Lucia Di Lammermoor
Lips parted and the words came out in a tone deeper than was thought possible for a girl her age. She wove a story with her melodic voice, enchanting all those watching in the audience. Lucia Di Lammermoor was a lovely opera to sing by nearly everyone's standards. The thing they could not believe, though, was how a nineteen-year-old girl could manage to pull it off. It seemed almost impossible to them.
Kagome put on the show of her life. This was her chance to be a star. The people of Berlin had requested that she sing at the opera for a contest of sorts. She had been so excited when she had received the invitation that she had made reservations at once and left for Germany. Now, here she was, clothed in an elegant dress that she was sure cost a bundle. It was a Victorian style satin bridal gown with low V-cut period boned bodice that laced up the back. A Victorian style skirt was smooth fitted in front and gathered at the back with a short train and large draping bow bustle called a butterfly bow. It was a brilliant red as well, very eye catching. Her hair was done up in an intricate design of braids and curls with a tiara atop her head. She also had a bit of make-up on. Black eyeliner to bring out her eyes and ruby red lipstick on to have her lips stand out boldly under the blinding spotlight.
Having the spotlight on her made her feel rather sick. So many people were watching her. There must have been hundreds of people there. Gulping between a brief pause in her singing, she started once again with a strong voice, arms opening to show her expressions and her passion. She took a few steps forward and gazed out at the people watching her with tears in her eyes. The song was passionate, full of emotion. That was one of the main reasons she had chosen the piece. She could express herself freely through such beautiful music. What if she messed up, though? What if she didn't win? Oh well, it didn't matter. This performance would bring her the fame she craved. It had to.
He watched her from the balcony. Such a delicate figure she had under such a lovely gown. He nearly licked his lips. He could barely believe his eyes or his ears. Beside him, his wife scowled, watching how her husband stared at the singer with a fervent look in his azure eyes. What did this woman have that she didn't? Ayame pouted then turned her gaze back upon the opera, glaring daggers at the young Kagome. How dare this witch steal her lover away with the mere sound of her voice? It had been hard enough to get the handsome Prince Kouga to marry her and now it all seemed like a waste of time if he was just going to ogle women that were nearly seven years younger than he was. Ayame scowled once again, the word 'whore' coming to mind as she berated the young woman.
Kouga shivered. Who was this lovely siren? He had to know, but he knew that it was rude etiquette to just get up and leave during a performance. The young prince shifted around in his seat, begging for this performance to be over with. What was taking her so long? Sure, she sang like an angel, but he wanted to meet her. He needed to meet her. He had never wanted something so badly in his life except maybe his lovely mare back home in the stables. Kouga bit down on his lower lip and fidgeted until Ayame jabbed him in the arm with her finger and glared at him, a silent warning to hold still. The prince growled in return, but was cut short when applause sounded throughout the theatre's house. Standing abruptly, Kouga practically ripped past the curtain blocking the door and walked hurriedly down the hallway to the stairs. He took two at a time until he came across a worker there.
Kagome came off the stage with a huge sigh. Her body was trembling and she was having a little trouble walking straight. Damn. That performance really took a lot out of her, though the audience seemed to enjoy it. For that she was extremely happy.
"That was lovely, child. You really outdid yourself!"
"Hm? Oh, Ms. Kaede, you came!" Kagome smiled at the old woman before her.
"Of course I did, child. Do you honestly think I would miss this performance?"
"Never."
Kagome could not help but grin as the old woman complimented her on her song choice as they headed back toward the backstage where the dressing rooms were conveniently located. Passing nearly six doors, the young singer and Kaede stopped at a door off to the right that led into a small dressing room. As seen in the movies, there was a lighted mirror, but she had no huge couch to speak of or anything. Make-up was scattered over a small coffee table off to the side of the room and jeans were strewn along the room along with a few blouses. Kagome grinned sheepishly at Kaede when she saw the old woman looking at the mess in disapproval.
"For a beautiful singer, you sure keep yourself in quite a disaster area, child."
"I know, I know. I'll clean up before we leave. Honest!"
Before Kaede could even get a word in, though, there was a knock at the door much to the old woman's displeasure. Guests? Now? She glanced over toward Kagome then gazed at the mess pointedly. The young woman did not need to be 'told' twice. She immediately tossed her make-up into an empty bag and kicked her dirty clothes into a dark corner as quickly as she could before stumbling over herself just to answer the door.
"Yes?"
"Miss Kagome, a young gentleman is here to see you. Is it all right if I let him in?"
"No, it is not," came Kaede's quick reply. Kagome rolled her eyes.
"Of course it is all right. Bring him in right away!"
"Very well, Miss."
Kagome flashed the crew member a smile before closing the door on his back and went to straighten her messy dressing room even more while she awaited her guest. Kaede smirked. She just stood back and allowed Kagome to deal with her own mess.
"Do you think it wise to let a man into your room?"
"What do you mean?"
"It isn't appropriate. You're just like your mother, child."
"My mother met my father through 'inappropriate' meetings at concerts. Would you be happy if I just let my chances slip away and stay abstinent forever?"
"Yes."
Kagome laughed. The look the old woman was giving her was a mix between disgust and eating a sour lemon. A rather comical look if you asked her. When she was about to comment on the face her guardian was making, a knock once again came to the door and she perked up. Striding toward the door, she cracked it open and peered at the one standing out in the pseudo hallway. She was met with a piercing azure gaze that made her shiver. Taking into consideration that this was probably her guest, the singer opened the door wider to welcome the stranger inside. With calculated steps, the man led himself into the dressing room and Kagome shut the door quietly behind him.
"Gutenabend, Sir. Wie kann ich Ihnen helfen?" Kagome attempted to speak in German. Saying good evening had been difficult for her, much less asking what she could do for him. Curse her for never paying attention to her instructor.
Kouga noted her discomfort with amusement. "No worries, my lady, we may speak in English if you wish."
"Oh, thank you! Now, what may I do for you sir?"
"I would like to introduce myself. My name is Kouga Neufeld. It is an honor to meet you, miss….miss…?"
"Kagome. Kagome Higurashi."
Kagome had held out a hand for him to shake when Kaede suddenly smacked her hand away. Kagome gasped and turned to whine at the woman until she saw the look on her face. Brows pinched together in obvious worry and Kaede glared back at her. After a moment of that, she turned to face Kouga and bowed deeply. Kagome only stared.
"Kagome. This is the young prince of the German royal family. Bow!"
Kagome gasped in shock, but her body did as it was told. Dear God….what had she done to catch the attention of a prince?
AN: I hope that you all enjoyed this chapter. This is a bit of a test for me. I've never written an IY story, but I was inspired after going to the opera with my theatre class. If you enjoyed it, please, by all means, review and feel free to give me ideas. Thank you!