Masquerade {Edited}

Masquerade -2-

Chapter Two

My own secret helpers

Melody was tying my corset as I looked in the mirror. I was trying to look normal as I struggled for breath, making sure to keep my shoulders straight and head up. The dress I had to wear today was red, and I had my hair up in a braided bun with a small strand hanging loose around my face. I looked at my reflection but a stranger was all I saw.

"Suck in a little bit more..." She said, struggling to make it look perfect. I sucked in a big breath, almost wanting to pass out from the capacity of it all.

"Perfect! I'll go tell your parents you are ready." She said, before bowing and then excusing herself out of my room. In this dress, it gave me a perfect figure; to bad I couldn't breathe. I walked over to my bed side and grabbed my small little crown and then set it on top of my braid. Today we were having an outside lunch with the suitors and their parents, inviting all of them to the masquerade. Of course, Kyle would be present and sitting right next to me as my parents tried to persuade my decision of who to choose.

Kyle was just as rich as us, if not more. My parents were trying their best to set me up with him, but I wasn't buying it. For lunch we were to have a feast, considered as our dinner as well. What I wouldn't give for someone to just make me a sandwich or something small, nothing fancy or expensive. I didn't like throwing money around like I had an endless supply; I wanted to work for it. I didn't want to be looked up to as a leader, I wanted to lead myself.

"Jane!" I could hear my mom say from outside my door, knocking loud once.

"They are all waiting for you!" I opened my door and came face to face with my mother who looked just as impatient as me. Her eyes were clouded, she looked older.

"You look magnificent. Truly a work of art... your father will be so pleased." I nodded my head and put on a fake smile for her. We walked down the hall and past the statues of armor and paintings of relatives, towards the outside patio.

The birds were loud in the sky, chirping in the fresh air above. Everything seemed vibrant in color, the smell of flowers thick in the air. I tried my best not to sneeze as I looked up at the sun and felt the familiar tickle in my nose.

"Introducing, Queen Beth and Lady Jane..." The announcer said, grabbing a hold of my hand and escorting me to my chair. I placed a napkin on my lap and folded my hands, sitting up straight; proper etiquette as my mother would say.

"You look wonderful, Jane." Kyle whispered, being sure none of the other guys could hear. I looked around the table at the men in front of me. Everyone had their eyes on me, waiting for something.

"Thank you." I said back, bringing my attention back to my father. I was growing nervous with all the eyes on me; public speaking not one of my strong suites.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we would like to inform you of a ball." He said, pointing his hand at me. I practiced this all morning, making sure it was perfect enough for them to be pleased with me.

"You all are cordially invited to my masquerade ball, where I will be starting the process of finding my future fiancé. My parents have chosen you, as well as your parents agreements, to be one of my suitors." I finished with a smile looking at each and every one of them. They all smiled back at me in approval and excitement.

"You will attend this gathering on the fifth." This is in two days time, long enough to get the supplies needed, and the staffs help. I could already picture the lights and music in the ballroom.

"The whole village will be invited as it is also, her eighteenth birthday." My mother said, placing her napkin in her lap, wanting the attention on herself.