Dark Enchantment

Chapter 10.5

Darian's chuckle echoed through the corridor, a ripple of indifference that only fueled the fire in Eira's gaze. "Perhaps a bit of both. Call it curiosity or a desire to unravel the melody you guard so closely."

A muscle twitched in Eira's jaw as she shot back, "Consider this a warning, then. My music may be a refuge, but I don't let just anyone in."

Darian leaned in, eyes probing hers, and the air crackled with tension. "There's an enigma about you, Lydia. I can sense it in the notes you play."

Eira felt her nostrils flare. "Everyone has their secrets."

Undeterred, Darian stepped closer, the space between them charged with unresolved confrontation. "I'd be honored to witness your preparation. Perhaps I could offer some insights."

Eira's patience wore thin. "If you're always so keen on discovering new musicians, what makes me any different?"

Darian straightened, a flicker of offense in his eyes. "I appreciate the arts. My parents were great patrons. I'm genuinely interested in the talent that graces our court."

Eira's shoulders tensed. "Your appreciation feels more like intrusion, not interest."

Darian took a step back, but his offense remained palpable. "Lydia, I assure you, my interest is purely in the artistry."

She broke the silence with a curt nod, her steps purposeful as she turned to walk away. "If you'll excuse me, your Majesty, I must continue my preparations for the competition. The Royal Orchestra expects nothing less than excellence."

Darian's eyes followed her as she turned to walk away, his voice cutting through the stillness of the corridor. "Lydia, allow me to escort you back to your quarters. It wouldn't do for one of the court musicians to be wandering the halls unaccompanied."

Eira's steps faltered, her mind whirling with conflicting thoughts. She knew it would be unwise to refuse his offer, to draw unnecessary attention to herself. Reluctantly, she turned back to face him, her voice laced with caution. "Very well, your Majesty. Lead the way."

Darian fell into step beside her, his presence a tangible weight on her shoulders. As they traversed the empty corridors, the air seemed to thicken, as if the very walls held their breath. The silence was deafening, the absence of music in this domain like a void that refused to be filled. Eira's heart pounded in her chest, her every instinct urging her to flee, to escape from the man who embodied her walking nightmare.

Darian's gaze still held an intensity that sent a shiver down Eira's spine. As they approached her quarters, she felt his eyes tracing the lines of her face, his gaze lingering on a loose strand of hair that had escaped her carefully crafted coiffure. Without warning, his hand rose, gently brushing the stray hair behind her ear.

Eira practically vibrated with a seething rage, her every instinct urging her to recoil from his touch. She could feel the weight of those hands, tainted with the blood of innocent lives, and it took every ounce of her willpower to keep her trembling under control. The conflicting emotions within her twisted and churned, and she nearly doubled over from the maelstrom. 

Darian's gaze lingered upon her trembling form. The realization hit her that to him, it was a reaction born of fear or even desire, an unintended consequence of his touch. His lips curled into a subtle smile; a triumph masked by feigned concern.

All Eira could focus on was forcing air in and out of her lungs. The only sound to be heard was measured breaths from both of them as his hand moved to cup the back of her head, fingers brushing across her hair. The seconds stretched on, Darian's eyes bore into hers, his expression unreadable. But then, as if sensing the storm raging within her, he withdrew his hand and stepped back.