"Sadie didn't go to the reception, she..."
"I assure you, Mistress Parker, she did," he shot down my stepmother and I smiled to myself.
"It was delightful," I replied evenly. "The Queen was very beautiful," I added.
"That she was." His voice softened as he spoke, hinting at something more than just the loyalty of a subject. But no. The Queen was married. It must be unrequited admiration at most.
"The music was sublime too."
"It was. We have the best musicians at court," he replied.
I swallowed loudly. While the idle chit chat seemed innocent, I had the feeling it wasn't. And that I knew exactly where this was heading.
"I hear you're a fair musician yourself."
"I think whoever you heard that from was being overly kind." I crossed the fingers of my empty hand, hoping it was Leo who had told him about my affinity for music.
"I doubt it. He's a connoisseur of finer things himself," Vincent replied. "Who designed the dress you were wearing?"
"Enrique Verre," I responded instantly. "He's been a good friend of mine since we were small."
"I have no doubt about that, the dress you were wearing was a work of art."
"That it was."
We lapsed into stiff silence, both of us wondering who would break first. There was no chance he'd come here just to ask me who made my dress. Even if the Queen herself wanted to know, she wouldn't have her advisers come to question it.
"What about your shoes?"
My blood turned to ice in my veins. He knew. He had to.
"Enrique designed them too," I admitted.
"Ah, good. I imagine he'll be a household name soon. You too."
"I doubt that," I responded.
"What is going on here?" my stepmother demanded. "You've come into my house and asked my daughter inane questions about her wardrobe at an event she shouldn't have even been at." She shot daggers at me as she spoke, her displeasure clear on her face. She really wasn't happy with me.
"I'm not your daughter," I ground out. How dare she refer to me that way. We all knew she was only doing it because there was someone else in the room. She'd never have acknowledged me like that otherwise.
"I am here on the Queen's business, Mistress Parker. Please refrain from making a scene or I will ask you to leave the room."
Horror filled my stepmother's eyes and she leaned back in her seat, apparently cowed for now.
"How can I help you, Vincent?" I asked. "I'm becoming very confused."
"May I see the shoe you're holding, Sadie?"
I gasped. How had he known? Well, that wasn't too difficult to work out, I was just holding the shoe and not hiding it very effectively.
I knew it was better to give in to him rather than fight. With shaking hands, I lifted the footwear, so it was hanging between us.
Gently. almost with reverence, he took it from me, turning it this way and that in the light.
"Just as I expected."
"What is?" I asked boldly, daring him to say what he needed to.
"It's the matching shoe to the one Leopold hasn't let out of his sight since the wedding. But I expected as much when I was told about it."
"Who told you?" My voice shook. I really hoped it wasn't Enrique. While I would forgive him, this time and always, I didn't want to have to have the conversation.
"Someone in this very room."
My gaze shot to where Rita was sitting. The horrified look on my stepmother's face all I needed to know. There was no chance it could have been her anyway.
I wasn't sure whether I wanted to slap or kiss Rita in that moment.
"I'm sure you know what Leo wants. There's a dinner at the palace tomorrow night. If you're going to say yes, then come to it. If you're going to say no... let him be. And never speak of this again. Do you understand?"
I nodded. "Yes. I understand."
"Good. I hope to see you tomorrow." He clicked and motioned towards the guard, sweeping out of the room and leaving me standing there, completely bewildered.
Chapter Ten
I didn't know what I wanted. Should I go to Leo? Should I not? I'd been so resolute before Vincent's visit and now I was questioning everything. My stepmother's anger could be felt throughout the house and she'd even threatened to go as far as revealing my bad behaviour to deprive me of my trust fund. I didn't know if that would work, but I didn't know any lawyers to be able to find out for sure and I didn't want to risk it. Not when I still needed to plan for a future for myself.
My phone buzzed but I ignored it. I already knew what the message would say. Enrique had been too excited when I'd told him about Vincent's offer. It would just be another message urging me to go to the palace.
And I would cave. I knew that already. I didn't need to hear the reasons I should go, I was well aware of them myself. What I needed was someone to tell me why I shouldn't. Mostly that I still had no idea who Leo was, other than someone very persistent. In his shoes, I'd have given up by now.
That wasn't true. I probably wouldn't have. I didn't like being the one who was left. Not at all.
Not wanting to face the decision, I made my way through the house to the music room. There was still one place I could find my answers. Or forget about the need for them.
I closed my eyes as I stepped into the room. I couldn't describe the smell in here, but it was always the same. It sounded corny, even in my own head, but it smelled like music to me. Beautiful, peaceful, joyful music.
My cello sat, propped against my stool but still in its case. I would never disrespect the wood by leaving it out to the open air. Even somewhere as safe as this room, I didn't trust the atmosphere. And my cello being damaged would be something that reduced me to tears. Dad had given me the instrument for my twelfth birthday. It had been too big for me then, but he'd patted me on the shoulder and told me I'd grow into it.
How right he'd been.
I laid down the case and unzipped it. Smoothing my hands over the polished wood, I marvelled once more at the intricate inlays the instrument had. I didn't understand how it could make such haunting music, but I respected that it did.
I lifted it out and propped it against the stand before leaning back into the case to withdraw my bow. I checked each of the horsehair strings, knowing that playing my cello while they were damaged would do more harm than good. Nor would it sound pleasant on the ears and that would defeat the point of me being here.
I sat on the stool and pulled the instrument to me, resting it between my legs and closing my eyes. The feel of it there was comforting, like everything I needed was in one place all at once.
My eyes staying closed, I placed the bow against the strings and warmed myself and the instrument up by playing several scales. I knew a lot of musicians stopped doing this once they reached my level, but I wasn't one of them. It did me no good if I could play complicated music but forgot the basics. Everything was built on these sounds. On these movements.
I wasn't about to forsake my passion because of my own arrogance.
Once the sound was what I wanted it to be, I launched into a song I knew by heart. Or one of them. I'd played almost every day since I turned eighteen. Before that, I'd played as often as I could. This had been something Dad encouraged me to do and after his death I used it to feel close to him. Even if it wasn't a passion we shared.
The sound filled the room, the acoustics of which were perfect. As far as I knew, my Grandad had fitted out the room, so it could rival even the biggest symphony halls. My Grandma had been an avid musician and it had been his way of supporting her. The love that showed still astounded me to this day.
The final notes of my song rang through my head and it was only then I realised I was crying. I wasn't sure if it was the song or the direction of my thoughts that had the emotions leaking out of my eyes and I didn't examine the thought further. Instead, I launched into a more upbeat song. An Irish jig I'd learned on a dare. Enrique had said I wouldn't be able to play the tune on
my cello and it was only suited to a violin. I'd proved him wrong within a week.
My thoughts raced as I played. I still wasn't sure if I'd go to the palace. A part of me yearned to, but another part was worried that would see the end of my passion. My first love had been music, I doubted that would ever change. I don't think I could bear it if someone tried to stop me from playing.
The memory of Leo's face as I'd played the piano for him came to mind unbidden. His rapt attention and blissful features taunting me more. How could I ignore that reaction to the music? People didn't look like that if they saw it as nothing more than a silly hobby. That was someone who appreciated music. Maybe even played it.
My eyes snapped open. How hadn't I noticed it before? Leo wasn't someone who'd stop me from following my passion. He was someone who'd share it. Encourage it. We could be like my grandparents had been, sharing in one another's passions and making them stronger not tearing them apart.
I packed away my cello as quickly as I could, being careful not to damage the wood. I almost put the case away too but thought better of it. If I was going to lay my heart on the line, then I wanted to do it with my instrument in my hand. Then Leo would know what it meant too. I didn't know how I was so sure he'd understand but I didn't question it. I had more important things to do, like get to the palace. Especially as there was a distinct possibility I was now going to be late. Having him think I wasn't going to show up definitely wouldn't be a good way to start something between us.
Chapter Eleven
I was surprised how easily the palace guards had let me through. But then, I was sure they'd been told to expect me. Not that I was dressed the part or carrying anything other than a cello. I didn't care, this was far too important for propriety, no matter what anyone said.
A manservant greeted me at the door and indicated for me to follow him, all without saying a word. If anything had scared me about this situation, then this was definitely it.
Maybe I wasn't here to have dinner. Maybe I was really here to be tried for treason, though I couldn't see what I could have done. I shook my head. I'd been watching too many historical dramas if I thought that was the case. No one was tried for treason these days, even if it was still an executable offense.
I followed the servant through several corridors with no idea where we were heading or what would happen when we got there. I could have asked but my nerves were getting the better of me.
A large ornate door stood in front of the two of us and the servant rapped on it twice. The door swung open almost immediately and he stepped inside.
"Your Majesties." He bowed three times. Odd, I'd only expect him to greet the Queen and her new husband like that. Wait...the Queen? Why was the Queen in there? "The Lady Sadie Parker is here, as requested."
He made a come-hither motion with his fingers and I stepped into the room.
The Queen was there, with her husband and three others, two of which I recognised.
"Thank you, Sylvester," the Queen dismissed the man and he shut the door loudly behind me.
I gulped, my nerves back with vengeance.
"Your Majesties." I dipped into three curtsies but didn't do them in any particular direction. How could I when I only knew who two of the royals were. "I must apologise for my outfit, I hadn't realised..." I trailed off, not quite knowing how to explain I hadn't realised I'd be meeting a Queen today.
"It's no bother, Lady Sadie. Why don't you take a seat and we can become better acquainted?" She motioned to the only free seat and I moved to it quickly, slipping my cello below the table and taking the chair for myself.
"I've been told you know Leo."
I nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty."
"I think it's safe for you to call me Amara here," she corrected me.
I wasn't sure how I felt about that. She was still my Queen after all.
"If you insist."
A plate appeared in front of me with the most delicious looking salad on it. Glad for something to distract myself with, I picked up my fork and began to eat. After glancing at Amara to check she was first. I didn't want to be rude, even if I had found myself in the oddest situation I could have imagined.
"Vincent tells me you've met too," Amara continued, gesturing to her left where the man was sitting.
"Yes, we've had that pleasure." I nodded towards Vincent.
He smiled back at me and slipped his hand over Amara's, giving it a squeeze. Her eyes softened, confusing me slightly. They almost seemed like they were a couple.
"And this is Albert." She gestured to her right this time where the man I'd seen her marry was sitting looking completely unaffected by the affection she was showing another man. I wasn't too sure what I'd walked in on but decided not to comment.
"Hi," I replied lamely, cursing myself as I did. Had I seriously just greeted my ruler's husband with hi? Oh yes, I had. Not my finest moment there.
"Finally, this is Carter." She gave no other explanation to the fourth man at the table and I didn't ask. But I did get the feeling I was being let in on a big secret which the rest of the world wasn't privy to. I didn't know how I felt about that.
"Hello."
"Evening." He smiled at me, as if he knew what I was thinking.
Instead of paying any more attention to them, I turned my gaze to Leo who was sat opposite me. His face was a painted picture of relief. He hadn't known if I'd actually show up or not. My heart cracked a little, but mostly because I knew he was right to worry. I almost hadn't.
"Leo." My voice cracked over his name, even if it was only one short syllable.
"Sadie," he responded, sounding as affected as I was.
"I heard you're a sublime dancer, Sadie," the Queen interrupted our slight awkwardness, for which I was grateful.
"I wouldn't go quite that far. But I had lessons as a child."
"I'm not surprised, you're the daughter of a Marquis if I'm not mistaken?" She picked up her wine glass and took a dainty sip.
That wasn't such a bad idea. I looked at my own empty glass and was only slightly surprised to discover a servant filling it before my eyes.
"I will be the Marquis as soon as I turn twenty-five," I responded.
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.
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"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.
Chapter Twelve
The door clicked behind us, leaving us blissfully alone and without anyone looking on. Not even any servants. Or the Queen and her...I wasn't sure what.
"What did we just leave behind?" I wasn't able to stop myself from asking.
"Four happy people," Leo responded firmly. "I'll admit it took some getting used to, but they're all happy with it."
I tried to process what he meant but it just wouldn't compute in my head. It didn't really matter though. I wasn't here for the Queen or anyone surrounding her.
"I'm sorry for running out on you," I blurted, unsure how else to start the conversation we had to have.
"That was an easier apology than I expected," Leo replied. "It was hard to track you down, you did a good job at hiding."
"I wasn't hiding," I protested. "Just not making myself known."
"How exactly does a Marquis not make herself known?"
If The Shoe Fits Page 5