I wasn’t used to having so much company.

The dining hall, once silent as a tomb, now bustled with too many guests to count. The ghost-lights, once shining cold blue over the darkness, now lit the room with a warm candlelight glow. Those who sat at the long banquet table were the common folk from the village: blacksmiths, farmers, and coopers. No lords or kings had learned about the return of the De Rosamund girl yet. I wanted to keep it that way, for now. I preferred the company of the villagers and my family to that of higher society anyway.

Everyone talked and dined happily: on one side of the table sat Finley with his grandfather and nephew; across from them sat Etienne with her sister and her two nieces. And close to me sat my family.

“More wine?” Elise asked, passing a half-full pitcher.

“Of course,” Connie answered, pouring himself a glass.

“I must say, I’ve never quite heard a piano concerto like that, Faustine,” August remarked as he ate a tomato. “All of what we saw was a dream, if I’m understanding that right?”

“It’s a bit hard to explain. But that’s the basic idea.”

“It was all so real. Like we were truly flying.”

“That is why it was called Lighter than Air,” Connie snarked.

“I understood that part of it.” August snarked back. “I just can’t quite fathom that such a thing could happen.”

“That’s the power of music,” I said, pointing my fork at him. “It can take you places.”

“Well, I thought it was wonderful.” Elise complimented.

“I’m glad I surprised you.”

“There’s far more she can do. I know it.” Genny remarked. I smiled at my sister.

“Are you planning any more concerts this year?” Marius said beside me.

I turned to him. Even three months later, I still couldn’t believe my eyes. I was transfixed by every detail of him: the way his long dark hair fell slightly over his face; His soft features, with rich brown skin that was warm to the touch; His light brown eyes with flecks of hazel gold, like an autumnal grove. Elise told me that he had his father’s eyes. I think he inherited far more than that.

“I have a few concertos I’m currently working on. I may have one or two in the next few months. I don’t want to overwhelm myself. What about you?”

“I should be finishing my training and be ready to accept clients soon. My teacher said he knew a few people who would be very interested.”

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I touched his hand. “That’s wonderful.”

“I don’t know about you, but I am still hungry.” Connie waved a servant over. He was a thin blond young man. “Can we get some more bread?”

The night continued as such. Everyone who came to see my local concert enjoyed the full reception dinner with friends and family alike. I watched it all with contentment. I never realized just how wonderful it all could feel to see everyone so happy for a change.

When everyone had left and the halls were once again silent, I decided to go to my favorite spot.

I breathed in the air of the garden around me. It smelled of flowers and rain. The telltale scent of the Moonlit Tears was in the air as well. That intoxicating perfume of the Moon was unmistakable. Their light illuminated many places around the garden. Beyond the gates, the grounds shined with a halo of blue light which reached far into the night sky.

I walked along the paths. Memories resurfaced: Hiding among the statues to escape from Father; the few happy moments where Genevive and I chased each other down the pathways. She would always run slower to give me a chance. My crutches sometimes caught on the stones.

Those memories threaded with the more recent ones of the times I spent wandering alone in the cold silence. I used to hate how it all made me feel, the past resurfacing in my mind amongst my misery. But it was so far away now.

I felt so alone before. But now, no longer. I had a family again, a real family who cared about me. I had my sister back. My music had returned and was more vibrant than ever within me.

I approached the canopy and saw someone sitting on a bench with a pad of paper. He was furiously sketching.

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” I said as I walked inside.

Marius looked at me suddenly. “Oh! No. I was just drawing. You know, just enjoying the silence while it lasts.”

I nodded and sat down next to him.

“The concert was exceptional. I’m looking forward to more.” He placed down his paper and pencil.

“Thank you,” I replied, my face growing warm. “It’s so quiet here.”

“Yes. It’s very nice.”

We sat together in silence, just gazing into each other’s eyes.

“Do you remember when you first saw me here?” I asked.

“I told you the garden was beautiful,” Marius answered. “You didn’t like it.”

“I wasn’t myself then. I still cringe at the memory.” I admitted.

“But you’re much better now.”

My face grew warm again. “I am.” I gazed out into the garden. “And it is beautiful. I see that now.”

“As are you, Faustine.” Marius’ hand touched mine.

I turned to look at him. “Marius, I’ve been thinking about the recent past. About all that’s happened. And I came to an understanding of a kind.”

“What’s that?”

“The spell on me was of my own making. It happened because of what I saw in myself. I thought no one could ever care about me. That I was worthless. But then you came back and forgave me even after I lied to you.”

“Yes, I know. What do understand now?”

I looked deeper into his eyes. “You gave me the strength to finally stand up to the Maer.”

“Strength can be hard to find, but it’s there,” Marius said. “There’s something to love in everyone, even if we can’t see it ourselves.”

“You reminded me of my humanity.” I touched his cheek. “You are my light.”

“And you’re my angel.” He leaned toward me.

Our lips met. And for a single, eternal moment, the world melted away into a beautiful endless field of stars where we were all that existed. Like the night itself, like the love between us, our kiss lasted forever more.

And they Lived Happily Ever…

Well, you know the rest.

THE END