Old Time's Sake (A Much Ado About Nothing Fanfic)

The Ball Part One

Donning our masks, we were ready for the ball. On our way to the ballroom, we ran into Benedick and two other soldiers.

"You ladies look marvelous," one of the men said.

"Thank you Claudio," Beatrice said.

The boy with short brown hair was Claudio, he was a dream! I see why she likes him.

"Good to see you Don Pedro, Benedick," Hero said.

"You too Hero. Who is this third young lady you're with?" Don Pedro asked.

I took off my mask. Benedick recognized me from our encounter on the street.

"The peasant musician!" Benedick said.

"She's our friend and guest," Beatrice said.

"You picked her up on the street so she can wallow-"

"That's enough Benedick!"

"Benedick my friend, that's no way to treat a lady no matter where she comes from," Don Pedro said.

"Just yesterday, she was filthy and on the street-"

"Benedick, I think we should leave the ladies alone, we have a ball to be."

The three men left.

"I will never take my mask off for anyone for the rest of the night," I said putting my mask on.

"You'll be fine Regina, enjoy this night," Hero said.

"I don't think I can do this, Don John is in there!"

I buried my face in my hands.

"Both of you haven't seen each other since childhood, I am certain he won't recognise you," Beatrice said.

"All of us will have masks on, don't worry," Hero said.

We entered the room where the ball was taking place. Hero already ran to a soldier in a mask who I assume is Claudio. One of the other masked soldiers walked to Beatrice, held out his hand, she smiled and took it. I was alone. Leonato walked to me.

"Regina, just the girl I was searching for in this crowd. My daughter tells me you play music."

"Yes sir."

"Would you mind playing for us, just one song?"

"I would be delighted, my lute is in my chambers."

"Take your time."

I left to get my lute, Leonato was still waiting for me when I came back.

"There you are Regina, let me announce you."

Leonato walked to the front of the room where musicians were playing.

"May I have your attention please..."

The music and dancing stopped.

"There we are, first of all, thank you all for coming to this joyous event tonight. I have a special guest performer for you all to dance and enjoy, this young lady was taken in by my daughter, she is a talented lute player, let's give the girl a warm welcome, Miss. Regina."

I had my lute on me just in time. The guest applauded for me.

A few seconds into the song, they started dancing. It was a couple minutes long but everyone enjoyed it.

Everyone applauded for me after I was finished, the musicians who were playing before continued playing. When I walked back from putting my lute back in my chambers, I saw Don Pedro walk to me.

"Regina correct?"

"Yes sir, Don Pedro."

He hugged me.

"Oh as I live and breath, the name and your long fiery red hair caught my eyes and my memories. Where's your father?"

"Still in Napoli."

"You have grown into a lovely young woman."

"Thank you Don Pedro. Is Don John in this room?"

"Yes, in mask like the rest of us."

"Well let me look for him then. If you see him, don't speak of my identity, not tonight."

"You have my word."

Don Pedro left me alone.