Chapter 2

Hello Readers,

Thank you for your reviews so far. I was so happy to read your thoughts on the story. I came up with this idea after listening to the music playlist from the Kdrama: 'That Winter, the Wind Blows'. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it! Please continue to support me and enjoy the story.

mushimushi123

Keith POV - In the corridor of Nobel Michel Castle.

I watched as she knelt on the floor patting and grasping searching for the ring that was just beyond her reach. Her usual expressionless face full of panic and looking so close to tears, I couldn't help but step in. A blind noble woman? What hope did she have in this world. I felt angry at the fact that I had been fooled that she was of great nobility. However…she also reminded me of Cathy who was also had ill health and I know that it was not her fault.

I bent down and picked up the gold ring looking at the inscription within the ring, 'Stravaski'. A bland ring. I forcefully grabbed the Silver-haired woman's hands and placed the ring in her hands.

"Is this what you are looking for?", I asked nonchantly. I saw her fearful expression stiffen into her expressionless figure and her hands tightened around the ring as she recognised my voice.

"I never asked for you help,"she said quietly. Fury spread through me quicker than I had ever experienced before. Not even when Luke accidentally poisoned all the plants in the garden so that the gardens of Liberty turned pitch black. How dare she talk to me in that matter? She made a high prince bend down and help her! That ungrateful woman.

"I'm sorry, I should have left you to grovel on the ground for your ring," I said sarcastically,"Don't you think you should be thanking me?". "Why should I thank you?", she asked, "Aren't you doing as expected of a prince? To help those in need? Especially a blind woman such as me? I do not need your pity". Pity?! As if this woman was worthy of such a thing as pity from a prince. Just as I was about to send a retort back, Zain came and interrupted.

"Lady Stravaski, I beg your pardon but the car is ready," said Zain,"But…if you wish to continue your conversation with Prince Keith, I can wait a bit longer…". Yukina brushed her dress off of dust and shook her head, "No…I was not having any kind of conversation with him. Let's go". Zain took her hands and lead her away leaving me in the corridor with my face stupified.

What a woman! I should hope I'll never meet her again!

XXXXXX

Keith POV - LIberty Castle, Keith's Office

I was looking over the latest policy that might go through when Luke came running through the door completely soaked in water and panicking. God, help me…I hope he didn't fall into the pond again whilst feeding the fish. I remember THAT time. It gave a dreadful fright to the ambassador of Grenalor when Luke came out of the pond covered in seaweed and looking a monster.

"Your highness! There is a major problem that's just occurred!", said Luke panting. I raised my eyebrows waiting for him to tell some story that a cat had gone missing.

Luke continued,"Cathy's new piano teacher! You'll never believe how amazing she is at piano!". I looked down back at my work and continued muttering,"It shouldn't surprise me. Any education Cathy gets should be from the best for any member of the Liberty family". I picked up my coffee to take a sip."But what is even more crazy is that her hair is unnaturally white and in addition… she's blind". I choked on my coffee, "BLUR *cough* *cough*. W-what?". I stared at Luke in surprise. It couldn't possibly be that infuriating woman that had been on my mind this past week because of her unacceptable behaviour.

I commanded, "Tell me her name and background. NOW". Luke scratched his head and pulled out a notebook, "Erm..Her name is Yukina Arabashi. Her family was a great traditional family but they died under mysterious circumstances leaving her as an orphan at 12 and she also developed blindness. Reasons unknown. For the past 2 years, she has been known for her great performances in piano and violin and nicknamed "The Blind Songbird". Your father hired her to teach Cathy the piano as she is an excellent teacher and will be living here for 6 months". Luke closed his notebook abruptly.

I tapped my fingers together and sat back in my chair and gathered my thoughts. She should be checked whether she was suited for Cathy and I would check personally. "Luke, show me where this lady is. I think it wise to look at whether she's worthy of a teacher to one of the family of Liberty". Luke looked surprised, "Prince Keith, you've never taken any notice of any of the previous piano teachers before…". I stared at him annoyed, "Are you questioning my actions?". Immediately, Luke waved his hands and shook his head, "N-no, your highness". Good. I wouldn't like to shout at him again. Luke was mostly reliable but he really knew how to make me angry at times. We both began to walk towards the door.

"By the way, Luke…"

"Yes…Your highness?"

"Why are you soaking wet?"

"Oh! The cat knocked over the bucket by the window and it fell on me. But don't worry! I'm fine!"

"Make sure you dry off so you don't get a cold. It's annoying having to train someone else"

"Y-YES, Your Highness!"

Cathy POV

I was so excited to get the famous "Blind songbird" as my teacher! Even though Yukina was blind, she played the piano so well and she caught all my mistakes through just hearing. She's kind and patient with me and super pretty as well! I know I'm ill as well but she takes her illness with grace and I hope to be someone who's as strong as she is.

"Princess Cathy, stay in time please", whispered Yukina. My attention went back to playing the piece. "Yes, Lady Yukina", I replied. As the piece finished, I felt that I had played so much better than before in terms of timing, playing the correct notes and emotions; and this was only the first lesson!

"Lady Yukina, I wish you would stop calling me Princess Cathy! It's so troublesome when you are teaching me. Cathy is fine", I pouted. Yukina gave a gentle smile that didn't quite seem to reach her eyes. "Very well…then please call me Yukina". I gasped, "I couldn't possibly do that! You are my teacher!". She reached at and touched my face and stroked it. It felt warm and tender.

"Please"

I hesitated and then replied, "Well…Okay! But in return, you have to play my favourite piece ever, "This is a shelter" by Olafur Arnalds". I hope she knew it and she reached my expectations as she shuffled over and felt the piano. She began to play note by note with perfect emotions. Even without the violin accompaniment, the soul of the piece seem to come out and I began to wonder…what did she go through to have to play such emotions. The last note seemed to stain the air and disappear to peaceful silence.

"Did you know, Cathy? That every piece played never sounds the same as the original?", said Yukina in a quiet voice. I shook my head. She continued, " It might seem easier to imitate the composer of the piece but actually the song comes out when the pianist puts their own emotions from experiences into the song. How they experience sadness is not the same as how the composer experienced sadness, so every piece can be made their own".

I looked at her with admiration. It was so true. Then…

"What were you thinking about to bring about those emotions in this piece?", I asked curiously. She stared ahead at nothing.

"My family"

I'm really sorry for the late update. I hope you guys are having a wonderful summer! I work as a student nurse so I've been inside most of the time. Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts! And review if you have time.