Since it appears Michael and I must attend this party as well, I dug through my trunk and found a red dress, as I pull it out and look over it I hear Michael, "see, I told you you'd have a use for that dress."

I turn back to him, "what did you foresee a masquerade ball?"

"No," Michael shakes his head and steps toward me, "but I know how amazing you look in red and in that dress." Michael stops in front of me, "close your eyes and hold out your hands." I chuckle and close my eyes, I feel Michael place something in my hands and when I open them I see a beautiful white and red mask.

I smile up to Michael, "i love it."

"I thought you would."

"Where did you find it?"

"I didn't."Michael shakes his head, "I made it. I made the mask itself out of something I found in the kitchen. And…" Michael puts a similar mask in black to his face, "i made one for myself too."

"Very impressive." I chuckle.

"Well, It wouldn't be fair if you were the only one with domestic skills."

"This is true."

Michael and I get changed, Michael wearing mostly black and me in my red dress and red heels. When we walk in everyone has masks of their own design. Michael walk in, arm in arm and everyone's eyes are on us. Even though this is a masquerade ball, it's easy to tell who everyone is. Timothy has made a crown out of a hanger and his mask is purple lace, probably from one of the outfits he doesn't wear. The Stevens, Dinah and her son Andre, have their attention on the rip apples in a bucket. As Andre reaches for one, Mead slaps his hand away, "no treat until the time comes."

"No one has even seen a piece of fresh fruit in over 18 months. Where did this come from?" Andre shakes his head.

"Perhaps I should drag in one of the horses who rode through hell to give us these sweet little wonders so you can look it in the mouth."

I whisper over to Michael, "so that's how she chooses to distribute the apples."

Michael nods, "something's not right. Don't eat one of those."

Gallant chuckles, "I get it. It's the Garden of Eden, apples from paradise. It's obviously from The Sanctuary."

I chuckle, still whispering to Michael, "think they're cracked the code, Adam?"

"Hard to tell, Eve." Michael whispers back.

"We should say grace." Dinah looks around, "to thank you universe for sending them to us."

Andre sighs, "You are so fucking annoying."

"Enough." Mead shakes her head, "Ms. Venable said everyone will get a chance to bob for apples later."

Mallory clears her throat and we all look up to her, since she is on the balcony, "ladies and gentlemen, may I present Ms. Coco St. Pierre Vanderbilt."

Coco walks in and her hair is a costume in itself. I have to admit Gallant is an amazing stylist. "Can we clap, please?" Gallant begins to clap and everyone joins in, "thank you."

"You did that?" Mead looks over to Gallant.

"Without a blow-dryer Sometimes I even astonish myself.."

I walk over to Gallant and lace an arm through one of his, "think you could work your magic on my hair."

"My dear, I'm surprised you are even asking. Lord knows how your hair holds those curls in this environment. What you can do is tell me where you got that dress."

"I don't remember, I've had it forever."

"Well, it looks amazing."

"Thank you." I smile to Gallant. I know nothing anyone will say to me is meant to do nothing more then ensure their spot in The Sanctuary, but I'm not above using that to get compliments and some friendly conversation.

The applause continues until Coco is in the middle of the doorway, having taken the stairs around the library down. As she smiles around the room Venable walks up behind her, "boo." she whispers softly and Coco jumps. Coco turns to Venable before turning and walking over to Gallant and the Stevens, while I return to Michael, "Tonight is All Hallows' Eve, which marks the beginning of the dark half of the year, when the boundary between this world and the Other thins and lost souls pierce the firmament, desperate to find their way home. It is a night to remember the dead, and there have been far too many to mourn. But also to celebrate that we have yet to join them." Venable begins to walk around the room, "we delight in the small things that were once taken for granted. To eat. To drink. Music and dance. Everyone, and I mean everyone, should savor this night as if it were their last." Venable turns on the radio and to our surprise it is playing a song I don't recognize, but I enjoy it.

Everyone begins to dance and Michael leaves the room, not long after someone else walks in and over to Coco, I'm not sure who they are, but I'm fairly sure it's not Michael, "oh. And who are you?" She looks around the room, "Well, you're not Andre. And I would know my hairdresser anywhere. Oh. well, this must be Mr. Langdon. Tired of your girlfriend already?" She smiles up to him, "I would be honored." the two of them begin to dance, "i know the whole interview thing is bullshit, as is your relationship. You have to keep up appearances, but you already know who gets to go to The Sanctuary.I got into Harvard, so I know how things work. You'll make the announcement later tonight. I'll get in, of course. But I want us to be in sync on who's kept out. I've spent 18 months with these people, so I think my opinion holds a little weight. I mean, that's what I'm good at, opinions. I'm an influencer. People do what I do because I have great taste. But you already know that about me, don't you? Or you'd be over there with your partner and not here with me. But what is it you don't know? You see an intelligent, confident young woman who always gets what she wants. But what you don't know is I'm a woman who also likes to please."

My jaw almost hits the floor as she says this, I mean, how stupid can she. Before I can think of any repercussions for her, Gallant walks over next to me, "she isn't very subtle is she?"

"No, she's not." I scoff.

"So, you're okay with your partner sleeping with a man, what about another woman."

I look over to Gallant and shake my head, "I thought we settled on Michael didn't sleep with you."

"You two say he didn't, but I know what happened and I know who I fucked."

I narrow my eyes over to Gallant, "don't forget who is your ticket out of her, grandma killer." I whisper the last part.

"Fair point." Gallant nods, "but really, what's your plan."

I look back to Coco and the man, "this is part of Michael's plan. I get to sit back and watch."

"Get to or have to?"

"Do you need something?"

"No, but I was hoping you could tell me if I got in or not."

I shake my head, "I'm not telling you."

I walk out of the room and I do, I hear Coco trying to stop him from leaving, "Wait, wait, wait, wait. I can offer you so much more when she can, something I never even gave my boyfriend."

I head up to our room and to my surprise I find Michael sitting on the bed, reading, "why did you leave?"

"Got bored. Figured you'd come up when you were done with all their pity questions and complaints."

I shrug, "I never tire of complaints. False or otherwise."

"Trust me, my dear. In that dress, none of them are false." Michael closes his book and looks up to me. "What's wrong, you look angry and confused."

"I thought you were dancing with Coco."

"Now, why would I do that, when I have you?" Michael stands up and walks over to me.

"I don't know." i shake my head, "i thought it was part of the plan you didn't tell me about."

"What are you talking about? I tell you every bit of our plan. Otherwise, it wouldn't be our plan. Plus, why would I want to get anywhere close to Coco." Michael almost shivers at the mention of her name.

I chuckle, "i have to say, seeing your reaction to just her name makes me feel better."

Michael places a hand on my cheek, "I've told you before, you are my only Queen." Michael smiles down to me, "when was the last time we made love?"

I think for a moment, "before we left the last outpost."

"I think we should change that."