Page 9 of Music of the Night
Zorik noticed me hovering in the doorway and, with a smile, waved me inside. He was a handsome man, a head and shoulders taller than I with a slim figure, pale skin, shoulder-length chestnut hair and sharp green eyes. I assumed he was about ten years my senior, for he had a youthful appearance but carried himself with an authority befitting his station. We were only distantly related—enough for him to take pity on me—yet sometimes when he studied me, I wondered if he thought of me as a single woman, ripe for marriage. I shouldn’t be concerned by that–should be flattered–for he was rich, handsome, single and desirable.
Still, he had no loyalty to any woman. I’d seen his mistresses, and they changed as easily as he changed clothes, toying with one lady’s affections and then casting her aside for another. If I married at all, I intended to marry a man I loved who was loyal to me. Perhaps that was the very reason Zorik hadn’t married. He was more than happy with his dalliances and distractions. Besides, he ran a thriving theater despite the constant gloom that overshadowed High Tower Castle.
“Lady Aria.” He lay his pen aside. “Come, sit.”
I was in my dancing clothes for the performance and the bells around my waist rattled as I moved. Clasping my hands in front of me, I made my way to the couch and perched on the edge.
“Count Zorik.” I bowed my head, acknowledging the authority of his title.
He laughed as he joined me, sitting so close, our knees touched. His smile made the dimples on his cheeks appear but a strange aura surrounded him. “Aria, there’s no need to stand on ceremony, it’s just us.”
I met his gaze and his eyes narrowed keenly as he assessed me, then took my hand in his.
“I’m told you wanted to see me?” I said, unable to keep the worried catch out of my voice.
“Yes, for two reasons.” He rubbed my knuckles with the pads of his thumb, yet his eyes demanded my attention. Gold flecks appeared in one eye, making me flinch. I instantly regretted it as his brows narrowed. “You don’t have to be afraid of me,” he chuckled. “I only asked that you come here because of the nasty business that happened in the castle the evening before. The servants talk, is all, and I want to assuage your worries. You are safe in this castle. Besides, I haven’t forgotten about our arrangement.”
“Zorik,” I cut in, wishing I could snatch my hand away from his. The way he stroked my fingers made my skin crawl. It differed from Uriah’s gentle touch. I frowned, wishing I wouldn’t think of my instructor in such a forbidden way. “I want you to know I intend on honoring our agreement. I found an instructor to teach me, and I am practicing. I hope to sing for you before the month is out, and hold an audience, as Siobhan does.”
I would be successful, captivate the audience with my music, and then leave High Tower Castle to return to a world where the sun shone, and the plants grew green and wild.
“Please, don’t arrange a marriage for me,” I implored.
His eyes lit up, and then he threw back his head and laughed. It was short, shallow and rough, as though he did not quite like what I said but needed a reaction to gather himself. “You are full of surprises, aren’t you? Carry on with the lessons. I assume there is no expense to me?”
When I shook my head, he released my hand and rose. “Good. I had a slightly different proposal for you, but we shall see, in time. In a month, I’d like to hear the progress you’ve made. I’m sure Siobhan will not mind sharing the spotlight.”
She would, and we both knew it. But she often complained about how her voice was hoarse from night after night of singing. Surely she would allow me one night? It would be a battle to face later, but at least I had the Count’s ear.
“Is that all?” I stood, aware of the passing time.
“Yes, yes. Good luck tonight.” His charismatic smile showed off his full white teeth and the sparkle in his eyes.
I hastened to the door, relief seeping through me. Just as I pulled it open, he spoke again. “Lady Aria, you are growing into a beautiful woman. You would make a lovely bride.”
His voice dipped lower. Was it a warning? Or something else? I didn’t want to find out. Pretending I hadn’t heard, I hastened down the echoing halls to the theater.
That night I tossed and turned in bed, muscles sore from dancing and thoughts drifting to Uriah in his tower. Did he lie awake at night like I did? Was he lonely, longing for more than just his music? Was he glad I came to him for lessons, despite his fury that first night? Who was he? Had he always been in the tower? I didn’t think so, but I wouldn’t know. I’d only been at High Tower for a year. I thought back to the eve of my twentieth birthday and shivered. That was the day the Count’s men had come to Solynnand rescued me. Again I recalled Zorik’s taunting words, and they followed me into my dreams.
I stood on the stage, while the audience watched me, tittering behind their hands. I opened my mouth to sing, and a cloud rolled out of my throat, filling the air. I waved my hands to snatch it back, but it continued to roll while the audience pointed and laughed.
Fool! They cried.You cannot sing. Go back to dancing!
Zorik’s mocking eyes held mine as he stood and held out his hands. Something glinted in his palm. A ring! Terror filled my body when I saw it, like nothing I’d felt before. A numbness came over me and I knew what he would say before he spoke.Lady Aria, you may dance but you cannot sing. Become my wife, and your debt will be fulfilled.
I opened my mouth to reply and suddenly the scent of sandalwood and candle wax arrested my senses. Two arms held me tight against a broad, hard chest. His lips against my ear, whispering.Sing. Lady Aria. Sing for your life.
8
Aria
The eve of my next lesson was colder than before. The nights of performing had ended for that month, giving the entire ensemble a couple of weeks off. Our next production would be a tenacious dance and strenuous number to sing. I doubted I would be ready to sing for such an event, but I would try my best. My dark dreams haunted me, and I was more than happy to bundle up and set off for the tower. Snowflakes twirled in the air as I rode Beauty, the black horse. Her shoes had been changed to protect me against the ice on the bridge. I didn’t know whose doing it was, but I suspected Madame Blu played a hand in the luck that followed me.
I left earlier than usual, determined to reach the tower before the music began. I wanted to see Uriah play, if indeed he was the master behind the raw tones of the organ. I didn’t think he’d like me to catch him in the act, but if nothing else, I wanted to feel the vibrations of the music while he played.
By the time I crossed the bridge and moved up the sloping hill, the music had started. One slow, high note followed by others. I squeezed my legs around Beauty’s back, urging her to move faster. We trotted up to the tower together, and I swung off her back, then covered her with a blanket. Momentarily I felt bad for leaving her out in the weather when she was used to the warm barn. But I would return soon enough. Since it wasn’t a performance night, I’d been able to bundle up appropriately, my hands covered in gloves, a thick scarf around my neck and a warm hat on my head. I moved across the dead ground and my boots rang out, making a jarring sound as I crossed onto the pavement. I paused as I touched the door, briefly wondering if it would be locked and I’d be forced to stand outside, hopping from foot to foot while he played.
I pushed. The door swung open, and music blasted.
