Imperfect Pieces

6. masquerade

dedicated to josephus because he knows me in real life lol and he's doing this challenge too. i'm way ahead of you :P

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The music was captivating, beautiful, alive- so different from the way it was just half an hour ago. Now the strangers were no longer just boring people that had nothing better to talk about than the weather. They each had a story, and each was unique. Even the lighting seemed different. There seemed to be an unearthly glow in the room, giving the ballroom with a rather romantic and peaceful atmosphere. In the very center of the oval room there was a young man dancing. He was handsome, but it was his dancing partner that drew most people's attention. She was incredibly beautiful.

They were staring into each other's eyes as if there was no one else in the room except them. No one at all, except for the musicians. The music was the only thing that spoke, and it gently enveloped the young couple, capturing the essence of their love. It was one of those moments that you would want to treasure for the rest of your life, because one way or another you know that it would only occur once in your existence on the planet.

If only he had known that sooner. Then perhaps he would not be alone in his study, running his finger over the creases and smooth surface of the mask. There were tear stains on that featureless white mask, signs of sorrow that told a story that was beyond words. Lord Blackwood pressed his lips gently to it and smiled slightly, despite the ache in his heart. He would never forget the owner of this mask. Never.

♕

March 14th, 1849

All the wealthy lords and ladies of Stonesworth were gathered at the duke's party. It was the ball of the season, and only the best was presented: expensive red wine, talented Italian musicians, and exquisite delicacies from France on a silver platter.

On the walls of the ballroom hung priceless paintings and from the ceiling dangled beautiful crystal chandeliers.

Most of the women were dressed in bright, rich colors and adorned with shiny diamonds, intended to catch the eye of a young man. All of them were wearing colorful masks, many with feathers and pearls. One of their main targets was the duke's only son, the handsome and dashing Lord Blackwood.

He was tall, with golden locks that gleamed in the sunlight and clear blue eyes. He was a perfect gentleman, a splendid ruler, and had melted the hearts of almost all the young ladies of Stonesworth.

"Lady Elizabeth of Venecia." The woman daintily walked in front of the lord and curtsied low, looking at him from her mask decorated with owl feathers. It matched her black gown very well, not that he knew much about fashion. He barely managed to smile, holding in his yawn. This was probably the twentieth lady that had been introduced to him. All night his father, desperate mothers, and nagging aunts had been shoving young girls beneath his nose. He could no longer remember a single lady's name- so many of them had been the same and with masks they were even more unrecognizable.

"Good evening, Lord Blackwood. I'd just like you to know that I am very much enjoying this ball of yours. It is splendid."

He forced a smile unto his face, gesturing around the room.

"I'm very glad that you are enjoying yourself."

The lady with a red dress and ruby mask laughed and left to get more wine. Lord Blackwood let his cheerful expression drop from his face and began to make his way across the ballroom. The music, the people, the noise. He simply could not take it anymore.

"Excuse me."

"Pardon me."

"I'm terribly sorry, would you be so kind to you move over a bit?"

Eventually he got the southeast balcony that faced the city and let out a sigh, breathing in the crisp fresh air. Beneath him were hundreds of dim lights coming from the houses, making it seem like a mirror image of the starry sky above him. Closing his eyes, he finally began to feel a little better.

"Excuse me, but are you all right?"

He was just about to say something rude when he layed his eyes on one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen. She was wearing a deep blue dress, much like the color of the ocean. It flowed from her waist in ripples and and fell elegantly to the ground, leaving a small trail of sea-blue behind her. Her brown hair was tied into a simple bun and the only jewelry she wore were pearl earrings. He would have liked to see her face, but like every other woman at the ball, she was wearing a mask. Though her plain white mask was certainly quite strange.

"Uh, hello? Lord Blackwood, are you alright?"

"Yes of course, I am perfectly fine. I'm so sorry for making you worry."

She walked closer to him and stared out the balcony.

"Doesn't the world seem so small when you're looking down on it? If you think about it, we humans are such insignifigant creatures."

He stared at her in surprise.

She blushed slightly.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"

"No no, you didn't say anything wrong. It's just that I'm used to having such idiotic conversations with ladies. You simply surprised me with your knowledge, that's all."

He glanced back at her. She was staring at the clock a bit worriedly.

"Do you need to be somewhere?"

She turned around, looking startled.

"Oh no, I just..." she trailed off, not meeting his gaze.

He smiled warmly at the young woman before him.

"Do not worry then. Relax and be merry. What is your name, fair maiden?"

She hesitated the slightest bit before replying, "Lady Carla of Santilla."

Offering her an outstretched hand, Lord Blackwood smiled broadly at her, aware of the speed at which his heart was beating at the moment.

"Would you like to dance?"

With a smile in return she replied, "I would love to."

♔

Once again locked up in his study, the Duke of Blackwood was sitting behind his desk. He was staring at the blank white mask, remembering that fateful night when he had first met his dear Carla. At last, his cracked exterior completely broke down and he weeped, the tears streaming down his face like a waterfall.

If only I could have saved her.