CHAPTER ONE: THE SECRET
"The Masquerade"
Once upon a time, in a new century,long,long ago. There are two people fated for each other in a less likely way. Enough with the fuss, no time to waste. For me to continue I have to persuade. Alright then, I'll carry on, oh and this is entitled "THE MASQUERADE."
"Haru-chan! Come down, the carriage is now waiting outside!" called out a woman with jet-black hair and big green eyes.
"Coming mother!" a girl yelled back running going downstairs "And didn't I tell you before not to call me by my nickname anymore?" the six-year old girl said bluntly.
"Yes Hotaru-chan." giggled her mother . "Oh your face is stoic again, Hotaru. Try to smile." her mother suggested.
suddenly a voice boomed behind them. "My girls!"
"Father." Hotaru said bluntly and curtsied towards her father.
"Hotaru, smile for a bit,dear. It'll look much better with you gown." Hotaru's mother gestured towards Hotaru's one-shouldered lavender silk gown.
"It'll be hidden by a mask anyway." she answered back while rolling her eyes.
Her father laughed. Hotaru just looked at him.
"I'm sorry dear but you are not going to wear that hideous mask. You're going to use a different one." her father informed her.
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In case you were wondering. They are about to attend to Lord Nogi's only son's birthday in France. The Imai's are invited since Abe, Hotaru's mom, and Sophie, Lord Nogi's wife, are long time friends.
...ooOooOooOooOooOooOoo...
Hotaru's eyes widened in shock and turned pale when she heard her father's words.
"Can I look at it?" she then asked.
"Of course. Natsuhiko give it to her." Hotaru's mother told commanded her husband.
Natsuhiko, Hotaru's father, gave her a lavender mask, which is to be tied at the back of her head with furs on the outline.
"Do you like it dear?" her mother asked
"It is much more tolerable since it is lavender."
She grabbed it from her fathers hands and as if on cue, their butler came.
"The royal carriage is waiting." he said then bowed. Hotaru turned so her back is facing her parents.
"Oh and by the way mother, father I already know that I'm adopted." she said which left her parents dumbfounded.
"And in case you were wondering how I figured it out. On our way here in France, I heard you saying that Lord and Lady Nogi already know that I'm adopted." she said then went inside the carriage.