1 The Enchanted Masquerade

The night of the Masquerade ball had finally arrived in the glittering kingdom of Verdesaint. In the grand ballroom of the majestic palace, a whirlwind of colors, music and masked nobles created an air of mystique and excitement.

Soft, golden candlelight bathed the hall, casting dancing shadows on the intricate tapestries adorning the walls. The aroma of freshly cut flowers filled the air, intermingling with the sweet scent of perfumes and colognes worn by the elegantly dressed guests.

Princess Isabella, the eldest crown princess of Verdesaint, entered the bustling ballroom to entertain the noble guests her parents had invited. She stood for a moment taking in the beauty of the hall. Her flowing gown of lavender purple, adorned with thousands of amethyst and quartz twinkled as they reflected the candlelight.

The Queen had insisted that Isabella wear an exquisite mask of silver and moonstone, although she would have been contemptuous with a traditionally lacey mask, she did as the Queen requested. Her mother further insisted that she would need to greet and dance with all the guests that attended the party as the masquerade ball was held to build relations with all the nobles and neighboring royalty.

Isabella sighed deeply for a moment, and then composed herself as she smiled and started walking with grace to each guest to welcome and entertain them.

A lady stood shyly at the banquet table, Isabella reached out and welcomed her, quickly gesturing for a server to assist the guests. The lady wore a sunflower yellow gown, with her brunette hair pinned into an extravagant style. She wore white-gloves that met up to her elbows. She smiled sheepishly at Isabella.

"Good evening, my lady, I apologize for the lack of service," Isabella clicked her fingers, barely making a sound. "A server is on the way. Please enjoy our fine wine and fresh seafood."

A server appeared almost out of thin air with a tray of wine glasses in one hand and an assorted platter of seafood in the other. The server apologized for the delay and immediately began to serve the guest.

"You are too kind Princess." The shy lady bowed in thanks, turning her attention to the server. "What a beautiful night this is, and to be served such high quality wine is but a treat for us. We thank you for the pleasure of being here this evening."

Isabella smiled and continued through the crowd of guests. She was aware that some unusual nobles were expected to attend tonight's ball which meant she had to ensure everything was perfect, no guest should be displeased or agitated by any means.

Glancing over the guests she could roughly guess who each noble was depending on their attire and mannerisms, knowing that her own attire would easily give her own identity away.

There had been some disputes with neighboring kingdoms over trading goods and territory, although some of the tension had been around for generations. Isabella was tasked with keeping the peace tonight, if her parents could get the upper hand by appeasing the nobles and royalty around then she would do whatever was needed to ensure her parents got what they wanted.

She knew that if she faltered it could mean a war with another kingdom, although Verdesaint was already infamously powerful, she did not wish for any wars or any further animosity with the neighboring kingdoms.

A masked man cleared his throat next to Isabella bringing her back from her thoughts. The man was well-dressed in a tailored suit, his mask a masterpiece of obsidian and gold, emphasizing his dark blue eyes and a sharp jawline. Isabella felt a stir in her stomach as she gazed upon his features, she smiled her welcoming smile at him and greeted him politely.

"Good evening, my lord." Isabella curtseyed gracefully. " May you enjoy this evening's ball. There are many fine lady's to dance with tonight, and our renowned chefs are preparing a feast of delicacies from all of Verdesaint."

"Only the Princess of Verdesaint would offer such a welcome, I was told that you only cared for the precious gemstones you wear so abundantly." The lord cocked his head to the side and smirked at her. "If only you had taste in more than just glittery pebbles."

His words shocked her for a moment, her cheeks grew hot with rage and embarrassment, despite her anger she bit her lip and remained calm. She knew that some of these guests would look for the opportunity to bring about chaos, the fabric of his suit looked the quality of the Arcoi kingdom.

This had to be a noble or even possibly a member of the royal family judging from his appearance, the kingdom is well known for its splendid artistry and high quality fabrics, she had not seen very many articles of the material of his suit before, she couldn't be sure without touching it.

"Then I should thank you for your consideration of using such precious gemstones in your own mask this evening." She smiled as she thought of a compliment that could take revenge on his quip. "If you need anything please feel free to ask one of the servers to assist you, I should be getting back to the rest of my guests."

She strode across the hall trying to calm her anger whilst staying composed and ensuring each guest was happy and well entertained, until the King and Queen were ready for their grand entrance, signifying the start of the affair. The Lord Stewart announced the Crowned King and Queen entering the hall, the buzzing room fell into a respectful silence.

As expected, the King wore a spectacular golden crown, with an enormous amount of diamonds, sapphires, rubies and many more gems. He wore a black suit made of the most expensive fabrics found in the kingdom and his traditional red cloak draped from over his broad shoulders.

His queen at his side, wearing a matching golden coronet, with more intricate patterns sat atop of her head. The Queen wore a deep red gown, embellished with rubies and diamonds. They strode to the center of the hall to welcome everyone.

"Welcome to all our prestigious guests this evening. We are very pleased that you could make it to this friendly dance. " The Queen smiled brightly. "We would like to start off this Masquerade ball with an opening dance, thereafter please help yourself to the banquet table where our renowned chefs have prepared delicacies from all across Verdesaint."

The orchestra prepared for the opening song as the King placed his hand around the Queen's waist. They started with the traditional waltz, Isabella watched endearingly, longing for the chance to join the floor. Her mother and father were deeply entranced in their waltz together, they gazed lovingly at each other.

As they waltzed around the room the King's cloak floated around them as if they created magic as they danced. Other couples began to go out onto the floor and danced in sync with the King and Queen, none matched the awe of the King and Queen, although it was a spectacular view to watch. Another obnoxious throat-clearing sound was made pulling Isabella's attention away from the waltzing couples.