The Return Of The Queen

The Mascaraed

"Arabella is the bath ready? I know I'm running behind." I asked my attendant after I entered my chambers.

The top section of my tower is spelled to be larger inside then it would appear outside. Nearly every room in the tower was spelled that way.

My chambers consisted of a lavish main sitting area with a balcony and fireplace. to the left of the sitting area is my study that included a small library and to the right my bed chamber.

Floor to ceiling windows dominated the far wall, a fireplace took up most of another wall with a hallway next to it. My bed is large enough to fit three grown fae comfortably. Four posters support a top railing that black gauze curtains drape across and down from.

Down the hallway has my dressing area and a washroom.

I found Arabella in the washroom.

"My Lady the bath is ready and your dress has been prepared." I give her my thanks before disrobing and stepping up into the bath. It was more of a raised small pool with steps forming a half circle around it.

Jasmine and lavender drift through the air on the steam from the bath.

Sighing I sink into the heat of the floral water letting my worry melt away.

I know I'm going to run into Cardan tonight That's not what has me worried. I'm worried about him, the first time we met was at a similar event.

"My Lady it is time to get ready or you'll be late." Arabella informed me.

My gown for tonight would be scandalous if I cared. A slim fitting backless black dress moulded to my curves like a glove. The neckline came to a point like a triangle at my throat where it formed a collar of fabric around my neck, leaving my shoulders bare. I added a sheer lace wrap that added a hint of modesty, draping down my back and over my shoulders to pool at my elbows. Black heels and simple tear drop diamond earrings finished the look.

"Arabella let's do a messy updo. Two face framing pieces in the front and the rest bunched up in the back. What do you think?" She gave me a nod, smiling as she got started on my hair.

"Are you ready for meeting him tonight? Our spies have informed that he plans to attend the ball." Just like that all the tension the bath wiped away came right back. I shouldn't be this tense, we have an alliance in place and an agreement to not reveal it until I say so.

"Everything will be fine Arabella. We have an agreement, he will honor it. He may be a lot of things but he never goes back on his word." She merely gave me another nod and continued with my hair in silence. This ball would be different than the last time I saw him at one.

//////FLASH BACK//////

"I can’t believe I let you talk me into coming with." I rolled my eyes at Cas.

"I didn't talk you into anything Cas. We both know you wouldn't have let anyone else guard me on my first away mission." he groaned before whining

"Did it have to be a mascaraed ball?"

I chose not to answer him. He had picked the ball as the perfect time for my first glimpse of the kingdoms outside of my home. He's only regretting it because it's a ball and he thought I would turn down the idea. it's entertaining to see him so uncomfortable.

The ball was being held in the kingdom of Caldarus. The parts of the capital city I've seen so far were beautiful. The pink sand beaches I portaled in at, are my favorite part of this kingdom. It gave me the inspiration for my mascaraed costume. A slim fitting scoop neckline gown, the color of pale tan that melts into light pink by the hem. A white lace work mask covered my eyes. Half my hair was pinned back falling down my back in waves. My hair glamored to a dark brown. The dark violet purple shade my natural hair was a dead giveaway to my true identity. My bloodline being the only one to carry that hair color.

"Lets get in with that group coming up, we can slip in behind them." Cas informed me a second before he started moving. It was surprisingly easy to blend in with the group and walk past the guards.

The ball room was beautiful, twinkling lights scattered across the ceiling giving the room a sparkle.

We watched the dances and the interactions of nobility for over an hour. Skirting through the crowd before a commotion startled every fae here.

The king and Queen of Caldarus had arrived at the ball. To maintain appearances I joined the rest of the fae in bowing to them as they made their way through the room.

"You shouldn't be bowing." A deep voice spoke behind me.

"How are you so sure about that?" I replied without turning around.

"Because I know who you are, little Queen." Before I could react he grabbed my wrist and pulled me into a dark alcove close by, hidden by curtains.

"Let go of me." I demanded. His response was to grab my other wrist when I tried to smack him and pinned both above my head.

"So feisty, little Queen." He chuckled darkly. Green eyes showed behind his black satin mask.

His dark hair was pulled back into a bun. He stood a foot taller than me, wide shoulders, and a broad chest.

"Who are you?" I asked him. He only smirked. He leaned in, sniffing my neck.

"You smell delicious, little Queen. Our parents had a betrothal arrangement between us before yours died." His free hand gripped my waist before sliding to my back, pulling me against him.

"Even disguised, you're exquisite." he said into my hair.

"Who are you?" I asked again, my patience thinning.

"Prince Killian of Notorn." That was all I needed. Using my abilities I had him off me and at the back of the alcove in seconds.

"The so-called betrothal is off and you will never see me again." Within a moment I was back in the sea of fae moving around the ballroom.

Looking around I found Cas by the doors.

"Where did you go? I've been looking for you." He asked once I reached him.

"We'll talk about it once we're home. Its time to leave." He nodded. Together we made our way back to the pink sand beaches and portaled home.