(https://i.postimg.cc/P5RkW0WV/Music-Room.jpg)
As Michael was led to the Music Room of Shizukesa Palace notes of Chopin's Nocturne Op.9 No.2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiO5eHg_ulA) echoed throughout the hallways. While Shizukesa lacked the organ and harpsichord of Pyrena to which she was so accustomed, she had immersed herself in playing during the majority of her waking hours.
"I read a story recently," Beatrice said somewhat quietly, having taken Michael's hand, "of a man who said playing the piano slowed the progression of his disease. Each day I wake, I have breakfast, I play, sometimes for hours on end, yet I find it difficult to believe that this should be my lot in life. If nothing else, the notes speak to my soul, they calm my mind, and allow me some manner of rest. However," she paused, "just as I have done with every challenge in my life, I promise you I shall face this one, too, with all my strength and determination and, Islyna willing, I shall come out on top."
"It frightens me," she continued, "daily I speak with the best doctors the Empire has to offer and while they are confident in this diagnosis, there are certain things they are unable to explain. This leaves me with a 90% confidence in the diagnosis, I've told no one else but you," she said, her face resting in her palms. "All day I can only think, will this happen to Adriana as well? Lucius? Are they cursed to one day have their lives wrested from their hands, only to be thrown into chaos and uncertainty? There's so much I do not know yet, so much that I need to know and...." she trailed off, turning away to look at the stained glass windows, before turning back.
"And the trouble," she sighed, "As if I could simply tell anyone, if only it were so easy. I was the Empress of Rokkenjima, any weakness in me could have been exploited by our adversaries, and that was a risk that I could not justify. Imagine if the Slavans had found out, they'd have filled the airwaves with propaganda and, perhaps, they would have done worse. Though if I should be sorry it is that I didn't inform you personally, it's just....a moment came and I had that moment to make a decision. I'm still sorry, for what that is worth."