Page 24 of All the Pain of Promises
Narissa knew she could play well, but she hardly considered herself a great proficient. When she failed to respond, Lord Florian presented her with another question.
“Tell me, my lady.” He pressed his lips together, considering. “Do you knowAeramere’s Amore?”
“I do, yes.” She was quite fond of the song and had played it a handful of times, though it was incredibly difficult.
“Would you play it for me?” he asked and lowered himself onto the leather settee near her. Candles flickered throughout the room, highlighting the intensity of his golden eyes. “It’s my favorite.”
“Oh, well…” Narissa hesitated. It wasn’t that she lacked confidence, butAeramere’s Amore was a rather…sensual song. It was intimate. Passionate. Something reserved for lovers. “I’m not sure I could?—”
“I know it’s complex and requires the utmost care and precision.” Lord Florian gestured to her harp and flashed her a winning smile. “But I would be honored if you gave it a try.”
Narissa loosed a breath, her teeth snagging on her bottom lip. “Very well, my lord.”
Pleased, Lord Florian settled back, crossing one ankle over his knee, and Narissa played.
This time, she did not close her eyes. She remained focused, her fingers moving over the strings as though she were plucking wisps of silk from the sky. Keeping time, she lightly tapped one foot against the wood floor while Lord Florian strummed his fingers against the arm of the settee. A faint smile lifted the corner of his mouth and though he continued to watch her, his gaze was distant, as if the song had taken hold of his mind and transported him to another time. The amorous melody flowed through the space, soft and elegant, cocooning them in a bubble of musical splendor.
Until Solarius stalked into the room and froze, shattering the beauty she’d created.
Narissa ignored him, wetting her lips, determined to continue the song without interruption. Her fingers nimbly plucked the strings for the crescendo, her heart thundering in her chest, overpowering the music of the harp as Solarius strode closer, coming to stand just behind her. She played by memory now, becoming acutely aware of his every move even though she could hardly see him from the corner of her eye. She sensed his breathing, felt the faintest graze of his fingertips as he toyed with the ends of her hair. His scent clouded her mind, tore through her in a thousand different directions, and she held her breath, striking the final notes ofAeramere’s Amore.
Lord Florian’s applause shook the fog from her mind and she jolted, ready to lurch upright and put as much space between herself and Solarius as possible. But just as she made to stand, his hand clamped down upon her shoulder, keeping her in place.
“Well done, Lady Narissa.” Lord Florian stood, practically beaming with awe. “I have not been serenaded like that in an age. You are exceptionally talented.”
“Thank you, my lord.” She gave him her best smile. “You are too kind.”
Lord Florian’s melted gold gaze landed on Solarius. “Your wife is truly exceptional, her gift in the musical arts is phenomenal. You must be incredibly proud, Lord Solarius.”
Solarius’s hand tightened on her shoulder. “Indeed.”
Narissa bit back the tart remark lingering on her tongue and schooled her expression into one of smooth neutrality. It took every ounce of self-control not to roll her eyes toward the vaulted ceiling.
Solarius didn’t even know she couldplay.
“Lady Narissa, would you be willing to play the harp at the Festival of Roses?” Lord Florian produced a rosebud thatbloomed fully in the palm of his hand, each petal scripted with rose gold ink—a formal invitation to House Terensel’s springtime ball. “I would love to have your music be the star of the evening.”
Narissa ducked her head, blushing furiously. “I, that is, I’m not certain?—”
“At least tell me you’ll consider it.” Lord Florian offered her another one of his winsome grins.
She sighed then, not particularly wanting to be the center of attention at the Festival of Roses but not wanting to offend Lord Florian, either. Perhaps she could decline his offer gently in a few days. “Very well, my lord. I shall give it some thought.”
“Please do.” Lord Florian bowed then. “I bid you both goodnight.”
He left the music room, whistling the tune ofAereamere’s Amore, and once he was completely out of earshot, Narissa smacked Solarius’s hand from her shoulder.
“Are you quite finished being a self-righteous prick?” She shrugged out of his hold. “I would very much like to stand and stretch my legs.”
Solarius released her then, tucking both of his hands behind his back. “Do you make a habit of playing the harp for males seeking your company?”
Narissa almost choked. What a crude insinuation. She whirled on him then, smoothing the wrinkles from the skirt of her gown, and gave him a vicious smile. “Only when they ask sweetly.”
Solarius damn near erupted with rage. Color flooded his cheeks and his silver eyes turned molten. There was a distinctive pop of his jaw, and though he stood painfully still, she didn’t miss the way his upper arms flexed with tempered fury.
Reif was right.
Solarius was incredibly overprotective and possessive. As much as Narissa was loath to admit it, she supposed such a reaction could work in her favor if she wanted his attention. Not that she was keen on making him jealous, but if there were no other options, then at least she had a last resort.
