Scarlet adjusted the mask on Kai's face and gave him a once-over. She nodded in approval. "Well, it's not much of a disguise, really, but you do look rather handsome."

She had mussed up his hair with gel, making his bangs fall slightly into his face and hang down further than he was used to. She'd also made him wear an elegant silky white shirt to compliment the dark pants that he'd already been wearing when her and Kesley had arrived at his apartment with Thorne to get ready for the fundraiser. In reality it was really more for Scarlet to get ready, since the guys didn't require as much prep time as she did. Kai was technically supposed to be one of the hosts of this masquerade, though, so he had been a little grateful when Scarlet had offered to help him look his best.

Scarlet squinted at him again. "Hmm, I think it's missing something."

She left to go rummage in Kai's closet, her red hair bouncing behind her in loose curls. It might have been the only time in his life that Kai wished that he could have had access to Thorne's enormous wardrobe—surely Scarlet could find whatever she wanted in there, and this would be over sooner. Kai inspected himself in the mirror while he waited and didn't feel that this look suited him too much. He missed the strange comfort and security of his normal dress shirt and tie. It was going to be uncomfortable enough to be in the spotlight at such a big event. He'd attended since he was younger, and as he'd said to Cinder, it was one of the only events that he could get Thorne to come to without persuasion or offering some sort of bribe in return. It made sense. Thorne loved to dance—and he was good at it. Kai, on the other hand, knew how to dance—he'd taken the same ballroom lessons that Thorne had when they were younger—but he didn't have the natural rhythm that allowed him to move the way he would have liked.

Scarlet returned with something that looked like a red Boy Scout sash. He eyed it warily. "What is that?"

"It's a sash."

"I can see that. And why would I wear that?"

"It'll make you look like royalty. Now we just need some gloves."

"Gloves?" He knew he was whining.

"Kai, it's a Prince Charming look. It'll make the girls go crazy."

He gave her a warning look. "Scarlet, you know I'm not looking for anyone."

She wrinkled her nose at him. "I know, you don't always have to remind me. Can't a girl hope for change?"

He looked at the ceiling for patience. Thorne's opinions were probably rubbing off on her and Kesley. Everyone should just stop interfering with his business already. Scarlet dragged him out of the dressing room to stand before Kesley and Thorne. "So…what do you think?!" she asked excitedly.

"Looks great," grunted Kesley non-committedly. He took another sip of his drink. Kai knew that he was only here to support Scarlet, and not because he actually cared about what Kai was going to wear tonight. The bar that was constantly stocked in Kai's apartment was probably a draw as well.

Thorne eyed him lazily. "Why does everyone still think this is a costume party? We're too old for this." Thorne was just wearing slacks and a button-up shirt with a tie, but he had a mask dangling around his neck and a black fedora-style hat tipped on the side of his head. He had vehemently insisted to Scarlet that he looked so good that it would be a shame to cover up his appearance with anything besides the mask.

"It's a masquerade, Thorne. A lot of people will look like they're in a costume. These types of dances were popular in the Victorian Era. You'll see a lot of people who look like royalty."

"Royalty has never interested me," he replied.

Kesley was wearing a sleek suit that could have helped him audition for a mafia movie. It really fit his personality and past well, because it was incredibly intimidating. Scarlet was wearing more of a flapper-style evening gown, and she looked like she belonged in that exact same movie. Of course they would dress to match each other.

"The question is," continued Thorne, "whether Kai likes it."

Kai glanced down again and shrugged. "Scarlet did a great job."

Scarlet beamed, but Thorne made a face. "And yet you look like you're going to your funeral. Kai, could you be enthusiastic about something for once please? I'm trying to be there for you bro, but this whole emo phase is really bringing me down. You've been like a robot for the last year."

Two years, really. Two years.

Thorne got out of his chair and put his arm around Kai. The shot glass in his hand threatened to spill its contents out on Kai's shirt. "Relax. This is the time to not have any inhibitions, okay? You can be whoever you want tonight."

Whoever he wanted. In theory it was an intriguing thought. But who was that, exactly?

Several reporters took pictures as they stepped out of the limo. By the time they made it inside the hotel, it was already packed. The entire place had been rented out for the night; each room had a different dance theme. This was a good thing, considering that all of Rikan Corp was expected to attend, and the generational gaps called for various tastes in music.

Kai quickly checked the guest list after he dropped his coat off with the concierge, and saw that Cinder and Iko hadn't arrived yet. He'd put them on a VIP list so that they wouldn't have to wait in the same line as everyone else. It was unlikely that he would be able to find them regardless, even if they had already arrived, because there were just too many people. For some reason, he didn't feel like it was appropriate to ask Thorne for their numbers so he could eventually find them. Kai hoped that they would have fun anyway. He was a bit apprehensive about Cinder fitting in with the throng of sophisticated guests, since she was so intent on not wearing a dress. At least they were all in costume, so it wouldn't matter if someone singled her out like they had at his office—they wouldn't be able to tell who she was.

The four of them made their way into the hallway that connected to the different ballrooms. Kai really hoped that he wouldn't run into his father—or anyone else he knew, for that matter. He'd eventually have to talk to some people, since—as Scarlet had pointed out—he did rather look like himself. That being said, his outfit didn't look out of place at all. Many people had donned royalty-looking theme clothes that matched with their masks. He gave Scarlet a quick squeeze and whispered, "thanks for the wardrobe help," just loud enough that only she could hear him. Thorne, despite not being in costume, walked around with a swagger that it made it seem as though he was the most appropriately dressed of all of them. It was so typical.

When they reached the main ballroom, Thorne shepherded them to the bar so they could get some drinks. Kai was already feeling slightly buzzed from their time at his apartment, so he got a Coke instead. That earned him a grunt of amusement from Kesley, but Kai didn't care. Maybe if he were 6'4" and over two hundred pounds of solid muscle he could afford to drink a little more without getting completely wasted. He had duties to his company as a host after all, and this fundraiser was for a good cause.

While he waited with Kesley for Scarlet and Thorne to get their drinks, Levana flitted into his thoughts, and he scanned the room. She didn't seem like she would miss this event for anything, but for some reason he couldn't seem to remember getting any messages from Nainsi about what her plans were for the evening. Maybe she was off in Paris again; it was hard to keep track of all her traveling. After their dinner on Monday, he had no desire to see her tonight anyway, so it was definitely a good thing that she hadn't requested Kai's attention at the Masquerade.

Drink finally in hand, Scarlet gave him a peck on the cheek and disappeared towards the salsa room with Kesley. Thorne wanted to head to the techno room, but Kai begged him to stay in the main ballroom. It was the only kind of dancing he wasn't bad at, and this room was strategically positioned near the entrance, so he could monitor the guests that arrived. Thorne whined about how slow music like this would mess up his ability to show off his moves, but he agreed that he would accompany Kai for max another hour.

"But it's only because I'm worried about you," he added. And, "I'm going to find you a girl."

That was probably the moment in which Kai started admitting to himself that he kind of had a crush on Cinder. If he didn't, then why was he just constantly wondering when she would show up? There were thousands of single women here, and he could only focus on one. He felt guilty about it, though. He didn't want to tell Thorne either, because Cinder had originally been Thorne's date—and only a week ago! And since when did Kai and Thorne like the same girls? But Thorne had said he wasn't interested and had pulled the friend speech on her…

He'd have to tell Thorne eventually.

Now just wasn't the right time.

Besides, maybe it would pass. He had no idea where Cinder was, and Thorne was already checking out women for him. Masked women, of course. The whole idea was pretty ridiculous to Kai. He didn't want to get to know a complete stranger and then never see her again. He wanted real connection, and that was probably why he was hardly ever attracted to anyone. Or maybe it was just to spite Thorne, who never hesitated to push Kai's patience. Either way, he'd searched the room a million times and he was sure that there wasn't a single person in this entire establishment that was wearing pants. Cinder simply wasn't there.

After almost an hour of pretending to be interested in some of Thorne's suggestions, and even dancing with two of them graciously when they asked, he found himself sitting at one of the tables, drinking another Coke. Thorne was drumming his fingers on the table and telling Kai that he'd never seen him act more boring in his whole life. Then Thorne pointed at the balcony that overlooked the ballroom.

"Look, there's an angel if I ever saw one. She's perfect, and she even matches your outfit. If you don't pay attention to her, I will. I always thought it'd be fun to date Cinderella." Kai glanced up, expecting to be disappointed again, but then paused mid-look. Thorne was right. She was breathtaking.

Kai noticed the girl next to her as well. She had dark skin decorated with shiny beads and dyed blue braids that complimented a rather revealing dress and a blue mask. Her heels were probably several inches high, and she towered over the other. But she was nothing—nothing—compared to the girl that Thorne was pointing at. She really did look like Cinderella, complete with a white ball gown, dress gloves that went up her arms to connect with her dress, and a crown fitted to her head. Her white mask sparkled with little white gems.

And her hair. It was a gorgeous chestnut that fell just past her shoulders, with flowing volume and loose curls. Kai did love brunettes. He watched as she stood by the railing and scanned the room as her friend pointed excitedly at the crowd. He realized suddenly that he was standing up.

"Well, is this supposed to mean that you are possibly interested in her after all?" asked Thorne, trying to hide the smug look on his face.

"She is certainly beautiful."

"Ask her to dance. Go introduce yourself as Prince Charming."

"She's way up there."

"She'll come down sooner or later, don't worry," said Thorne encouragingly.

"She'll probably want to dance with you," he said glumly. "And besides, I don't even know her."

"Well get to know her. That's kind of the point. And, while I'm flattered at your jealousy, I was just joking. I've never been a Cinderella man myself."

"Oh."

"If you go dance with her, I can finally go to the other rooms and enjoy myself. It's a win-win, Kai."

He looked up again apprehensively. The girl was still standing there with her friend. Maybe Thorne was right. He hadn't had a lot of fun lately, and besides, it was just dancing. He'd already had two flop dance partners tonight, so could one more hurt? And maybe it wouldn't be so bad. Maybe her inner beauty would match her outer beauty. Kai shook his head. Thorne was right—he was boring! And clearly a bit too sentimental for his own good. This girl was beautiful, and she had caught his eye. If he couldn't pluck up the courage to ask Thorne for Cinder's number, then he had no business sitting here feeling sorry for himself. Or whatever he was doing. Moping? He needed to stop moping. He could be enjoying the evening with someone else.

Cinderella turned to go down the stairs with her friend, and Kai glanced at Thorne, who was now looking amused. "Is that your inner turmoil look, Kai? I've gotta say, it's a pretty bad look on you."

"Shut up, Thorne."

Thorne, as usual, was not intimidated in the least by Kai's annoyance. "I'm going to help you out, because clearly you need some extra help, and I'm feeling generous tonight." Thorne began to drag Kai in the direction of the doorway.

"Now, you're going to stand here, and when she walks in, you're going to wait a few minutes before you approach her. But only a few. You don't want to seem too desperate, but you also don't want someone else to snatch her up. You're going to introduce yourself as Prince Charming, and you're going to call her Cinderella. She'll like that, I wager. Oh, and tell her friend that she looks pretty too. You'll need her approval as well."

"I know how to ask a girl to dance, thank you very much," said Kai sourly.

"Do you now? Well that's news to me since you haven't asked one single person to dance the entire evening. Plenty of fish in the sea here. Hook one."

"Go away."

Thorne pumped his fist in the air triumphantly. "That's the spirit! Now, as always, don't forget to be a gentleman." He winked and withdrew to the hallway just as Kai saw Cinderella come down the steps.

She walked slowly and precisely, as if she wasn't too sure on her feet. The pretty blue-haired girl, on the other hand, was full of confidence and energy. They walked through the doorway and stopped to take in the scene. It was impressive, really, if one stopped to think about it. The decorators his father had commissioned for the event were some of the premier event planners in the whole city. It was very regal. For some reason, this added to his confidence, because it was as though the fates had decided that Prince Charming should dance with Cinderella tonight.

The fates. What? He made a mental note not slip up and say something cheesy like that when he talked to this girl. After waiting a few minutes—yes, he did take Thorne's advice on that one, even though he'd never admit it—Kai grabbed two champagne glasses from a nearby waiter and headed towards the girls. As he approached, though, the blue-haired girl's eyes suddenly widened. She nudged her friend and took off. Cinderella looked confused for a moment, as she searched for her friend, until her eyes fell on Kai. She froze. Then she cleared her throat and straightened her back.

Kai extended one champagne glass. "Good evening. I had originally gotten these two for you and your friend, but since she seems to have disappeared, maybe I'll just keep this for myself."

"Uh—thank you," she replied, taking the glass. She took a sip and Kai stepped a little closer. Up-close, she was even more beautiful than he had previously imagined. Her eyes were startling. They were brown, and big, and warm, and—wait, he recognized those eyes. He stared at her, his memory taking him back to the elevator at his office. A longing started to grow from within. He'd only been fantasizing about those brown eyes for the past week. Was this…could it be…? She was wearing a dress, though, and she said she hated dresses. He'd been scanning the crowd for girls in pants all night. And he'd never seen her with her hair down, let alone with any makeup on.

"Cinder?" he asked incredulously.

Her eyes widened. "Ex-excuse me?" she stuttered.

"It's Kai," he said, leaning closer, barely able to contain the excitement in his voice.

"My—my name is Selene," she said, sounding an awful lot like Cinder.

Kai was momentarily disappointed, wondering if his mind was playing tricks on him. But then he thought about Thorne telling him to be whoever he wanted tonight, and he realized that maybe all of this was just a game. Maybe she just wanted to keep up the intrigue. It had to be her. Because he needed it to be her.

"Sorry, I meant Cinderella," he said, trying to recover, "but I must have gotten you confused with someone else." He took her gloved hand to his lips and placed a kiss on it. "The pleasure is all mine, Princess Selene. You look incredibly beautiful. I'm...Prince Kai—Kaito. Prince Kaito." Aces, he was bad at pretending. He smiled at her as he released her hand. But unlike Cinder, she didn't look down or get flustered. She smiled right back, and he felt momentarily weak in the knees. She was stunning.

"May I have the next dance?" He held out his hand to her. She nodded, and placed her hand in his. He led her towards the ballroom floor and deposited their champagne glasses on a vacant table on the way. Hundreds of couples were already dancing, and Kai was happy to hear that the current song had a tempo that he was familiar with. At least he couldn't embarrass himself here.

As they began to dance, Selene-Cinder looked down at her feet. "I'm not very good at these steps," she said, looking a bit sheepish.

"Don't worry." He gripped her waist a little tighter. "I'll guide you."

She followed his lead pretty well, even though he could tell that she had probably never danced to this type of music before. Little by little, she got better though, and seemed like she began to understand the steps. He took a step, raised her hand above her head, and spun her out. A look of pure joy plastered her face when she mastered the turn. Her smile made his heartbeat quicken, and so he spun her again just to see it again. She laughed. It was a beautiful laugh, too. Was there anything about this girl that wasn't attractive?

After a minute or two a new song came on, this time much slower than the last. He held out his arms again, hoping she would still want to dance with him, and his heart almost leapt out of his chest when she accepted. He pulled her body closer to his, and her arms encircled his neck as he put both hands on her waist. Kai didn't want the song to end.

He could see her so clearly now. Her dark eyes were the perfect contrast to the shimmering white mask. The warmth of those eyes began to infiltrate his mind, and he realized he was having trouble thinking coherent thoughts. Her mouth was so inviting. Maybe if he could just move a step closer…he could just…

Her kiss surprised him. It was gentle and a bit hesitant—barely more than a brush on his lips. Kai wanted to put her at ease, to let her know that he wanted more too, so he kissed her back almost instantly. He was gentle too, but more confidence emanated from his lips, and soon she was reciprocating. Kai felt warmth wash all over his body. Before he could stop himself, he pushed his hands into her wavy locks. Their kisses deepened. He could taste the lip gloss on her lips and the recently consumed champagne on her tongue. His desire took over, fogging up any rationality he tried to cling to, as if his heart had been storing reserves of these feelings just for this precise moment. He began to lose himself in their embrace, and slowly yet all at once, the heavy chains of the past two years started to loosen.

Somewhere in the back of his mind, Kai recognized that he was kissing a complete stranger. But he didn't care.

Because he knew it was Cinder.

It just had to be.