The King's Mistress

Chapter 102: Stage Fright Fear

Cassandra got off stage with a huge smile on her face. Even as she stepped off, the applause for her performance was still ongoing. Sierra could not help but glance into the audience. Though the bright lights of the stage obstructed her vision, she squinted her eyes and craned her neck to look for Alistair amongst the audience.

"Over there, Your Highness," Ida whispered to Sierra as she pointed towards the side of the theater, on the balcony.

She looked in the direction Ida pointed and immediately saw Alistair and Roxine seated in the same balcony booth. Though everyone else was clapping and in awe of Cassandra’s outstanding performance, Alistair did not seem bothered at all.

Unlike the others, he still remained in his seat looking listlessly at the stage. Queen Roxine, who was next to him, looked more engrossed in the performance. Sierra did not think much of it, as the next princess was called onto the stage for their performance.

Cassandra proved to be a strong contender. The other princesses’ confidence wavered and their performances suffered because of it. Sierra continued to watch the princesses perform in an effort to calm herself down for her performance.

"No no no! This can’t be happening!"

Sierra turned to find the source of distress. She walked over to Myra anxiously pacing back and forth.

"Myra, what’s wrong?" she asked as she placed a hand on her friend’s shoulder.

"Sierra, I..." the princess was shaking. Tears were ready to flow down her cheeks.

Sierra sat her down, "Myra, take a deep breath. Don’t worry, there’s nothing we can’t solve. Tell me, what’s wrong?"

No matter how hard she tried, the princess could not put her woes into words. As the echoes of applause fill the air once more, signaling the end of another performance, Myra grew even more anxious than before.

Finally, when she was able to speak, she was ready to burst into tears.

"The music score... I don’t have it."

"What?"

"Princess Myra was looking for it earlier, but it was missing," Myra’s maid explained.

Sierra widened her eyes in shock. She looked over to Ida, who was in shock too. Before they left the Celestial Lodge together, Myra had checked multiple times to ensure that she had the music score with her.

She had memorized the piece well, but having it gave her the confidence boost she desperately needed.

"I... I can’t do this, Sierra, I can’t" Myra’s voice was trembling as she spoke. Her hands were shaking too.

Right before Sierra could speak, a familiar piece of music filled the air. As Sierra and Myra exchanged glances, they both looked over to see who was playing on stage at that moment. It was Princess Agnes on the piano.

She was playing the piece Myra was going to perform.

"I think I have a good idea as to what happened," Sierra sighed as she bit her lip.

Deep in her heart, she wanted to confront Agnes at once to ask if she was the one who took Myra’s music score away. But she couldn’t cause a scene. Sierra clenched her fist tightly as she looked over to the performance stage.

Agnes was the least of her concerns now. Now, she was worried for Myra. Sierra turned back to her friend. She was listening to every note Agnes was playing. With it, the confidence she had fought so hard to build was fading fast.

Tears streamed down Myra’s cheek.

Sierra crouched down. She placed her hands on Myra’s ears, hoping they would muffle out most of the music that echoed through the theater. She looked into her eyes. Myra was about to shake her head again, telling Sierra she was ready to give up.

"No, you can’t. Not when you’ve come this far," Sierra said with determination.

"But..."

Myra’s eyes drifted to the stage behind Sierra but she pulled her attention back.

"Myra, listen to me. You can do this. If anything happens, I promise, I will be there with you." Sierra said calmly.

Everyone gathered to watch Princess Agnes’ performance. Though her performance was not flawless, it was close to perfection. Sierra brought Myra further back so that she would not hear the music.

Hearing it only messed with her confidence more.

"Sierra, go prepare for your segment. I... I don’t want to drag you down with me," Myra said as she placed her hand on Sierra’s.

"What are you saying, Myra? You’re not dragging me down. I’m here for you because you’re my friend. If it were to happen to me, I’m sure you would’ve done the same for me."

For the rest of their time waiting for their turns to perform, Sierra waited with Myra. She did her best to distract her friend from her nerves. Finally, Ida came running up to them to inform them that it was time for Myra’s performance.

Together, they walked back into the main backstage area. When they got to the wing, Myra turned back to Sierra. She gave her a hug and some words of encouragement.

"I’ll be here," Sierra whispered to Myra, hoping it would give her the assurance she needed.

Ida and Taita, who had finished her performance, came forward to give her a few words of encouragement too. As the announcer called out her name, Myra turned and headed out onto the stage.

She was greeted with thunderous applause and bright lights shone on her. Myra was trembling but she kept her breathing steady as she made her way toward the grand piano that was set up for her.

Silence swept across the entire theater. Everyone quietened down in anticipation of Myra’s performance. Sierra’s palms were sweating as she looked out for Myra, praying in her heart that all would be well. ƒгeewёbnovel.com

Myra closed her eyes.

Remembering the support Sierra had given her, she steeled her nerves. She placed her hands on the keys.

"You can do this, Myra," Sierra whispered beneath her breath.

"Hmph, how is she going to play without a score?" Princess Agnes’ remarks cut through the silence like a knife cutting through the air.