Euphemia put on the mask. It was an exquisite thing, painted in black and blue with shimmering gold dust. It was designed to look like the wings of a blue monarch butterfly.
"You're beautiful, Euphee," Lucien said across the carriage seat.
Euphemia laughed. "You can't even see my face."
"The mask cannot conceal your beauty," Lucien said in a serious tone.
Euphemia laughed. Lucien's comment made her feel less nervous. It was her first time to go to an auction and she wasn't sure what to expect.
Euphemia looked at Lucien with amusement. He was trying to put on his mask and he was failing.
"Do you need help?" Euphemia asked and leaned over.
"N-no, I think I'm close already. I just have to pull the garter here . . .," Lucien said as he struggled with the mask.
"Let me do it." Euphemia smiled.
Euphemia stood up. The carriage's low ceiling did not allow her to stand up properly so she was leaning over to Lucien.
"Oh my! It got stuck to your hair!"
Lucien was frozen. Euphemia was dangerously too close to him. She was wearing a dress with a deep neckline and Lucien's nose was so close to her cleavage. He must not move.
"Let me just pull here . . . " Euphemia muttered, busy fiddling with the garter.
THUD!
The carriage must have ran over a huge stone on the road.
"Oh!" Euphemia squealed.
Euphemia lost her balance and found herself straddling Lucien.
Lucien's eyes were wide. Euphemia was on his lap and her arms were around his neck.
"I'm sorry," Euphemia said, embarrassed.
Lucien nodded. "It's quite fine."
"Um, I fixed your mask already. I should get back to my seat," Euphemia smiled awkwardly.
She was thankful for the mask. If he could see her cheeks, they would be cherry red already.
"Thank you," Lucien said, not quite sure if he was thanking her for the mask or for something else more . . . pleasurable.
Euphemia found herself staring at his emerald green eyes that seem to have been more emphasized by his black mask.
"You should let go now," Euphemia said.
Lucien's hands were on Euphemia's waist.
"You can just sit here beside me," Lucien said and suddenly transfered her to his side.
"Oh!" Euphemia was startled. She did not expect Lucien suddenly moving her.
"There. Much better," Lucien smiled at her.
Euphemia nodded, trying to look calm. He was so close to her if he would lean over to her he would be able to ki-
"We've arrived, Euphee!" Lucien said, looking at the carriage window.
Thank goodness!
*
*
*
Inside the inconspicuous building was a luxurious lobby and well-dressed employees. There were grand chandeliers, marble floors, and beautiful decorations. Then they entered an area that looked like the inside of an opera house. There were several floors for the audience and a well-lit stage st the front.
"Wow!" Euphemia said in awe.
It would be a nice place for a play. Perhaps someday when the nobles are already more accepting.
"I have reserved a place for us there," Lucien pointed at the top floor overlooking seat.
As they walked, Euphemia admired the paintings and sculptures in the hallway.
"It's so beautiful here. Do you often attend auctions?" Euphemia asked.
"Only when necessary," Lucien said.
"Do you buy something?" Euphemia asked.
"In a way . . ." Lucien said mysteriously.
Euphemia did not ask him further. She guessed that Lucien was not comfortable talking about it.
"My valuable patron!" A small fat man wearing a gaudy feather mask greeted Lucien.
"He is called Marco, he runs this auction," Lucien whispered to her. "I think you should go ahead."
Euphemia nodded. They had both agreed that no one should know that she was in the auction. It might not bode well with the public, if they knew that the Saintess herself was in the auction.
Euphemia quickly ran off.
"Oh! I did not get to greet the lady you were with!" Marco said.
"She's just shy. So, do you have something for me?" Lucien asked.
"Just a bit of information, Sir. Not much but it might interest you," Marco said.
"Good. What about for a lady?"
"I'm sorry? Information about a lady, Sir?"
"No. Do you have some nice things here in the auction for a lady. I want to see them before you bid them off," Lucien said.
*
*
*
Euphemia stopped running after a while and gasped for breath. She wasn't good in sports and her shoes made her feet ache. It should be safe now.
"Well, hello there, my lady." A voice said in a melodic tone.
Euphemia whirled around. Her eyes widened at who it was.
The voice belonged to a man wearing a violet and gold mask. The upper half of his face was concealed but it was obvious. His golden hair, his golden eyes, and that smirk!
The crown prince.
Euphemia frowned. She really should have ran faster.
"Good evening," Euphemia hurriedly curtsied and turned around to leave but he suddenly grabbed her arm and pulled her.
"Let's have a little talk, Saintess."