short stories, sketches, and rants

A Royal Masquerade

   Princess Aura stands in front of the mirror as a flurry of maids rush around her, makeup covering the small bruise on her cheek and highlighting her eyes. She sighs and steps out of the flurry of them, walking to the doors and pushing them open. She slides behind a corridor into a back hall that used to be for the serving staff.

   She pulls out a black lace mask out of a hidden pocket and slips it on. Yanking one glove off, she creates a small flame of light to guide her down the thin stairway. At the bottom, she pushes open a small door and steps into an empty hall, sliding her glove on. Music echoes as she approaches two large doors. Taking a deep breath, she pushes one open a crack and slips through, immediately blending in with the crowd.

   For a while she wanders, avoiding those who might recognize her unique eyes under the black mask. Seeing her head guard searching the crowd, she looks down at the floor, thankful to her head maid who helped her execute this plan. Unfortunately, she happened to bump into someone and about fell on her butt. That is, until the mysterious person caught her at the waist.

   Her eyes flickered up and shy turquoise met dark brown. For a moment they just stared at one another. The man, seemingly not much older than her, smiled and said "Careful, don't want a twisted ankle now."

   The princess blushes and says "I'm very sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going."

   The man chuckles and says "Not a problem. What is your name?"

   Panic runs through the princess until she realizes no one knows her real name. "Kennedy, and yours?"

   He smiles again and takes her gloved hand, kissing the top. "Wonderful meeting you Lady Kennedy, my name is Prince Dylan."

   The princess smiles and says "Thank you for catching me from my clumsiness. I tend to trip over my feet even when I do pay attention."

   Dylan laughs and says "for a lady of the court, that must make a difficult time."

   Kennedy tilts her head and says "what makes you assume I'm a lady of the court?"

   Dylan chuckles and shrugs, a smile on his lips. "Maybe because you speak fluently in both Dutch and Icelandic." Kennedy's eyes go wide in surprise.

   "You tricked me! You sly prince." She huffs, crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes at him. Her eyes flash amber, the moment almost as if it was a trick of the light.

   A new song strikes up and Dylan holds out his hand. "Let me make it up to you with a dance?" He asks. Kennedy sighs but smiles at him, taking his hand. He pulls her onto the dancefloor and they join the fray of spinning couples. As they waltz in sync with the music, Kennedy smiles excitedly, her eyes sparkling with joy.

   "You seem to be enjoying yourself Lady Kennedy," Dylan says. She laughs and whispers "be glad I accepted your request Prince Dylan, I don't dance with most people. I usually prefer to dance alone." He raises an eyebrow at her.

  "Why would such a personable lady as yourself want to dance alone?" She looks down at his question and sighs before looking up at him and saying wistfully "Sadly, I'm alone in my imagination most days and all I can dream of is finding the right partner. One who will have quick wit and kindness. Someone who can save me from my Father too." Kennedy closes her eyes and a single tear slips down her cheek.

   She feels a brush on her cheek and opens her eyes. Dylan smiles and mutters "I wish I could kiss your tears away, a beautifully hearted lady like you should never cry such tears of pain. Sadly I have not asked for your courtship and it would be much inappropriate to do so."

   Kennedy blushes and says "If you looked for me you could not find me. My father hid me from the world under a false name. I'm not even who I tell you I am. But if you find me after this dance in my true form to the world, know I showed you myself now. No one knows this side of me."

   The song ends and the princess slips from his grip, sliding into the crowd before he can take chase.

This is an idea for a spin-off story of Kennedy and Dylan. Let me know what you think!