Mask

Years Later

Its been 14 years since that fateful day. I still haven't met my stepfather or seen any images around the house of him. I know he exists since I'll see remnants of his clothing here and there. Or even a musky smell will fill the room where he once was. It felt like I was living with a ghost most of the time.

Since having the mask, I've never gone out of the property or made any friends. The servants of the house would even stay away from me. I wasn't sure if it was because of mother's orders or of fear. They would still wash my clothes and clean my room but they always made sure to do it when I wasn't around. My mother only allowed me to go outside near the house and never too far, in case unexpected guests arrived and needed me back inside. I've asked her why I couldn't greet any of her friends and she rolled her eyes at me.

"We have talked about this. Society is not ready to greet you and your," she would pause, look at me and then away, "beauty. When I feel you are ready, you will be presented in the appropriate manner."

The only time she allowed me to be surrounded by others would be during a masquerade ball. Where no one would shutter or look away from me. Where I could feel normal. I wouldn't go up to strike a conversation with anyone since I've grown used to the solitude. They would leave me alone and I did the same.

On every party, before being dropped off, mother would always say, "If anyone asks you to dance, say yes."

Normally I would keep quiet but this time around, I couldn't stand it. "Why, do you wish to marry me off so quickly?"

She covered her mouth and chuckled. "Of course not. I think you should start interacting with others is all."

I rolled my eyes. Didn't she tell me not too long ago that she would introduce me into society properly? What happened to that? Probably just lies, just like everything else. I've learned not to let it get to me.

I looked out the carriage and waited for it to stop. We normally don't speak to one another and I enjoyed the peace before the storm. Gathering up my energy before having to walk around for hours on end until she decided to send for me. I already wished for the night to be over.

Once it came to a standstill, I waited for the coachmen to open the door. Mother didn't say a word as I walked down the steps. I thanked the man and went on my way. In the distance, I could hear the horses galloping away against the pebbled stone. Once I knew it was gone, I took in a sigh of relief. That was when I decided to look at what was in front of me.

I gasped. I didn't believe a word when mother mentioned she had received a letter from the King. It had to be another lie, I told myself over and over again. I thought it was eerily strange when she got the best seamstress in town to make my dress. They didn't come to the house of course but that didn't stop her from getting the measurements right. The dress matched my mask perfectly. All the other times it seemed like she bought what was on sale or whatever looked hideous on me.

The dress was gold all around with a huge red rose circling the skirt. Brown ovals brought out the beauty of the roses as intricate details went up and down the fabric. There was even a red rose on my chest with the same design. The length of my sleeve was up to my elbow as the collar went halfway up my neck. My hair was pinned to the back with curls peeking its way through. I only caught a small glimpse of myself but I thought I looked beautiful. The dress almost looked like one of those beautiful gold rococo carriages.

How was mother able to get an invitation to a place like this? She must have begged someone to get it. Did she plan this to happen? She most likely wanted me to find a high aristocrat to mingle with and marry. No matter. I will enjoy the food, find a secluded area, enjoy the moonlight and relax. Somewhere far away where no one could find me.