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“So, you wish for another show? Well, I am afraid there isn’t much of a crowd up here.”
Calix looked at him, and the entire ocean seemed to swell across his face. “I am here.”
After long consideration and still confused as to why the prince was asking, Aurelius relented.
He’d barely got through half a line before Calix stopped him. “No, not as you did in the pub. Not for entertainment. Perform the song as it is meant to be performed.”
“Why does it matter—”
“Please,” said Calix. His golden eyes were soft. The lines around his mouth betrayed a vulnerability. “Please just do it. For me.”
Aurelius weighed the man’s intentions. He didn’t know what this had to do with revealing his secret. But it seemed important to the prince.
With a slow exhale, he did what was requested, singing the song as it was usually performed in the music schools of Mestibes—all soft and soppy and boring.
You cannot doubt my feelings for you, sweet one.
The love we share cannot be bought or sold.
I love you so without a rhyme or reason.
You’ll be my one and only till we’re old.
Don’t listen to his mischief now, my darling.
Don’t listen to his grifting now, my dear.
Don’t listen to his tricks and all that snarling.
You’ll be my one and only through the years.
There’s nothing he could say or do to break this.
For we are so much stronger than his lies.
Just take my hand, our lips will now embrace bliss.
You’ll be my one and only till we die.
It felt strange to sing the song earnestly, rather than with mockery. And despite the golden sun in the distance, Aurelius grew a little colder with each stanza.
The young couple were so in love.
So full of hope.
So devoted to each other...
When he was done, there was no celebration. The notes wandered down the hill and faded to silence.
That silence was broken not by applause, nor by whistles, or even by a, “thank you.” Instead, it was broken by grinding in Calix’s throat.
At first, Aurelius thought the prince must be crying.
But then, it became clear.
He was laughing.
Aurelius scowled, blushing a rare blush. “What’s so funny?”
