The Princess and The Captain

Part 4-The Masquerade

"No."

"Please?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I said no." Emory huffed as she turned to meet Aspen's gaze.

The two had arrived at the masquerade at last, and it was everything Aspen had been expecting. A surplus of food and wine was floated around the large ballroom by servants. The large torches that lit up the area held a fire that Aspen had only seen produced by magicians of the court. They were bright greens and purples and seemed to burn that way without the help of tinted glass. Though Emory had told her that magical elements were at work to get the torches to burn this way, she guessed that the most knowledgeable chemists in the land were responsible for the colorful flames instead.

In the grand home that resembled a castle of sorts, there were different floors that included something exciting for everyone. Gambles were being made, opioids were smoked, dangerous animals like tigers and lions were on display and anything else the princess could think of was happening in some room in the large estate.

In one corner of the floor, they had entered were fire dancers, amazing a sizeable crowd with the dangerous but intriguing spectacle. In another corner was a band that played strong and loud all night. The musicians set a joyful tone and seemed happy to do so. The vielle and flute player danced with each other to the rhythm they set while those on the hand drums and harps seemed to sway on their own, fully engrossed in their melody. Hundreds of people were in attendance, all dressed in amazing garments and identities hidden under masks of all sizes, shapes, and colors. They spun, dipped, clapped, and jumped rhythmically as they danced to their heart's content. Aspen so badly wanted to dance as well.

"If we can't dance, at least have a drink with me," Aspen suggested hopefully but was immediately disappointed with the shake of Emory's head.

"No, Aspen. I'm here to protect you, not indulge in inebriants." Emory declined, keeping an eye on the still-growing crowd.

Aspen rolled her eyes in annoyance, "So we can't dance together, we can't drink together, and you won't let me cast a bet on the brawl going on upstairs. I'm officially bored." She pouted at Emory's stubbornness before her eyes caught a rather handsome gentleman approaching them, "Perhaps someone else will allow me to have some fun tonight."

Just as the captain fixed her with a confused stare, the gentleman stopped before them, "I'd hate to be a bother, ladies, I just..." his eyes never left Aspen's, and she found the bright blue color to be too intense for her liking, "I would've been a fool to let the night pass without telling you how beautiful you look, my lady." His head dipped in a small bow before standing tall again, smiling softly at Aspen.

Aspen smiled back, out of politeness more than anything, "You're too kind." She adjusted the soft black mask on her face, suddenly worried about someone recognizing her.

"Perhaps you're too modest." He responded, taking another step closer to her before his path was cut off by Emory.

"That was very sweet. Is there anything else you need, good man?" Her tone was nice enough, but Aspen could see the tension in the woman's shoulders and how tightly she gripped the hilt of her sword.

The man only glanced at Emory before addressing the princess again, "I was wondering if you would like to dance?"

Emory grit her teeth at the offer, "Not with you, I'm afraid. We were just about to make our way to the dancefloor."

Aspen raised a brow. Is that so? 

"I think you should let the lady speak for herself." The blue-eyed suitor met Emory's gaze head-on. They seemed to be in a silent battle of wills for what felt like hours before Emory cleared her throat.