Masquerade

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚃𝚠𝚘

Father stared at me, puzzled.

"A masquerade ball. I...suppose. It seems awfully absurd, though. Why would you want to hide that royal complexion of yours?"

It'll be easier to sneak away if nobody can see who I am, I thought bitterly as I picked at the remaining food in front of me. "Well, I want to change things up a little. Put my own spin on the tradition, ya know?"

Father made something of a "hmph" sound, before clearing his throat. "Very well then. I will announce it at once," he said authoritatively, slamming his hands on the table before rising and heading off to his study.

He didn't even thank Eduardo for breakfast.

...

The courtyard was the closest I could get to the outside world. Large acres of field and gardens, clusters of trees with tasteful wooden furniture and picnic tables to sit at. Hell, if I ignored the towering stone walls that surrounded it, I could almost pretend I was a common boy, out for a stroll in the wild outdoors.

"Prince Vale, I've been expecting you!" A voice echoed behind me. I recognized it at once as Percius, my father's most accomplished knight, and the closest thing I had to a best friend.

"Oh drop the formalities, Perper," I said playfully, turning around and shoving Percy's shoulder.

"I've told you not to call me that!" He said, his voice sour but his face full of joy. "Would you like to do some training today?"

Although he had barely turned twenty-three, Percy's swordsmanship was unmatched. Upon my request, he had begun teaching me his ways and was thrilled to do so. I was proud to call him my friend and teacher. Also, it was something fun to pass the time. Life in a big, empty castle gets pretty boring and repetitive. Like seriously, sometimes I count the lightbulbs in the chandeliers for entertainment. (For reference, there are 791).

The thought of chandeliers made me remember the ballroom, which brought back thoughts of my Cupid's Ball. I gulped, suddenly feeling uncharacteristically nervous. "I don't feel like it today, Perce."

He frowned. "What's got you down, Vale?"

"I'm stressed about this stupid Cupid's Ball. What if I find the perfect girl, and I fuck it up? What if I don't find a wife at all? Father says the kingdom is depending on me, that's a huge weight on my shoulders! Oh god, what if I wither away all alone in my bedroom until my father kicks the bucket and the throne is passed to me, and then I wither away in his larger, but equally as miserable and empty bedroom instead! What if-"

Percy cut me off with a fit of laughter. I scowled at him, genuine worry and doubt curling in the pit of my stomach.

"Vale, you always overthink. Trust me, you'll find somebody at that ball. Once it begins, you'll lose yourself in the music and the dancing. You'll relax and find the perfect girl in no time! You're a great prince, you're funny, and most importantly, YOU'RE RICH!"

I rolled my eyes but I couldn't help smiling a little.

"Not to mention, you requested a masquerade. Genius move, you won't have to worry about scaring the ladies away with that ugly mug of yours."

I gawked at Percy in mock offence, and he giggled. "Only kidding. You have that royal jawline, I'm sure at least one young maiden will be into that! Plus, if all else fails, you won't die alone. You've got me!"

This time it was my turn to laugh. "Look, as lovely a notion as that is, you being at my bedside at the end and all, I'd rather not have the last fleeting thought in my head be 'damn Percy you rat bastard, how the fuck did you outlive me?'"