27. Chapter Twenty-Seven #2
She meows at me with enormous eyes and rubs her face against my arm.
“No, you can’t win me that way, but you will not find harm all the days of your life for her sake.”
Lyric meows again, and I glare to intimidate her from wanting affection. She only snuggles closer, and I’m forced to oblige her with pats. My hand covers her entire fluffy head, and she gives it several licks. It’s scratchy but not the most unpleasant thing I’ve ever experienced.
Evelia exits the bathroom, and her entire face lights up. “If only we had an artist to capture this amazing moment. It’s the cutest thing I have ever seen.”
“She is not unpleasant to look at.”
“No, your massive, powerful arms holding such a tiny cat is one of the best things I’ve seen.” She takes the cat and kisses its nose. “What is your surprise for me?”
“Can we leave her?”
She takes the cat over to one of the mini castles and sets her in a cloth bowl. “Do you think we could get a servant that attends only to her? Maybe one who has had a harsh job all their life and deserves a break.”
“They are born into the lot they are.”
“And I would like their lot changed. There are those who work very hard for you and deserve recognition for that.” She scratches the cat’s ears and gives her one last kiss.
“She may have three servants if it so pleases you. I can have Basim pick them out, or if you’d rather select them, you may have your pick.”
“Thank you.”
“If you want anything, all you need to do is ask, and it will be yours.”
“Anything but you telling me how to kill you.” She bats her eyelashes.
“Not even I know that.”
We travel down the many halls in silence, but she hums as she used to always do when content. It’s one of the most beautiful sounds in the realm. Music lives in her veins until it pours from her body in fluid movements that capture my desire until I wish to be only hers.
I stop in front of the door, and my chest squeezes in anticipation. “Close your eyes.”
“Must I?”
“Please.”
“Alright.” She closes her eyes and trusts me to lead her into the grand room I’ve worked on for weeks.
I guide her inside and place her in the middle of the large room. “Okay.”
She spins around to take in the entire room. “What is this place?”
“Yours. A haven for you to dance in.”
“You repaired the mirrors.”
“Bought new ones, but they go to the same places. The ocean is in the middle, but there is more.” I open up the cabinet to show her the decorative boxes that sit on the five shelves.
Some are painted with colorful flowers, while others have stars and animals carved into the sides. Each one has its own unique look.
She picks one up and turns the knob on the back. “Music boxes? You got me music boxes.”
“Yes.” I pick up one and lift the lid. Inside, a bird flaps its little white wings as a soft melody plays.
“Most have knobs at the bottom that will change the volume.” I turn mine onto its side to show her.
“This is your space. You can escape through the portals or dance all you want with any type of music you could wish for.”
She sets the music box down and throws her arms around me. “Thank you!”
I close my eyes and savor the hug she gives me so freely. “You’re welcome.”
“You will not watch me. Right?”
“Only if it is your wish. In the bathroom, there is a closet with costumes, shoes, and pins for your hair.”
She runs to check all of it out and returns wearing a simple lavender bodysuit and a transparent matching skirt. The shoes are a light blue, and her hair is pinned in a bun that is wrapped in a tie that matches the shoes.
She touches the labels in front of each music box until she finds one she likes and sets it on a small table across the room. “I will give you one dance for giving this to me. One dance.”
“Then I will count it as one of my fondest memories.”
The music box plays a melody that rises and falls.
Evelia spins and leaps, always landing with perfect grace.
She soars like a fairy, but no wings guide her through the air.
Her arms and legs move so smoothly without hesitation.
There is no intentional focus in how she performs. It seems created from the flow of notes that echo across the room.
She spins several times in a row before leaping high into the air and landing on one foot.
She touches her left foot to her knee and finishes twirling.
Her lie of giving me only one dance is a welcomed surprise as she lets me sit through three.
It’s almost like she’s too caught up in the magic to care. Each note seems to strengthen her soul.
Before the fourth dance, I leave her to her space, but it feels like her allowing me to watch her is substantial progress. Either way, it is something I am grateful for. The messenger finds me on my way to my dining hall.
He bows and hands me a letter that I quickly open.
Sarek has agreed to my terms on the condition that I let him see his daughter.
It’s with reluctance I tell him I’ll consider after speaking with Evelia, but if it is a trick to take her, he will regret even thinking up the scheme.
I think better of bringing him into my castle and write a message to the Hermit King.
I pen my reply to Sarek and continue on to eat dinner, which is such a lonely task.
I finish my meal and call a servant over. “Make sure the queen gets food delivered to her chambers. If she doesn’t like what you bring, get whatever she requests.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
I stare across the vast room and wonder if Evelia will ever join me in my life.