Edmund was nothing more than just a servant to the royals, at their beck and call, treated like a nobody that was everyone except for you. You treated Edmund as a person worthy to walk beside you, always looking at him with that radiant smile. As the years passed he grew more and more enamored with you l, but he knew it was not possible, a royal and a servant.

But perhaps today could be different, the royal masquerade, it happens every five years, only royals were allowed and others of high class but after careful planning he came up with a way to sneak in. It took a while to fine scraps of fabrics and materials to make his own clothes and mask even so he managed to make them look just like of not even better then those of class. It wasn’t just to sneak a dance with you but no this ball will be different, why? Because your mother and father are using this to find you a suitor.

As you sat with your extravagant, glimmering gown smiling politely yet tiredly from all the suitors presented to you the doors opened, everyone should have been accounted for yet the man’s, who’s face was concealed behind a black feathered mask, presence made everyone’s eyes turn. Fathers raising eyebrows, mothers ready to shove their daughters to him, sons looking with jealousy; he made his way towards you.

“Your highness…” he uttered softly, bowing his head respectfully “May I have this dance?” His eyes looked up at yours underneath the mask still bowing, slowly stretching out his hands towards you.