I march up the steps to the stage and take the piece of sheet music from the stand. After I scan my eyes over it, I nod to the man seated at the piano. My gaze catches on him, and I suddenly feel as if he’s vaguely familiar. It’s a strange sort of déjà vu, but I cannot put my finger on who he might be.
He’s beautiful—so beautiful I have no doubt he’s Fae. With his dark brown hair and olive skin, he resembles the Fae I’ve met from the Sionna court.
“Whenever you’re ready,” he says mildly, likely accustomed to female attention and unbothered by my stare.
I dismiss my thoughts, nodding to him as I pull my eyes away. Just before the song begins, I look up from the music and find Alexander watching me. Is the memory of that long-ago night in his mind as well? His enigmatic expression hides his thoughts, making him impossible to read.
The pianist begins, and I soon join him, my voice on key despite my sudden bout of nerves. The song is bittersweet, the theme of longing and loss. As I make my way through the piece, the theater manager steps through the house doors, followed by several of the chorus members I met the first night with Frederick.
By the time I’m finished, there are at least a dozen new attendees. They’re silent as the last note hangs in the air.
Uncomfortable, I clear my throat and look down at the music.
Suddenly, Frederick hollers, “Brava!”
His stunned exclamation is followed by loud applause from my new audience. I blush at their praise, pretending I’m not moved when in truth, my heart nearly bursts.
When I look up, I find Alexander studying me. He’s so deep in thought he’s almost scowling. Frederick elbows him in the side, startling him from his thoughts, and he suddenly claps with the others. Though a careful smile graces his face, something churns behind his eyes.
“Darling girl,” Frederick exclaims as he comes to the base of the steps. “You are too humble. Your voice was made for the stage.”
“It was extremely moving,” his father agrees. “You have a rare gift, Miss Sabine. Don’t you agree, Phillip?”
I don’t think I’ve heard Phillip utter a single word the entire time he’s been here. He’s a massive man—bald, with broad shoulders and a thick neck. And though he wears a perfectly respectable suit, he seems like he would be more at home in a grappling ring than in the theater.
He turns my way at Lord Cavinder’s instruction, giving me a tight-lipped nod.
My attention then moves to Alex. I wait for his response, embarrassingly eager for his assessment. The director rips his eyes down to the journal that contains his show notes. Did he write anything about me? Not likely, considering I wasn’t actually auditioning.
“Your voice is as lovely as I remember,” he finally says. “And your Favoran is impeccable.”
“It seemed as good a language to study as any other.”
Alexander looks up once more, capturing me with his gaze. “Indeed.”
Suddenly embarrassed by the spectacle I made of myself, I set the music on the stand and walk down the stairs, holding my skirt so I won’t trip over the hem.
“Have you ever considered a career on the stage?” Frederick asks me, offering his hand as I descend the last few steps.
“It’s not a path that’s open to me,” I remind him.
“No?” Lord Cavinder asks, joining us. “Are you quite certain?”
“I’m needed at home.” I glance again at Alex. “I’m afraid I’ve already lingered too long.”
Frederick’s father follows my gaze. “When do you leave?”
“Tomorrow.” Alex closes his journal, in a strange mood. “I’m taking Sabine back myself.”
“Perhaps you should kidnap her,” Lord Cavinder says, his tone light and teasing. “Make her the shining star of your theater.”
“Perhaps I should,” Alex responds absently, though it’s obvious he’s not in the mood for flippancy.
The pianist joins us, and his eyes sweep over my face before he turns to Alex. “Are there any more auditions?”
“We’re finished,” Alex says. “Thank you for filling in today, Alaric.”
“It’s always a pleasure to escape the tedium of the castle for a few hours.” He bows his head to me and then turns toward the doors. Already walking away, he asks, “You’re coming tonight, Alex?”