Phan One Shots

~ Behind The Mask

Behind The Mask

Words: 2693

Summary: Dan is a prince and goes to a special masquerade ball with his parents. There he meets the handsome and mysterious Prince Phil Lester.

Dan

"But why?" I asked again and crossed my arms over my chest, stubbornly.

"It is your duty to be there. Everyone's going and you are my son and future heir therefore you must be there too." My father argued. He mirrored my actions and gave me a stern look.

"Fine." I mumbled.

"Good, I know balls aren't your thing but it's only for a few hours. Just be polite and smile, we have a reputation to uphold. Many royals are visiting from around the world so we want to make a good reputation. There are some big names coming tonight." My father explained, rather excitedly.

"Like who?"

"Like Prince Amar of India, Queen Sinatra of Egypt, King Fernando of Italy and lots more."My father grinned and ruffled my hair. I smiled and swatted his hand away and straightened up.

"Okay, okay. I get it." I sigh.

"You should try find yourself a princess Daniel, you'll be taking over when you turn twenty five. You have three years to go. It would be wise to find someone and settle down. Maybe you could get married and have children." He suggested. I wrinkled my nose in distaste.

I wasn't one for happy families. My mother and father seemed to be content and it has always been the perfect family for them. I on the other hand don't like children very much. Just thinking about looking after one makes me feel dizzy. And girls? Well ... I've kissed a few in the past but it's never been serious. I don't like the thought of settling down when there's so much out there to do and explore.

I have the whole world to travel but I'm stuck here in my father's shadow until I turn twenty five and take over. I've only got three years to fulfill my ambitions. I haven't spoken of them for years. When I was a teenager I'd ramble on about how I would love to be an explorer. The look on my mother and father's face always showed distaste for my thoughts. I've never brung it up since and I will have to eventually.

"Indeed ..." I say almost gloomily.

. . .

"King and Queen Howell and their son from the South of England." The man with the list announced to the ballroom. Lords, Ladies and royals clapped as the three of us descended the staircase like many had before. I sighed and kept the fake smile plastered on my cheeks until it hurt and we reached the bottom.

I was wearing a black suit, gold epaulettes and a golden crest badge which symbolized my kingdom. My face, like many of the people there, was hidden behind a black mask. How cliché was it to have a masquerade ball?

"We'll be around Daniel, socialize." Mother smiled at me and reached up to plant a kiss on my cheek. I was taller than her, I got my height from my father's side since my mother just reached over his shoulder. I nodded and watched as they walked off, arms linked to chat with other important people.

I sighed and awkwardly looked around. They obviously don't know me too well otherwise they'd know I'd be completely useless with other human interaction. I was purely awkward and didn't know what to say around other people. I don't know how he expected me to be king!

I moved to the side of the ballroom and took a glass of champagne off the tray that the waiters were serving around. I took a sip and leaned against the wall, watching as more important people were announced as they made their proud entrances.