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The queen nods, returning her gaze to the sky. “You know, I saw you while I scried. Though, I never saw your face until today. I suppose it’s for the best. I’ve seen the way Asmo looks at you, and had I known you were the elf lord’s daughter, I would’ve delivered you to Elven Islands myself. You’d have never met Asmo, which would’ve been a pity, since Griffin claims that my best friend has never smiled at anyone more.”
My cheeks heat, and I pick at the hem of my dress, unsure of how to respond. I’m not even sure if there’s a hidden meaning in her claiming she’d have delivered me to my father. It wouldn’t surprise me if she’d meant in pieces.
“You should know, if you’re here because of your father, spying on us, Asmo would be the first to kill you if he found out. He might like you, but he’d put his own emotions aside to protect his family and those he loves. He’s done it over and over again. So, I hope for your sake, your story is true. If it comes to that, if you hurt him again, it’ll be me you face.”
“It’s true. I swear it,” I saw, looking her straight in the eye. I want her to see the truth in my soul. “I have no wants to hurt anyone.”
“Then we understand each other,” she says, standing up. "Now, I should be getting home."
As I stand to escort the queen out of the keep, I can't help but feel a mixture of gratitude and unease. My secret is safe, but for how long?
I follow her, watching her loose red curls bounce with every step, and the gold of her crown catches the light, along with the scales of her leathers. We pass through the front door of Grim’s Keep, but I freeze in the doorway, spotting a monstrosity of a creature bounding through the yard. Its gray and white stripes glisten in the night, its blood-stained ivory teeth gleaming as it snaps at one of the gargoyles.
The stone man sprints with everything he has, barely missing the creature’s teeth by the skin of his back. Its golden eyes are wide, revealing slitted pupils, nosing the three large horns on its head at the gargoyle, almost knocking him off balance.
“Luri! Stop that!” The queen yells and the creature slams to a halt, pushing up grass and dirt with its large paws. Chest heaving, the gargoyle swats the creature on the nose and yells, "Mah!" before stomping back toward the keep.
Fluffy tail swishing, the monster cat glares at the queen.
“You can’t eat the gargoyles, you asshole. Gods. I can’t take you anywhere, can I?” she says as the creature swishes its head and stalks our way, attitude in every powerful step.
As the gargoyle reaches us, his face and features come into view. It’s Xren. I fight to hide my amusement, as he brushes past me into the safety of the keep, finding it hard not to laugh at the absurdity of the situation.
“Don’t let him be late tomorrow, and the two of you will want to bring a bag. It’ll likely be more than one day of negotiations.” The queen mounts the cat, her hands gripping chunks of that thick, rather soft-looking, white hair.
“You have my word,” I say, bowing my head. Then the queen is gone, having used her magic to transport her and her familiar back to Hell Hold.
As I step back inside, the hint of piano keys sings to me, so quiet compared to the beat coming from the throne room. There’s a piano on the second floor. Taking a shot, hoping it’s Asmo, I ascend the spiral stairs, the keys picking up again as I reach the floor, peering through the arched doorway to find Asmo sitting on the bench, his brows drawn together as he focuses.
I find myself drawn to that captivating melody, and in awe of the way the mage lights bathe the grand piano and the man playing it in a soft amber glow. Those gentle notes echo throughthe space, captivating everything in earshot. His fingers dance gracefully across the keys, his dark eyes closed, lost in the emotion of the music.
Leaning against the door frame, I witness him weaving every note into a symphony of pain, love, sadness, and affection. Each chord played sends a vibrant wave of color floating through the air. It tears at my heart, all while making it so full all at the same time. It's as if he's pouring his very soul into the song, and I hold my breath, not wanting to disturb the moment.
As the last note hangs in the air, I clap, gliding into the room. Startled, Asmo's head jerks up, and his gaze meets mine over the piano. A mischievous glint dances in his eyes, and I feel a sudden warmth spread across my cheeks.
"By now, you've likely realized that Griffin's punch isn't just wine," he says, his voice smooth and teasing. "It makes you see like a fae would—all the colors and magic. It’s one of my favorite times to play."
I nod, acknowledging the truth of his words. "I haven't seen anything quite like it."
His lips tip into a knowing smile and as he grips his cup, the crystal clinks against the metal of his rings, and brings the rim to his lips.
"Your music," I say, unable to suppress the awe in my voice, "it's beautiful."
"Thank you." He looks away for a moment, seemingly embarrassed by the compliment. "Music has always been… an escape for me."
"An escape from what?" I ask, my fingers tracing the cool, polished surface of the piano as I near.
"From the world," he says cryptically, his gaze locking with mine once more. Those amber rings dance with mischief as he studies me. "I'm shocked you're up here and not downstairs withGriffin.” The corner of his mouth lifting into a teasing grin. "I thought elves loved to dance."
"We do." My voice is barely above a whisper.
"Then why are you still here?" The question hangs in the air between us, charged with the unspoken tension that has built over these past few days.
I hesitate for a moment, unsure of what to say. Finally, I admit softly, "I'd rather listen to you play."
His smile deepens at my confession, and it's as if the darkness in the room recedes ever so slightly. "Do you know how to play the piano?" he asks, curiosity sparking in his eyes.
I shake my head. "Unfortunately, no."
