Chương 45: Vol. 2 - La Campanella

ARIELLE FONTAINE'S POV: When I first met Alistair, I knew he was special. The light that glinted from his eyes when my eyes met his was such evidence. There was something about him that felt elegant, charming, and even alluring. He caught my eye the minute I saw him. I fell in love with him the moment our skins touched. My heart fluttered when he returned my kiss. Alistair was not like the others, crowding around me, begging for my attention. He was gentle, caring, and loving.

Whenever my foot almost slipped in that final turn, he placed his steady hand on my back, protecting me. He thinks I do not notice, but I do. Father would most definitely approve the love I have for him, after all, he is from the great House of Nightfall. He is like a dream come true, the Prince Charming I have seen in fairytales, coming to save me from those boisterous nobles. He's quiet, silently watching over me like a person who truly cares for me.

My feelings for him are true, but I do not know if it is the same for him. Does he return my feelings? Does he really love me? Is this all for show? For now, I do not know. After all, this is the mission I hired them to do. There is no way to tell whether his feelings for me are true. I picked up my violin on the stage as Alistair adjusted himself in front of the piano. The polished wood felt cool beneath my fingers, familiar and comforting, yet tonight my hands trembled ever so slightly.

The stage lights washed over us like a soft dawn, blurring the edges of the grand hall until it felt unreal, as if we had stepped into a dream meant only for the two of us. I took a quiet breath and lifted my bow, steadying myself. Across from me, Alistair sat poised before the piano, his expression calm, unreadable—yet I knew him well enough now to see the focus burning beneath that serenity. When his fingers hovered above the keys, the room seemed to hold its breath with me. La Campanella.

The piece itself was a tempest—lightning-fast, delicate, merciless. A song that demanded absolute trust between performers. My heart fluttered. For a brief, foolish moment, I wondered if I was worthy to stand beside him here. Then he glanced up. Just for a second. Our eyes met—and the doubt melted away. The piano began. The first notes rang out like distant bells, bright and teasing, each strike of the keys dancing effortlessly into the air. My breath caught as I followed, drawing the bow across the strings.

The violin's voice slipped in, light and agile, weaving itself around the piano's melody like a ribbon of sound. We moved together. Every rise and fall of the music felt like a shared pulse. His tempo guided me, and I answered in kind, fingers flying across the fingerboard as the notes cascaded faster and faster. The difficulty of the piece faded into something almost euphoric. I no longer thought about technique, or the audience, or the pressure weighing on my shoulders. I only listened.

To the piano calling out to me. To my violin, replying in breathless delight. To Alistair—always Alistair. The melody soared, playful and brilliant, and I felt my heart race to keep up. My bow danced, strings singing under my touch, every note sharp and clear. When the piano surged, powerful and commanding, I followed without fear, trusting him completely to catch me when the music threatened to spiral out of control. It felt like flying. Sweat gathered faintly at my temples, my arms burning, but I welcomed it.

The intensity, the speed, the precision—it was intoxicating. When our parts intertwined perfectly, the sound shimmered, bells ringing brighter than ever, as if the piece itself rejoiced at being played this way. I glanced toward him again. He was smiling. Not the polite smile he wore in public, but something softer—something just for me. My chest tightened, and for a split second, my bow wavered. Then I played on. The final section surged like a storm breaking free.

Notes poured from us in dazzling streams, each phrase answered, challenged, and embraced. The piano rang out in triumph, and my violin soared above it, light yet resolute, refusing to be drowned. And then— The final note. I held it, letting the sound tremble and fade, the bow trembling as much as my heart. The piano answered with one last, crystalline chime. Silence. For a heartbeat, the world stood still. Then the hall erupted. Applause crashed over us like waves, but I barely heard it.

My chest rose and fell as I lowered my violin, fingers numb, heart racing. I turned toward Alistair, breathless—and he stood, meeting my gaze with that same quiet intensity. In that moment, I understood. I love you, Alistair. ALISTAIR NIGHTFALL'S POV: The final bell of midnight struck as Arielle and I played our last note. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Exhausted, Arielle crashed into my embrace. Ah, this is expected.

Neither she nor I have eaten supper yet. I scooped her up with my two hands like a princess and headed towards the pastry section. After making sure she was alright after sitting her on a chair, I walked towards Kaori and Ella to get some pastries.

"Here you go," I handed the plate of pastries and a bottle of water to Arielle.

"Thank you," She smiled politely and studied the food carefully.

"Why? Is anything wrong? Or do you need me to feed you?" I smirked. Her cheeks reddened as she murmured, "Feed me," quietly.

"Of course, Princess," I smiled and bent down, placing the plate on my lap as I cut the croissant into smaller pieces for her.

"Not Princess, it's Arielle——!" She puffed her cheek, but before she could finish, I gently placed a piece of croissant into her mouth.

"Is it delicious, Arielle?" I asked.

"It's delicious!" She licked her lips.

"I'm going to get some macaroons for myself. Will you be alright here?" I looked up at her. She looked really cute when she was munching on food. She nodded.

"Brother!"

"Alistair!" Kaori and Ella ran towards me.

"How's the food?" I patted Ella's head.

"Delicious!!" She hugged me.

"Your piano skills are magnificent," Kaori complimented.

"Thank you, Big Sis!" I smiled genuinely. Kaori froze, shocked. Then said, "Ara ara, thank you, Alistair. I'm glad that you are my brother." I took a bite of my macaroon. It was delicious!! Leo, I'm so proud of you!

"Anyway, Alistair, isn't it time you head back?"Kaori eyed something behind me. I looked back to see a crowd of people swarming poor Arielle.

"Yeah," I sighed. I glanced at my watch; the mission was still commencing. I need to show the warmer side of me to Arielle as much as I can to buy more time, even if it's fake. I walked towards her, squeezing my way through the crowd, the hear voices.

"Princess, would you want a bite of my croissant?"

"No! Take a bite of mine, Princess!"

"Don't hang out with that bastard! He no longer has parents!" I froze.

"Yeah!" Other voices joined in.

"His title should be revoked!"

"That's why you should stay away from him before you develop feelings for him, Princess!"

"We wouldn't want your precious heart to be broken, Princess!" My heart was pounding against my ribcage as images of my parents' deaths flashed through my mind. I could no longer hear their voices. Why? Why did they leave me? Why????!!!!! I clutched my head, and my eyes turned bloodshot. My legs shook and were about to give way… …when a gentle hand took mine.

"It's ok, everyone, I'll eat his!" Arielle placed my half-eaten macaroon into her mouth and ate it slowly, savouring its taste. Everyone froze.

"Indirect kiss?!!!" Some shouted.

"What is this?!!" Arielle pulled me close to her until our chests were touching. I look down at her slender frame, surprised.

"Don't worry," She smiled.

"I will not let them revoke your title." She said firmly.

"Thank you," I bowed deeply, but she stopped me.

"Nuh uh," She shook her head.

"Thank you." Those two words seemed to convey all the feelings she had for me. Her hands were interlocked in mine as though we were a couple. Arielle's actions seemed to say,"I love you, Alistair."

"Sorry, Arielle", I thought.

"I can't love you," I gripped her hand tighter.

"Because I don't deserve to love…" I couldn't even protect the people I love. How could I love in peace? That's just evil; I will be betraying them, those who first loved me. I can't even love myself now, how can I love you?

"And with that last song, our annual Royal Ball comes to an end!" The host announced.

"Aw," Arielle moaned silently. I pulled away from her and excused myself, "Arielle, I'm going to go back to my family now, till we meet again." She tiptoed, and her lips closed the gap between us as hers met mine. It was gentle at first, almost hesitant, as though she were testing whether the moment was real. Her breath hitched softly, warm and fragile, and I felt her fingers tighten against my sleeve as if anchoring herself.

The world seemed to still—no music, no voices—just the faint shimmer of light and the quiet meeting of our hearts. Her lips were soft, trembling slightly, and when I responded, she melted into me, the distance between us disappearing completely. Time stretched thin.

I could feel her heartbeat through the closeness of our bodies, fast yet steady, and the way she leaned into me told me everything—her trust, her vulnerability, her courage in choosing this moment—the chandeliers above blurred into a gentle glow, like stars watching in silence. When we finally parted, it was slow and reluctant. Her forehead rested against my chest, her cheeks flushed, eyes shimmering as if she feared the dream would fade if she looked away.

The crowd stood still, unable to react, whereas her father was crying tears of joy.

"Bye then, Alistair Nightfall," She smiled. ~~~~~~~~~~"What an elegant kiss you had," Kaori teased.

"Hm? What kiss?" Ella continued to munch on her cupcakes.

"Nothing," I looked away, cheeks reddening.

"Ara ara, feeling shy?" Kaori tiptoed and patted my head.

"Don't treat me like a child."

"But I am your Big Sis, no?" Kaori smiled.

"Anyway, how did you know that…?" I let Kaori's thoughts finish my sentence.

"Ah! It's because the voice in my head told me!" She laughed.

"Have you been overthinking what was happening all this time?"

"No…" I looked away.

"Hahahaha! What a cute brother I have!" Then she proceeded to cuddle my head.

"Let's go home now," I said, exhausted.

"Ok!" Ella squealed.

"Why're you so excited about going home?" I asked. Usually, Ella would beg me to stay whenever there was food. Ella looked around to make sure there wasn't anybody near us and whispered, "That's because I hid some pastries under my dress…"

"Hahahahaha!" Kaori laughed.

"What cute siblings I have!!" And I, on the other hand, smacked my forehead in dismay. When we finally reached the Royal Family, who were at the exit, we bid our farewells.

"Thank you tonight, my King and Queen, have a great night," Kaori said, and we all bowed.

"Oh no no no," The King beckoned us to lift our heads.

"Thank you for tonight," He looked at me with a proud smirk.

"My daughter's going to have a husband," He murmured as he wiped a tear.

"Father!" Arielle stomped her foot in dismay, and the Queen shamelessly laughed at her.

"Of course, anytime," I winked at Arielle. She froze and blushed. Her older and younger brothers, I presume, started dancing around her, teasing her.

"Goodnight then!" Kaori waved goodbye, and we headed home.