Once Upon a Story [ INCONSISTENT UPDATES ]

Masquerade

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐭
It's not a prompt per se, but I was inspired after watching this video.
✧˚｡⋆ ballroom dancing with Monsieur Neuvillette ♡; ─a playlist + voiceovers/sfx

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭
463

❝ 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺 ❞

The carriage came to a slow halt. Music trickled out from the dance hall, laughter and idle chatter—the usually calm castle filled with life and celebration. With a shaky breath, she stood, gracefully holding the hem of her dress as she stepped into the unknown. Each click, faintly echoing, made her all too conscious of her extravagant garb. The midnight blue contrasted with her skin, deep like syrup; gemstones glittered like stars. Under the moonlight, she glowed a cool hue.

The few conversing outside stared as she passed, curiously in awe. They'd heard whispers of her, stories of the woman who kissed the sun. A princess from a far-off land, an orphaned child, taken in by noble birth, a little girl with sunflowers in her hand, hiding in the flower bed. She was a legend, until tonight.

She walked across the reflective marbled floors, hands gently gathered on her skirt. Lights shone from every corner, statues stood tall, imposing their story, banners fell from high ceilings, recounting history, showing honour and victory. The grand hall extended, branched into smaller sections, like an endless maze. It carried the music far, extending beyond the castle gates, inescapable.

Standing before the grand double doors, she inhaled, slowly exhaled, calm. Her nerves, tingling in her fingers, settled. The rush toned down, but never faded; still palpable. A gentle push opened up a new world. She entered, carrying her soft honey scent. The crowd went silent, picking her apart. She felt the deconstructing stares, the scrutiny. Only the gentle waltz prevailed over the heavy silence.

Hands overlayed, she advanced slowly, head high and poised. She looked left and right, taking her time to search the crowd. Intricate masks and veils hid every face; some like hers even had their eyes covered. It was the theme: a night of mystery without regret or fear.

In the unknown, she called out to him, silently, pleading. And he came. Her breath hitched as she spotted a familiar hue, darker than twilight. A mask meant to match hers turned to meet her gaze. The pressure forced onto her shoulders so suddenly lifted, her breath nearly left with it. Her cold expression cracked; a faint smile appeared. They approached each other, pushing down the desperate need to run into the other's arms.

He stood as close as the space allowed, shoes brushing the edge of her dress. Without words, she held out her hand, gloved in sheer black. Heat buzzed against her wrist when he skillfully avoided her concealed hand. The warmth lingered, pleasant, cold when he stood. Drawn together, they swayed, eyes never once looking away. The world melted away, leaving their souls to resonate, taking in every drop of adoration their eyes could catch.

Nothing mattered, no one existed;

only them.

Her.

Him.

"Only you."