Seduction at the masquerade
Recap of the preview- The six princes and Poppy have been sent to attend a masquerade ball. Poppy bumps into a couple of dancers and tumbles over. She is rescued by a fellow attendee.
Chapter 1
Part 1
The person who rescued me is tall, with a slender but muscular male body and is wearing a black and gold patterned mask, perfectly matching his outfit.
He may not be so expensively dressed as some of the other patrons but in terms of elegance he's right up there at the top.
I fit perfectly into his arms and oddly don't feel at all uncomfortable about being held so close to this stranger.
(Is that because wearing this mask, I'm not the me that would.)
I find my cheeks heating at the thought. Yet he will never recognize me in the street, therefore I look into his eyes and smile confidently. "Thank you for saving me, sir."
"My pleasure," with a charming bow, he vanishes back into the crowd.
I feel disappointed.
Before he prevented me from sprawling under a myriad of dancer's feet, the reality of the evening hadn't at all lived up to the romance spun to me by Sherry who'd said, "In any case, it does sound like a grand opportunity to enjoy being a woman of mystery for the night."
Maybe, my disappointment lies in the fact that the man I wish to know better wasn't invited on the trip and I've become a little weirded out by all the attention from people who, I assume, are mainly here for a one-night fling.
But being held in that man's arms… well a one-night romance with a mystery man suddenly held promise.
Oh well, back to plan B, finding Rio, or at least someone like him, friendly and only here to enjoy the food.
Sure enough, there is one man by the buffet who stands out by the sheer enthusiasm with which he's savouring the delicacies on offer. He also has Rio's larger build.
He's the same man who accidently bumped into me earlier. If it was Rio though, he failed to recognise me and we're best friends.
Sherry had also said, "Oh, I am quite certain you should be able to tell if he is dear to you. The littlest things about him may well give him away."
Beyond the man, who could potentially be Rio, is the starring man.
Unease seeps into my heart.
Within seconds of entering the ball I was noticed by five men.
Could the masks although highly effective against normal mages, not work on a S-rank. Are my 'friends' having a fun-for them-competition to see who can seduce me?
Part 2
Hmm, well if I'm right…
Starring guy would obviously be Guy.
The man asleep on the sofa Lynt.
And the man surrounded by a swarm of fellow dancers vying for his attention, well if that's not Fenn, he is one hundred percent from the same kingdom.
Oh Fenn, the way he can make me feel by merely whispering in my ear… but it's only a fantasy he spins. I drag my gaze away from him because I'm scared that if he sees it, he will give me one of his knowing looks.
So out of Toa and Roy, who gallantly returned my earring and who offered me that delicious cocktail. I know that Toa loves a game of chess, so I'm leaning towards my not actually having dropped an earring at all.
Moreover, the colour of their masks matches their eye colour which in turn matches my deductions, so why when I'm close to them do they seem unrecognizable. I don't like this magic it seems to befuddle my wits.
Although to be fair, there are a myriad of pink/yellow haired and blue haired men here, all with masks to match.
Well time to test my theory. If I'm wrong, well I'm wearing a mask it's not like anyone will recognise me later. I march over to Mr Stare.
Once more I'm incredibly unsure this is Guy. However, I give him an icy glare worthy of the man I think he might be.
"Too much a coward to come over and speak with me?"
He looks affronted, "!"
"Then kindly stop staring at me, it's creepy."
Guy makes a "Tch" with his teeth.
The mask doesn't manage to remove the familiarity of that sound.
Before I can doubt myself, I reach up on my toes, and move my lips to his ear.
"Guy, you're busted."
He moves to grab me but I'm back in the crowd, laughing at his outraged expression.
Part 3
At the food table, the large man with the plates full of food is still tucking in with gusto.
Right next to him, is the man in the black and gold mask. My silly heart misses a beat.
The man in black is being a lot choosier about the items he's placing on his plate. More a quality over quantity sort.
I realize I'm staring and glance away.
He rescued me, then left. Does that mean I'm not his type?
That thought shouldn't impact my happiness the way it does.
Would he recognize me again if I tried a different approach or is he like Rio, more interested in the food. It's not like he's dancing or chatting with any of the other woman or men here.
I glance back and find him looking at me. Instead of looking away, he smiles holding my eyes long enough to bring heat to my cheeks.
He turns his focus to the delicacies he's selected, bringing one to his mouth. The way he savours it, makes my knees feel weak.
His eyes are back on me, I've been caught watching him with my mouth hanging open.
He winks, turning my innards into a complete gooey mess.
He picks up another treat and holds it out as if to offer it.
Excitement bubbles up within me as my feet carry me towards him, is he teasing me?
Will he pop the canape in his mouth or mine?
If mine, will his fingers linger on my lips? Will I be bold enough in this mask to lick them? …
The pink masked man intercepts me, "We meet again, will you do me the honour of accompanying me in this dance."
Before I can reply, the blue masked man butts in, "Surely you would prefer to dance with me."
I look peer around them, however my mystery man has vanished. I scowl at them for having lost me my chance at romance.
However they are too busy arguing to notice. "I saw her first."
"Irrelevant."
Part 4
I can't believe they are fighting over me. Is that really Roy being so forceful? Toa losing his chill? Me just wishing I could drag the black and gold masked man outside and kiss him.
It seems Sherry was right.
Sherry has said "But of course, not a soul is aware of who the other could be. And so, one may find themselves that little bit bolder than usual, I daresay."
But if I'm right the princes are aware of who's who. Which leads me to think they all know the darker flip sides of each other's personalities that they normally hide from me.
I glance at Guy, now there's a man who doesn't bother hiding who he truly is.
And yet was that concern I just caught on his face before he treated me to one of his world-famous glares?
I smile to myself.
The Avari Aficionados will do anything for one of Guy's glares.
I'm not sure how winding him up to that point benefits anyone.
However, I do get his glares charm…
Jasper loves him, my best friend Aquia loves him, both people I respect and if I'm honest with myself I'm rather fond of him too.
Other people look guilty when caught out in a lie, well not Fenn of course he just laughs, or caught out in an act of selfishness. However, Guy frowns when caught out in an act of kindness.
He's completely messed up, but then aren't they all?
Part 5
While the pink mask and blue mask men argue, I slip away into the corridor and all but bump into my quarry.
"Running away so soon, are you not enjoying the masquerade?"
"No, it's nothing like I expected."
"How so?"
"Well, for starters I have friends here, but I don't know who they are, so I feel alone. Moreover if perchance I danced with an incredible bore, well I could escape them one night and have no idea that the following one I'd agreed to dance with them again until it was too late."
My companion chuckles. "Is that all? Because you seemed angry."
"I was lied to. This was sold to me as an evening where you could just be your true self because no one would know it was you. A night of fantasy and… anyway as soon as I entered the room the "friends" I'd come with spotted me. I hadn't had a chance to exhibit any mannerisms or habits of speech or even much of a gait."
"That's not possible, the masks work on everyone under an s-rank in magical power. You do make an exceptionally pretty doll, perhaps that is why their eyes were drawn to you."
I scowl, as he confirms my theory.
"Or maybe you are wearing something that identifies you?"
"Perhaps. I'll have to be more careful of my attire tomorrow."
He gives me an award-winning smile and says, "Would you care to dance."
I feel safe and reenergised with this charming man. I grin up at him replying, "I'd love to."
He holds my right hand and places his other hand gently around my waist.
"Erm but I have to warn you, I'm no dancer."
"Don't concern yourself, you merely have to follow my lead."
Chapter 2
Part 1
The man in the gold mask, effortlessly waltzes me around the room, keeping me at a chaste distance. We don't crash into anyone, and as well as being incredibly graceful my new acquaintance is a great conversationalist.
I rest against him, and we spin to a halt.
"Tired? We could take a turn outside if you wish?"
Wow hours have passed in a moment and he's right; I'm exhausted. "Yes please, I could do with a rest."
He guides me to a beautiful rose garden. Their heady fragrance is enchanting and the air deliciously cool on my flushed face as we stroll around chatting and laughing together. We pause beside the fountain, and I get butterflies in my stomach. Silence falls between us like a sheet of ice and I can't bear it… "Aren't you going to kiss me?"
"Are you asking me because of the mask, are you normally so bold with men?
"Only ones I like, so?"
"Is there no one you fancy outside this ball?"
"I thought there was mean to be a code of conduct, what happens here is a mere dream, no?"
He's giving me a hard questioning look.
With a sigh, I reply, "Alright, no there isn't. I haven't even got a paramour let alone a spouse and if I did, I wouldn't be asking you to kiss me."
His expression softens but he still looks curious.
"Ok, there is someone I fancy, but he is completely unobtainable."
"Haha you haven't fallen for a prince, have you?"
"No." Emphatically not.
If I had, well, all the princes bar Rio would happily play the courtesan for my kisses. "Excuse me, I think I'll call it a night."
I half turn and stop when his hand rests on my arm. "I'm curious, tell me about your crush and I'll reward you with a kiss."
I'm not sure how those two things can go together. However, there is something about him that makes me feel completely at ease and I've no one back at the academy that I can talk to about Jasper. "He's not mine, in fact I haven't said more than a few words to him, because flawless is daunting."
Part 2
"At first, I told myself that I felt jealous of my friend, having such a loyal valet, especially one who brews the best coffee in the universes…
"But of course, I was lying to myself.
"The truth is I find him incredibly attractive, handsome features, perfect body..." I sigh.
"And his eyes are one beautiful trap. I find myself enthralled by them far too often. But he has this polite smile so that I never have any idea what he is thinking, whether he's laughing at me because he knows how gorgeous I find him, feels sorry for me because of that or is completely oblivious to my gaze.
"Also, although he has perfect manners, very occasionally I'll catch a mischievous glint in his eye. It makes me have this perverse desire to see him completely lose his control under my touch…"
My companion laughs. "So, you haven't asked your valet for a kiss. Your boldness is linked to your mask."
"No, the situation is totally different. I've danced in your arms; we've flirted together, and you were looking as if you'd very much like to kiss me. Whereas none of those things are true for my friend's valet, worse he thinks I should kiss his master instead. I guess his one flaw is not seeing that it is him I have feelings for."
My new friend seems completely taken aback.
He recovers quickly though and takes me into his arms to slow dance around the fountain.
When we stop, he kisses me; a light touch of his lips against mine.
It is the worst timing, I know, however I have to ask. "Is there a special woman in your life?"
"Only you." He's looking at me as if he's been enchanted.
I reach my fingers into his blond hair.
He moves his lips back to mine, sucking on my lower lip before teasing my mouth open with his tongue.
He tastes of salted caramel. I can't believe I'm being so forward, the bounty of anonymity, I guess. And what a reward, this man is as equally skilled at kissing as he is at dancing.
He deepens the kiss, and my thoughts vaporise like mist in the sun as our tongues entwine.
He pulls away from me as if stung.
I gaze at his lips bewildered. My body is on fire and yet something in his posture prevents me from returning my lips to his.
"It's late, it appears that your friend has come to collect you. Thank you for a most enjoyable evening." My mystery man bows elegantly, and I curtsy back already feeling bereft.
I don't need to turn to know it's Guy behind me.
Part 3
The sun is high in the sky when I awake following the masquerade.
I head to the lounge to find three familiar faces already seated on the sofa. Guy is trying to read a book, Lynt is dozing on him, and Toa, ever the monitor, is looking disparagingly at me.
Roy arrives with a cup of tea. "I heard you getting up and I thought you might be in need of refreshment."
"Thank you."
Roy can always be guaranteed to be thoughtful, the perfect prince charming in fact, but his behaviour last night if that was him… well that was kindness with an ulterior motive that I didn't appreciate.
Rio presents me with a plate of pastries. "Right famished too, I expect."
My smile grows friendlier, Rio is guileless and truly has my best interests at heart.
Fenn is nowhere in sight; I imagine he's still sleeping off his excesses of yesterday.
Toa tuts at me. "You were up late."
"If you think so, then I can only assume you didn't get as lucky as I did last night." If I was still wearing my mask I'd wink.
Rio grins at me. It looks a little forced. "I'm glad you had a nice time. I was rather worried, you not really being much of a party goer and all. I did hunt for you, but the masks defeated me."
I'm probably just being paranoid, perhaps a side effect of being around all those magical masks. "That was so sweet of you…"
"Hey, what say you we decide on a secret sign."
I'm really fond of Rio, and under normal circumstances would love to spend tonight with a friend. However, I was rather hoping to meet my mystery man again. "Clever, however I think it's against the spirit of the masquerade…"
(Would I be able to find him again though. I guess not. My heart sinks. He struck me as an intelligent man, and it wasn't his first masquerade. If he'd wanted to see me again, wouldn't he have suggested the same thing as Rio?)
Part 4
I'm lifted into the air by magic and find myself floating after Guy, clutching my breakfast.
I'm deposited on his bed. "How lucky did you get before I found you?"
My heart flutters a little, big bad Guy was looking out for me. "Come on Guy, you do know me."
"I'm not sure I do when you're wearing that mask, most insolent."
I giggle at the look on his face.
Poor Guy, his petulant looks cute, affronted looks cute, surprised looks doubly cute and unfortunately for him, his smile merely looks smug. "What is the real problem?"
"The rules of conduct state…"
I frown at him. "Don't talk to me about rules when s-rank are immune to the masks magic and you're more like the one s*-rank.
"The masks work on you either?"
"Not true, but I know which princes are here and who else for instance is going to spend the evening demolishing the significant banquet on offer?
"Who else is going to stare and "tch" at me hmm?"
My teasing mood crashes. "But I wouldn't be able to find my companion of last night again, so I think I'll give the rest of the balls a miss."
"I saw him, I could point him out when he arrives."
"But what if he's hoping for a new companion tonight."
"That's the benefit of masks isn't it, he wouldn't know."
I grin at my new bestie. "You are the perfect partner in crime."
Guy makes his famous "tch" sound.
I can't help but laugh. "See you just can't help it."
"…"
Part 5
Guy does seem in a surprisingly chatty mood, perhaps because for a few days he's being forced to take a break from all the problems associated with being the crown prince of Avari. "What did the man, I was… erm dancing with, look like?
"Please Guy, I'll owe you a kiss."
"Short blond hair, crimson eyes."
"I saw those things. I meant is he handsome. The truth."
"I imagine you would think so." His arrogance has slipped, he glares at me to cover it.
"Don't sound like that, you know full well that you're the handsomest of all the princes and the princes make the other students look downright plain."
"And the valets?"
I blush. "Grrr, does anyone ever best you?"
"Not in the past. Why won't you have me?"
My heart hurts a little. "The truth is I am inordinately fond of you. However, compatibility wise…"
"You're wrong. I'd make you compatible."
"That is rather my point." I take a sip of me tea.
Mmm Roy makes such a perfect cup. Ohhh. "Would you like some coffee. Jasper taught me how to make it for you as he wouldn't be here."
Guy nods. Although his eyes have narrowed into one of his frowns.
It makes me extra anxious to attempt brewing it.
At the start of Jasper's tuition, I'd been a bundle of nerves too, however he'd been so professional and detached that I'd calmed down and finally managed to produce a cup he said Guy wouldn't find too unpalatable.
The trick is in your focus and composure.
I return with the coffee and wait on edge for Guy's response.
"Not bad."
I grin. Surely from Guy, I should take that as praise.
Chapter 3
Part 1
As soon as I enter the masquerade, I search for Guy.
A man stands by himself, he's not staring at me, if anything I'd say his gaze is avoiding me like the plague but that presence of his, I'm not sure why I ever doubted who he was.
I walk over to him grinning with excitement. "Is he here yet?"
"How did you know it was me?"
I giggle. "You think I'd give you all your tells?"
"Tch"
"Please?"
"Not yet."
Poppy "Shall we dance then?"
As an answer Guy places an arm around my waist and pulls me way to close to himself. I'd protest but what would be the point.
Guy is an equally good dancer, as in equally prepared for my incompetence and able to mitigate it, I glide around the room in his arms.
My feet begin to ache. How long have we been dancing for? I try and remember the different dances and pull Guy to a halt. "Is he still not here?"
"Not yet."
A figure stands besides us. "Excuse me, you seem to have my dance partner."
Somehow, I know this is my mystery man. Guy is such a liar. I give him a suitable look.
He pushes me into the other man's arms. "Have her if you must."
He drags a woman, who'd been happily dancing, away from another man and spins off with her.
Part 2
My mystery man leads me outside.
It is so beautiful in the moonlight.
I turn towards my partner and am immediately pulled into an embrace his lips seeking mine.
There is a fierceness and possessiveness to his kiss that wasn't there last night. It makes me yearn to know his name. "What shall I call you?"
"Sirius."
His lips trail down my throat and beyond the cut of my dress. I don't stop him. I like the idea of having something to remember him by after I'm back at the academy, if only for a little while. "Would you like my mark too."
"Yes, I wish to remember this night."
He loosens his cravat and undoes his top buttons.
I tease his smooth silky skin with my teeth before sucking it into my mouth and running my tongue over him. As I do, I'm wrapped in a soft warm musky fragrance.
The experience is so intimately sensual that I find myself not wanting this man to forget me, ever. I increase the pressure and his fingers weave into my hair holding my face against him.
"Having fun, treasure."
Only two people call me by that nickname and only one of them is here. I freeze.
Fenn chuckles.
Sirius loosens his grip on me. "Another of your friends?"
"Yes."
"You're right they do appear to be able to see through your disguise."
He mustn't know the truth. I turn to Fenn, who is the most accomplished and quick-witted liar of my acquaintance. "Ok confess, how did you know it was me?"
"You wore those exact same earrings this afternoon."
I hadn't of course, but I roll my eyes and let out a small groan. "Are they really that unique?"
"No other woman here is wearing the like. And believe me, I am well acquainted with many of their earlobes.
"But don't mind me, carry on…"
He obviously has no intention of leaving.
Sirius takes hold of one of my hands in his. "Would you do me the honour of accompanying me in the next dance?"
"I'd love too."
Part 3
We return to the dance floor and having waltzed ourselves to exhaustion, pause by the garden door. Five pairs of eyes are looking our way.
"Your friends seem very concerned for you."
"They do, don't they. I guess I should be glad but tonight it feels stifling."
I blush because I so want to be able to enjoy Sirius' company uninterrupted. "I wish they would all enjoy themselves here instead of worrying about me."
"A little while back, it seemed you wished for other things too. How about we give your friends the slip tomorrow. We could meet behind the fountain and discreetly return to my lodgings?"
I feel my stomach clench with desire and yet is that what I actually want.
I mean, I really like Sirius and Guy said I'd find him attractive.
Yet, just the one night. I'm not sure my heart could deal with that…
"Or we could spend the night dancing again.
"It's your choice. One you can make tomorrow.
"I think that your intimidating friend is ready to take you home again."
When I enter our lounge the following day, Fenn gives me a massive wink and laughs. "Treasure was fully embracing the spirit of the masquerade last night.
"But alas, it wasn't my neck she was gracing with her mark."
Toa frowns at him. "The rules of con…"
I can't believe Toa still has the audacity to mention them.
Lynt rouses himself from semi slumber and pouts. "I wanted to dance with you, Poppy. Dance with me tonight."
"Sorry, but I've already promised to share it with the man I was with. You see, I won't ever see him again after tonight..."
The truth of my statement fills me with anguish infinitely deeper than the slight sulk on Lynt's face.
Still, I don't like to see him looking like that. "I promise I will dance with you at the next academy ball.
"Where's Rio and Guy."
Roy replies for the group, "Rio is out trying to source some lunch. We haven't seen Guy yet."
Part 4
Guy had looked tired when he'd come to collect me last night and yet he waited to walk me back to our lodgings first. He is such a sweetheart really.
"Roy could you please make me a cup of your most refreshing tea to take to Guy?"
"With pleasure." Roy is wearing his kind princely smile.
Pink mask would be scowling, jealous of Guy.
Who is the real Roy I wonder?
Roy returns with two cups. "You looked like you needed a pick me up too."
"Thank you, that's so thoughtful."
I carry the teas around to Guy's lodgings and place the cups next to his bed. He's scowling more than normal.
"What's wrong."
"Nothing that concerns you."
"But you're my friend, therefore it does."
"You would have me say her kisses where all but worthless, that it was you I wished groaning and begging beneath me?"
"No, I wouldn't. On so many levels."
"Then leave me be."
I mean to, I really do, but having taken a small step towards his door I pause. "You didn't really, erm…"
Guy lips twitch into a gotcha smirk. "No. I wasn't in the mood."
I have no response. If so wish another woman with immense magical power could be sucked into this world. One who would esteem and cherish Guy above all others…but not be a complete crazy, intent on dominating Saligia.
"Is that why you made me tea, you care about me?"
I feel myself soften. "No, Jasper didn't train me in tea making, it's why I asked Roy, rather than make it myself."
Guy hasn't touched the cup, so I lift it to my lips and take a sip. "You may want to wait a couple more minutes for delayed effects, but the tea appears to be safe."
"Is he that much better a kisser?"
I frown, I wanted to look after Guy not have my soul searched, not be reminded of what I cannot have beyond tonight. "Do you still not get it, your skill is irrelevant. You demand my kisses like it's your right, like my will is of no consequence. I don't think you even care if I loathe or love you. You would have me as yours anyway."
I get up and storm off towards the anterior courtyard.
Part 5
It's my last night at the masquerade. Maybe the last night I'll ever see my mystery man. I feel disheartened that this beautiful dream will end.
I make my way through the ballroom, heading for the courtyard. Will he really be there, even though it was obvious that how I'd wanted our acquaintance to end didn't match his desires.
A man in a pink mask addresses me, "You seem down."
He purloins two golden coloured cocktails from a passing waiter. "I've heard this cocktail is guaranteed to lift the spirits and has a sweet mellow taste."
Roy's previous recommendation had been delicious. I smile my thanks and clink my glass against his before taking a sip. Mmm, he's heard right, and it slips down a treat too.
He takes my empty glass and places a hand on my waist. "Shall we."
I slip out of his clasp. I got the impression that my mystery man hadn't been impressed by my dancing with Guy. I don't want to ruin our last evening together. "Sorry, I was waiting for someone."
Rou steps closer to me again. "If he was so interested in you, surely, he'd have claimed you already. I for one would never leave my partner feeling lonely and unhappy at a dance."
I take another step back.
A blue masked man stands at my side. "Is this man, harassing you?"
Probably no more than you would be if you'd got to me first. No that is unfair, under all the cold calculation and officiousness, Toa is very kind. "Thank you for looking out for you. Please excuse me."
I almost bump into Fenn's chest as I turn to go. He gives me one of his sly looks. "Hastening to a secret rendezvous, how intriguing."
A hand tugs mine, it's Lynt. "Dance with me Poppy."
This is getting too much; I almost want to run away from them more than I wish to run to Sirius.
Firm arms hold me in their grasp and Guy says, "Come."
I let him waltz me away from the others and they in turn let him take me.
Chapter 4
Part 1
The music ends as we reach the corridor and Guy asks, "Would you like to remain in my arms?"
I come back to reality as if awaking from a trance. I'm way too cosily cuddled against Guy. "I'm sorry, you're such a good dancer I think I may have got a bit carried away in the moment."
"You will still go to him?"
I reach up and kiss Guy's cheek. "Yes. Thank you for rescuing me."
Guy feels his cheek where my lips touched him. "Have you learned to control the flow of your magic?"
"No the headmaster upped my choker's power, just in case, I was tempted at the masquerade."
"How prescient of him!" Guy releases me and I hurry outside.
My heart leaps as I see a familiar mask standing by the roses. I run into his arms, and he twirls me around the courtyard to the music of the next dance and kisses me. I have never felt happier.
As the music starts once more, he pulls me behind an obelisk. From our spy hole, I see Roy, Toa and Lynt hurrying into the courtyard.
Toa takes charge. "We should split up."
"If only dear Chino was here," says Lynt.
They sound so worried, at odds with how safe I feel in my Sirius's arms.
Once they've hastily hurried past us, Sirius guides be out from our hiding spot. "Would you still like to come back to my place? We'll still be able to hear the music. So, we can dance and chat, away from interruptions. And don't worry, I don't want anything from you that you'd rather not give me."
I take hold of his hand and squeeze him. "Sounds good."
As if in a euphoric dream, I let him lead me away.
Once we're in Sirius's room, he takes off his mask and hangs up his jacket. Guy is right, Sirius is completely to my taste, fine features, stunning eyes. I could ogle him forever. I sigh, if only things were different.
"Would you prefer I didn't look like this tonight?"
Not wanting him to put the mask back, I remove mine too. "No, please stay looking as you do."
I place a hand on his shoulder, and we dance slowly around the room. The feeling of buoyant happiness that started while dancing with Guy intensifies in Sirius's arms, as does the warmth that's building in my body.
I reach my arms into his hair and pull him down to kiss.
Oh, such a kiss. I cannot bear that only our lips are skin to skin. I wriggle out of my dress and tug off his cravat. As I nuzzle my mouth against his neck, my fingers find his top button…
Part 2
I wake with a start, feeling disorientated.
I'm in bed with Sirius and he's wearing nothing, at least on his top half.
Blushing furiously, as snippets from last night pop into my mind, I slide out of bed.
A glance at the clock tells me if I don't run, I'll miss our coach back to the academy.
I want to say goodbye properly, however he appears to be sleeping so soundly… and irrespective or maybe because of last night I feel too shy to wake him.
I grab a sheet of paper from his desk and write him a note, adding my name and address in the unlikely hope that he'll wish to continue our acquaintance.
I slip it into his jacket pocket and leg it.
Days pass. I'm not sure what I was expecting.
Sirius to turn up at the academy and confess his undying love for a woman he only knew for a less than a day all told?
I trudge morosely along the corridor.
Jasper hails me, "Ah, Miss Poppy. I'm sorry I've been so busy the last few days.
"Would you care to accompany me into town this afternoon. I have some purchases to make for His Highness, after that we could share a coffee together?"
He sounds completely confident that I'll accept this offer.
And before the masquerade I'd have been stupidly beside myself with happiness over it.
Now, I can still remember the taste of Sirius's lips, the feel of his body pressed against mine… incredibly I'd fallen for him, and my heart can't switch that feeling on and off. "I'm sorry, I really busy with an assignment at the moment."
I wander past Jasper who's looking oddly affronted.
Do women never say no to him?
Part 3
A few days later I head into town by myself. This is a magical world, right? Surely, I must be able to buy a potion to stop myself pining for Sirius, get a good night's sleep and reboot my life. Then perhaps my foolish heart won't leap every time I see a blond head.
I'm sold a potion by a friendly woman and hope it's as affective as she'd promised me.
I freeze as yet another blond head enters my line of vision. This is getting ridiculous.
The man turns. Oh, happy days. I run over and fling my arms excitedly around him. "You saw my message."
"Do I know you?"
My blood drains from my face to sit like lead in my stomach. I'd seen an identical affronted moue, a few days ago on a dark-haired man, one with equally beautiful red eyes.
Of course Jasper accompanied Guy to the masquerade, how else could Guy eat without Jasper to taste it first. However, the masks don't work on the princes, therefore Jasper had to go in disguise.
A disguise he is wearing again today, no doubt on some mission for Guy because why else does he do anything and perhaps I've just put his life in danger. "I am so sorry, I thought I recognized you but now I'm up close I realize I was mistaken."
I curtsey and leave, feeling shaky.
Part 4
By the time I reach the academy, my mood has turned to anger.
I hammer on Guys door and scream his name, until he answers.
"Why didn't you tell me that I was dancing with Jasper, I thought you were my friend." As I say friend my eyes well with tears.
"I assumed you knew, and it was obvious that you desired him."
Poppy "I did, I do…" I feel so confused. Now I know Jasper is Sirius my feelings encompass him too and yet his behaviour…
"Not enough obviously to stop you having a one-night stand with a complete stranger."
"Since when did you start talking so much?"
"…"
"Wait, how did Jasper know it was me?"
"You obviously had no intention of partnering me and were getting annoyed with Qelsum and Invidia fighting over your affections. Therefore, I told him to look after you, which he chose to wilfully misinterpret."
Did he? For once Jasper didn't follow Guy's instructions to the letter and I was the reason? "You should check Jasper is safe. I may have blown his cover."
Still, I am uneasy. I don't want any harm to come to Jasper, equally I don't want to be enamoured with someone who could act so despicably. Back in my room, I mix the potion I bought in town, gulp it down and go to bed.
A knock at my door wakes me and I drag myself out of bed to open it... to Jasper.
"What are you doing here?"
"Prince Guy said you were worried that you may have inadvertently placed me in peril. I'm here to reassure you that I'm alright."
"Great because I wouldn't want anyone else to kill you!"
"For what reason do you wish to reserve that right for yourself?"
"You knew it was me, and yet you let me… I don't want this conversation, it's 3am, I'm going back to bed."
He turns to leave and my fury is replaced by panic. "This isn't a dream is it, you are safe?"
He wraps his arms around me. "I'm safe."
His hand strokes down my hair, my body relaxes against him. I want my money back, the potion was useless. "Please stay with me. I mean I'm not asking because, erm I mean... "
Jasper "I know, it's 3am and you want to sleep. I'll gladly stay with you. We can talk tomorrow."
Part 5
I wake feeling refreshed and way too comfortable in Jasper's arms. "Why shouldn't I kill you?"
"Do you really think I'd wear a mask to seduce a friend into my bed?"
"No, tease and flirt with her maybe. Yet…"
He places a finger over my lips. "And yet you woke in my arms, wearing my nightshirt.
"Firstly, Prince Guy told me that disguises weren't effective against your magic."
I don't want to cause trouble between Jasper and Guy. "I can see why he'd have thought that."
"Secondly, in my defence I must point out that it wasn't me who shed my clothes faster than lightening and undressed my lover while pressing kisses all over their body. Not that I didn't want to."
I go scarlet.
"I'd always imagined our initial love making proceeding slower and more gently. With you blushing like you are now and turning your face away from me to hide it. I knew that someone as demure and winsome as yourself would never normally behave in that way until they were already intimately acquainted with their paramour. You were obviously either enchanted or intoxicated.
"You only managed to remove my shirt, before I pinned you in my arms and spelled you to sleep."
I snuggle closer to him.
"I take it that I am forgiven? My life no longer forfeit."
I smile up at him. "There is nothing to forgive.
"Is the offer of a coffee in town still open?"
"Of course." He chuckles to himself and I give him a questioning look with my eyes.
"When you spurned me and then hugged Sirius in town, I was so jealous of myself."
He turns serious. "Should I still be? Which side of me do you prefer?"
I think about it for a moment before replying, "I'm not sure there are sides of you, what goes on in your head, the games you play to entertain yourself are the same, whatever mask you happen to be wearing, valet, masquerader, spy. I love how competent you are, how safe you make me feel and I love how playfully wicked you are too."
I prod his side. "Hey, can you be any smugger?"
"Yes, and I will be when I tell the others that I am yours, but I won't show anything other than my polite smile of course."
He has that mischievous glint in his eye again which makes me giggle.
"I love you too, your kindness, loyalty, determination, and passion. But do you know what I love about you most?" He's voice is teasing.
"I can't imagine?"
"Then I will show you." His kisses are sweetly affectionate.
