Ariesian brushed off his concern with a wave of his hand. “Falling in love is the easiest thing in the world, Sol. Staying in love, however, is far more difficult. It requires work and effort from both parties, every hour of every day. And marriage is about finding new ways to show you love someone, especially if you want it to last an eternity.”
“Damn you for being so wretchedly brilliant,” Solarius mumbled, his previously ill temper fading into something that felt more like remorse.
“Damn you for expecting anything less from me.” Ariesian cocked half a smile, then turned on his heel and headed back toward Tovian and Nyxian, who were shooting dozens of starlit arrows into the sky with reckless abandon.
Solarius watched them for a moment longer, then expeditiously made his way back to House Azurvend armed with a new outlook regarding his recent marriage.
He was going to make his wife fall in love with him.
CHAPTER TEN
Dinner with Reif, along with a few nobles from House Terensel, had come and gone. Narissa had been obliging, as was expected of her. She’s suffered through idle small talk about the bitter winter season, and she’d remained dutifully quiet when their guests tiptoed around the volatile topic of Queen Elowyn and her son, Prince Aspen. Now, Narissa was perched on the edge of a stiff wingback chair near the hearth, pretending to be interested in a conversation about a hedge maze between Reif and Lord Florian Arborvin. Apparently the maze was filled with topiaries that were brought to life with magic, their ultimate purpose to chase and terrify the participants. Even more shocking was the fact that it was exceedingly popular. To his credit, Lord Florian appeared as disinterested in the discussion as Narissa felt.
Her gaze wandered to the ornate window etched in frost overlooking the Arcasian Sea. Darkness blanketed the sky like spilled ink and still Solarius had not yet returned.
Narissa wondered if perhaps this would be the first of many broken promises from him.
It never failed that even when she was in a room filled with her peers, she always managed to feel completely alone.Not quite an outcast, just simply unseen. Invisible. Both she and Reif had been the only children of their parents, and when her mother and father passed in a freak carriage accident, Reif was already saddled with lordly duties, and left her to her own devices. She was perfectly capable of occupying her time. More often than not she busied herself in the secret wing of her room concocting potions and sorting herbs, or she lost herself to the wondrous melody of her harp. Despite her unchaperoned upbringing, Narissa made every effort to be the epitome of a proper lady. She rarely took up space, she blended in perfectly with the gilded papered walls of nearly every ballroom, and it was a rare occasion she was ever on the receiving end of any untoward behavior.
Save for in the case of Lord Solarius Starstorm.
For whatever reason, be it the cruelty of fate or the animosity of the stars, that male ignited her temper and set fire to her soul.
Both of which were precisely two more reasons why she absolutely could not stand him.
Her mind drifted to when they first met, when Solarius plucked her from obscurity at House Galefell’s Featherlight Ball and danced with her upon candy pink clouds set against the backdrop of a lavender sky. Her knees had softened each time he flashed her one of his charming smiles and she’d been unable to tear her gaze away from the liquid silver of his eyes. Solarius had captivated her with his chivalrous nature, with his amusing manner, with the intensity with which he spoke to her, as though he hung upon her every word and breath, desperate for more.
Narissa shook the memory away and swallowed a sigh.
Rising from her seat, she excused herself from the dull tedium of hedge maze talk, intent on finding another more stimulating pursuit, but not before Reif pinned her with a look of concern.
She attempted to placate him with a smile, and though he nodded once, approving her leave, she knew she would have to face his questions later.
Narissa went in search of an escape and found it in the music room down the hall, in the form of her beloved harp.
The walls were a rich navy with metallic gold swirls imprinted along the baseboards. Rich flooring showcased a pianoforte, a violin, a lute, a few other woodwind instruments, and her harp. Silver faerie fire glowed within a crystal chandelier, giving the space an ethereal feel like being underwater. The harp was situated in the far corner near the bay window overlooking the sea, and a familiar kind of serenity drifted over her when she seated herself behind it to play.
Her dark aqua evening dress spilled open at the slit when she braced the harp between her knees, anchoring the instrument against her right shoulder. Made of sleek cherrywood, it had been a gift from Reif for her birthday seven years prior, and she’d instantly taken a liking to it. She loved the way her fingers floated over the strings, plucking them with delicate accuracy, creating the most delightful melodies. Every song reminded her of the sea, the harmonious rise and fall of waves, the gentle lull and the mystical call that spoke to the magic flowing through her veins.
Narissa’s eyes fluttered closed and the tips of her fingers glided over the harp’s strings.
The song poured from within her, every chord an ode to the long-buried ache she kept hidden away from the world. She played nimbly, allowing her fingers to catch and feather the strings with poignant perfection. The haunting tune echoed through the stillness of the room, carrying upward to the vaulted ceiling where it lingered like a forgotten memory. She played only the good notes, a devastating medley of major and minor chords, and each strum pierced her chest like an arrow launchedfrom a bow. It would have made a splendid aria, a wondrous refrain of foolishly broken hearts, and tragic lost love.
A single tear slipped from her cheek, and she felt the cool surface of a pearl before it bounced off the wooden floor and rolled away.
“You look absolutely captivating when you play the harp, Lady Narissa.”
Her eyes flew open, and she found Lord Florian standing in the doorway of the music room. He bent down and picked up the runaway pearl, pinching it between his fingers in careful examination. He was handsome, devastatingly charming, and moved with a sort of casual grace. His hair was shaved on the sides with short, tight midnight coils on top. He kept a neatly trimmed beard and the collar of his sage shirt was opened slightly, revealing a swath of flawless, rich brown skin. A thin gold chain hung from his neck and tiny emerald studs glittered from his pointed ears.
Lord Florian set the pearl on a table full of scattered sheet music, tucked his hands into the pockets of his pants, and strolled toward her.
“Thank you, my lord.” Narissa offered him a kind smile, she was rarely paid such high compliments. “I wasn’t aware anyone was listening.”
“I couldn’t quite help myself.” He angled his head, studying her with a warmth that wasn’t at all intimidating. Instead, he watched her as though he was simply amazed by her. “Your talent is rather immeasurable.”
A blush crept into Narissa’s cheeks. “You flatter me, my lord.”
A faint line furrowed across Lord Florian’s brow. “No, my lady. I merely speak the truth. I am most impressed by your musical accomplishment.”
