A mask of innocence *On hold*

A mask of innocence~7 the ball pt. 3

****So by now, i'm sure everyone's used to how infrequently i upload. But i'm still sorry! i really don't even know if anyone's reading this story but if you are, thanks for sticking with it! Please feel free to comment and vote! I could use constructive criticism.(: Just like in the last chapter, whoever comments first, i will dedicate the next chapter to them and whoever comments second, i will read one of their stories (: God bless! and Happy New Year!***

Recap:

“Unfortunately, I cannot monopolize your time, as much as I’ve been enjoying myself. We’ve already danced two songs and it would be inappropriate for us to dance a third. Shall I escort you to the food?”

His words jarred me back to reality. I shouldn’t be enjoying myself dancing when I had a job to do.  The idea was to get in and out and I’ve already spent more time than necessary dancing.

“By the door will be just fine, I need to excuse myself for a moment.”

With a smile, Elliot walked me to the door and left me, probably in search of another to dance with.

Looking around, I made sure no one saw me as I slipped from the room.  Now it was time…

*Story Start:*

I walked swiftly down the hall that I had previously walked down with Elliot. It suddenly felt lonely without him. I shook my head; I needed to focus.

Halfway down the hall, I remembered seeing a new passageway. I took that turn and traveled down the hall. This area of the house was less lighted than the others since nobody was over here. In the scant light, I made out a staircase. Although it was dark, I could tell that the woodwork was simple; it lacked the intricate designs that would adorn the main staircase; I’d found the servants’ quarters.

Smiling in satisfaction, I picked up my skirts and scurried up the stairs. I guessed it would be easier to find any valuables there since that was where we kept them at the house. Once at the top, I cautiously eased the door open, making sure there was no one around to spot me. The halls were seemingly deserted; everyone was downstairs attending to the party.

Dozens of doors lined the hall, all firmly shut. I sighed; this would take awhile. With no way of telling what time it was, I would have to hurry, just to be safe. Quickly and as quietly as I could, I traveled down the hall, opening up every door in search of any sign of valuables. My search yielded way to nothing.

I moved down another hall, steadily gravitating towards the residents’ quarters. As I moved, I noticed that the halls got lighter and fancier the closer I got to the other side of the house. I wrinkled my face in disgust; only the residents got to live in comfort. Nobody thought that servants would like to live in comfort too. They simply didn’t matter to people of class. I briefly wondered if I’d think the same thing if I’d been allowed to grow up like I was supposed to do. If I did turn out that way, I was almost grateful for how my life turned out.

I was so deep in thought that I very nearly missed it: the room. I could tell just by the way everything was carefully arranged. It also helped that a box of jewels lay on a desk by the window. Some servant must’ve been too busy to put them away.

I stepped into the room and glanced around. Tapestries of landscapes hung on the wall. I approached one and lifted it up. Just as I thought, there was a steel box nestled in a little alcove. Grinning, I pried the box out. The lock wasn’t difficult to break; a little twist with my pin and it popped open.

Deep green emeralds glittered softly in the sparse light. I gasped in surprise; they were absolutely gorgeous. Delicately, I reached in and grasped the hard jewels. I opened up the pouch I had brought and placed them inside.