“You told him to do what it takes. Turns out our new captain has similar tastes as you.” I shrug and lace up one of my shoes. “Did you give my cartographer the image of the map we had drawn from the anchor?”
Benny nods. “Yes, he’s been studying and comparing it to other maps in the library. He and a few of the others in our crew will be sneaking out as soon as the ball begins. They will grab what luggage they can and some will head to the ship while others will wait for Prince Marcel.”
After tucking in a shirt he then throws on a doublet—Deean is near ready. “Everything is in motion. Let’s go have some fun until then.”
Together we make our way out of the left wing, to the other side of the castle where the masquerade will commence. We know we’re close to the ballroom when the expansive hall starts becoming more and more decorated. The Queen doesn’t shy away from abundance. Flowers and feathers stuff the halls and candelabras set the place aglow; everyone adds to the décor with the different masks they wear.
Our party makes its way into the ballroom and I hang back, waiting for a formal announcement, Deean waiting with me. I’d rather skip such decorum, but I’m certain Queen Cayleen wouldn’t appreciate the lack of posturing.
“Hello, brother.” Deean and I spin around to find Marcel in an off-white outfit complete with a fur surcoat that scrapes the floor and a mask similar to mine, only white and trimmed with silver. “Brought you someone.”
Next to him is a woman wearing a fox mask the color of fresh snow and decorated with lace and pearls. Curls, ones my hands have laced through, are loose and hold tiny pearl-like beads. A single strap hangs off a kissable shoulder and strings along faded green and pink flowers that move down the beige dress. The flowers run up and down the ribbed part of her gown and alongthe bust. Further down my eyes get caught on the slit that reveals smooth ebony skin—my hands itch to touch her once again.
“Do you like it?” She moves closer, with a certain tease in her step. I meet those russet eyes of hers and only for a second, allow myself to forget that other people are around. I lean into the hand she places against my cheek, hearing the bracelet Sky gave her as protection clink as it shifts on her wrist. “Your brother has decided I simply won’t cut it as his escort. He much prefers to go with Vera, and now I am partnerless.”
“Isn’t he an idiot.” A smile tugs at my lips. “Turns out I don’t have a partner either.”
Marcel smacks a hand on my shoulder. “You two have fun. And Ariah—” He hesitates. “Thank you.”
“I’ve never heard those words from you,” Deean whispers under his breath.
“Funny,” Marcel says dryly, and bobs his head towards the entrance, forcing Deean to follow him.
“Is now a bad time to tell him I poisoned him and gave the Queen a vial of his blood?” Ariah asks.
“Let’s deal with one issue at a time.”
“You’re probably right.” She laughs and takes the hand I extend to her.
“You truly are beautiful.” Her shoulders rise and I see her push down a swallow.
“Thank you,” she whispers.
Together, we take our turn in line and wait for our introduction. Marcel and Vera are up first, and I feel Ariah’s arm tighten around mine.
“No fear,” I say, brushing my lips against her ear.
She bites her bottom lip, a movement has been increasingly driving me mad. “Easy for you to say. She isn’t your Queen, and therefore she can’t punish you.”
“After tonight, she won’t be able to punish you either. Your parents should receive a warning letter soon and we will be long gone from here within hours.” I pull at a strand of hair that has become trapped by her mask and push it back with the others. “We can do this.”
She takes a deep inhale and gives me a single nod just as our names are announced to the attending crowd.
Hand in hand we walk through the curtains and come to the top of a staircase. The floral garland-wrapped railings are too far away to hold on to and I notice hundreds of lights suspended from the high ceilings.
I recognize Benny, Deean, and Marcel instantly; the only other person who I can identify, even with a mask on, is the Queen. She is dressed in her usual blood-red color—which is all too symbolic—and her dress is the largest one on the dance floor. Both her and the gown look like they have been dusted with gold and her mask is of course, in the shape of a fox.
“Well done with her dress. You have real talent,” I whisper to Ariah. “Yours looks better.”
“You’re just full of compliments tonight. And, thank you,” she says.
We reach the end of the stairs and offer the Queen a bow before we approach.
“Don’t you two look striking…together,” Queen Cayleen says with arms folded across her waist. “Prince Marcel was just telling me how he preferred Vera’s company over Ariah’s tonight,” she comments mockingly, meant to get under Ariah’s skin. “I hope you’re okay with the swap, Prince Iann.”
“Of course,” I respond without a thought. “If I’m honest I’m glad for the switch. Ariah and I have had the pleasure of getting to know one another during my stay and I can’t imagine escorting anyone else.”
“Everything worked out then,” she snips and turns to the orchestra, giving them a signal to begin. “Please, enjoy your last night.” She gives us a pathetic smile and slips away.
