𝔐𝔦𝔡𝔫𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔱 𝔐𝔞𝔰𝔮𝔲𝔢𝔯𝔞𝔡𝔢 | 𝒯ℯ𝓃𝓊𝓁𝒾 𝒫ℯ𝓇ℯ𝓇𝒶

𝕄𝕚𝕕𝕟𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕄𝕒𝕤𝕢𝕦𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕕𝕖

The Wispy Wallow Fair was the complete opposite of a dignified affair. Quite the contrary, it was full of fun, mischief, and laughter. That is the very reason that Verona Riverfield wanted to go to the fair. She remembered the fair from last year. A man with a frivolous mask had danced with her. She ate the most heavenly funnel cake. She had gotten mud on her ordinary dress.

She also met-

Verona stifled a yelp as the carriage hit a bump on the road. Her mother and father were sitting opposite her, talking about all the new friends their brilliant daughter would make.

Sixteen years old. That was the age when you celebrate your 'Sweet Sixteen' when you start to show more independence, where you are not far away from adult responsibilities. In Verona's time, it was the age when you can present yourself to society. Every year, on November 5th, a Midnight Masquerade is held in Bellator Hall Mansion.

The masquerade also happened to be at the same time as the fair, which disappointed the girl. Last year, on this very same day, she was planning to escape the house and dance till dawn with the people at the fair. Her parents always went to the event, to show off their daughter's reputation (even if she was not present) and to keep up with their friends. Last year, her hair was free and wild from the wind, her dress was plain and she was quite sure she had gained a pound or two. (She didn't of course, but her stomachache proved otherwise)

Verona's medium orchid dress contrasted quite well with her olive skin. Her chocolate brown hair was put into a waterfall braid and her mask that concealed half of her face had purple butterflies that seemed to flutter in the moonlight. Verona stepped out of the carriage with her parents and made their way to the mansion. The party was in full swing. But Verona noticed there was a dignified silence in the room.

Yes, people did laugh. But they didn't cackle. Or snort. Or snicker. It was more like a fairy laugh, a light one.

Yes, they did drink champagne, but in sips. Not like how they downed the apple cider at the fair.

They were also dressed to impress, while people at the fair didn't mind what clothing you wore, what your title is, or what you said. Everyone was welcome.

What was most intriguing about this event was the masks. Some were plain, some had flowers or rhinestones. Some covered their entire face, while others only covered their eyes. And did she wish that her mask could cover her face now, as her aunt approached with an almost manic smile on her face.

"Hello, darling! You look so old now! Sixteen, I believe", her aunt cried with joy. She motioned for a girl in a dress that was an alarming shade of yellow to come forward. "I believe the two of you will get on nicely!", she continued to chat with her, and the polite conversations began.

"Charmed to make your acquaintance. Did you see Lord Runigburm's son? I can't believe he's still a bachelor! What estates do you own? My mother gifted me her estate but father only gave me half of his. I can't wait to see the arrival of Lady Durmhound, she has the best taste in dresses. My dress cost a lot you know!"

The food and drinks made up for the entertainment and dreadful conversation with her new acquaintance. Verona almost considered gauging her eyes with a dessert fork, when another slow and rhythmic tune began. However, since that is considered unladylike, she took a long sip of her mango juice (Only the adults were allowed to drink champagne).

"I can't do this", twelve-year-old Verona said apprehensively.

"Yes, you can! Come on! Do it! Do it!", cheered Charlie.

"You're asking me to drink an entire bottle of apple cider! That's not lady-like!", she argued. "When has that ever stopped you? You left lady-like when you decided to walk in here!", quipped Charlie. "If I vomit, I'm gonna drench you!", she threatened. Gulping, she started to drink.