The End of the Season

Ui marched confidently towards the stage. It was her stage after all.

The Duke’s stylists had crafted a perfect image for her from her dress to her shoes. They even entertained her request for shoes that were light enough that she felt barefoot as she walked towards that stage. There were dark ribbons tied to her soft, dark, slightly elevated sole that crisscrossed her legs until they hid behind her dress, specially made for the occasion. The off-white dress was much less stiff than the one she had worn in her first concert, and the voluminous, flowing hem of the skirt was a much more familiar piece of clothing. She requested a pink sash, too, and a top loosely wrapped around her. They had complied with every request she had; she felt like she could move as freely as she wanted.

Her footsteps echoed in the quiet auditorium as she made her way to the center, and then she took a bow, towards the musicians first, and then the audience.

“Hello everyone…”

The audience seemed cold as they focused on her words.

“I don’t like people who talk too much without me being able to reply so…”

There were some faint laughs in the audience. It could’ve been Prishu, or her family, or maybe even Odoe, if she had managed to take some time off.

“I just want to say that I’ve always believed everyone can enjoy music, and that I hope it can bring us all together tonight.”

Ui looked at the director with a fully determined face, who in turn prepared to conduct his orchestra.

They played several pieces inspired by Ui’s songs as the evening went by. She laid all of her emotions bare, even if she imagined some members of the audience wouldn’t like what she felt or sang.

She relived the sad, difficult moments of her life and contrasted them with the happy and hopeful ones. She didn’t let the sharp notes of anger and frustration go unnoticed, either. And with a bit of fear, she displayed it all on the stage. She understood one emotion couldn’t exist without the other, and it was important for her to show all of them.

“Find the colors

Of the short mountains, the uneven meadowlands,

Dark rivers, bright people, withering flowers,

Or pleasant dreams,

And you’ll find,

The future I see.”

Ui sang the last word with the last bit of emotional energy that she had, joyous until the very last note.

She bowed towards the crowd, as the auditorium roared in applause. She had won their hearts, and no songmagic was involved. Even if she was hesitating about the future of the island, that day, she had won decisively. She knew there were still hateful people in the audience, but she had shown them what she could do, and that could always grow into more.

Ui bowed towards the musicians, full of gratitude for them bringing her music to life, before turning around and walking off the stage.

As she walked off the stage, she remembered the first time she walked into that auditorium. It was dark, overwhelming, and she felt tiny… but not anymore.

This stage wasn’t so big after all.

◆

Once she was behind the stage, Ui couldn’t contain her giddiness as she walked towards a private room, meant for her to relax and unwind before heading towards the dinner feast celebrating the end of the season.

She dropped loudly onto a chair, now relieved from all the weight from her emotional performance.

“That was wonderful.” She heard a man’s voice and panicked. She looked around the room and found Miront in the corner.

Ui sighed and shook her head. “If it was, then why are you here to ruin it.”

“There’s been an unexpected change.” Miront didn’t seem to match her celebratory mood.

“Unexpected?” She really didn’t like that word, not in her moment of celebration. “What does that have to do with me?”

“It has everything to do.” Miront spoke cryptically.

“Can you just—”

“Ui, this will be a harsh test for you. I can’t prepare you for this.” Miront paused, his seriousness being much more distorting to Ui than his usual, playful persona. “I know you have problems hiding your feelings. You make it painfully obvious.”

Ui stared at Miront, displeased.

“But for once, I ask you to control yourself, and behave like your parents have taught you. I’ll be with you, follow my lead.”

“What is this about?”

“You’ll see.” Miront grinned like he usually did. Despite his teasing and his words being unsettling, Ui was relieved that some normalcy had returned to the conversation.

There was a firm knock on the door. Miront nodded towards a now confused Ui.

“Miss Lront, you are summoned to the dinner hall immediately.”

“I can’t even get a break, can I?” Ui whispered towards Miront. Miront offered his hand to help Ui up, but she ignored it.

Miront escorted her to the dinner hall, while one of the mansion's servants led the way. The servant stopped outside before entering the hall, while Miront and Ui continued.

Ui spotted the Royal Mages, standing their guard solemnly like they usually did. She spotted Cro, focused on his work like he normally was. But Prishu’s expression was concerningly serious and focused for Ui’s liking.

Ui knew something was different. She tried to find the Duke, but couldn’t spot him where she assumed he’d be. The whole atmosphere of the room was ominously quiet and stale to follow the concert she had just delivered.

She was escorted to a smaller table, where she was seated with both of her parents and other nobles, much friendlier and less intimidating than last time. Her parents discreetly smiled, calming her nerves for a moment.

All of a sudden, a group of Royal Mages poured into the room. One of them announced with a loud voice. “All rise, for His Majesty, the King.”

Ui barely managed to make use of her legs to stand up. The monochrome environment of the Uman court completely washed away the feelings that she had so carefully and lovingly delivered on stage just minutes ago.

It all made sense now. The seriousness in the room, the muted emotions of Prishu, the toned down display of love by her parents, and even Miront’s vague threats. Miront, standing next to her, discreetly nodded at her.

The King walked into the room as the whole room was standing. It seemed for everyone else, time and colors had come to a stop.

“Why is everyone standing up? Dinners are meant to be enjoyed sitting down.” The King joked as he got to his chair, an elevated table in the center of the room. Ui heard vague sounds of forced laughter scattered across the room. “Except the concert girl of course. Bring her to me.” The lingering happiness that Ui was holding on to from her concert faded away when she heard those words.

After the King sat down, the rest of the room followed his example, except Ui.