Roughly 300 Years Ago
It was the fifth piano lesson with Queen Violette, and Calixte waited in the small music room as instructed. When his student arrived, Calixte was surprised to see her dismiss her royal guards and servants.
Noticing Calixte's confusion, Queen Violette explained with a soft voice, glancing away to the floor, "I feel more confident in my playing when there are fewer eyes and ears in the room."
"That is understandable and not uncommon, Your Majesty," replied Calixte. "Many of my previous students were apprehensive and shy about performing in front of others. But it is a feeling that can disappear with time and self-confidence."
"I am sure in the future; once my playing is at a higher standard, I shall have that confidence." Queen Violette made her way to the piano and sat down. "But in the meantime, I wish not to have my servants and guards endure my crude playing." She turned to Calixte. "Unfortunately, however, Barbeau, you will have to."
Calixte smiled. "Trust me, Your Majesty, I am not enduring anything. On the contrary, I look forward to your playing and watching you improve with each lesson."
"Now, Barbeau, I thought I told you to be honest with me."
"I am being honest, Your Majesty." Calixte paused. "Though is it truly alright for your servants and guards not to be by your side?"
"I can quite handle myself, Barbeau," said the queen. "I am perfectly safe by myself, I assure you."
"I did not mean any offence, Your Majesty. I merely inquired as they appear to always be by your side."
"It is just a custom for royalty to have servants and guards accompanying them at all times." Queen Violette gazed down at the piano, her gloved hands caressing the keys. "A custom in this country at least." She gently played a singular note, letting the quiet sound linger for a moment. "Back in my home country, I only had one servant. She would help dress me, do my hair, and inform me of my duties for the day, but that would be it. I was free to roam the castle without an escort, not having a whole group following all my movements."
"It must have been quite the change when you married the king, Your Majesty," replied Calixte. "Now having so little privacy, though, I presume it is for your safety and wellbeing."
"Yes, this country is larger and more powerful," said the queen. "There is more danger of assassination." She paused, playing another note next to the previous one, before turning to Calixte. "You are from the same country as me, are you not, Barbeau, with a name and accent as that?" asked Queen Violette in the native language.
"Indeed, I am, Your Majesty," replied Calixte.
"How did you come about living in this country, if I might ask?"
"Ever since I was a baby, my family and I would travel here for the summer. Then, when I was older, I performed in concerts and then decided to stay when I was offered a permanent position in an orchestra. And years later, I chose to remain here and teach."
"You have been visiting here since birth? That would explain how well you speak the language."
"Did Your Majesty also visit this country frequently before your marriage?"
"Only a few times for diplomatic reasons," replied Queen Violette. "No, I learned the language to read poetry. Most great poets were from this country, and translations do them no justice."
"You are a fan of poetry? That would explain how well you keep in rhythm. You know, poetry and music are heavily linked together. Poetry and song lyrics are the same. Is that why Your Majesty took an interest in learning the piano? Do you wish to compose a song?"
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Amity and Enmity
Fantasy(Book Three of the Harm and Harmony Series) Status: Ongoing (updated every Monday) Though it has been several months since the calamity that they had faced, Corinna Warren and her friends are still recovering from what and who they have lost. Howeve...
