Behind the Royal Mask

The Cousin's Arrival

She sat in front of the mirror, barely able to recognize herself. She had been dressed up by the maids of Haverton manor in a soft blue silk gown that shimmered like moonlight. Its sleeves fell off her shoulders. The fabric hugged her figure, tapering at the waist before cascading into flowing layers. It was embroidered with a silver thread that formed patterns of vines and leaves. A thin silver belt was attached at her waist and pearls adorned the hem which barely touched the floor. 

She had stayed locked in a room for a whole day. Haverton had promised that as soon as she reaches the palace, her father would be freed. She had wished to meet her mother and father before she departed but her request had been denied. At least she was going to meet Derin today.

There was a soft knock on the door before it opened. Derin stood in the doorway, wearing the stiff uniform of a royal guard. The dark leather tunic clung to his shoulders, with an embroidered silver crest, the mark of Haverton's guards. His trousers were fitted and tucked into sturdy boots. He looked out of ease in the outfit, as he shifted awkwardly.

"Derin," Beatrice breathed, walking up to him and pulling him into a hug.

"Beatrice," Derin murmured, resting a hand on her back, "Are you alright?"

"As if," Beatrice scoffed, stepping back and motioning toward the gown with an exaggerated wave of her hands.

"I can hardly breathe in this corset," she muttered, shaking her head, "Why do women torment themselves by suffocating in these things?"

"Well, you certainly look ...," Derin said, searching for the right word as her gaze lingered on her for a moment.

"Like another stuck-up noble?" Beatrice helped, laughing light-heartedly.

Derin gave her a smile and said, "I was going to say enchanting."

"I'd prefer breathing freely over dressing up in jewels," Beatrice said, and then with a look of guilt, added, "I am really sorry for dragging you into this. I just didn't know if I'd be able to do it alone. You don't have to do this though if you don't want to."

Derin met her eyes with a softened expression and said, "I was not going to let you go alone there anyways."

"Anyways," Derin said with a playful tone, "You need my brains for whatever schemes you plan to plot there, which I am sure you will."

"You know me too well," Beatrice laughed lightly, "I think this could work in Vigil's favor. Me going to the palace might be our chance to finally do something big."

"Always working for the cause," Derin said with admiration, "But know this, Beatrice. You don't have to feel forced to do anything. At any point you feel like, I will help you get out of there."

"There would be no need to do that. I can handle some nobles," she said with confidence, "Now let's go out before they start getting suspicious."

They stepped out of the room together, a blend of excitement and apprehension coursing through them. Beatrice's heart raced as she realized this was the beginning of an intriguing journey—one she both dreaded and eagerly anticipated.

As they made their way through the dimly lit corridors of Haverton Manor, she couldn't shake the feeling that everything was about to change.

***

Alaric stood beside his mother in the grand courtyard, flanked by knights and members of the court. The air was thick with anticipation, as they listened to hooves of horses and sounds of feet echoing in the distance.