realm. If its people are hungry, then you should feed them. Show them the kindness you show me.”
Neil smiled. “Good girl. As their High Lord, it is my duty to take care of the Realm and its people. You included.” He reached out to bop my nose, and a giggle left my lips.
He reached past me again; this time, he grabbed an ivory-colored book with gold foiling. “Here.” He handed it to me. “I think you would enjoy this one.” Neil smiled, pushing the book closer to me, coaxing me to open it.
I did, and with stars in my eyes, I smiled ear to ear.
“Thank you.” I peered down at it, carefully observing the gold foiling and the slight wear and tear from its age.
“It’s beautiful.” My fingers caressed the binding, slowly opening it.
I smiled, reading the title out loud, “History of the Realms, the Origin of the Court of Clouds. First Edition.”
“Mhm. I know how much you enjoy reading, and I thought it would be beneficial for you to expand your knowledge of the Realms. I have all editions, except the Realm of Stars. I wish for you to start with this one, so you can keep me company while I work. That way, you can ask me the questions that come to mind while reading.”
My arms wrapped tightly around Neil’s neck, hugging him with the book still in my hand. “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” I said with far too much excitement. He was much too generous, indulging me with the things I loved most. He was wonderful in every possible way.
“You are very welcome, Dove.” He returned the embrace.
I pulled away, and turning the first page of the book, I began to read. With my back against his chest, I sat in his lap. His arm hung loosely around me as he turned back to his work. We spent the afternoon together, quietly occupying ourselves within the confines of his study.
I peered into the ballroom, noticing tall ceilings and marble pillars in equally spaced-out rows.
The room was quiet, empty. The breeze smelled of dew, and fresh air circulated throughout the room from the open windows.
The curtains danced, lightly grazing against the marble floors.
When I spotted the piano in the corner of the room, I couldn’t help smiling wide.
No one was around. One song wouldn’t hurt, right?
I tiptoed, quickly making my way over to the grand piano.
My fingers lightly traced the keys, circling the chordophone instrument.
I wasn’t well versed in music for the most part, but the piano was something I was passionate about.
During my time under the care of the Cruel Prince, I often snuck into the music room to listen to him and Gelia practice the art of making a sweet symphony together.
I watched for months, and two years later, I became brave enough to practice when no one was around.
I loved the piano. A love that I kept to myself.
I took a deep breath. Okay, just like you practiced…
My fingers took their rightful place on the keys, slowly playing the only song I knew how to play by heart, without the need for sheet music. My smile grew, bobbing my head slightly up and down, feeling the joy of the music I created.
I was so in the moment that I didn’t notice Acheron, Tomas, and Aradia enter the ballroom. I only noticed them when Acheron sat in the empty spot on the piano stool, his hands joining mine on the piano keys, playing alongside me. I jumped, accidentally hitting the wrong key. My eyes met his.
“Go on,” he said, softly smiling at me, coaxing me to continue. He had always been so encouraging when it came to me taking an interest in things. I appreciated his kindness and support, despite the way he often teased me.
I nodded, turning back to the keys and continuing to play as he joined me, turning the song into a duet. Tomas and Aradia waltzed around the ballroom. Around and around and around again, Tomas spun her.
It was nice to see them as happy as they were. A giggle left my lips even when the song came to an end. I placed my hands on my lap. Acheron clapped, and Tomas spun Aradia around one last time.
“I didn’t know you knew how to play. Why didn’t you say something before?” Acheron asked.
“No one ever asked,” I replied.
His eyes softened. “You are more than welcome to play whenever you wish. If you would like me to teach you something more complex, I would be more than willing to.”
My smile grew. “I would like that a lot, actually.”
Tomas hugged Aradia a bit tighter than before. “Guys, c’mon, dinner is going to be ready soon! I heard we’re having loaded cheesy potato soup in bread bowls!” Tomas chirped.
Aradia rolled her eyes. “Always with the food.”
“What?! I’m hungry okay.” Tomas pouted.
“You’re always hungry.” Aradia giggled.
Acheron and I laughed, shaking our heads.
He stood, offering his hand to me, which I took, standing with him.
My eyes shifted past him, and from the corner of my eye, I thought I saw someone familiar, but…
perhaps not. Trick of the light, maybe. I turned back to Acheron, smiling up at him.
The four of us made our way to the dining room for dinner, where the rest of the Court of Clouds already were, waiting for us. Neil included.