Just One Night

To Steal A Heart (Part 1)

 Lavinia leaned back languidly in her seat, her slender fingers that were studded with rings curling in anticipation. Her black gown had few sparkly sequins, almost allowing her to melt into the shadows of the night, but it was far from plain. The bodice and sleeves were primarily made of black lace that formed intricate patterns across her torso and arms. Sections of the material were sheer and a plunging neckline and open back showed off just enough skin to entice but not fully distract. The skirt of the gown was long and flowing but light and easy to walk and move around in. Her hair was done up in an elegant but sturdy braided crown, a few strands of her raven hair falling in soft curls around her face. Her heels added an extra inch or two to her height but were not tall enough to inhibit her movements. She considered wearing a mask, but since it was not a masquerade ball, she reasoned that it would only attract more unwanted attention. Even when she had servants to attend to her, she preferred to dress and accessorize by herself so that she could be in full control. After all, she had a mission tonight and she wasn't going to let something like shoes or unruly hair ruin her plans. She was going to succeed and she was going to look good while doing it.

Her carriage sped along the paths to the Caerhayes castle, and though she was looking out the window, she barely took in any of the gorgeous scenery as her thoughts were elsewhere. When she had first received the invitation, she was quite suspicious and even contemplated moving away again out of fear that someone had discovered her true identity. She hadn't been to a ball ever since she left home that one fateful night, and she always did her best to avoid the public eye in case someone might recognize her. But she had heard word that he was going to be there tonight, and she knew that this was her one and only chance. She could think of nothing else with scenarios flying around in her head as she imagined all the different ways the night could end. In the best case scenario, everything would go according to plan, but if it didn't, she knew she had to be ready for anything. The risk she was taking was evident, but she figured it would all be worth it in the end. She fiddled with one of her rings, twisting it around her finger. It would be a lie to say that she wasn't at least a little bit nervous, but above all, she couldn't let anyone know that. Things would be much easier once the moment actually came, she supposed.

The carriage began to slow down, drawing her out her thoughts and back into the moment. Finally focusing on what she was seeing outside, she gazed at the castle's full gardens, noting how they somehow appeared so vibrant and lively despite the darkness. There was something unusual about this place, something that she couldn't quite put her finger on. It was hypnotizing, enchanting, and somewhat haunting, as if it could reach into her and pull out her deepest, darkest secrets, exposing it to the entire world. This only made her want to hang onto those secrets tighter, hating the way the sheer majesty of the entire property made her feel small and vulnerable. She gritted her teeth as her hands subconsciously clenched into fists. Hopefully she'd never come back here again. She'd just have to tolerate it—and him—for just one night.

"Lady Alanna," her coachman called gently. "We have arrived."

Alanna was the new name she had taken on to protect her identity, and though she had been using it for some time, she still wasn't fully used to it. She snapped out of her thoughts, turning her head to the opposite window, seeing that the carriage had stopped in front of a large iron gate with a golden 6 perched at the very top. This was her assigned gate, and no number was more fitting for only the devil could approve of what she had planned tonight. But she didn't care. All morals went out the window the day she lost everything.

Her footman opened the door, offering his hand to help her out of the carriage. She murmured a small thanks, immediately focusing on the two attendants in front of her, wearing bright smiles and white tailored suits. Clearing her throat, she painted on the sweetest smile she could return, one dripping with honey that could soothe even the angriest bear.