Tower of Dove

Chapter 12: The Masquerade

Tower of Dove Chapter 12: The Masquerade

The masquerade was brilliant. That was apparent as Lilyana approached the Garden Estate square. Dozens of nobles strolled the area, some lingering beneath trees and others just enjoying the bright night. Almost all of them wore masks paired with their gowns and ties, some as simple as a black eye mask and others as ostentatious as a woman who wore flamingo-shaped mask, complete with beak and feathers.

Lilyana could hear the music beyond the wrought iron gate, see the hundreds of lights strung through the trees and dangling like fireflies over the dance floor filled with the partygoers. Her insides churned uncomfortably as she watched the scene before her. Was Hiero in there? Had the guards really allowed them all such easy entry?

There was only one guard actually at the entrance gate, Lilyana noticed as she reached it. With a bit of surprise she realized it was Dobry, his curly brown hair combed neatly and parted down the side, his big eyes distant and almost dreamlike as he stared into oblivion. The other guards were scattered across the wide fence, distinguishable by their blue suits and swords dangling in their sheaths, but she zoned in on Dobry. He was the only one who could let people into the party. She needed to talk to him.

“Dobry,” she said as she stopped only two feet in front of him.

He blinked, his thoughts dragging back from whatever fantasy he was having, and he smiled at her as recognition softened his features. “Why hello, Miss Lilyana Ameline. I was almost expecting you not to come tonight. Your family and Miette have all already arrived. You’ve missed the opening speeches.”

“Did you let in a group of three people?” she asked, not bothering with his previous comments. She was too anxious for a casual chat. “Two young men and a gorgeous woman in a red dress? Really long black hair tied back in a braid? Ring a bell?”

Dobry’s response wasn’t what Lilyana expected, but yet it answered her question. He blushed.

“You did,” she groaned. That was just great. Her worry doubled—no, more like quadrupled times a million and four—and she silently prayed that those three were at least smart enough to keep a low profile.

“Is that bad?” Dobry asked. “I couldn’t say no. That woman was so stunning that all I could do was nod like an imbecile and open the gate.” His brow furrowed and he added, “She was like an enchantress.”

Lilyana sighed and scratched the skin at the edge of her butterfly mask. “Remember that boy-man I told you about?”

“Yeah, your common lover.”

“Common enemy lover.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “He’s from the Robin.”

Dobry’s already light eyes seemed to turn a pale brown in the dim lighting as he stared at her in near-horror. “Miss Lilyana, my God. I care for you but what have you gotten yourself into?”

She waited to respond as a middle-aged couple she didn’t recognize approached and asked entry. Dobry checked them off on his list and let them through the gate. Once they were gone Lilyana said, “I’m running away.”

“Running away?” Dobry looked more concerned than he did surprised.

“Yeah, with my common enemy lover. Which brings me back to my main point. You let him into the damn masquerade.”

Dobry seemed dumbfounded. His mouth even hung slightly agape as he stared at her. “I did?”

“Yes. He was with the beautiful woman, the one with the black mask.”

Dobry frowned. “Loose tie and black hair?”

“Yeah, that’s him.”

“Damn, why would he even try to come here? Is he crazy?”