Chapter 9. Masquerade

True to his word, Count Philippe had sent several seamstresses to her quarters the next day. Corinne had spent the next couple of hours being poked and prodded as the women fitted an extravagant gown to her shapely frame. Now as the ball neared and she stared at her reflection in the mirror, Corinne almost didn't recognize herself.

Her blonde hair was done up in an elegant bun with a few loose ringlets framing her face. Cosmetics made her cheeks rosy and her lips crimson. Her blue eyes sparkled like the gemstones that adorned the bodice of her gown. The gown itself was gorgeous, even if the design seemed rather frivolous. In addition to the gems, it was frilly and pink with lace skirts that danced as she swayed her hips. The neckline scooped lower than she would have liked, but the tight lacings of her corset brought out her chest in what she was assured a most appealing manner.

Gone was the plain palace maid. In her place stood a princess.

Aramina squealed. "Oh Corinne, you look so beautiful!"

"Oui," Viveca agreed. "No one will be able to take their eyes off of you."

"You're just missing this," Aramina passed her a shimmering mask, covered in the same jewels as her dress. Corinne fastened it to her face and Aramina squealed again, prancing around the room excitedly. Viveca laughed and danced with her. Renée, who had been watching quietly, rose from her seat. She placed an arm around Corinne's waist.

"I've heard some rumors about the Count," she whispered. "It appears that even though he's next in line for the throne, none of the noblewomen wished to accompany him to the ball tonight. I believe "lecherous" and "appalling" were some of the words used to describe him."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"I'm just worried about his," she bit her lip, "intentions for tonight. I wanted you to know that he might see this as an invitation to try something."

"I see," Corinne said. The thought had crossed her mind several times tonight already. It didn't matter if he was next in line for the throne, a swift kick to the groin would expel any ideas he might have. She was not some cheap whore who could be bought. "Don't worry about me, Renée. I know what I'm doing."

"I hope so."

She would have said more, but another of Aramina's delighted squeals reached her ears.

"Look at that carriage!" She bounced excitedly and pointed out the window. Corinne smiled at her friends and took one last look in the mirror. She scowled at her reflection as if Louis could somehow see it. Satisfied, she stepped out into the night.

Aramina had been right to squeal. It was a grand carriage indeed, not only the exterior, but the interior as well. Plush seats cushioned her ride around the city as the Count did not wish for her to be seen coming from the staff quarters. They looped back around the palace and Corinne caught sight of Count Philippe waiting for her on the palace steps. She supposed he cut a dashing figure. From a distance, of course.

"You look stunning, my dear," he drawled, offering a hand to help her down from the carriage. She took it and inwardly cringed at the way his eyes raked over her figure, pausing quite noticeably on her chest. She resisted the urge to slap him. With a mask covering his face it wouldn't make much of a difference.

Corinne entered the ball on his arm and was instantly mesmerized by the splendor of it. Everything was large and ornate, from the glistening new chandelier to the polished instruments of the orchestra.

"Care to dance, my dear?" Count Philippe asked. Corinne nodded and they were soon gliding gracefully across the floor. She would have to thank Aramina once more for the impromptu dance lessons.

The evening continued in the same fashion. They would dance, he would fetch them something to drink, and they would chat briefly before dancing again.

It happened in the middle of her fifth dance with the Count. He was spinning her a little too forcefully and she lost her footing. She did not fall to the ground, however, instead toppled backwards into a man's strong arms.

"Mademoiselle, are you all right?" He asked mockingly. Corinne stiffened. She knew that voice.

Louis.

...

Look what you've done, Corinne! You forced poor Louis into a crowded room of stuck up people, including the person he hates most in the world. Though is she really to blame? Louis was cancelling their lessons. Let's just blame them both for now and call it even. (We could also blame Count Philippe, but that's not relevant, lol.) So, while you're yelling at me in reviews for ending the chapter there, you can also go check out this fabulous fanart done by KeelyKelly for this fic! In case the link doesn't show, and it probably won't because FF hates outside links, just head to deviantart and search "juliasinger". The piece is called "The Phantom of the Castle" and I love it so much. (You should check out her other art too because it's all awesome.) art/The-Phantom-of-the-Castle-520575871