Sienna quietly entered the ballroom. She was wearing a red butterfly mask and a matching red wig.
âThereâs quite a lot of attendees.â
The number of people inside the hall had far overcome the limit for this ballroom. It was almost impossible to walk around without bumping into other people. However, the path in front of Sienna opened up like the ebbing waves of the sea.
Wanting to avoid brushing up against her, the people made sure to give her enough space as they backed away. Sienna sighed as she felt all eyes on her.
âThe mask and the wig didnât matter in the end.â
When she heard that it was to be a masquerade, Sienna looked forward to it. She thought that she would be able to interact with the people at the party without her identity being revealed.
She realized too late how foolish that thought was. Everyone could see the top of her head. There wasnât a lady here that was as tall as her. She might as well be screaming, âI am Princess Sienna.â
âWelcome.â
A man in a blue half-mask and a blue wig approached her. He handed her one of the two champagne glasses in his hands.
âAre you enjoying the masquerade?â
She knew who he was the moment she saw him. She also recognized his voice since she had spoken with him before. The man was Joseph.
Sienna silently took the champagne glass.
âMy feet automatically began to take me to you the moment I saw you enter the hall, milady.â
As if showing off his good looks, Joseph crinkled his eyes and smiled widely. The smile had won the hearts of many ladies, but it only made Sienna wonder about his true intentions.
âHe should know who I am, so why is heâŠ? Ah, I see. Is he just pretending not to recognize me? So this is what a masquerade is like.â
Sienna realized that if people werenât meeting for the first time at a masquerade, it was impossible to truly hide oneâs identity. Their eyes, their voices, their mannerisms⊠There were many ways to recognize a person.
âA minuet is playing just in time. Can I request this dance from you, milady? Will you take me as your partner?â
Another hand suddenly cut in front of Josephâs outstretched hand. Joseph frowned as he turned his head. Joseph had the rights to her first dance. Assuming he had a superior title to this mysterious man, Joseph regained his composure.
âWhat do you think youâre doing?â
âWhat do you mean?â
âI requested this ladyâs dance first. What rude behavior is this?â
Joseph openly showed his displeasure.
âGo away. Know your place.â (Joseph)
The man in the half-mask smiled as if he were mocking Joseph.
âIt seems that you have the skill to peek behind masks. Unfortunately, I donât know who you are. Do you know me? You might not know who I really am.â
âIâŠ!â
Joseph sputtered in rage, opening and closing his mouth. Saying âHow dare you speak to me that way!â seemed unsightly to say. If this were any other event, someone might have been able to back him up, but this was a masquerade.
Even though this was all a ridiculous pretense, rules were rules. If he broke them now, he would the subject of gossip forever, and he didnât want to do anything to lose face.
âDoesnât the butterfly decideâŠâ
The man in the half-mask turned and gazed at Sienna.
âWhich flower it wishes to land on?â
âOh my.â
Somebodyâs soft murmur reflected the thoughts of every spectator that was watching this scene with great interest.
From the very beginning, everyoneâs attention had been directed at Princess Sienna and Joseph. They hadnât been expecting much. They were sure that once the predictable formalities were made, the couple would begin dancing. As they all thought about this predictable outcome, everyone began to feel bored.
However, a twist had arrived. They wouldnât miss this for the world.
The noise in the hall began to die down. Two men had offered one woman their hands. A minuet began to echo through the hall. However, nobody knew the identity of this new character who was asking for the Princessâs first dance.
Who could he be? Everyone racked their brains to figure out who this mysterious man in the half-mask could be. Whose hand would the Princess take?
Sienna looked into the eyes of the man in the half-mask. He was staring straight back at her. Sienna frowned.
Those black eyes. That familiar voice.
âKuhn.â
Sienna silently mouthed his name. The manâs lips bent into a crooked smile. With his hand outstretched, it seemed as if he was confidently telling her that she would definitely be taking his hand. Even though his self-assured behavior was hateful, she was glad to have met him in such an unexpected location.
As Sienna continued to look at Kuhn, Josephâs expression began to twist.
When Sienna placed her hand on top of Kuhnâs, everyone who was waiting with bated breath could finally breathe.
Peculiar sounds of admiration or cheer began to echo in the hall as everyone went back and mingled together. Kuhn pulled Siennaâs hand and led her to the center of the hall.
Josephâs clenched fist trembled as he glared at the mysterious unwanted guest. He could hear the sound of people snickering around him. Thankfully, his flushed face was hidden behind his mask.
âThat man. He wonât get away with this.â
Joseph ground his teeth and walked to a hidden corner of the room. He called for a servant and whispered his orders to him. The servant nodded stiffly and disappeared further into the residence.
âYou wonât live to see tomorrow, you bastard.â
Josephâs eyes sparkled with a frightening gleam.\n