Page 43 of Muse

“There aren’t that many muses in Calida who know how to perform on silks,” Soren went on. “And Adora stepped up and offered you to Herve as an expert in aerials.”

I shook my head, not because what he was saying didn’t sound true, but because I didn’t want it to be. “Adora never wanted me to do the silks. She thought they were too dangerous.”

“Queen Kriselle was very enthusiastic about the idea, so perhaps that – along with the word of your newfound success with silks – pushed Adora to set aside her previous concerns,” he said.

“Is that why you’re here?” I asked. “To warn me of my fate?”

“No, I came to see if you would perform with me at the Samonend instead,” Soren explained. “Kriselle has given me a small stage, and it’s not the main event like Herve’s. But I know that we can create something spectacular.”

“And if I commit to performing with you, I won’t be pressured to perform with Herve,” I finished for him.

He nodded. "That is the idea." He stepped closer to me. "And if I am being honest, I'm being selfish, too. I know you'll be magnificent, and I want you to be magnificent with me."

We stood in the sitting room, only inches apart. The glow of the fireplace warmed us, and the front door opened as Adora walked inside.

"What in the world have I walked in on?" my mother asked, haughty and aghast. She stood in the open doorway for a moment, letting the chilly autumn air in around her, and her heavy cloak billowed in the wind.

Chapter 28

“I’ve offered Isadore a primamusa position in my conduction at the Samonend fest,” Soren told Adora coolly.

I had tried to move back from him, to put more distance between Soren and myself, so it would look more innocent than it was. It didn't matter that it was innocent; I knew how it appeared to Adora.

But when I moved back, Soren stepped forward, angling his body between Adora and me as if he thought I needed shielding from my own mother.

After he spoke, Adora smirked and stepped inside. She cocked her head and slipped off her leather gloves, then kicked the door shut behind her.

"Now, why would you do something like that, Soren?" she asked, her cold gaze fixed on him.

"Because Isadore and I perform well together, and I know we can create something spectacular," Soren said.

“No, you came rushing over to get Isadore to commit to you becauseyouneedherto be ‘spectacular.’” She sneered as shemade quotes in the air with her fingers. “Isadore has other opportunities.Betterones with Herve Chaunter.”

“As the primamusa?” he countered.

Adora faltered for only a moment, then she slipped off her cloak and gave him a pitying smile. “Come now. Even with all your hubris, Soren, you must know that the smallest role in a Herve performance is more prestigious than lead in any of yours.”

“I haven’t agreed to do either conduction,” I interjected, and they both turned to look back at me. “I forced my way through the aerial silks because it was what needed to be done, but that doesn’t change the fact that aerial performance comes with risks I’m not sure I want to take.”

Adora's face quirked because I was repeating her own words back to her. It had initially been her who had forbidden me from trying the silks for that very reason. Although I hadn't even needed to be forbidden since my natural aversion to heights had been enough.

"I am so glad you brought that up because I spoke with Herve as well as Wrenley's parents, Duke Robyn and Duchess Eva, at the christening tonight," Adora explained, her voice all syrup and honey now as she stepped toward me. "They told me all about all the safety measures in place, with the enchanted sand to soften any falls. I'm afraid that in my zeal to protect you, I was very mistaken about the dangers involved with aerials. You have witnessed it for yourself, haven't you, Isadore? Was anyone injured during your time in Lamida? Anyone at all?"

"No," I admitted. "But that doesn't mean performing with Herve is in my best interest."

She scoffed at that. “How can performing with Herve not be in your best interest?”

"Because I don't want to do it," I insisted, using as strong a voice as possible, but she only laughed coldly at me. "Adora,please. Think it through. Herve doesn't like me, and he won't showcase me the way that Soren would. If I am to perform at Samonend, it will not be under Herve's enchantment."

"A bad first impression is easy to remedy," she insisted, closing the distance between us so she could take my hands in hers. She lowered her voice as if Soren wouldn't be able to hear when he was standing nearly right beside me. "You will show him how sweet and beautiful you are and that you are a quick learner. Herve will forgive you for your rudeness and highlight you."

“Wait.” Soren’s voice suddenly cut through, as hard and sharp as a knife. “You think Izzy was rude to Herve? Thatshewas the one who was ill-mannered?"

Adora inhaled sharply through her teeth and glared at him. “You don’t know anything about what it takes to be a muse in this kingdom.”

“I am an enchanter!” he shot back incredulously.

“Exactly!” She let go of my hands as she wheeled on him. “You are an enchanter and a man. You don’t know what a young girl has to do to crawl up out of the muck and earn some damned respect!”

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