The Ballad of Deceit (YANDERE entity x reader)

The Empress' Book

The townspeople rushed around the entrance but left an odd path in the middle for the guests to enter. I watched as people popped from the crowd and made their way up the marble steps and into the hall.

I nodded at Leo and we both strided forward. I felt awkward as many gazes in the crowd fell on me. Even some hands reached out in an attempt to touch me or grab my arms. I jerked away and rushed up the steps.

One of the finely-dressed men held stopped us at the entrance and held out his hand. Leo slid the invitation into mine. I glanced at him before handing the 'guard' the envelope. He nodded and urged me forward but stopped Leo in search of an invitation on his person.

I saw Leo leaned down and say something to the man who instantly granted him access in a robotic manner. I squinted my eyes as he grinned at me before turning and heading further inside.

The entrance was a long hall with stunning paintings covering the walls. Each depicted a famous love story-some tragic but beautiful still-most gave the illusion of pure happiness.

As I walked further, the hallway widened into a large, circular room where music echoed from instruments in the corner. There was a long table against the back wall that was filled with assortments of danishes, cheese, and wine.

Trays were passed around with multiple golden goblets on each. Each, I assumed, contained liquor. People conversed around the ballroom, some danced in the center.

I felt Leo's hand along my back pushing me forward. "Where is Esmeralda?" I asked, but he kept walking me into the room. "She'll show herself eventually." He stated. "We just need to put in a show first."

He grabbed my hand and brought me to the center of the floor. I noticed multiple dances halt as the male partners stared at me, rooted in place. In that moment I wished the potion had been to attract both genders-that way I wouldn't feel so bad about its effects.

"Focus, love." Leo guided my hands to his shoulders and I slid them behind his neck. He snaked his arms behind me and placed his hands on my waist. "We're dancing?" I asked nervously.

"We don't need to do much, love. I just have to be sure all eyes are on you."
"Be honest, you just want to dance with me, don't you?" I nudged him before he whirled me around the dance floor. He spun me and flawlessly reeled me back in. "Every man here wants to dance with you, y/n." He responded vaguely as we continued to sway.

I laughed as my feet were lifted of the ground and his hands held firm onto my hips, lifting me in the air. "Isn't this too much?" I asked as he lowered me and we strided along the floor. "Never." He replied before spinning me and releasing my hand.

Before I knew it, multiple men came up behind me, each asking for a dance. I glanced back to see where Leo went, but he had already disappeared.

I declined the offers and made my way to the long, appetizer table. I couldn't help but be aware of the crowd of men that had followed me there. "Excuse me, I believe we met outside," Aaron Tennessee approached me gingerly, glancing around in search of my brown-haired partner.

"I believe we did." I smiled politely. "I grew worried that you had already found a match outside. But, it appears you just attract a lot of attention." He lifted my hand to kiss it once more and I smiled shyly. "It appears so." I glanced around as another man approached me....and another, and another.

They all introduced themselves and began stating their status. I couldn't help but wonder if this defeats the purpose of the masquerade. "Might I have the honor of knowing such a fair maiden's name?" A black-haired man eyes me earnestly.

"Well, that would be no fun now, wouldn't it?" I grinned slyly as I pretended to sip a goblet of wine. "Beautiful and intriguing.." He looked me up and down as he held a finger to his lips.

"Dare I say I have no need to search for another partner?" He grinned and I watched a million pairs of eyes shoot him a glare. "That would be daring of you." I said, desperately searching for Leo.

"May I get you a drink?" Another man asked, clearly ignoring the wine in my hands. Before I could refuse, someone else spoke up. "No, allow me."
"Nonsense, gentlemen, she's drank enough." (I've drank none.)
"Might you humor me with a dance?"
"Can't you see she's tired!? Please, allow me to bring you a chair-"
"Don't overwhelm her with needless questions!"

It was to the point where the crowd of men were all arguing with each other and paying me no mind. I tried to slip away but their heads all collectively snapped in my direction. "Where are you going?" I flinched at the way they all yelled in unison.

"She simply wishes to get some air, gentlemen. You're suffocating her." I felt someone's fingers brush against my long gloves. "Isn't that right, darling?" I turned to see a stunning pair of emerald eyes. Her skin was rich and smooth and her hair was long and coiling almost down to her knees.

I gasped almost instantly. "Esmeralda..." I raised my hand to my mouth. "Look at you speaking as if you know me." She slid her hand up from my glove and worked it closer to my shoulder. Before I could move myself, I felt two strong arms pull me back by my shoulders.

"Oh, protective, are we?" Esmeralda giggled, her long hand over her mouth. "You're here." Leo said from behind me, his tone was harsh.

"I grew bored just watching the show from far away. Figured I might as well join in." Her eyes flashed with an unknown type of mania that made me slightly cower into Leo's frame.

"Then, take us to the room." Leo commanded, but Esmeralda shook her head with a laugh, "If it was so entertaining for you to grace us with your presence, then you have to hold up your end of the deal."

"I don't have to do anything." She placed a hand on her hip, her eyes suspiciously stared at my skin. "No, but you will." Leo's tone distorted in the same deathly manner that it had with Dierdre.

She stared at him for a moment before laughing it off. "Alright, fine.." She began to walk away, assuming we would follow her. "Since you asked so nicely." I glanced behind me to see a flock of men trying to move my way. Leo laid his arm around my shoulders and urged me forward, turning my face back in front of me with his hand. "Don't look at them."

Esmeralda led us down the hall for what felt like ages until she finally stopped in front of a large painting. She placed her hand along the face of the crying woman depicted on it, cradling her dead lover. She slid her hand down and pressed her fingers into the canvas.

Just like that, the rim of the painting creaked and released from the wall, revealing a hidden door.

I gulped as she stepped through and Leo slid the bottle from the brick alleyway into my hand.

"Drink this now."