The Masked One

Chapter 2

Lady Priscilla drilled into me as much as she could before it was time to go to bed. After all, the lady had to look presentable in a few days and must get her beauty sleep for the ball.

This ball would be the first ball the lady would attend, her debut into society. At age 16, the sons and daughters of nobles debut into society after being lectured on etiquette and how to carry themselves for most of their young life. Once they are of age, they are considered adults and can finally attend all gatherings nobles might invite them to. However, it also depends on your ranking as to who would invite you.

Balls were meant for the aristocrats to mingle and present their sons and daughters to each other to see if they what good matches they might have for the future. At 18, they are considered old enought to marry and produce offspring. Hence, the ball was used as a couple matching of sorts for their children, looking for the best suitors available.

That would have been me a few years back. Yet I had to live in a different world. Even though I missed my loved ones, I knew I was safer behind a mask.ñ, magical or not.

As I head to my living quarters, my thoughts are on the upcoming ball. A frown made its way out. I have to be mindful as to how I act and who I interact with, I thought, knowing fully well what that might entail. Once I enter the room, I am assaulted with a hug.

Alarmed, I freeze in place until I catch sight of the blonde hair, a sigh of relief leaving my body as I relax into the embrace and hide my magic away.

"Mary? What's wrong?" I asked her after a minute. She does not let me go. All I can hear are incoherent words.

I raised an eyebrow. "I'm sorry. I didn't learn gibberish," I joke trying to lighten the mood.

She finally lets go. There were tears in her eyes which confused me.

Did something happen? She huffs at my comment and rolls her eyes.

"I am so happy for you! I heard from the other servants that you will be attending the ball!" She cried.

I looked at her in astonishment.

Then burst into laughter. This girl did not know when to cry or when to laugh.

"So those are happy tears?" I giggle. Mary pouts at my response.

"I'm just so happy you have this wonderful opportunity. You'll have the chance to meet very handsome men," She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

I roll my eyes and walk around her, undoing my braid as I walked towards my bed. Mary and I shared this room together so it was not a surprise that we became good friends. We told each other everything and leaned on each other when we needed help. It was no surprise she looked up to me as a big sister. We were, of course, only two years apart.

"I am just a servant, Mary. No one will be paying attention to me. They will be clamouring for the Lady's attention, though," I shrugged. Mary scoffed.

"Look at yourself! Even being in your 20's you garner a lot of attention from males. You are gorgeous no matter your standing in society. Plus, don't you want attention? It would make it easier for you to find a husband," she mentioned wiggling her eyebrows.

I shook my head at her antics and haber her a serious look.

"I don't want any attention on me. I cannot outshine Lady Priscilla. It is her debut into society. I am also not interested in getting married."

I wish it were you going instead of me.

Mary sighed and laid down on her bed. She looked at me as I use my fingers to comb through my hair before going to sleep. We have had this discussion every time about marriage. While she was looking for good men to marry, I focused my life in serving Lady Priscilla. Our goals completely different.