Masks of Society

Chapter 4

    By the time Quara arrived at the ballroom, the party was in full swing. Her two older sisters were dancing with their finances and other men across the ballroom. Before Quara could get a better look at her suitors, the trumpets played gaining the attention of those in the ballroom. 

    "Introducing Quara, princess of Gemara," the chancellor announced. The introduction was met with applause from those in the ballroom, with some of her suitors smiling at her with a sinister look in their eyes that discomforted Quara as she made her way down the steps.

    "Welcome all guests," Queen Crimson greeted. "We are delighted to have you here for the evening. Please chat amongst yourselves and the first dance will begin momentarily." With that said, people continued their conversations from earlier while some of Quara's suitors began to make their way towards her. 

    "Greetings," A suitor with a blue and green coat greeted. "My name is Charles, Count of Amontolia, pleased to make your acquaintance." Count Charles then grabbed ahold of her hand and gently placed a kiss on the back of it while maintaining a gentle demeanor. The two then spent a good while talking. However, while Quara wanted to try to get to know him more as a person, Charles was more invested in talking about his land and wealth, thinking it would boost his chances with her. Instead, however, it only pushed her further away as she wanted to have actual conversations and get to know people not their title. 

    The next four suitors were nothing special to report. They simply introduced themselves and spoke of what her life with them would be like if she was matched with them. However, none of them tried to get to know the person. Instead, they were focused more so on the crown than the girl who wore it. 

    The worst of the suitors was the 6th one. "Why hello there princess," the suitor greeted. "I am Duke Nicolas from the kingdom of Roance and may I say it is a pleasure to meet such a beautiful lady such as yourself."

    "It is quite interesting to meet you as well, Duke Nicolas," Quara said feigning politeness. 

    Quara had heard all about this man from Solia when they went over the invite list to discuss who would be safe to talk to. Solia has a cousin from his kingdom and he used to be friends with the duke until he saw Nicolas' true colors. He would witness the duke flirt with many other women and carry on many affairs. And to make matters worse, he never remembered any of their names. The way he treated women alone was enough for Quara to give Solia permission to use magic on him, should he come near her. And that was before the number of drunken riots and other indiscretions that were kept quiet with the family's money. 

    "As I'm sure it is," Nicolas claimed. "I have been told that I am a charmer with ladies such as yourself."

    "I have heard of your charms," Quara stated as she tried to back away from him as he was getting closer. She then notices Lord Ardon watching the conversation with his eyes glowing a bright red. "Excuse me Duke Nicolas, but I have other matters that need to attend to." She tried to leave but Duke Nicolas then grabbed ahold of her arm. 

    "What's the rush," the duke replied with a grin. "It's not as if anyone else here has my wealth and connections. There is no doubt your parents will pick me to be your future husband, so why not talk about how things will work when we are together." Before he could get closer to her, his arms were suddenly pulled back by Lord Ardon.

    "Are you alright princess?" Lord Ardon asked looking partially concerned. "Does this brute need to leave the room?"

    "I am quite alright," Quara reassured him. "And there is no need. I will let my friend handle the job. She never has liked men like him or almost anyone."

    "If you insist," Lord Ardon accepted. "In any case though, I should alert your family after the party and will recommend that the mage should handle his punishment. But in the meantime to keep him away from you, may I have the first dance with you?" He then held his hand out for Quara to take.

    "I would be honored," Quara replied as she took his hand and walked with him away from where Duke Nicholas was standing, suddenly worried for his safety. The two then made their way to some seat near the bar area, where the events coordinator was smart enough not to have any rum or wine for grabs.

    "So why were you really out by the tavern?" Quara questioned, not believing the story he told her parents. "We're handling your need for blood before the party?" 

    "You figured it out?" Lord Ardon asked, surprised at how quickly she pieced things together.

    "It wasn't that difficult," Quara responded. "I mean I was suspicious when I first saw you, but the flash of red in your eyes earlier confirmed it."

    "Are you going to rat me out?" Lord Ardon questioned calmly since he already knew the answer to the question he asked.

    "I thought it was impolite to ask questions you already know the answers to unless it is for studying purposes," Quara reminded him. "And if I ratted you out, would be like my mother who hates most things magical or what she calls monster-like. In any case, worry not. Your secret is safe with me."

    Before they could talk more about it the announcement for the first dance was made and the two immediately took their places on the dance floor. After a few seconds, they continued their conversation from earlier.

    "To answer your question," Lord Ardon replied. "I was both looking at the stars while handling my desire for blood. In my kingdom, multiple people would donate a bit of blood to help vampires like me keep themselves calm around humans. However, we are also looking into blood substitutes so they wouldn't have to be generous too often."

    "That makes sense," Quara admitted. "Have you had any luck in your research?"

    "Unfortunately we have not," Lord Ardon admitted sadly. "But we have discovered certain foods that can help keep them away from the blood for a while. So, at least we have that to go off of."

    "You would get along well with Solia then," Quara pointed out with confidence. "She loves to research stuff like this. I bet she could help you figure stuff out like this." 

    This caused the lord to smile at the thought of having someone help him with his research. He also seemed touched by how Quara would usually smile when talking about Solia. After the dance, the two then went outside to walk around the garden to continue their conversation.

    "You seem to really like Solia do you not?" Lord Ardon asked curiously.

    "Of course why would I not, she is my best friend," Quara answered as she continued to walk the pathway. 

    "I mean, you like her as more than a friend," Lord Ardon clarified. 

    "Was I that obvious?" Quara asked worried Solia found out.

    "Actually you hid it pretty well," Lord Ardon complimented. "The only reason I know that was because I peaked through your mind."

    "Wait is that why your eyes were glowing red?" Quara asked. "And why were you looking into my mind?"

    "The conversation you were having with the duke seemed most unpleasant," he responded to defend his actions. "Finding out about your feelings was not part of the plan. I apologize if I offended you in doing that."

    "You were doing it for noble reasons," Quara responded. "There is no reason that I should fault you for that."

    "Thank you," Lord Adron said. "If it helps ease your mind further, I won't say anything to your parents or the mage."

    "I appreciate that," Quara thanks him."But it doesn't matter anyway. I will soon be engaged into a loveless marriage, even if I do avoid the duke, and I will never have a chance with her."

    "I know how that feels," Lord Ardon admits. "I don't wish to be at this party either. Unfortunately, it was an invite, and since the public is unaware of my relationship, I had to attend."

    "Wait," Quara realized. "If you have a partner, why have you not said anything?"

    "You spoke with the man I am currently courting," Lord Ardon confessed. "Count Charles? Your kingdom is one of our kingdom's strongest trading partners and if they found out that I am courting a male, it could ruin our home. So to help the kingdom, we have to keep our relationship a secret."

    "My family may find out eventually," Quara pointed out. "If you keep showing up without a partner, people will get suspicious."

    "I am aware of that," Lord Ardon replied. "It is actually why I needed you to confirm your feelings towards the mage. I have a plan that can help us both, while also keeping our relationships a secret. However, it is extremely risky."

    "At this point in my life, I am willing to try anything," Quara replied. "What is the plan?"

    "When exactly does your brother become king?" Lord Ardon asked.