Mask

The Prince

As soon as everyone stopped cheering, the music began. The prince slowly made his way down the steps and entered the dance floor. Somehow he was able to avoid any of the dancers that were moving about, or maybe it was because they made way for him to pass? I wasn't sure and couldn't tell much from my point of view. It seemed like he was looking for someone. He kept looking around until our eyes met. I think they did but I can't be 100 percent sure about it. 

He seemed to be walking toward me. Though the man in front of me looked differently than who I met outside. His mask was of a white lion with a gold mane flowing down. The only similarities I could see was the attire. Maybe this was a different person? A brother, perhaps? Or maybe even a cousin?

"Oh, isn't Prince Yaro the most dashing man you have ever laid your eyes upon?" A girl in front of me giggled. 

Her friend answered while fanning herself, giggling with delight. "Oh yes, and he's showing us his power with that wonderful lion mask of his!"

As luck would have it, the man didn't look my way as he walked past. Maybe it was just my imagination? I took a sip of the drink that was just provided and savored it. I will not be having such luxuries again once I return home. With that thought, I was about to get up and look for some food when I felt a tap on my shoulder. 

I turned to my left and saw a man wearing black with white gloves and a penguin mask. He put one hand behind his back and another flat on his chest as he slightly bowed. I got up and respectfully curtsied. Was he about to ask me for a dance? My first? I tried to remember any of the dance sequences my mother made sure to bore into me. I couldn't fail now. Could I politely decline? 

"Madam, please come with me."

I was confused. Was he not going to ask me to dance? I didn't object as I followed him. Maybe he was ashamed and wanted to walk where no one could see us? I tried not to get my hopes up but my heart was thumping loudly in my chest. I was becoming nervous all of a sudden. The unknown was always unsettling. We walked past the tables and chairs toward the kitchen doors. Maybe he was taking me somewhere to bully me? My stomach churned.

I watched as the cooks worked tirelessly to make plates of food and desserts. I really wanted to grab one and eat it on the way but I knew that would be considered rude. I bite my lip. How much further do we have to go before I get to find out where I'm going? At the end of the kitchen were another set of doors. We walked through them and was welcomed with a red door with silver door knobs.  

He bowed and left me alone. I watched him walk away and debated about saying something. I lost my chance as the doors closed behind him. I waited a moment before opening a door. I slowly peeked inside, hoping not to walk into something horrifying. The opening lead outside to a small courtyard. 

It was lightly furnished as the lights were dim. On the edge of the concrete flowerbed sat Prince Yaro. He was holding a black beauty peony and smelling it. It looked something out of a painting.  When he saw me, he lowered the flower and smiled at me. Then he patted the area next to him, indicating for me to sit. I closed the door behind me and sat down. 

He looked up at the sky and sighed. "You do realize, you are one of the rudest people here at this party?"

I tilted my head. "How do you figure?"

He looked at the peony. "By how you didn't curtsey the moment you saw me or the fact that you didn't raise a glass to my fathers good health."

I was starting to not like this prince. "Isn't is also rude to not bow when a woman arrives?"

Prince Yaro looked at me. Did I say something out of line? Is he going to tell someone to throw me into the dungeon and throw away the key? Forget I ever existed and die of thirst and hunger? 

Instead of what I thought he was going to say, he laughed. "Touché. Though, what about when everyone cheered? To anyone who was paying attention, that would come off as an insult to the royal family."

"I didn't have a cup to cheer with."

He didn't seem convinced. "Why didn't you ask for one then?"

I shrugged. "I didn't know you were the prince let alone giving that speech. Also, I hope your father feels better soon."

He stared at me for a moment. "You're serious?"

I glared at him. Did he hear the last thing I said? "Do I look like I'm jesting?"

Prince Yaro inched toward me a bit. "I guess not. Also, thank you for your kind words."

He did hear me. That's good to know. I was starting to get uncomfortable with the inspection as I averted my eyes and looked up at the sky. The stars had shifted while I was gone but it was still beautiful. I could faintly hear the music from the dance hall as it seemed to match the mood of the moment. I wasn't sure how to describe it. 

"Would you care to dance?"

His voice caught me off guard. I thought he didn't like me from the way our conversation was going. I then remembered the words of my mother and smiled. Plus, I could never deny the hand that is reaching out to me, especially from a prince. If mother were here to see this, she'd most likely faint. I put my hand in his and stood up. He bowed as I curtsied. 

"Yes, I'd love to."