Behind the mask

Prologue

Today is her eighteenth birthday. Masquerade theme as planned.

As her personal maids worked, she examined her reflection in the mirror. They forced her to wear an off-the-shoulder ocean blue ball gown to match her blue eyes. It fits perfectly around her waist and falls freely to the floor. Tiny butterflies are strategically placed in its sleeves to add to its elegance. If she had to describe herself, she could easily say that she resembles Cinderella. Shiny blonde hair. Clear glass skin. Blue-sky eyes that intimidate. Pink pouty lips and a small pointed nose. Beautiful features, to be sure. She can't help herself. It was given to her by her parents.

She looked down as her maid put her glass slippers on her feet. She laughs in her head. No Cinderella would be complete without her famous glass slippers.

They completed her make-up, had the silver mask hide half of her face, and placed a silver tiara on top of her messy updo hair.

When she heard two knocks on her door, one of the maids stood up to open it. The butler is outside smiling at her.

"It's time, Royal Highness."

She responded with a nod. That's her signal. She stepped outside her massive room as the maid opened the door wider.

The ball will be held in the palace's sprawling garden.

She walks gracefully from her room to the red carpeted hallway, as she has done since she was a child. Slowly and confidently. Today is her night, but she doesn't seem to be looking forward to it. The fact that The Royal King and The Royal Queen themselves invited her guests lessens the significance of the occasion. Diplomatic representatives. Other countries' nobility. High-ranking individuals. None of them make the night more enthralling and exciting.

She continued walking until she reached the end of the corridor. There are stairs leading up to her debut venue. She walked down, and when there were only five steps left, she smiled as if she was looking forward to the ball.

When they saw her coming down, everyone came to a halt. They all stood in honor of the Princess.

"Let's all welcome, the debutant, the Royal Highness herself, Thyra Stephanie Henderson." A round of applause greets her as she walks down the stairs to where The Royal King is waiting to cling to her arm.

"You grew up beautiful, my Princess, just like the Queen," the King said.

Thyra responded with a smile as the people around them continued to applaud.

"Thank you very much, Father."

They walked to the event's center, and a waltz boomed throughout the venue as the King placed her right hand on his shoulder, his right hand hugging her waist, and they began swaying to the rhythm.

Her very first dance.

☆☆☆

*click*

Thyra was startled when she heard a sound that indicated someone had photographed her. On her left, there is a man with a phone who is constantly taking pictures. "Hey, stop that!" she snapped.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself; you look so mysteriously gorgeous, your Royal Highness," the guy bowed as he slipped his phone into his pocket.

She examined the man. Wearing a black tuxedo with a blue tie, black pants and black shiny shoes, she thinks he is 3-inches taller than her. The guy has brown eyes reflecting her blue orbs. Guessing, she thinks that he is just about her age. He was between the ages of eighteen and twenty. Unfortunately, she is unable to confirm this because his face is obscured by a mask. Thyra straightened her back as the man approached her to take a seat beside her.

"Why are you here by yourself, your High Highness? Not having fun, eh?"

"It's none of your concern," Thyra hissed.

"Today is your eighteenth birthday! You are supposed to enjoy and dance with the men over there," the guy laughed amusingly as he looked at her.

"Nah. I'm not in the mood."

"How come?" The princess only shrugs, having no time to explain anything other than the fact that the guy is indeed a stranger to her.

When the guy stood up and placed his right hand in front of her, bowing, "Shall we dance, your Royal Highness?" she became perplexed.

They remained silent for a while, unsure whether accepting was the right thing to do. She sighed as she looked into his eyes. She can't take her gaze away from those chocolate orbs. She was curious about who this guy was. She certainly does not recognize him. In the end, she accepted the offer and they danced, despite the fact that there is no waltz song to make the scenario romantic. Her second dance.

"You're lucky, don't you think?"

"What?" she snapped

"You came from a wealthy family. Not just wealthy but a Princess," the guy smiled

"Why? Aren't you too?" she's pertaining to being wealthy, "How come you're here?" As far as she knows, the invited guests were nobles.

The guy shrugs in response and smiled, "No need to clarify anyway," the guy stopped and peeked at his wrist watch, "I think I have to go."

"Already?"

"Yes, your Highness. I am sorry for not keeping you company. Favor. Can you take your mask-off?"

"Huh?"

"Just do it," though confused, she obliged. She is the Royal Highness for God's sake and he is commanding her!

*click*

He just took another photo! How could he! Before she can even complain, they heard someone called, "Alexander! Where are you?"

"Shit," she heard him mumble. Wondering, she is about to ask why but the guy runaway.

"Wait! I don't even know your name," Thyra whispered to herself as he is nowhere to be found anymore.