Mask

Moon and Stars

I followed where the other guests were going. I walked up the steps and waited for my turn. A man wearing a red coat and black pants stared down at me. He had a tall bearskin hat with the symbol of the kingdom on the front. On his left hip was a sword, adorned with gold trimming. He asked where my invitation was. I took it out of my dress pocket and handed it to him. He opened it and told me to wait on the side for a moment. 

I wasn't sure why I had to others were able to go in freely. It didn't bother me so I looked for another way to enter the hall. I walked around the building and saw another door. I tried to open it but it didn't budge. I wasn't sure what to do. I could go back and wait to be called but that would mean all eyes would be on me. The thought alone bothered me. I took a couple of steps and realized there was a white bistro table with two chairs. 

I sat down and took in a sigh of relief. I was content. I was able to find a secluded area to be by myself though I knew I would have to find food later on. Staring up at the stars, I was able to enjoy the moon and the stars. It was a beautiful night with a slight warm breeze. 

The door that was closed behind me opened. I glanced and saw a neatly dressed man walk out. He wore all white. His jacket had gold intertwined on the cuffs and up the jacket center front all the way up around his collar. He wore a vest underneath with the same trimmings and a white shirt underneath. He had ashy brown hair with fair skin and gray eyes. He wore a joker mask that was gold and white to match his outfit. Once he saw me, he grunted. 

"Can't I ever find a place where I can be alone?"

I know he was talking to himself but it still was rude of him to say it loud enough where I could hear. I got up and tried to open the door he just went through but it was still locked. I sighed. Maybe the man who sat down knew another way to get in? 

"Do you know how to get inside?"

He pulled something out of his pocket and threw me something. I caught it and realized it was a set of keys. I opened the door and threw them back at him. I told him my thanks and closed the door behind me. I walked down the hall and saw a couple of doors leading to the dance hall. Everyone looked beautiful in their dresses and masks. 

I walked around and found a spot that was unoccupied. There were musicians playing a catchy melody that had everyone dancing. I seemed to be unnoticed as I scanned the room. The room was decorated with gold and purple. The tables were decorated with a white tablecloth and the centerpiece was a bouquet of red roses and white lilies. The silverware was silver with clear glasses. 

At the other side of the room were stairs that lead up to the middle of the room, where anyone could see someone clearly. That's when I noticed a man walking up the stairs. It was the same person I met outside. What was he doing? It didn't seem anyone noticed until he stopped. He waved his hand around as the musician's music slowly died down as did everyone else. 

He cleared his throat. "Thank you all for coming! My father would be pleased to know you all arrived but sadly he has fallen ill. I have come in his stead so please enjoy yourselves and I pray my father gets well soon."

Everyone lifted their cups and cheered. 

Did I insult the prince of the country without knowing? I felt dread fill me.