Masked Faces

"A mask tells us more then a face."

- Oscar Wilde

*****

It was outside the massive ball room where I wait, arms linked with Fen. Father turns to me "Masks on. Are you's ready?"

"As I'll ever be!" I smile confidently to mask my sheepishness not unnoticed by Fen.

He turns out of the hall atop the stair case "Welcoming you all tonight to this momentous occasion. My name is Duke Atticus Kingsley and tonight we are here to celebrate the lady of the evening my daughter miss Ilaria Kingsley and her escort tonight, Fenrir Vanargand!"

With that we step out onto the top of the stairs overlooking the floor as a sea of masked people cheer for us. I find comfort in knowing Fen is by my side and that with the mask or without I know what he looks like in this hall of faceless strangers.

We don the stairs with eyes glued to us murmurs fill the room men talking of the dress I'm in and the women fawning over Fen at my side. I feel uneasy but I get a reassuring squeeze on my arm by Fen as we reach the last step.

People begin to gather at the foot of the stairs one by one introducing themselves formally not that I would be able to put a name to face with all the masks tonight. After just two couples had been introduced a hush filled the room as the doors opened on the floor level as a handsome man walked in with a younger girl on his arm. The crowd parted for the two very fast as they strode up to me.

The man was tall around Fens hight 6'4 but taller he was blond and had one royal blue and one emerald green eye. As what could be seen through the silver mask, I believe I would be able to put a name to a face with such a distinct feature as that. He was wearing a navy suit with a pink tie and his pocket square had a family crest sewn into it, the family I wouldn't be able to name though as it is something I've never seen before.

The girl on his arm was almost the exact image of him, though with both eyes being a royal blue rather than one. She was gorgeous in a pink ball gown and a silver mask and a small tiara held by the intricate hair style twisted onto her head.

They are a few steps away from us as I get a squeeze from Fen as he started to bow so I follow and curtsy. The girl stood in front of Fen and the man in front of me. We locked eyes for the longest few seconds of my life. His eyes captivating me.

Reaching out to my hand he gently kisses it saying "There is no need to bow my lady. My name is Leonidas Ciorsdan and this is my sister Evadne Ciorsdan . We both wish you a happy birthday."

"Why thank you, my name is Ilaria Kingsley I'll make sure to remember your name. I hope you enjoy this evening sir" I curtsy again breaking eye contact as I'm beginning to fluster in his presence.

*****

After greeting everyone I'm already expressed and forgotten all their names. Well all but Leonidas of course. All through introductions I couldn't help but steel a glimpse of him only to find each time his gaze locked on mine as well.

I dance with Fen for a good while talking of trivial things when approached by Leonidas once more. My heart racing at the eye contact I don't know what it is about him. "May I have a dance with you miss Ilaria?" I glance up at Feb as he looks back knowingly at me and turns to Leonidas with a nod "then please dance with my sister Fen." And as it was Fen slipped off with Evadne and I was here with Leonidas dancing in unison.

We dance in silence gazing into each pitchers eyes for a while when he speaks up "and how old would you be today miss Kingsley?"

I blush as the sound of his voice so regal "15 today sir Leonidas" all he does is nod "and you how old are you sir if you don't mind my asking?"

He takes no time to answer "16 this coming January. And please call me Leo."

I was dumbfounded he was my age only a few months older then I, yet so much more mature then any boy his age. He pulls me in closer to him and I can feel myself blush and the contact glad that I protested the heals.

"Would you like a drink miss Ilaria?" I nod lightly sad to break the contact but not wanting to be rude to him by declining him. And with that he pushes off and I find Fen back at my side nudging me and winking.

"Would you cut that out Fen!" I exclaimed in a hushed yell.

"You and the prince heyyy!" What did he just say!

I feel the heat rising to my cheeks again I need some fresh air I push past him shooting him a warning glare. The fact that he didn't think to tell me before I acted so careless in front of royalty. I just danced with the prince I oogled the prince. Oh no I'm gonna pass out damn this stupid dress for being so tight. And damn Fen for not giving me a heads up. And my dad for not saying he invited them.

*****

I had found my way out to the rose garden and had been sitting on one of the stone benches for around 15 minutes gathering thoughts when I feel a presence next to me not sitting just standing.

"Might I have a seat? I went to grab drinks and I turned around and you had disappeared into thin air."It was him.

I move to the side more and scrunch up misread for him to sit while motioning for him. "I'm sorry I just became really light headed all of a sudden. It's not often that I wear dresses especially ones like this." I gestures to the amount of skirt in my lap.

A small laugh escapes his mouth and I turn wide eyed it was the most amazing sound I had ever heard.

"What's wrong miss Ilaria? Is everything okay?"

"Yes everything is fine I just hadn't expected you to laugh is all.and please just call me Ilaria."

He smiled "You are quite the woman Ilaria Kingsley. "

I can feel my cheeks flushing and I quickly face my head down as to not expose myself as I mutter a small "thank you" once more.

All of a sudden I feel a warmth over my hands opening my eyes as the prince holds them while sliding a rose into my grip. "You are the most beautiful and captivating women I have ever met in my lifetime. I find you rather intriguing Ilaria. I'm itching to know more about you."

I smile sheepishly at him unable to control my blushing. I went to say something when I was interrupted by Fen calling out to me. I'm so gonna kick his ass tomorrow. I bowed my head dismissing myself from the prince weaving my way back into the ballroom.

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Thanks for reading guys.

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I try to update at least a full chapter each week if not more. Always open to any feedback on my novels.

Ps. This is my unedited draft

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Emily🥰