Mask

Magic

I stared at the man in front of me, trying to see if I knew him from somewhere. Normally men at dances don't pay me any mind. I have danced a couple of times but it was very rare. He looked a bit like the prince but I knew it couldn't be. Even his voice was different. I shook my head. I truly had no idea who was in front of me.

"I have no clue."

He smiled and winked. "It's me, Yaro."

He had to be lying. "I'm not sure how you could impersonate the prince with a smile like that. I bet if we called the royal guards, they would enjoy putting you on trial for attempting to be someone from the royal family."

He started to laugh. "You'd really call the guards on me?"

I clenched my hands on my skirt. "I would."

I watched him chant some strange words as it slowly echoed around him. He moved his hands around his throat and face in a circular motion as a bright light caused me to squint. I blinked a couple of times until my vision cleared. There sat Yaro. Was he a magician? Could he somehow help me with my mask? There were so many questions I wanted to ask but they all disappeared as he smiled at me .

"Are you still going to call them on me? They are standing outside your home as we speak."

I shook my head. "That won't be necessary." Then I thought about how mother would react. "Are they really outside?"

He laughed. "Of course not. I do have one guard with me though. You never know what could happen outside the palace grounds."

I sighed in relief. "I didn't realize you could do magic. Is everyone in your family gifted like you?"

Yaro's smile twitched. "If possible, I'd like for us to keep this a secret between the two of us. You are the only one who can truly see who I am right now. Anyone else would see what you saw the first moment you opened the door."

My heart skipped a beat. "I understand. Though truth be told, I didn't believe we'd see each other again."

He tilted his head to the side. "Why is that?"

I looked at my hands. "I normally don't see anyone after going to a party."

There was silence for a moment. "Are you saying I'm the first person to ever come visit?"

I looked up and saw him cover his face. He looked a bit flushed and quickly looked away from me. The first word that came to mind was how cute he looked. I had to clear my mind. I've never thought anything was cute other than animals and fabric. What is going on with me?

Yaro cleared his throat. "I feel truly honored, my lady."

I almost wanted to laugh. "Thank you."

He leaned back. "I am quiet curious though. How is it that I've never met you before,  or heard about you for that matter? Though when I ask around everyone knows who you are?"

I shrugged. "I only ever go to certain types of dances so I'm not sure how I'm well known."

"Do you think its because of," he motioned toward my face.

I nodded.

"That makes sense. I understand why I've never seen you before."

Was he saying that as a bad or good thing? I couldn't tell by the tone or look on his face. He noticed me staring as he smiled. Yaro got up and sat down next to me. I felt a bit uncomfortable as I inched away from him. He didn't say anything, which I was thankful for.

"Anastasia. I know this may come off as rude, but may I ask how old you are?"

What a strange question. "Of course not. I'm 18 this year. Why?"

"Well, its hard to tell with that mask covering your face. For all I know you could be some old woman."

I laughed. "If that were true, my skin would be sagging and my voice would be harsh. You have a bad imagination."

He shrugged. "That's why I ask. You never know."

I stared right back. "And you? How old are you?"

He pulled two fingers up. "Just a couple of years older than you."

I nodded. "Also, how is your father? Since you can use magic, does that mean you are trying to help him with his health?"

He quickly glanced around. I probably should've paid more attention. I wanted to apologize but when he looked back at me, he smiled. That's when I knew everything was alright. There could be people hearing. I forget that there are servants always running around or that even mother could pop out of nowhere.

"He is doing much better. Healing is not my expertise but I try when I can. I'm learning in order to help him. Though he's not listening to what I have to say. He's acting like a child."

I wasn't sure how to take the news. "What do you mean?"

He looked sheepish. "He thinks that even though he's feeling better, that means he can walk around like nothing is wrong. He still needs his rest."

I laughed. I couldn't imagine the king doing such a thing. All I knew was that I could take his word for it.