Nancy Drew: The Castle & The Masquerade

The Ball V

The girl on the other side of the mirror was unrecognizable. The dress she wore was an emerald green that hugged her body tightly around her waist and then cascaded down kissing the floor. Nancy's fiery hair had been tamed into a low French tail braid with fresh flowers woven and entwined around. A metallic-gold crown wrapped around her head with, what seemed to be, an emerald at the center. Nancy shifted her body in different directions to see if it really was her. Bess was at awe.

"My gosh Nancy! You should really let me plan your next date with Ned." The glamour quickly faded when Bess said that. Nancy wasn't mad at Bess. It was her own decision not to tell anyone what happened between her and Ned. It was her way of keeping hope that what happened was a mistake. In the back of her mind though, she knew it hopeless keeping that idea in her mind. But Bess reminded her of the focus she needed to solve this case. Nancy was desperate for her much needed vacation time, and there was a criminal out there ruining that.

Nancy clenched her fist together in determination as she slipped on her heels that matched her attire. She wasn't surprised that Bess had picked her a dress and the whole attire in under five minutes. She could tell that Bess was disappointed not being able to make it to the ball, but Nancy pinky promised her that she'd get all the details.

Nancy was about to leave when Bess screamed at her hoarsely, but still loudly. "NANCY!"

Bess pointed to a small mirrored box. Nancy walked over to it and picked it up. As she did, fractures of the sunset happening before her transferred into to the room. She opened the box to find a gorgeous mask made out of emerald, sapphire, and canary diamonds. It wove around the mask in a delicate pattern that reminded Nancy of the garden below her tower. It was wild, yet beautiful. The mask sat on Nancy's face perfectly as if it was made just for her. She tied the bow securely and glanced at Bess of anymore last minute reminders. All she said was.

"You look beautiful Nance."

-x-

The ball reminded Nancy of her senior prom. Ned had been out of town with his family, Bess and George somehow managed to find dates, yet also convinced Nancy to go with them. It was awkward third wheeling a sense with them. With her lack of Bess, who is usually the queen of parties, and a date Nanct seemed to out. Her only reassurance was her mask and if she couldn't recognize herself who else would.

Nancy spotted the casing where they kept the necklace. It was across the ball room dancers where a statue of cupid surrounded it. Nancy made her way through the first wave of crowds. She recognized the group of royal she had taken Bess away from earlier that. They were likely Nancy's age or a few years younger. She noticed one of the boys spike something into the drinks fountain. "God, this is prom all over again." Nancy rolled her eyes as she tried to avoid the dancers. She made across the ball room dancers and swiftly made her way toward the cupid statues. Her eyes were locked unto the necklace until a figure stopped in front of her. Nancy tried to move the other direction, but so did the man in front of her. It was one of those awkward instances where Nancy tried to move out of his way and the other person does also only to be going in the same direction. They tried again to move out of the way, but again it happened. Nancy finally gave up and laughed lightly.

"I'm so sorry." The man finally spoke with an air genuine apology, but she also sensed something else in his voice. Mischief?

Nancy looked up to see who owned the voice and the satin dark black tux. Sandy blonde with green eyes that matched his tie. It was the prince. Nancy lost her words once again. He was wearing a simple black mask with subtle embroidery details.

Seeing her silence, he continued talking. "Since we're practically dancing...would you care to dance?" He reached out his hand. Nancy clenched her hands at the decision. Her eyes strayed at the glass display which held the necklace.

"Oh no. I'm a terrible dancer." The man in front of her new better. He had followed her eyes to the display and a smirk began to form on his mouth.

"This is a dance. I saw you come in." He smiled. "You went straight for that necklace. If I didn't know better, it would look as if you only came to see the necklace." His voice became mischievous as he continued talking.

Nancy examined his eyes. Unlike Ned's, his thoughts were barred and locked away. One thing she knew though, she was sure he didn't recognize her. That's one reason she placed her hand in his. Another was to secure her alibi. He was right. It's a dance so she needs to dance. Nancy relaxed a bit and followed him to the dance floor.

The prince held her waist just like he did when he saved her from the cart. Secure yet gentle. Their slow dance spilled into the balcony where lanterns illuminated like stars so close by. Soon the boy's eyes changed from the emerald green that matched her dress and his tie to the deep blue of the night sky. The music had lulled, but the two figures in the night kept dancing.

Maybe it was the way he held her or how he never took his eyes of her. His eyes...filled with mischief, but mostly kindness. It reminded her of someone's, but she couldn't place who. Nancy couldn't understand why she felt so secure, or so safe in her entire life. She's never felt this security because she's never really sensed fear. Yet right now, he gave her this sense of calmness even though no danger was lurking behind her. It was strange, but she didn't want to let go. She didn't want to solve this case, to think of Ned, she just wanted to hold this sense of relief as long as she could.

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I sincerely hoped you guys enjoyed this chapter! I really enjoyed putting some romance into Nancy's life. How do you guys like this new Prince?? I will try to update during my Christmas break. Thank you for all your support and comments! If you liked this chapter, remember to vote, comment and share with friends!! Love y'all. Have a great Christmas.

xoxo.