Masquerade

As the days grew shorter, and winter closed in, a tension seemed to grow on the family, a heavy, hostile feeling that something was coming, but no one could expect it to unfold as it did.1

A winter storm closed around the mansion, turning day into night before the inhabitants very eyes. Even the horses whined in protest at being put in there stables, with only blankets and the small fire kept by the stable boys to keep them warm. The cold winds closed in almost immediatly, as the storm began it's terrible onslaught. Amarante sat by the window, looking darkly out to the raging winds, cursing the coldness it brought. As she brought the corners of her shawl tighter around her, she felt the hair on the back of her neck start to prickle.2

'Amarante, come away from the window before you catch a cold.' Said a deep voice behind her.3

'Yes, father.' She answered, and stood obediantly. Turning to face him, she was surprised to see a warm smile on his pale features.4

'I do love your hair like that, Amarante, you should wear it up more often. I swear you are starting to look more and more like a beautiful woman of society, and less like a gypsy every day.' She only nodded in response. Her father continued. 'I do believe that you shall have many Callers after tonight.' Amarante was suddenly alert.5

'Whatever do you mean?' She asked, slightly alarmed. Her father laughed and pulled out a white envelope from his pocket. Opening it, he read its contents aloud.6

''Dear Mr. and Mrs. of this household,7

You are cordainally invited to a Masquerade held by Augustus Whiteshire8

at the Whiteshire Manor.9

The Masquerade shall take place on November 23, at 10 o'clock.10

Thank you,11

                 Augustus Whiteshire.'12

Augustus, now I do remember him praising you highly. I believe he thinks you quite the beauty.' Amarante's face flushed with anger, but Acacius mistook it for something else.13

'Tulian,' he addressed the slave at Amarante's side, 'You shall escort Miss Amarante to her room, and prepare her for this Masquerade. Her dress is up there, I am trusting you to make sure that all the arrangements are attended to.'14

'Yes, sir.' She said quietly and followed Amarante to the stairs. Acacius stopped her short by putting his hand on her shoulder.15

'Amarante, you will make a beautiful wife to a high society aristicrat. You will bring honor to this family.' Amarante managed to smile at her father before finishing her walk up the stairs. At the top of the stairs she could no longer hold back her tears of anger. Picking up her skirts, walked so fast down the hall that her slave had to jog to keep up with her. Closing her door softer than she would have liked to, she hurriedly pulled the pins out of her hair and shook her head furiously.16

'I don't want to be anyone's wife!' She proclaimed loudly. 'Why can't I just live my life the way I want to?' She cried out to no one in particular, and she looked down at the dress on her bed. It was a beautiful white, beaded cloth, with flowing sleeves that seemed to change color in the candle light. Attached to the back were beautiful wings of a shiny, clear fabric. Though it was beautiful Amarante groaned.17

'A Fairy? Must I always live out my father's wishes?'18

Hours later Adelaide walked into Amarante's room to see the slaves making the last adjustments to her costume. The dress Acacius had picked fit Amarante's curves wonderfully, displaying the gently curves of her breast, and her smooth, rolling hips. The dress came in a low V-neck, showing off her succulent pale skin. Her hair was pulled back, her big curls splaying down her back. Instead of a mask, her face had white sparkled paint on her eyes, forming a butterfly formation on her face. Though she looked beautiful, her face was in a frown.19

'Amarante, you look beautiful.' She looked over her shoulder at her mother.20

'I hate it.' She said, trying to hold back a fresh onslaught of tears. Adelaide frowned and hugged her daughter.21

'I know,' she said, 'but your father is waiting, and we must go. I do not wish to anger him tonight.'22

As all High Society Masquerades, everyone within 10 miles came. It was always a competition to see who was the prettiest, who's family had more money, who had stroke gold in business, this one being no exception. The rumor was that the Whiteshire's oldest son, Augustus, was trying to find himself a loyal wife. The Whiteshires were widely known for their wealth, for it was abundant and it never seemed to end. Now Augustus was extremely handsome, with infamous white skin, and platinum blond hair that was obviously inherited from his father, whom he resembled strongly. With his fierce grey eyes and his strong chin, every girl was after his proposal, all except one.23

'No thank you, sir, I am rather tired from my last dance, would you excuse me.' Amarante said to another man, forcing a smile. She had been dodging offers all night, but one look in her father's direction told her she shouldn't refuse the next one. A light tap on her shoulder made her want to scream...24

'Hello, Miss Amarante, I do not believe we have been properly introduced.' Said Augustus, flashing her a bright, confident smile. All the other hopefull girls glared at Amarante jealously, and she quickly remembered her manners.25

'No, sir, I do not believe we have.' Taking his hand reluctantly, she gave him her most charming smile, though her insides screamed for freedom.26

'I am Augustus Whiteshire. May I have this dance?' Resisting the urge not to slap the smug look off his face, she smiled as he led her to the dance floor before she even answered.27

'Of course.' With a small curtsy as an answer to his bow they began to waltz in step with everyone else, and she tried to ignore the whispers around her.28

'You are from the Cortier family, are you not?' Augustus asked, as if he didn't know the answer.29

'Yes, sir, that is correct.' Amarante answered dutifully. Augustus frowned.30

'Why do you not seem to want to talk to me? I would expect more from my future wife.' It took all of Amarante's will not to stop in her tracks.31

'W-what?' She stuttered.32

'I want you to be-' But before he could finish the candles seemed to dim, and everyone was suddenly quite. The orchestra stopped playing, and everyone faced the door. A tall man stood there, with shining blond hair to his shoulders, and a long red velvet cape around his broad shoulders. A mask covered his eyes, a white mask that didn't have any string to hold it, but it still seemed to stay on his face. Augustus turned towards his father, wondering if he had invited this stranger, but the same questions were shot back at him.33

'Marius,' Amarante whispered, turning away from the bewildered Augustus. Another ripple of whispers went up as the music started to play again, but everyone still kept there eyes on the stranger. He took no notice to anyone, and he walked over to her.34

'Marius, how did you-?' Marius put his hands up to Amarante's lips. 35

'Hush, child. It has begun.' Marius held out his hand and when she took it he led her to the dance floor.36

'What has begun, Master?' She asked when they where dancing, not aware of anyone else. Marius bent over slightly, so he could whisper where no one would hear what he said.37

'I dare not tell you now, for They might hear, but be warned. There is another like me very close.'38

Now Augustus was used to getting what he wanted, and from the moment he saw Amarante, he wanted her. His passion turned into an obsession, which turned into lust. He knew without a shadow of a doubt that he was going to marry her. But to humor all the girls that so longed for his affection, he through the masquerade, letting them think they might have had a chance. But the whole time he kept his eye on the prize, the one he wanted, and he saw her turn down all the men, obviously waiting for him. Yet, just when he was about to propose, that man came. That man that seemed to have everyone so enthralled. That man took his Amarante away, so he would pay. 39

Anything could happen if he didn't get the yes he so longed for.40