𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 ✦ 𝘳𝘦𝘻𝘦𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘭

-01

The princess kidnapper was found dead...in his cell"
You lifted gaze from your drink to the three women whispering to each other sitting at the same table as you. Their conversation catched your interest as you drifted between the crowded tables earlier, you prefered to join this table since it provided you with easy escape, facing the door that leads to the exit...in case you needed to get out immediatly. Ordinarily, you didn't prod to hear other people thoughts and conversations, you weren't quite the sociable type, afterall, you were forbidden to do anything only if allowed to, never speak to strangers if not given permission nor create a small talk with them...well a living hell or worse.

Not that you did what you was supposed to do, like right now obviously.

You were in the process of playing a card game, scanning your surrondings once more you recognized more than one individual among them, some of them were even knights working for your father, yet you were comfortable and calm, No one of them would be siting here if they knew who you were, instead, you would be in the process of being dragged back, albeit gently, to the duke and of course- the duchess

The top half of your face was covered by a lilachued mask wich you've found discarded in the mansion, along with a cloak you've uh borrowed from Julia- one of your ladies-in-waiting whom you've overheard speaking of Ruby Paradise,well hopefully she doesn't notice the missing item before you return it back.

There was no reason to panic, you doubted that these knights would recognize you solely on those features, even without the mask, though, you could count on one hand how many people in social circles that had actually seen your face you were just a shadow they heard of, bowing their heads whenever they come across you in the corridors of the duchy, forbidden from stealing any further glances. If you were discovered, you would be in...well more trouble than you'd ever been in before and would face severe reprimand.

The kind of punishement that the duchess-your step-mother would love to deliver. And wich, of course, her close confidante, the head maid, Lady Claudeya, would love to be in attendance for.
The duchess was a pestilence of overly familiar hands and had an unnatural thirst for sanction.
But You refused to think about her either. Or worry about being disciplined. You might as well go back to your chamber if you were going to do that.

Forcing the muscles along your shoulders and neck to ease, you flickered back your attention to the guards, they looked rather relaxed unlike their usual dull faces you saw everyday, their armor and uniform were absent. Instead, they donned loose shirts and buckskin breeches. Still, even off duty, they were watchful for signs of those who worked against the future of the empire. They were still armed to teeth.
So were you.
Hidden beneath the folds of the cloak and the thin gown underneath that you managed to wear given you were in a hurry, the cool hilt of a dagger that never quite warmed to your skin was seathed against your thigh. It was gifted to you on your birthday by the late duchess, it wasn't the only you weapon you could handle nor the deadliest, but it was your favorite. it wasnt common within nobles to use weapons nevertheless you refused to be helpless.

You may be breaking the rules by doing something incredibly reckless, innapropriate, but you werent foolish enough to enter a place like Ruby Paradise without protection, the skill to employ it, and the wherewithal to use it without hesitation.

One of the women sitting across you gasped, putting her glooved hand over her mouth in horror as the one beside her said "Goddness me, dead you say?" The lady head titled her head; her voice lowering eventually, her hair was a deep black, and her skin was a deep rich brown

"He wasn't just dead, someone must had him assassinated" The one you learned his name was Ivan spoke in a low tone. A young guard with brown hair and soft face.

"Oh dear, i've heard that too. But who could've done that?" The third lady then revealed her thoughts after several attemps at keeping them to herself.

"No one dares do such thing, as they are looking for the murderer, however, if you ask me, i think they are inside the palace" Ivan required, his expression was rather calm unlike his statement.

Suprise surfaced as you looked at the young guard, you clearly didn't expect that "Do you mean it could be one of the royal members?" You said raising a brow

"Not sure, rumors has it that the prince-" he went on, his eyes swinging back to you.

"Mind your words, Sir Ivan. Such matters should not be kept private" The older guard cut it, sending him a pointed look. You knew of him. Henry Jerson. He'd been a royal guard for years. Wich was nearly unheard of. Guards didn't have long lifespans. He then nodded in our direction "Your in the prescence of ladies"

"ah...my apologies" Ivan ducked his chin, studiously staring at his cards. His cheeks pinking, something you found adorable. The guards usually went through vicious training becoming skilled in all manner of weaponry and hand-to-hand combat with rampantly spreading death snapping at their heels.
Yet, this man blushed.

"Apologies aren't needed but accepted it" One of the ladies answered as you added smiling lightly "You're more than welcome to talk about whatever you wish"

"Be that as it may, a little less morbid topic would be welcomed." The older guard replied

You wanted to ask more about it, yet you assumed that Henry would silence any further conversation. You didn't voice any of the questions dancing on the tip of your tongue.

You played enough cards with Mag to know there was no recovering from the ones you held. When you announced that you were out, the guards and the ladies nodded as you rose, each bidding you a good evening.

Moving between the tables, you took the flute of champagne offered by a server and tried to recapture the feeling of excitement that had buzzed through yoyr veins as you hurried through the streets earlier that evening.

You minded your business as you scanned the room, your gaze finding its way to the dazzling glow of a rose-gold chandelier. The Red Paradise must be doing well, and the owners well connected. Electricity was expensive and heavily controlled by the royal family.

Under the chandelier, another card game was in progress. There were woman there too, their hair twisted un elaborate updos adorned with crystals, and their clothing far less than the women who worked here. Their gowns were vibrant shades of purple and pastel hues of blue and lilac.
You didn't have that much of freedom to choose your own clothing. Only specific color. So, you were fascinated with how different colors complemented the wearer's skin or hair.

These women also wore masks like your own, covering half of their faces, protecting their identities. You even wondered who some of them were. Daring wives left alone? Young women who hadn't married or were perhaps widowed? Servants out for the evening? Ladies and Lords in Wait? Did they come here for the same reasons you did?

Boredom? Curiosity?
Loneliness?

Dragging your gaze from the table, you noted that there were smiling and laughing women in the Ruby Paradise who wore no maks, hid no identities. They sat at tables with guards and businessmen. They weren't ashamed or afraid to be seen

Whoever they were, they had freedom that you- Y/n Grace deeply coveted.