I Was The Perfect Queen But He Forgot My Name Chapter 20
By reflex, I glanced toward the men’s seating area.
Julian wasn’t there.
Tessa, who had been keeping an eye on the room, leaned in. “He was just called away by a councilor,” she whispered.
After losing Cedar Ridge’s support, Julian had grown much busier. If no one had explained this sort of event to Iris, it would have been easy for her to misunderstand.
She probably thought every young woman was expected to perform.
Iris said she had no professional musical training but could play a hometown folk tune on a leaf.
The guests, weary just moments before, instantly perked up.
The clear, simple melody rose through the conservatory like a spring wind blowing through winter plum blossoms. It was deeply moving.
When the tune ended, the room burst into applause.
Adrian looked at Iris with open interest.
Celeste, however, smiled stiffly.
If no one surpassed her, today’s winner would be Iris. Celeste’s carefully arranged political matchmaking gala would become a public showcase for Julian’s new love.
She turned to me.
“I’ve heard Genevieve is an excellent harpist. Would you be willing to perform for charity today?”