Emily flinched when she reached the ballroom. The chandelier was glowing brightly above the room. It was just a little too bright for her.1
Selene quickly disappeared into the crowd. The orchestra on the stage was playing beautifully. All of the guests were smiling, cocktails in hand and chirping happily.2
The king appeared next to her, putting his arm around her. "Emily."3
"Father." She nodded.4
He smiled and ordered silence among the people. "I would like to introduce you all to my eldest daughter, Emily. She will soon be joining the throne as to fill her mother's empty space. As you know, because of this, I will no longer be your King."5
Emily scanned the crowd. She hated not being able to see those faces behind the masks. Faces that were now showing envy, contempt, lust even mischief.6
"I expect all of you to enjoy the performance tonight, and to give your best wishes to Emily and her future husband."7
He left it at that. Soon the music started to rise up again. The chatter roared up from the masked faces. Of course this time they were talking about her.8
And they swarmed her. Asking questions, giving regards. Anything to get near to the princess.9
"Who is your prince, m'lady?"10
"Have you any children on the way?"11
"Your dress is absolutely stunning!"12
Bleh. She thought as she stole her opportunity to escape. She ducked into a small hallway that lead to the ballroom. She was still near the party, but at least she was away from all the people. 13
In the crowd she could see Selene. She was surrounded by many men and drinking. Probably grape wine. That was her favorite.14
"Emily you must join us!" She called up.15
"I'll pass." She smiled back at her tipsy sister.16
"Ah you are no fun. Come on--" 17
Her voice was drowned out by a beautiful harmony of violin, cello and flute. 18
Emily unhooked her mask, letting it fall onto her lap as she sat down on a chair. Her long hair fell loosely around her face and she sighed.19
"Are you alright?" 20
Emily looked up, a man in a a dark blue smiling mask (adorned with bright gems meant to represent stars) was staring down at her.21
"Oh. Yes, I am alright. I just wanted some time away from all the commotion, that's all."22
He knelt down beside her. "I felt the same way. Honestly, I don't even want to be here."23
Emily looked at him. "Then why did you show?"24
He snorted. "My father. He's a nobleman under the king. He told me it would be good for my status to come. He forced me."25
"I see."26
"But I suppose it will be alright. I mean, the princesses are here somewhere. If I meet them it will be worth it I suppose. Gorgeous ladies such as themselves. Even though I highly doubt they will give me the time of day."27
"You don't know that." She almost couldn't contain her smile.28
"Oh...Forgive my rudeness. My name is Allen. Allen Henry." He bowed his head.29
"Emily." 30
"The pleasure is mine." He smiled underneath his mask, reaching down to kiss her hand.31
She giggled. "You're cute. What do you say we leave this silly party and go somewhere else. I would very much like to get to know you, Sir Allen."32
"Formalities are not necessary my dear. But I would very much like to get to know you too. If I may say so...You are truly stunning. Infact...You may be more beautiful then either of the princesses. And in that dress...You look like an angel."33
Emily got up quickly and took his hand. She pulled him along with her as she followed the end of the hallway and ascended the stairs. Allen tripped with surprise behind her, not expecting to be lead away into a part of the castle he was not familiar with.34
"Where...Where are we going, lady Emily?"35
"To my quarters."36
His face froze with confusion. "Your quarters...?"37
She opened the door and pulled him inside. Allen looked around the room, it had beautiful tapestries on the walls, carpet along the floor, a large bed with a canopy and a piano sitting in the far corner. This indeed was a room of a princess.38
Allen was in awe. 39
Emily smiled. "It's not much." She said as she threw the mask down on a cherry wood dresser beneath a portrait of herself.40
"You're...Princess..." 41
"That's right..." She walked slowly back over to him, putting a finger beneath the collar of his ruffle front shirt.42
Allen stood speechless. His eyes were soft and curious.43
Emily reached up and started to take off the mask. She slid it off carefully so that his blond hair fell to the sides of his face. He had ocean blue eyes.44
The boy from earlier. The one who had accidentally walked into her room while she and Selene were getting ready. He was here before her at this moment. Now she was the one without words.45
In one slow movement Allen took her face in his hand, leaned down and kissed her.46
47
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