Chapter 3

"Come on, it's going to be fun!" A girl giggled, tugging at her spouse's arm.

He sighed, following her gestures. "Are you sure about this? This place is a bit...too much."

She wrapped her hands around his neck, placing a kiss on his lips. "I know, but we're just going to act like it's the two of us there and no one else got it." She smiled as he nodded. "Besides, the music there is good. I heard the harpist is a witch who makes people fall in love with her music."

"But I already love you."

She chuckled. "And who the hell said we can't love each other more?"

With those words, she opened the door and pulled him in.

The tavern brimmed with warmth and life, firelight flickering across the walls as laughter mingled with the clink of mugs.

In the corner, a veiled harpist sat quietly, her fingers gliding over the strings. The haunting melody wove through the noise, moans, softening conversations, and drawing curious glances.

Near the hearth, a young couple leaned close, their voices low.

“She plays like her soul’s in every note,” the woman whispered, her hand brushing against her companion’s.

“She’s mesmerizing,” he replied, his gaze lingering on the harpist before turning back to her. “But not as mesmerizing as you.”

The harpist shifted her tune to something lighter, playful, and rhythmic.

“Come on, let’s dance,” He urged.

“I’ll look ridiculous,” she protested, laughing as he pulled her to her feet.

“Then we’ll both look ridiculous.”

Their clumsy steps quickly turned to swaying, their arms wrapping tighter around each other as they moved with the music. Slowly, the man leaned in, his lips brushing hers in a kiss that felt like it belonged to the music itself.

In the middle of the tavern, undressed girls held onto each other, kissing and caressing themselves. Their hips and hands swayed to the rhythm of the music.

The music seemed to lift their spirits. They leaned in, reaching out for what lay within their legs—moans escaping their lips as they grew moist below.

The men watched, stroking themselves.

They weren't allowed to go close to the ladies—tavern policy—at least for those who couldn't afford the ladies of the tavern.

At the bar, a patron dropped a coin into the harpist’s pouch. “She’s got a way about her,” he remarked to the barmaid.

“Aye,” she replied, pausing to listen. “Some say she plays the heartstrings as well as the harp.”

The barmaid passed a table of travelers, one of whom nodded toward the musician. “Does she ever speak?” he asked.

“Not a word,” the barmaid replied. “Just play. But she’s worth every coin.”

“Her music could charm a king,” another added, dropping a silver piece into the harpist’s pouch.

As the final note resonated, the room erupted into cheers. Mugs were raised, and a voice called out.

"To the Lady of the Veil!" Someone roared. "May her music never falter!"

Everyone chorused. “To the Lady of the Veil!"

The harpist inclined her head, her veil concealing her smile, but her eyes glinted.

She took a bow before going through a door behind the stage. She heard someone singing—her replacement for the rest of the night.

Moans echoed from some of the rooms that she walked past. She didn't care, that wasn't her job anyway.

She was about to step into the room at the end of the hall when she heard a conversation that made her halt in her steps.

"Do you think the King would want any of my ladies?"

"Nonsense, Tyler. Of course, he would. Your ladies are the best in the kingdom. A night with one of them and that beast would come begging for more," A man chuckled.

Tyler was the owner of the tavern and the harpist boss. He was a man who would do anything and everything to get more coins in his pocket. That didn't surprise the harpist.

"So tell me, what's that weird magic man willing to offer for my girls?" Tyler asked.

The room went silent. The only thing she could hear were murmurings. All of a sudden Tyler burst into laughter.

"Damn, Greg! You should have started with that. When does he need them?!"

"Tomorrow, right after dawn."

Footsteps started approaching the door. The harpist took a few steps backward.

When the door opened, a man dressed like a Knight stepped out. He looked at her, flashing her a mischievous smile.

He grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer. "I don't mind having this one instead of the beast having her, Tyler."

Tyler frowned. "You know she's off limits, Greg. I owe her Mama that."

"Too bad. I would have made her feel heaven on earth," Gregory grinned before letting her go and walking away.

"Come in, Elaina," Tyler said to the harpist.

Tyler sat in his chair. When Elaina got in, she took off her Veil and placed it on the table.

"What does the Mage want now?" She asked.

"Some girls for his dirty job." He smirked. "But a good one this time. A whole lot of money is going to come out of this deal."

Elaina nodded. "Well, good luck then." She pulled out his table drawer and started counting some coins.

Tyler stared at her, not saying anything. Then he stood and went behind her. "You know, I used to like your Mama. A fine woman with an amazing voice that all the men longed for. She used to sing on that stage too."

"Yeah, I know; you have told me the story a lot of times."

As Elaina turned, Tyler blocked her path. He moved towards her, but she took a few steps back until she had her legs resting on the table.

"I tried to warn her about your father, but she wouldn't listen. When she was finally about to die, she left you in my care."

"And I worked for everything that I have."

"True," He said. "But I still treated you like my child. But now—" He crouched down a little, putting his hand below her skirt. "You are no longer a kid. You are a beautiful grown woman."

"Stop this, Tyler. I see you as a father," She retorted.

"But you shouldn't. You should start seeing me differently." He leaned in closer, placing his left arm on the table to steady himself, while his right hand traveled up her legs.

"I tried to look away, but I couldn't. I protected you from other men. I gave you everything—even access to my money. I think it's time we become more than just father and daughter."

He was about to put his hand in her when he screamed. His eyes darted to his bleeding left hand. She had stabbed him.

His eyes looked from Elaina to his hand. "How dare you!"

The corners of her lips tipped into a bitter smile. "You talk about giving me everything like you had anything. My mother's singing made you rich, and after she died, my playing made you rich. So you didn't give me anything, but I gave you everything."

Without warning, she pulled his other arm, placed it on the table, and drove another knife through it.

Tyler's screams were the only thing she heard as she walked out of the room.