Pantalone : New Agenda

3. The Masquerade Ball

The ballroom layout from above

My discord community server link for those interested 😊

I feel like the last part was very rushed and could have been done better,  and that's on me.  I will do my best to make this one better.

Your dress

The Tsaritsa's dress (with feathers for elegance and a Royal Air, especially around her neck that creates a collar the wraps around the back of her neck like a half cone🤣)

"Hmm,  yes this fits nicely."
I can't believe I'm matching colors with The Tsaritsa, and with such a pretty outfit too.
Wait,  should I just call her mother?  I mean she said I could.    Some finishing touches were added to my hair and makeup,  completing the look.    I gave a twirl,  facing my now mother who looked quite pleased while nodding.
"

It's perfect,  fitting for you down to the very last stitch as I predicted."    She nodded toward the seamstress and stepped beside me.    "Now,  let us prepare to walk together down the isle."

The halls echoed as we walked together toward the ballroom.
"Mother?"
She straightened her posture and gave a gentle smile,  full of pride since I called her mother.    "Yes Y/n?"     "I just wanted to say that you've done a much better job at being a mother than what I've had to live with,   before the two people I was stuck with were taken away I mean.   I've never felt so fulfilled before."    She chuckled and placed my hand on top of hers as a way of escorting each other.    "Nor have I.   I still have yet to introduce you to my Harbingers,  you already know Sandrone Dottore and Regrator."    I turn to her,  confusion in my eyes.  "Regrator?"    She hummed as she thought.  "So you know him by face and not his name.  I see."

We reached the door leading to the Masquerade,  excitement bubbled up in my chest as mother spoke to the Fatui by the door.  "Give the signal."   "Yes your majesty."
He knocked in a pattern,  and soon a voice resounded through the door.

"Please stand in honor of her Majesty,  The Tsaritsa.  And introducing for the very first time Y/n L/n,  her Majesty's great descendant!"

The doors opened and in we went,  everyone bowing in respect.
"All hail The Tsaritsa,  All Hail The Princess!"  
I flush pink as all in attendance said that together.    Mother and I reached the throne,  with mother stepping forward and giving a speech.

"For many a century I have denied the existence of having borne a child,  the cause being reason to a few laws I have put in place.   I will no longer hide my children or those that come after them,  they shall be apart of the family of The Tsaritsa for generations to come.   Any child born of my flesh and blood will be treated with dignity and respect,  beginning with Y/n whom I have declared to be my daughter.   Now drink and be merry,  for my long lost family has returned!"

The crowd cheered and raised their glasses,  accepting me as The Tsaritsa's family.
Once the cheers died down the ball commenced,  classical music filling the air as people chatted amongst their own groups.    It was more lively than getting groceries at any store,  and believe me when sales went up it was busy.
"Go on my dear,  go and mingle."   Mother encouraged as she sat on her throne.
I gave her a smile and let my feet guide me through the party,  greeting those who said hello to me.   I found Sandrone being picky as she scanned the food for something of interest,  so I approached her and handed her a small chocolate.   "Y/n you saint,  I couldn't find those in all this... This... Food."
We hugged and snacked on some of the chocolates.

"Mmm,  these are amazing."  I hum in delight at my first taste of chocolate.
"I know right?   I can see about sending you some."   I nod my head and smile at her,  "Yes please!"
We jokingly dance together,  each taking another chocolate until a familiar voice spoke up.

Pantalone

With dark purple lacing on the clothes and
Purple jems on the mask,   black fur wrapping around his neck as part of his coat collar.

"Good evening Sandrone,  and the lady of the evening princess Y/n." He bowed and held out his hand for me to take,  missing my knuckles in greeting.   The way he said princess had butterflies taking flight in my stomach.    "Might I have a dance my lady?"
"Pantalone..."  Sandrone warned.   Oh,  so this was the guy I bumped into as well as the Harbinger  'The Regrator'.    I nod,  earning a sweet honey like smile from him as he brought me to the dancefloor.
"U-um,  Mr. Regrator?"   "Please,  just call me Pantalone."   "Oh,  ok.  Pantalone,  I've never danced to music like this before."
"Then I can teach you,  it's easy."
He set my hands in place and then set his in place.    "I will lead,  so don't worry."
With a soft voice he told me where to move my feet,  quietly counting for me.
"One two three,  one two three,  one two three.  My my,  you don't need much teaching.   You are already as graceful as a swan,  as swift as a dove,  and as natural as snow falling elegantly like shining crystals."
I giggle and blush,  flustered by his words.
"Now,  let us glide across the dancefloor with grace and elegance."

We did just that,  for multiple dances in fact.
I lost track of how many,  but I'm not even exhausted.   There was something about his demeanour that had me relaxed the whole time,  it was exhilarating.  I did however dance with The Knave and Capitano,   The Knave was a woman but I didn't mind dancing with her.   She was kind and respectable.    She told me about The House Of Hearth she takes care of,  and about three kids.   Freminet,  Lyney, and Lynette.
As for Capitano he was quiet,  but he did enjoy some simple conversation with me.
Some of the Harbingers don't seem all too bad,   I now know there are some I don't have to be weary of.

I had lost track of time as it seems the ball was coming to an end.   I walked back to the throne and stood next to Mother,  telling her about my evening.