19 Masquerade Ball

Turned out… 

It was a masquerade ball.

Jian Yu didn't know whether he should be glad or not. Well, it was good that no one would recognize him as Lady Clement's bodyguard but a nameless partner. 

But it still didn't solve the fact that he couldn't dance at all! 

He adjusted the mask he received from Lady Clement. The lavender colored magenta feathers accentuated his silver hair. The black mask itself covered both of his eyes and the left side of his face with tiny diamonds adorned along the curve of his cheekbones, glimmering against his pale skin.

"You can do this, Huang Jian Yu. It's just a dance," He muttered to himself, pulling and fixing his tie for the umpteenth time. 

He rolled his shoulder, the wound on his arm no longer hurt, only leaving a small scar on it. Shrugging on the black tailcoat, he looked himself over the mirror. 

This old lady was really amazing. The whole attire resembled Lady Clement's gown. Black vest and tailcoat that cut away over the hips and descending in a pair of tapering skirts behind, shades of violet danced from the pocket on the chest to his left shoulder. 

He also received a pair of black shoes with laces and a pair of black glamour gloves that only cover his fingers and half of his palm. 

Fully dressed, he twirled and smirked. "With a face like this, any clothes will do fine." 

XXX

The sounds of the waves crashing against the cliff thunder in his eardrums as Jian Yu stepped out the limousine. He made his way over the side and opened the car door for Lady Clement. 

Offering her a hand, he waited for her to accept it. But Lady Clement was already stepping out of the limousine, a look of confidence on her face, however, deep down, Jian Yu knew she was nervous, especially what had happened the day before. 

Yet, she still held her head high, holding a matching small purse in her arms. 

Already, there are hundreds of people gathering outside the entrance of the Roderick's mansion, talking leisurely around the gigantic fountain in the middle of the courtyard, faces hidden by intricate, embellished masks and wearing stylish costumes.

The fountain itself had captivated everyone. It was a musical fountain with dazzling lights and very rhythmic music. The water column around it transformed every minute. It became a dragon's tail for a while, then into a fairy flower next. 

The statue in the center was made with acrylic stone, carved into dancing dolphins. It's like a scene from a movie.

He then closed the door and offered his arm towards Lady Clement, which she took and looped her arms over his. 

Both of them approached the stairs that led to the entrance and were greeted by a man working there. 

The man made a slight bow as he opened the door to let them in. "Welcome to The Masquerade Ball. All hail the Queen and  Zariya." 

The door opened and Jian Yu felt he had just entered a fantasy world. Crystal chandeliers spiraled down from the arching golden ceiling, illuminating the glimmering golden walls and a floor looked like it had been built and polished with gold. 

It took up two floors, connected by a huge golden stairway so glamour that it looked like one created to reach heaven. Surrounding the second floor was floor to ceiling glass doors that led to balconies, designed for the guests to enjoy the night and beautiful fountain outside. 

Jian Yu turned to look at Lady Clement and their eyes connected. Lady Clement took a deep breath and nodded. "Let's go." 

Everyone wore a new dress or suit that might be discarded once the night was over, each of them supporting expensive looking masks decorated with various colors and jewels which covered their face entirely. 

Greetings were offered along the path they took, and it didn't take long for Lady Clement to be in the spotlight. There were various emotions being sent their way. Envy, awe, some wouldn't hesitate to point while whispering to their group of friends. 

"Oh, look who has decided to show up." 

Without even looking at who that was, Jian Yu could tell just by hearing that bitchy tone. 

Lucianna Lloyd. 

Jian Yu had to squint his eyes to look at her. Bright and sparkly emerald dress with a Sabrina top that perfectly showed off her fine collar bone, her hair was adorned with beautiful golden and silver jewels, flowing down her back in wavy waves. 

Her mask was white in color, with jade diamonds decorating every side of it. 

Lady Clement rolled her eyes and clicked her tongue, and those gestures were enough to set Lucianna off. She curled the sides of her lips back and glared at Lady Clement. 

Her emerald eyes turned to look at Jian Yu and he got the hint to leave them alone. He glanced at Lady Clement, only to see her nod at him. 

"I will go get you some drinks," He whispered to Lady Clement before bowing and left. 

'What did Lucianna Lloyd want to talk about? Something that he wasn't allowed to know?' He thought to himself. 

Sweet melody drifted through the busy atmosphere and Jian Yu weaved his way through the crowds of champagne waiters. 

A group of musicians, forming an orchestra with a conductor in the center of them were placed in the far end of the hall. He could smell lavender essences which had been placed in various intervals around the room. It was used to suppress pheromones from affecting each other. 

His leg had unconsciously brought him to the second floor and towards the balcony. 

The night was cold and the moonlight shone like it owned the universe. Standing at the edge of the railings, he leaned and admired the huge and glamour fountain down below. 

The water columns danced around it was relaxing enough to watch all day. It danced like a free soul, unchained and unrestrained. 

He places his chin on his palm, enjoying the breeze of the night, blowing on his face and ruffling the feather of his mask. 

"Pretty, isn't it?"