AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Leo almost choked on his food. "Why aren't you now?" he asked eventually, still looking surprised. I wondered what was with that? Maybe he hadn't realised I was gentry and didn't know what to do with the information.
"A stipulation in my Dad's will. I don't come into my title, lands or trust fund until I'm married, or I turn twenty-five. I believe it's been that way in my family for years."
"It's quite common," Amara confirmed. "Some ridiculous notion that young people, especially women, aren't able to rule."
Carter laughed. "You've been proving them wrong since the moment you could walk." Though he didn't say it, I could hear the endearment for her hanging in the air. I wasn't sure what was going on between the four people at the end of the table but there was definitely something.
Amara preened slightly under his compliment. "I wouldn't say quite that long."
I took a bite of my food, trying to ignore the tension which was building. I wasn't very good at reading people and this was causing all kinds of havoc within me.
"I've heard Sadie is an excellent musician too," Vincent said.
Oh no. We were back on me again.
"I wouldn't say excellent. I'm passable at best, but nowhere near good enough to be playing in any of the big orchestras." Certainly not in any of the ones that mattered. I'd dreamed of that once, but I didn't think I could actually hack it on their schedules. Even if I had been good enough, it probably wasn't the path for me.
"You were more than passable," Leo murmured.
"Is it an instrument you brought with you?" Amara asked.
"Yes. A cello." I set my cutlery down, my hands shaking too much to actually use it properly.
"And you play?"
"Yes."
"Will you play for us?" Amara asked, curiosity written all over her face.
"I...I..."
"Amara," Vincent warned, placing his hand back over hers.
I flashed him a grateful glance but said nothing, I didn't want to draw attention to what I was seeing.
"Will you play for me?" Leo asked suddenly, looking right at me with his piercing eyes.
He looked deep into my soul, seeing me in a way I hadn't expected. How could I deny him? "Yes," I whispered.
"Now?"
"We're in the middle of dinner," I protested, flashing a look at the Queen. I didn't want her to think I was being rude. Even if I did just want to spend time with Leo alone.
"It's not a problem, I can have the servants serve you a cold supper later if the two of you want to talk."
That was unexpected. She sounded almost friendly. As if she'd known me for longer than half a dinner course. It was odd, but I'd take it and not ask too many questions. I didn't think it was wise to examine it too closely or else my head would explode.
"I would like that," I replied, not looking at her. Instead, I stared into Leo's eyes, letting him know it was him I was doing this for and no one else.
