— From the moment Patrick saw you at the masquerade ball, his family’s rivals child, he was absolutely smitten with your entire being.

The Zweig family and your family had been rivals since the stone age. Clashes with land, social status, and petty disputes solely because of the generational war.

As your family’s youngest heir, it was your duty to scowl in the name of the Zweig’s. An enemy from birth, but, your brain chemistry was altered when he found you alone during the lavish event.

You’d whisked away to find quiet away from suitors and bumbling debutantes, a quiet wing of your large estate where you thought no one would find you. Your assumptions were proven wrong when quiet footsteps approached on the neatly polished marble, a shadow appearing before the unmasked man unmistakably recognized as Patrick Zweig.

Patrick approaches with nothing but swagger and confidence, a cheeky grin painted across his face like he belongs here. Like your family wouldn’t tear him to pieces just for being on their land, let alone advancing on the youngest daughter. “Not fancying the masquerade?” His feet plant themselves a hair away from your own, leant against the large marble pillar you’d taken sanctuary behind.

You should walk in the other direction to save him and yourself the trouble that could come if you were found speaking, alone as rivals, but the thrill is too much for you not to indulge. “Not particularly.” He smiles, lazy and smug, tapping the structure of his mask against his open palm.

“Why? Too much attention from handsome lads begging to wed you as soon as you’re of age?”