It was perfect for Noelictus, who had never heard pop. Who didn’t know what music could be. Cara and Violetta sang in harmony, the product of three days of practice. It wasn’t perfect.

But it was more than okay.

——

When the two finished, the hall was silent. Violetta, panting for lack of oxygen, nearly passed out as she held her breath. Cara was breathing hard too. But—she saw Culin and Sasi beaming.

“Well, that was…”

Lord Lantal was smiling. He couldn’t help it. The song had spoken to him too. He looked at Risel and saw the same expression.

Duchess Grishen was scowling. She didn’t like it like the others. Lantal hesitated, glancing at Seraphel.

Cara’s head turned to the [Princess]. The rest of the room was murmuring, impressed; not everyone was a fan, but it had been new. Fresh. They waited though, hesitating to voice their opinions.

Seraphel du Marquin slowly rose from her chair as every head turned back to her. She looked down at Cara, and the [Singer] braced herself. She saw Seraphel raise her hands.

And applaud. The [Princess] applauded quietly. Cara started. Then she heard enthusiastic applause.

“It was amazing! Do it again!”

Culin shouted. Sasi was applauding too! And then Lantal, Risel, and the others copied Seraphel. The Thronebearers and her [Handmaidens] instantly put their hands together, applauding loudly. But what came from the rest of the room was genuine applause.

Idelt beamed at his daughter. Her cheeks were red, her eyes glittering. Violetta beamed. And Cara…looked up at Seraphel. The [Princess] inclined her head towards her. Cara hesitated—

Then bowed. Like an [Actor] upon the stage. To the [Princess] and the crowd. Even the Duchess, who was grudgingly emulating the [Princess].

When the applause had faded, Seraphel called down to Cara. The [Singer] was ready for this.

“What excellent music. I have never heard the like in all my years; never in Terandria. Miss Cara, where does it come from?”

“It’s…a song from my home, Lady Seraphel. But I’ve adapted it for here. I am—a [Singer]. A travelling performer. If you would like to hear more—there are more songs. Not all with voices.”

She felt strained from that song. Making the illusion play the piano and drum parts had given Cara a headache. Seraphel blinked. She nodded. It was Lady Risel who nodded.

“I believe I speak for everyone when I say more music would be delightful. Please entertain us, Miss Cara, Miss Violetta.”

“Ready? Let’s do…A Sky Full of Stars, Violetta. Just like we practiced.”

The young woman nodded. She put the bow to her violin. And everyone watched as the drum vanished.

Cara put it to one side. She sat on her stool. And—for a second, Seraphel saw something.

A piano. The ghostly instrument appeared and Cara began to play. The world around her and Violetta—

changed. The stone floor vanished—