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EMILIE
The day of the grand masquerade ball had finally arrived, and I was buzzing with excitement and dread at the same time. The theme, masquerade, sounded enchanting, and I couldn’t wait to don a beautiful mask that would conceal my identity until the end of the evening. My heart fluttered at the thought of meeting my match.
Endless suitcases and trunks were stacked around the room of our country home outside London. We were staying in England for the Wed season. The country estate was in disrepair, as were the other properties. I could smell the mustiness in the air despite the windows being opened to try and air the place out. It was an old estate that was part of my mother’s inheritance. If I married well, we could afford to put a new roof on the house.
As I prepared for the night ahead, Astrid joined me in my room. She was thrilled about my big day. I wasn’t quite as excited. I wanted to get it over with. Tonight was the first time I would have a chance to talk with Theo. I knew this meeting would give me a good idea of what my future held. If he and I clashed right away, I could spend the next few months pouting and dreading my life.
“You have to be thrilled,” Astrid said. She carried in a box and was helping me choose between an array of exquisite masks. “I hope you like your match.”
I chuckled, the butterflies in my stomach making their presence known. “I hope so too, Astrid. But you know how these things go—sometimes it’s all about duty and appearances. Like isn’t a requirement, neither is love.”
“Well, let’s at least make sure you look breathtaking. This mask will surely catch someone’s eye.”
We chatted and laughed as we tried on different masks. But amidst the excitement, there was an ever-present shadow—my mother. She was a formidable woman, her sense of duty unmatched, especially since my sister had scandalously abandoned her responsibilities. Mother was determined to ensure I followed the path she had set. I wouldn’t be surprised to find a guard outside my room. They were making sure I didn’t escape into the night. Mother had reminded me no less than a hundred times about my responsibility to the family.
I sat down at the vanity with Astrid behind me to start the process of doing my hair. My mother swept into the room, her eyes scrutinizing my every move. She had become a bit of a control freak.
“Emilie, remember your duty tonight. You represent our family, and I expect you to conduct yourself accordingly. I know you weren’t planning on all of this, but it’s important you represent us well. You have to be the belle of the ball. All eyes will be on you. They are going to scrutinize your every move and try to find something to gossip about. Do not give them anything else. Our family name has already been sullied by her decisions.”
I nodded, though I had no choice but to comply. “Of course, Mother. I won’t forget.”
She scrutinized me a moment longer before nodding in approval. “Good. You must uphold our family’s honor. Do not disgrace us.”
“I’ll do my best.”
I had to be the obedient daughter, the dutiful one. I couldn’t bear to cause her any more disappointment. It was just a little pressure—if I failed to make a good match, the kingdom crumbled and my family’s line ended with me.Super.
As Mother left the room, Astrid shot me an empathetic look. “You’ll find your own happiness, Emilie. You deserve it, no matter what your mother says.”
I smiled gratefully at Astrid’s support. “Thank you, Astrid. Make me beautiful. I need to snare a husband.”
She laughed and went back to carefully braiding my long blonde hair while weaving in a blue ribbon. I looked at my face in the mirror. Did I look wifely? Would Theo Ashford want to marry me after he met me? Nora was always the pretty one. She was tall and slender and very regal. I was of average height and average looks. I never put a lot of effort into my appearance. When we were on holiday, I got away with wearing jeans and sneakers. When we were in residence, I had to be a little more careful with what I wore.
“All done,” Astrid said, smiling at me in the mirror. “Let’s do your makeup and then it’s time to get dressed. Do you want to grab a bite before we get you in the gown?”
“I can’t eat,” I said. “I’m so nervous.”
“I know your mother is putting a lot of pressure on you, but you don’t need to worry. You’re a beautiful woman and any man would be lucky to have you.”
“Thank you.”
“Are you nervous to meet him?”
“A little,” I admitted. “I’m sure he’s attractive, but what if he’s a jerk? I know I have to do it, but it is going to be so hard to pretend to like someone that is an asshole.”
“Let’s just hope he’s a decent man.”
We went through the process of putting on my makeup that was supposed to look like I wasn’t wearing any at all. When it came time to put on the gown, things got very real. This was it. It was happening. There was no turning back.
I stood in front of the mirror and looked at myself in the dress. I didn’t recognize myself. The gown was a creation beyond my wildest dreams—a cascade of midnight blue silk that flowed like a waterfall from my shoulders to the floor, adorned with hand-sewn beads that were thicker around the waist and then slowly scattered throughout the full skirt. The beads shimmered under the soft glow of the room’s chandeliers.
The bodice of the gown was a work of art in itself. The sweetheart neckline with tiny spaghetti straps was a delicate masterpiece of lace and satin that accentuated my figure. It was perfectly fittedat the waist with a gorgeous beaded design that included lots of rose quartz stones on my hip. I was surprised by how comfortable it was. I was expecting to be miserable and confined, but it wasn’t so bad.
Astrid fastened the buttons at the back, and I turned my attention to the matching masquerade mask. It was another true work of art, the same rich midnight blue as my gown, adorned with intricate lacework that echoed the patterns on the dress. The mask was adorned with subtle sparkling diamonds with more rose quartz stones mixed in, giving it an air of mystery and allure.
The gown accentuated my every curve, making me feel like a princess from a fairy tale. The mask added an aura of mystique, hiding my identity and amplifying the sense of anticipation that filled the air.
I turned to Astrid, my eyes filled with gratitude and nervous excitement. “How do I look?”
