Fate of deception

Chapter 9 - Amir's and Umaizah's POV

Amir's POV

As we strolled towards Bloom's Garden, memories flooded back of the difficult times we faced when my grandmother passed away. It was a period filled with emotional turmoil, from heated arguments to lonely days of solitude. My mother's decision to open the shop amidst this grief was a beacon of hope, a way to distract herself from the pain of loss. The shop became a symbol of resilience, a place where beauty bloomed amid adversity, reflecting the strength and love that held us together during those challenging days.

Bloom's Garden was only a ten minute walk from Arrow's Edge, which was convenient for us. Well, for Umaizah since she decided to wear heels. I don't get how girls can wear heels for long periods of time.

As usual, people surrounded the building with people coming in and out. Was it appropriate for Umaizah to come with? We still need a solution for the ongoing situation right now.

"Wait." She stared at me

"Are we going to try to hide you still?" She stopped walking, staring at the people figuring what to do.

"Well, how are we going to do that if I will?"
She answered within another question. Great.

I sighed. How are we going to disguise her? Hats won't fit her outfit, a face mask may seem intimidating... What else is there?

"Do the women here still wear masquerade masks?" She started into my eyes, her eyes filled with hope.

"Some do, some don't. It really depends on the occasion and outfit." I examined Umaizah's outfit. Her hair looked normal, the outfit gave some type of theme, if you pictured it with a masquerade mask. I guess no one would identify her...

"Let's try the mask option." I finally said.

"I remember there was a cosplay shop nearby. We can either go back to the house to get a previous mask or we can buy a new one, up to you."

Already knowing her answer, she decided to buy a new one to save time. I leaded the both of us to a store named "Dreamscape Costumes & Creations". Inside, we found many elaborate costumes that were inspired by previous masquerades, creatures and faes. In the corners of the shop were armour sets, accompanied with propped swords. The middle had many small aisles of long to short gowns with dresses that were covered with glitter and intricate patterns and threading. Near the window were accessories such as tiaras, earrings, wands, small heels etc. Just from a quick look, I couldn't find any masquerade masks.

"Can I look around before asking a worker for one?" Umaizah held her gaze.

I nodded because I didn't want her to stick by me so I let her choose what she want. She first walked to the left side of the room. Something drew her attention. I'll let her breathe. I might as well look for something too, not that I need anything though.

Umaizah's POV

I headed away from Amir, letting myself do as I chose to. I found what looked like to be an old book. It looked exactly like the one I had from a late relative. I didn't personally know the relative, one of the elder maids secretly gave it as a present. She claimed that she couldn't hide it herself, so she gave it to me to hide in my own room. I never allowed cleaners of the palace inside my room for privacy causes. I always used to look inside the similar journal, reading the small stories and poetries it had. It was always written by a woman. All I knew was that her name was Alma Lenore, as she had always written her name down at the bottom right of each page, including a dark red lip print next to it.