Mirror Kingdom

Mirror Kingdom- Friday the 13th

-Miss, it's Rose, may i come in?

-Yes, of course.

-You look fantastic!

The day of the ball has arrived, and Devina was half-dressed in her gown, the seamstress still did the last work, maids made her hair and her make-up.

-You will need this,- she handed Devina a mask.

-A mask? No one said it will be a masquerade.

-Masters changed their minds, and it's all settled, everyone will wear a mask, till the revelation of the queen.

-And when does it happen?

-At midnight, miss, it seems that i have to go, have to get ready.

Rose was suppose to work as a maid, to serve the drinks and snacks, at least she was happy that she didn't have to spend the entire morning in the kitchen, where was the biggest mess.

In the room next to Devinas, Ruby was dressing up, she had her mask on the bed, and she breathed in and out slowly.

She was excited.

It was the first time she's put herself out there, and she wanted to look Cassey in the eye and tell her- see, i did this!

Unfortunately, there was no way she could do that.

Evening came fast and there was noise everywhere. Ruby went straight away to Devinas room, and when she entered, Devina still had maids in her room working on her hair.

-Can you imagine, they are saying i have terrible hair,- Devina laughed.

-All done, miss, you look really nice, the masters will be pleased with our work, excuse us,- they bowed and went away.

-Damn, you do look great,- Ruby complimented.

-Well, you look as always,- she said to Ruby,- not that it's a bad thing, you look younger.

-Well, thank you,- Ruby laughed.- i think it's time.

There was a knock on the door.

-I am here to escort you to the ballroom.

They opened the door and stepped outside in the coridor. Escort led them to the east wing, down the huge staircase, through another coridor.

Everything was lighted up with candles and chandeliers, the doors to the garden were opened, but no one was there.

They were getting closer to the huge ball room, as they heard people whispering, talking, joking around, the noise of champagne glasses being filled with drinks.

Escort opened the door, and ladies saw, that there is another staircase that leads down to where the ball is going on.

There were signs of restricted areas, and most of them were guarded.

Maids were dressed all in white, so everyone would know the difference, no lady was dressed in white.

Yes, there were no dark colors, only the brightest, most beautiful, colourful, no blacks, reds or what-so-ever.

Everyone was wearing a mask.

Devina saw both Nathan and Demos sitting on their thrones, and everyone knew who they were.

All of the man, woman, a few children even, bowed, when passing them by.

They walked down the stairs, no body really paid them attention, they seemed like normal Mirror Kingdom woman, who were here to enjoy the party.

Devina got the first opportunity to drink, there were no parents who wouldn't let her, so she drank the whole glass empty.

It did hit her a little bit, but she didn't really mind. She needed another one.

Just when she wanted to reach for it, someone grabbed her her.

-Oh, excuse me,- the person stopping her was a woman,- would you mind me asking, but where are the incredible gardens everyone keeps talking about?

Devina didn't say a word, she just mentioned with her hand towards the door, that led to a small coridor, where even a person who wears glasses would see shining flowers.

-Thank you, my dear,- she said and left, while Devina took another glass and sipped champagne.

-Enjoying the evening?- a voice asked, she turned around to meet a masked stranger.

-Indeed i am.

-How come i've never seen you in this palace, but tonight?

-Im sorry, i couldn't quite catch it...

-You are fresh, i would've known you're not from here, little bird.

Someone punched the guy away, and guards dragged him out of the ballroom. Devina turned to her savior.

-Thank you,- she looked at the figure, by the jaw line she knew it's Nathan,- you saved me.

To her surprise Nathan didn't speak. They moved to the dance floor, his hands on a safe place, where he couldn't touch her bare skin and burn her.

Devina was wearing gloves so she didn't have to be scared or extra careful if she would touch Nathan, and so they danced.

One of his hands was at the small of her back, but the other were entwined with Devinas gloved hand.

They danced in sync movements, they fit each other perfectly, and Devina felt how strong he actually is.

All his body felt like marmor, but warm.

-May i have this dance,- words made Ruby jump,- i didn't mean to startle you.

-It's ok, im always jumpy,- Ruby agreed, and the man lead her to the dance floor.

Ruby saw Devina in a blink of an eye, but then she was gone, apparently both ladies enjoyed dancing with their partners.

Ruby understood that her partner is Demos by the way he held her close to him, all strong and careful, she felt him breathing in her scent, as he did once before.

It made her shiver.

It felt nice to actually feel another persons warmth near her.

Devina watched her partner. His blue eyes were like ocean, she felt safe and a little bit loved. Her partner watched her with the same look.

He leaned closer, a little bit scared of what she would do, if this would happen.

Her hand cupped his half masked cheek and their lips collided. The kiss made her whole body vibrate, the butterflies in her stomach came alive, she stopped feeling the ground beneath her.

-Hold me,- she whispered, and he did, once more kissing her lips passionately, making sure she would never forget it.

Once Devina felt the ground, she excused herself from her partner and went to the ladies room. She felt as if the mirrors were watching her. And maybe they were.