Chapter 547

Caitlin couldn’t figure out what L.L.K. stood for, but she didn’t have time to dwell on it. King Leif VI sat quietly just a few feet away, waiting patiently.
She adjusted the violin on her shoulder, tuned it lightly, and began to play.
Leif VI leaned back in his wheelchair, resting his chin on his hand, silently listening.
The sound of the violin always pulled him back to that beautiful, distant memory.
He remembered the first time he met her–drawn in by a haunting melody. He had followed the music and found her by a lakeside near the hotel, bathed in morning light, glowing like an ethereal spirit.
Just like now, he hadn’t disturbed her. He had simply watched and listened, allowing the moment to stay unbroken.
Back in the reception hall, Federico and the rest of the orchestra waited….
The longer Caitlin was gone, the more anxious he grew.
What exactly did the prince want with her? What if something happened?
Unable to sit still any longer, Federico made up his mind.
“Conductor, you stay here with everyone. I’m going to find Esme.”
The conductor frowned. “This is the royal palace. You can’t just wander around.”
“I’ll be careful.”
Even if the worst happened, Federico had one final card to play–his true identity. The royal family wouldn’t dare act recklessly.
The conductor reluctantly agreed. “Fine. But don’t provoke anyone. Avoid conflict with the palace guards at all costs.”
“I understand.”
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Federico left the reception hall and began walking down the long corridors in search of her.
Meanwhile, word of Esme’s private meeting with the king reached Queen Heather.
After the banquet, Heather had returned to her chambers, already scheming ways to arrange a private meeting with the piano prince .
Then the head lady–in–waiting reported, “Your Majesty, the king has summoned the violinist from earlier.”
“What?”
Heather sat up from her chaise lounge, startled.
The image of that mysterious violinist immediately surfaced in her mind.
A flash of darkness flickered in her eyes. Could it be… he still couldn’t let go?
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Anger simmered quietly beneath her poised demeanor. Without a word, she rose and headed straight for the reception suite.
As she approached, she heard violin music flowing from inside.
The guards at the door moved to salute, but she waved them off. She didn’t enter–she simply stood there, listening.
After a moment, she turned and instructed her lady–in–waiting, “When that woman comes out, bring her to me . ”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Inside the hall, Caitlin’s music carried Leif VI back to the past.
When the final note faded, he remained lost in his memories.
Caitlin carefully set the violin down and turned toward the king, who was still deep in thought.
What was he thinking? Why did his eyes look so heavy with sorrow?
“Your Majesty, I’ve finished. May I return now?”
Her voice brought Leif VI back to the present. He blinked and looked at her.
“You play beautifully. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Caitlin was relieved. So the king had summoned her merely to listen to her play–nothing more.
“I’ll have someone escort you back.”
He called a guard and gave brief instructions. Caitlin bowed, replaced her mask, and left the hall.
The king remained in his wheelchair, unmoving, his thoughts spinning in silence.
As Caitlin stepped outside, the head lady–in–waiting intercepted her.
“Miss Esme, Her Majesty the Queen would like to see you as well. She enjoyed your performance.”
Caitlin blinked. The queen too? Did she also want to hear her play?
If so, why hadn’t the king and queen just listened together?
Strange.
“Of course Please, lead the way.”
Caitlin followed her to the queen’s opulent quarters.
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There, she finally saw Queen Heather up lose. The queen was surprisingly youthful, her appearance well preserved and elegant.
“Your Majesty, Esme is here,” the lady in waiting announced.
Heather turned toward the masked girl, her expression soft and graceful.
“You’re Esme? You played beautifully. I really enjoyed it.”
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“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Caitlin bowed respectfully.
“You look very mysterious in that mask. May I see your face?”
Caitlin instantly understood.
It wasn’t about the music–it was the mask. The curiosity it stirred in people.
Had she performed with a bare face, no one would have bothered to summon her afterward.
Curiosity truly was powerful.
Caitlin gave a small nod and removed the mask.
Heather studied her features.
It was a very ordinary face. Without the mask, the mystique vanished entirely.
She found nothing familiar or noteworthy.
Heather gestured, indicating that she could put the mask back on.
She asked a few inconsequential questions, complimented her again, and then signaled for a reward.
A jeweled box was brought over, filled with fine accessories.
Caitlin politely declined. “Your Majesty, it’s an honor to perform for you and the king. I don’t require any reward.”
“Nonsense. It’s yours.”
Heather insisted, and the lady–in–waiting gently pressed the box into her hands.
Caitlin could only accept and thank her again.
No further questions followed. Heather simply had her escorted back to the reception hall.
The conductor spotted her immediately.
“Esme! You’re back! Did you see Federico? He went to look for you.”
“I didn’t see him. He went looking for me?”
Caitlin frowned, her concern growing. She handed her belongings to the conductor. “I’ll go find him.”
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“Wait,” the conductor stopped her. “If you go out now and he comes back, then he’ll go out again, and you’ll end up chasing each other in circles. Stay here. He’ll return once he hears you’re back.”
That made sense. Caitlin nodded and stayed.
At that moment, Federico was wandering the palace halls, completely unfamiliar with the layout, relying only on instinct.
Without realizing it, he stepped into the restricted section of the royal residence–the queen’s private wing.
Guards spotted him immediately.
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“Who are you? This area is off–limits!”
“I’m Federico, the pianist who performed earlier.”
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“The performance ended over thirty minutes ago. The orchestra is preparing to leave. And yet here you are, sneaking around. What’s your real purpose?”
The guards hadn’t seen the performers up close, and Federico’s nervous glances made them suspicious.
“I’m just looking for a colleague. I have identification–look for yourself.”
“We don’t care who you are. Entering the queen’s quarters without permission is a serious offense . You’ll be detained immediately.”
They moved to apprehend him.
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