Disclaimer: This story gives me no profit but fun. No copyright infringement is intended.
Author's Note: Inspired by Roberto Alagna and Lise Lindstrom in the 2012 Orange production of Puccini's Turandot.
Dedicated: For DonnaAnna.
Conosco il nome dello straniero
"Great Emperor!"
A shiver runs down my spine at the coldness of Turandot's voice as it rings through the hushed throne room. For the first time since I saw the princess and instantly knew she was my destiny… Struck the golden gong without hesitation… Solved her riddles then gave her one in return… Doubt digs its sharp claws into me.
From the corner of my eye, I glance at her. Standing alone before her father, she is a dark figure amidst the room's dazzling splendor. Since we left the garden in answer to the trumpets' call, she has not spoken to me.
The garden… Was it less than an hour ago that we stood by the fish pond, surrounded by the perfume of pear blossoms? The princess had wept her first tears. The ice in her dark eyes melted, changing them into soft deep pools. For a moment she rested her head against my shoulder, and clasped my hand.
"I know the stranger's name."
I sink to one knee and bow my head. It was not an illusion, what transpired between her and I. The princess's winter is over. However, I saw the calculation that flashed over her face following her shock when I gave her a weapon: my name. After everything, will Turandot choose to send me to my death? A bone-deep sadness comes over me.
"His name is...Love!"
Love. I look up. The crowd around me erupts with joy, but my attention is on the princess. She turns to me, and as she does so her black robe transforms to pure white. Her face glows; the way she looks at me is a reflection of how I've watched her.
Awed, I stand. A heavy weight rolls off my shoulders. And my heart soars as I step forward to meet Turandot.
THE END