I roamed through the magnificently lit hall to find Kacie. Sweeping my gaze through gowns, they nded on her. She looked like she would run away at any chance she gets. It was not her fault, even I could feel an unnatural amount of attention was on her. With her shimmery gown tailing behind her, covered in a golden mask. She was a perfect blend of beauty and mystery.

  I approached her making sure she does not leave and at least attempt to enjoy the night. Her response though half-hearted, I knew she will not defy me. Turning away from her, I went to the table where the Duchess and Selena were in a conversation. One can spot them even in a masquerade ball.

  “A wild combination.” I muttered. But stepped towards them anyway.

  “Good evening, Duchess. Selena. Hope you are having a good time.” I nodded in their direction.

  “Good evening, I see you are back from that little hobby of yours. Ready to find a husband yet?” The Duchess waved her crooked fingers at the word hobby almost offendedly. I took a deep breath in. Endure Yvonne. Just for tonight.

  “As you can see, I am here for now. We will see where the future leads us.” I feigned a smile.

  “You have no idea how talented she is Duchess Ade. Father said her archery is just as good as Lord Xavier’s. She is out here giving men competition. I could never do that.” Though Selena stepped up for me, something about the way she worded it, didn't sit right with me.

  “You speak too highly of me.” I smiled politely at her.

  “Do not be so modest now, that is probably why I see Lord Xavier’s eyes on you all the time.” Her unnecessary comment made me queasy.

  “I do not see how this was a compliment. How will you get yourself a man, if you threaten their role of protecting you. Women do not compete with men, they surrender.” Ade tsked.

  “And you girl," she gave a pointed look to Selena. “My son does not like women who go out of their way to be stubborn. You do not have to be inspired by such actions. You will have better chances of marrying that way.” Heat rushed to my cheeks.

  “I am sure Selena has misunderstood. I would appreciate if you do not repeat words that do not hold authenticity in public. You might not realise but it inconveniences others.” I gred at Selena. Not expecting to be called out like this, her mouth opened and closed without any words.

  “And duchess. If a man needs me to be weak so he can make himself look stronger is a fragile boy not a man. I can do better than that. If you will excuse me now, I will find a man for myself —if I want to.” I gave her my best toothy smile, to make sure it burnt the right way and walked away. There went my intention to y low and not stir problems

  Why did I even have to attend these? Superficial surrounding, gossips in the name of conversations. It's not like I was actively trying to stay away from men. They are the ones being repulsive. Instantly the distasteful feeling was repced with horror when I heard a ugh that was clearly tried to disguise as a cough. I realized that my expressions were quite visible through the mask. Following the cough, I turned my head to see a man in a bck tailcoat passing by me and stood beside the Duchess.

  “Lady Selena. Duchess Ade. I heard you wished to meet me, Duchess.” A very familiar voice was greeting the dies.

  Why is he everywhere? His voice and the chattering annoyed me even more. Remembering what the duchess just said about him, I rolled my eyes. She does not know her own son well enough to make such disgracing comments about him. Though we barely got the chance to talk. The way he dealt with Kacie and even me during that little game just showed how different he was than what she said.

  “Oh Lord Xavier! Duchess Ade was just talking about you. She got nothing but praises for you.” That sickeningly sweet voice again, I rolled my eyes. My eyes will permanently stick to the back of my head if I listened to her anymore. I decided to walk ahead and saw Kacie engaged in a dance amidst the crowd.

  This escated quicker than I anticipated. A grin formed on my face. Oh! I shall be teasing her with this forever. Looking around I felt various eyes on me. Disinterested in the half jealous, half admiring gazes, I focused on the dance. The twirl made her sparkling golden gown spun like a dream.

  “May I have the pleasure to have a dance with the much, awaited guest of the banquet?” An unfamiliar voice emerged from behind me. I could feel his breath on my ears. I moved in disgust. Even from behind the mask I could tell who it was. I knew only one person who possessed such striking emerald green eyes.

  “Lord Jacob.” I squinted my eyes in an attempt to smile and lifted my skirt for curtsies all while ignoring his hands. But he was the kind of person who did not know how to take no for an answer, for he persisted his hand forward. Hinting at the song that had ended.

  Great I could use Kacie as an excuse. I felt relief. But I knew refusing him outright might make it a problem for me. For how I just treated his sister, the duchess not even ten minutes ago.

  “Uncle Jacob.” Another loud voice came followed by a man taking his extended hand.

  “Austen Seymour.” Jacob shook hands with least interest. I took the moment to my favour.

  “My friend is waiting for me. I must excuse myself. It was nice meeting you.” With that I lifted my skirt and left. I did turn around to take a peek at my saviour. The guy’s dressing caught my attention. Adorned with red gems, the bck mask drew attention to his honey coloured eyes. The same combination followed down to his suit was simir to mine. No longer than a second, I walked away. With that mask on, I was not going to recognise him anyway.

  Moving forward I saw a very still looking Kacie. Getting close to the crowd ahead of her, I heard them whisper not so quietly.

  “She’s the girl that is always by Lady Yvonne’s side. Kacie was her name I believe. She might be her dy in waiting soon.” I saw Kacie walking away. The women had not yet stopped. And soon I got to know the reason.

  “Fret not Lady Autumn. It is but a passing whim. Surely Lord Leonard will not fall for such cheap tricks for long. Instead of that illegitimate, whor…” Unable to listen any longer I got in front of the women with blonde hair. Her hand raised to console the woman in a plum gown.

  “I dare you to complete that sentence.” I hissed. “I dare any of you to keep talking and see what becomes of you.” I could barely hold myself from getting loud. “That woman is purer and better than any of you noble women here. Before sprouting any more nonsense, I shall warn you that she’s under my protection.” A deadly silence befell the crowd.

  I then shifted my focus to the woman dressed in a vishly embroidered gown, and whispered. “I thought you were the most genuine and sensible among them. I was really looking forward to getting acquainted with you. But pity you are part of such a disgraceful crowd Lady Autumn.” Shaking my head away in dislike I walked towards the pce I knew anyone looking for solitude would be.

  Indeed, there she was at the corner of the railings. Her eyes red and cheeks flushed but still passed a smile when our eyes locked. I don't regret what I did back there. I would do it over and over again for this girl. That face full of naive beauty, how could someone see her with a dirty gnce, let alone speak such disgraceful words. Knowing how prideful she was, I did not bring up the incident. Trying to distract her from what happened, we talked and talked until we heard footsteps getting close. I loved over my shoulder to see who it was while Kacie backed away to pick her mask. Upon seeing the face, I mentally cheered. Great timing.

  I hid my smile and moved to greet him.

  “Uh… good day Lady Yvonne. I see you look just as beautiful in a dress as you do in your training attire.” Leonard said with a smile.

  “Why thank you for such nice words. How are you feeling now?” I was amazed to see him recover at this speed.

  “Healthy as you can see, thanks to your hospitality. I would love to talk with you but right now I am looking for someone. If you do not mind.” He scratched his neck.

  “If it is about the dy, you shared a rather spectacur dance with, I might be able to help you.” I gave him a cheeky smile. His eyes widened in surprise. I tugged Kacie lightly by the elbow and strung her along with me. Her mask was not tied well enough. Instead of tying it again, she slowly took it off all together. I knew he had come to look for Kacie. But I was not expecting him to get so flustered at the mere sight of her face. He wanted to make a move and I was going to let it happen. But I knew why she was hesitant and as much as I did not want to disclose what I heard in the banquet. I also did not want her to lose this moment over some jealous gossip mongers. So, I pulled her in for a hug. And the smile on her face was worth every fight.

  Five minutes after they had gone, I started talking to myself.

  "I just arrived a week ago, that too in such a chaos. I am tired. Can I just stay here for an hour and leave early?" I took off my mask in the balcony. Nobody was crazy enough to leave the banquet at its peak and come here. The quietness around here seemed like a blessing in contrast to the noise inside.

  Ah! I miss sir Gabriel’s pce. I sighed. It was quiet there just as I liked. Reminiscing the memories of the pce a face popped in my mind.

  No. No. No. Go away. What’s wrong with you Yvonne. I shook my head in an attempt to get that image out of my mind but to no avail.

  I recalled what duchess Ade said to Selena. “He must be dancing with some dy, enjoying to his heart’s content.” Mumbling I ignored the tension in my chest when I felt someone behind me.

  The incident and its dangers were fresh. How could I be careless and notice it so te. My eyes agape. I pulled out the small dagger strapped above my ankle and spun it at the offender to immobilize him.

  "Easy there darling." He held my hand just in time to stop the bde from grazing his skin

  “You are as quick as always Lady.” The familiar grey eyes smirked at me.

  “I… my apologies.” I pulled the dagger down. “I thought it was an intruder.” The dagger is coming to my use more often tely. I should be careful of my surroundings.

  “I see you were caught by surprise. I suppose you thought the intruder must be enjoying a dance with the dies.” His face contorted in a smug smile.

  I cursed myself. “What are you talking about Lord Xavier?” I feigned worry over my face. Two can py a game.

  “Absolutely nothing. Anyway, I stumbled here accidentally. And saw a dy alone, and I was wondering if she would like some company?” He dipped his head down and continued talking.

  "I have barely managed to escape from Selena. And I am sure the Duchess will sniff out where I am soon. So, what I'm trying to say is. Will you dance with me?" He rushed his sentence reaching his hand out. It took me by surprise. I didn't think of him to be that kind of person who initiated invites. After contempting for a second, I decided to say yes.

  Just as I lifted my hand, a man in brown pants and caramel coat appeared in the doorframe. Upon sighting Xavier, he bowed his head.

  “Lord Xavier! Duchess Ade Seymour is looking for you and Lord Austen. She asked me to not return without at least one of you. And I cannot find Lord Austen anywhere.” The man’s stance was very defensive. Was he scared of Xavier? Or the Duchess? Considering their reputation, I would think he is traumatized by both.

  “Let's leave James.” He stopped and whispered to me. “I will return I promise. I owe you a proper invite.” His sincere tone meant nothing anymore. He exited with long strides with James following right behind him.

  What was that? I threw my hand in air. And why would I care if he comes back or not like I got nothing better to do than wait for him. I frowned resumed gazing at the stars. My fault for even deciding to respond positively to his whim.

  Half an hour passed by like a breeze when I started getting bored. Vincent will chew me if he did not see me talking to people. I could also see what Kacie is up to. I casually walked inside only to notice that for everyone’s attention was caught up with something. Following their gaze, my eyes nded on the source of attention. I was however, not expecting to see what I saw.

  Everyone was enjoying the dance of this evening. I was half amused looking at Xavier and Selena at the centre with his hands on her waist. That is why poor James was in such a hurry. Looking around I spotted the gleaming dress of Kacie and a man —surely Leonard— behind her. Good to see them enjoying the evening. I took a drink from the maid nearby and stood by a group of young noble women, who like all other dies were swooning at him.

  Twirling the petite form of Selena from afar, even I must say he was handsome. With a sharp, pointed nose and grey eyes holding a storm of emotions. He was a war hero and the heir to the dukedom. A complete package. No wonder women were desperate even for his single gnce of affection. In his arms the slender dy. Soft features that complemented her light eyes. Brought up with care and adornment, yet a strict discipline under Sir Gabriel, she suited the future Duke. Despite this, seeing the two of them like that did not make me happy. The music was coming to a halt. No one could tell what he was thinking when his face held such stoic expressions. Selena, on the other hand, clearly showed how extremely happy she was with her pearly smile.

  It was just a dance but I get it. A pce where the value of a dy is decided by who holds her hand. Her position right jow was of someone who managed to find a long lost treasure. Taking a sip from my drink, I saw Xavier parting the crowd and heading towards me. Knowing the attention, he would bring with him, I gulped down the remaining drink with one swig. With quick steps I almost ran to the farthest end of the hall. I did not want my first night back in the society to be a source of hearsays and rumours.

  Don’t let it be him please. I cried in my mind hearing the never ending footsteps. This time not making the mistake of even mumbling.

  “Lady Yvonne.” Kacie cautiously approached.

  “Kacie... what are you doing here?” Not expecting her, I was taken a back. Smiling invariably, she just stood there.

  “I have got a message for my dearest dy.” She teased and got closer.

  “What message? And from whom?”

  She put a handkerchief in my hand. “Why don’t you find out?” And walked back. “Since you shall return te, I will take my leave before you anr wait for you at Sterling manor. You must not refuse this.” Looking from over her shoulder she pointed a finger to the napkin in my grasp and walked away without giving me a chance to speak.

  Kacie being mischievous like that was rare. Amused at the events of tonight, I unfolded the handkerchief, embroidered with the letter X. Fumbling with it, I saw something written on it.

  “You were not my first, Lady Yvonne. But you will always be my st. Will you do the honour of gracing me with your first dance? I have heard the garden at this hour is especially beautiful.”

  An unintentional smile tugged on my face. Then we shall see what the Azrael of battlefield got when it comes to dance. I snickered and tightened my mask. It really was not needed since everyone almost knew who was who. But I enjoyed the comfort of my face not completely bare to, just anyone.

  ************

  I walked towards the lonely silhouette in the garden. He stood there with his back facing me. I do not want to be seen with him for a long time in case someone is nearby. Just a scene, out of context would be enough to create a whole scandal. And if he was supposed to dance with Selena, he should have just done so instead of being here. And that is what I told him.

  “Right now, I owe you an apology and a dance.” He reached out his right arm with a grin.

  “If you insist.” A single dance would not hurt anyone. I pced my palm on his cold fingers. With his other hand on my waist, he pulled me close and started moving slowly. I did not expect him to be this good. He spun me around and guided my steps. The air around us shifted, as his face drew closer to mine. I could smell the scent of soil off him, alongside the venders that surrounded us. I tried to lighten the mood by making a joke and tilted my head upwards. Only to find him staring at me intently. His smoky eyes filled with emotions I could not understand.

  “I have been waiting for this moment for three years.” He lightly tucked a loose strand behind my ears. His cold fingers brushed against my cheeks making me shudder. But we only met two years ago.

  “What are you doing to me, Yue?” His lips inches away from mine. The music was coming to an end. A gush of wind brought me back to my senses. I pushed him back. It felt as if all the fireflies around us scattered.

  “I…I must ask for your leave, Lord Xavier.” With heavy breaths I excused myself. I could hear him call my name but I did not stop. My heart was still beating in my ears. This was definitely not what I had anticipated from tonight.

  In a daze I called Vincent to excuse himself, and that I was not feeling well. It seemed to be someone important but I could not bear my heart pounding loudly against my ribs. Climbing inside the bed, I recollected today’s events. It was a day filled with strange happenings. My mind kept recalling all the scenes. I could still feel his cold hands on mine. The way he gripped my waist and pulled me in. If only I took a moment more to respond, I wonder what would have had happened. A tingle went down my spine at the mere thought. I refused to share anything even with Kacie. Tightening the bnket around me, I turned to my right. The sky was clear. Crickets occasionally chirped outside my window.

  To keep his thoughts at bay, I tried to remember the person Vincent was talking to. I had only caught a glimpse of the green suit.

  “It was lord Jacob.” The thought finally struck me. He matched the colour of his suit with his eyes. Tacky. My thought kept darting between him and Xavier when I finally fell into a dreamless slumber.