Karl watched intently as Ellena swung the sword with all her might, but it cut through nothing. She had been doing this for a while now, and she showed no signs of getting tired. She appeared frustrated and angry. After one final swing, she threw the sword on the ground and slumped into a nearby chair. Breathing heavily, she rested her head on the chair's backrest.
He didn't like seeing her in such a state, and it bothered him even more that she was now betrothed to his brother.
He let out a sigh and approached her. "Here, you look tired," he said, standing in front of her and offering a bottle of water.
She looked up at him and then glanced at the bottle of water before rolling her eyes.
"I don't need it," she snapped.
He smirked and sat down beside her. He knew she would reject it. After all, she couldn't stand him.
He wondered why she was so infatuated with his brother, even though he was already married. His brother wasn't the type to have feelings for anyone, yet he seemed quite fond of his beautiful wife. Karl couldn't help but wonder why.
"Why do you like Regan? I mean, he doesn't feel the same way about you..." he asked curiously.
She shot him a glare, stood up abruptly, and spatted, "It's none of your business." before storming off, not even bothering to take back her sword.
She was undeniably crazy, but that's why he found himself drawn to her even more.
The crazy type.
****
The day flew by quickly, and now it was evening. I had heard that for the first seven nights of the masquerade ball, there was a lively party at the market. People would gather there to buy and sell masks, while young men and women danced and had fun until they grew tired.
I had never experienced anything like that before. Even though I begged my father to let me go, he firmly refused, saying, "No, take her back to her room and lock her in. Don't let her out." Memories of his words flashed through my mind, but now I was no longer under my father's control.
I wondered if Regan would take me to the market tonight. I longed to see it for myself.
After much contemplation, the door opened silently and Regan entered the room. I couldn't help but wonder what had changed about him lately. His features appeared even more alluring, almost unreal. It was as if he didn't belong in this world.
He sat down on the bed and ran his hands through his hair, lost in thought. It seemed like something was bothering him.
"Would you take me out?" I blurted out nervously, fearing his response.
He turned his gaze towards me. "Do you want to go out?" he asked, causing my heart to flutter for a moment.
"Yes... I want to go out," I replied eagerly.
"Is there a specific place you'd like to go?" he inquired.
"To the market," I answered without hesitation.
He nodded and smirked. "But you know, we can't go to the market looking like this," he pointed out, and I glanced down at my nightdress.
"I'm not talking about the dress, Nora," he clarified, leaving me confused. What did he mean by that?
"Oh..." realization dawned upon me. We needed to dress like common people to blend in and avoid drawing unnecessary attention. If we appeared too regal, people might start panicking or even avoid us altogether. But what about him? People would recognize him instantly, causing further complications.
"I understand. I'll change into something simpler," I said, hoping for his approval.
He didn't respond immediately, leaving me curious. "What about you? Won't you change as well?"
"I will," he simply stated.
"And that?" I pointed at his mask.
He seemed to ponder for a moment before explaining that he couldn't accompany me to the market. Instead, he would send someone to follow and ensure my safety. However, I didn't want that. I wanted him to be there with me.
"I have an idea!" I exclaimed hastily, throwing off the covers. I grabbed his hand and led him towards the dressing table. He appeared fascinated for a moment, but then relaxed and allowed me do whatever to him.
I remembered a time when I had injured my leg while attempting to escape from the palace. Saida, had caught me and was both furious and frightened, knowing that my father would punish her for allowing me to get hurt. To marry a prince, one had to be flawless with no injuries, and that was what my father desired for me. To avoid punishment, Saida had skillfully applied makeup to conceal the scar until it was completely invisible. I had been captivated by her magical skills and had wanted to learn them myself.
Thankfully, what Saida had taught me would prove useful tonight.
"Wait..." I said, pulling out the makeup basket. What were the items Saida had used? I rummaged through the basket, relieved to find that everything was here.
I started mixing the pomades, feeling Regan's gaze fixed on me, following every move I made. He had so many questions, but he seemed hesitant to voice them. He continued to watch me intently until I finished blending the liquids and powders, creating a mixture ready for application.
"What's this?" he finally asked, his eyes glancing at the assortment of items I had prepared.
"It's for your scar," I replied simply.
His eyes narrowed in a way that sent a shiver down my spine at the mention of the scar. I didn't let my fears appear on my face. I knew what I was getting myself into when I offered to help him with this. Deep down, I trusted that he wouldn't hurt me.
"May I proceed now?" I asked softly, and he nodded, though he seemed uneasy about it.
Gently, my fingers moved to the back of his hair, unhooking the mask and carefully removing it from his face.
For the first time since we got married, I saw his entire face without the mask.