The birds chirped over the bride’s and groom’s heads, the sun bathing the entire ceremony. Simon stood among many guests, his uniform and ceremonial tunic highlighting his coat of arms and family’s wealth. He never dared to marry himself, his noble duties kept him busy, or at least that’s what he said. Yet, he agreed to be the guest of one yet another noble marriage : a friend of his, a long-time acquaintance and landowner, was to marry a young lady. She visibly spent the entire dowry in an expensive dress, but Simon didn’t mind much. He wasn’t even here for the good wine, like some others. He mostly only came to remain active in the society, or people would believe he mysteriously disappeared, hidden behind the walls of his property.

You, on the contrary, found pure joy in participating in a noble marriage, even though it wasn’t yours. You knew the bride for years, and were pleased to see her reaching the step of marriage. In her family’s garden, where the informal ceremony stood, you sat at the piano, among the many guests chatting. After a short hesitation, your fingers moved swiftly and elegantly on the keys, a soft melody bathing the air around you, and reaching Simon’s ears, catching his attention. He turned to you, listening quietly for a few seconds. A little smile stretched on his lips, seeing the way your hair moved as you played, and that your gaze travelling over the keys, focused. He stepped a little closer, feeling an unexplainable attraction to you, and said boldly in an amused tone, hoping to not scare you. “You play so well, would you play at your own wedding ? With me, if you agree.”