Lily's mask is simple. It's a plain black mask with intricate emerald-colored trim, and she likes it. She's not the type of person who is very flashy. It's symbolic of her lifestyle.

Her mother says that her mask will only come off when she meets her soulmate. She's twenty, but her mask is still permanently attached to her face. Her sister takes this as an opportunity to gloat, since she has already found her soulmate.

Quite frankly, Lily would be embarrassed if a half-walrus, half-elephant is her soulmate. But if her sister loves him, there's nothing Lily can do about it.

However, she does hope her soulmate is nothing like Petunia's.


Lily's twenty-first birthday has just passed when she receives an invitation in the mail. It's in a crisp, cream-colored envelope and the royal seal. Her fingers trembling slightly, she slits open the flap and withdraws the stiff paper from within.

The King and Queen of Gryffindor cordially invite you, the recipient, to a ball held in the prince's honor, where he will search for his soulmate. If you have received this invitation, you are one of the eligible maidens. Best of luck!

Lily's hand goes slack.


Lily's dawdling around the refreshment table, her eyes scanning the vast room. Several people, perhaps hundreds, are milling about, socializing and drinking. Scattered amongst the guests are the hopeful bachelorettes who want to win the prince's heart.

Lily sips from her glass of wine. She's never seen Prince James in person, but she's seen the papers and heard the stories - many girls describe him with hearts in their eyes. Lily has to admit he's handsome, but she doesn't know him at all apart from that.

Besides, what are the odds they would be soulmates?


"Presenting His and Her Majesty, King Fleamont and Queen Euphemia of Gryffindor!"

A loud trumpet blows, followed by thunderous applause as the king and queen enter, straight-backed and smiling. Lily claps along respectfully, her eyes fixed on the door that will admit Prince James.

"And now, please welcome Prince James!"

Many (feminine) shrieks of joy are released as the prince enters, waving, and Lily's breath hitches. He's a little more relaxed, an easy grin on his sculpted face.

Holy crap, he looks like a modern Adonis…

And then, she looks at his mask and almost faints. It's an exact replica of hers and that means —

—she's utterly screwed.


The prince takes turns dancing with all of the maidens in the kingdom - all of whom have different masks then him, so they're quickly dismissed. There's one girl (Lily thinks her name is Iris, if memory serves her right) has a similar mask but it doesn't come off. She throws a tantrum and has to be forcibly removed from the hall.

The line in front of Lily dwindles, until it's just her left, and she smiles nervously. The prince's eyes widen — they are a very nice shade of hazel — and she curtsies.

"So, we're soulmates," she says, her voice breathless.

Prince James just stares at her. "You're...you're beautiful," he tells her finally. "Breathtakingly so."

Lily laughs. "Aren't you a flatterer."

"Sorry, I'm just...wow," he says, exhaling.

"Wow is a good way to describe it," she says, smiling, and braces herself.

She's glad he's her soulmate.


Romance Awareness - Everyone wears a mask. You are unable to take off your mask until you meet the person who is wearing an identical mask to you - your soulmate.

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