Free Web NovelChapter 266: The Results
Chapter 265: The Results
Lyria’s POV
I did not understand what was happening.
To me, Baron Redwick had done something genuinely impressive. His performance on the harpsichord had been beautiful—technically proficient, emotionally resonant, a stark contrast to the chaos that had preceded it.
But the Queen’s expression suggested otherwise.
"Your Lordship," she said, her voice cold, "why did you perform that particular piece?"
"It was within my capabilities," Baron Redwick replied.
The Queen’s eyes narrowed at his words.
"That piece," she said slowly, "was composed by Étienne de la Roche. A composer of considerable talent, though his name is not widely known, and very few people are familiar with his work. His compositions are notoriously difficult to perform, requiring years of practice to master."
She paused, letting the weight of her words settle over the hall.
"Are you attempting to fool this court, my lord? Are you trying to pass off another man’s composition as your own?"
Baron Redwick’s brow furrowed.
"Why would I do such a thing, Your Majesty?" he asked. His voice was calm.
"I do not know," she replied to him. "Perhaps you can explain that to me."
Baron Redwick adjusted his spectacles.
"What Your Majesty suggests was never my intention. I played this piece because it is the only piece I truly know how to play. Difficult as it may be, it is the one I have practised more than any other. I have known it since I was a child."
He paused, drawing a breath.
"If Your Majesty would permit me to speak, then it must be noted that this whole farce—"
He did not get to finish his sentence as a cough sounded.
It was loud, sudden, and, I suspected, entirely deliberate.
Everyone turned toward the source.
Duke Thorncrest stood with his hand raised to his mouth, his expression one of innocent apology. He coughed again—lightly this time—and then lowered his hand.
His gaze flicked toward Baron Redwick, and though I was not privileged to know the full conversation, I knew they had reached an understanding at that instant.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty," he said. "Something caught in my throat. A most unfortunate occurrence, I assure you."
Even as he spoke, his gaze remained fixed on Baron Redwick.
"Your Grace," the Queen said, her voice cold, "please behave yourself."
Duke Thorncrest bowed.
"I apologise most sincerely, Your Majesty. The situation was quite critical, which is why I coughed with such force. But the matter has been resolved, and I am quite comfortable now."
He paused.
"The Baron may continue speaking."
There was a beat of silence after his words, and the Queen turned back to Baron Redwick.
"Continue," she said.
But Baron Redwick was quiet for a while before finally speaking.
"I have nothing more to say, Your Majesty," he said at last. "I apologise to the royal family. I played that piece because it is the only thing I truly learned to play from a young age. Nothing more."
The Queen studied him for a moment.
Then she waved her hand.
"You may step back."
Baron Redwick bowed and returned to his place among the other suitors.
The competition continued.
And finally, the last Baron was called—Baron Oliver Fairmont of Silverbrook. He played a piece on the piano that was neither terrible nor memorable. It existed, and then it ended, and I forgot it almost immediately.
Then it was over.
The footman stepped forward.
"Your Majesties," he said, "the Moon candidates and the council shall now convene to determine the results."
The King and Queen rose, as did Jacinta and I.
We walked together to a small chamber off the main hall.
The walls were lined with dark wood, and a long table stood at its centre. The council members filed in behind us—Lord Halverton the Chancellor, Lord Veyne the Grand Arbiter, Lord Durnham the Voice of the Nobility, Lady Voss the Keeper of the Veil, and Lady Seraphine the High Priestess, though she hardly ever said anything, her gaze always distant.
The King and Queen sat next to each other at the head of the table.
Jacinta sat to her right.
I sat to her left, and the discussion began.
Names were proposed and dismissed. Performances were analysed and debated. Voices rose and fell, and I listened more than I spoke. I let Jacinta and the others argue.
I had learned from the first competition that no matter what I said, Jacinta’s words would always be prioritised.
When the final rankings were presented, I kept my face still.
First place went to someone who, as much as I hated to admit it, deserved it, though I did not care for him.
Second place was unremarkable.
Third place, though, that was unexpected, and he only got it because Jacinta wanted to spend time with him.
The hall was waiting when we returned.
The King and Queen resumed their positions on the dais.
While Jacinta and I stood before the court.
"Since this is the second competition," Jacinta said beside me, her voice light, "Princess Lyria shall announce the results of the top three this evening."
Well, that was unexpected.
She had a smirk on her face, and I knew it was because of who was at the top of this competition.
And since she had given me the authority, I was going to do things the way I wanted.
"We thank you all for your participation in this competition. It was quite memorable, and Princess Jacinta and I greatly enjoyed every piece presented. And now, without further ado, the results of this competition."
I took a breath before I continued.
"In third place," I said, my voice carrying through the hall, "we have Earl Benedict Hawthorne of Windmere."
Earl Hawthorne’s eyes widened.
He turned to look at the others, as though he could not believe what he had heard. Lucian patted him on the back, though he exhaled deeply as he did so. Duke Thorncrest smiled. Duke Valenridge and Baron Redwick gave him a small nod.
He stepped forward and bowed before the royal family before standing upright.
"Second place," I continued, "goes to Duke Marcellus Frostmere of the Northern Reach."
Duke Frostmere stepped forward, his expression composed.
"First place," I said, my voice considerably lower now, "goes to Marquess Corvin Hale of Westreach."
Just saying his name left a bitter taste in my mouth.
