extra 2 : mask

Attheia

Tris, that would be her alias for tonight. A masquerade ball seems exciting, and Empress Attheia is indeed excited. She's tired from all the heavy load of being an empress, but she enjoys it nonetheless. Thus she decides that for one night only, she'll be someone else.

She even used magic to change the colour of her eyes. Red like rubies; a carbon copy of her father. Her dress were made from the finest cloth, crafted by most skilled tailor. Sleeveless, with a sweetheart neckline and long skirt draped over her waist. Attheia normally wears outfits that are less revealing. But tonight, for tonight, she let loose. Of course, we can't forget her mask decorated with exceptional details.

Throughout the night, she interacted with various people, acting coy and cunning so to grab their attention. She danced with different men, giving each one a chance.

...

Attheia retreated to a balcony where she can have some private space. Her feet were getting sore from dancing too much. It might be naive, but she was actually hoping to find her other half. Being 22, the ministers are pushing her to get married. Her brother already has 3 children!

She became alarmed when the door clicked and opened. A young man in his 20s walked in but froze when he saw Attheia.

"Ah! My apologies, m'lady. I wanted to get some fresh air but intruded instead." He bowed and proceeded to walk away.

"Wait!" Attheia said. He stopped and waited for her to say something. "It seems every place is occupied. I heard even the lounges are full of people. I don't mind if you stay here with me." She said, smiling and gesturing him to sit.

"How can I dare to do so. I would only be disturbing you." He said. The tips of his ears were getting red. This is entertaining, she thought.

"Please, I insist. Would you care to accompany me on this beautiful night? We could enjoy the stars." She invited him again.

He reluctantly agreed and sat beside her. She started a conversation in which he replied curtly. With a little more coaxing, she managed to get him to speak a lot more.

Even with his mask on Attheia could see how attractive this man is. She wondered what beauty hides behind that mask. His light brown hair and dark black eyes suited him very much.

While she was talking animatedly he suddenly kneeled down. She was surprised to see that he was examining her feet. Most men wouldn't notice the blisters women procure when wearing uncomfortable heels.

"May I treat your feet?""S-sure."

He took out a balm from a pocket of his coat and unscrew the cap. He gently massaged Attheia's bruised right foot. He was gentle and very careful.

"My sister made me bring this with me wherever I go. I'm glad it's finally useful." He explained. He looked up to her and smiled. "Come to think of it, I never caught your name."

"I go by Tris.""You don't look like one though" he raised an eyebrow and smirked."Truthfully there is no way am I going to give my real name to a stranger. Besides, I plan to go in disguise for today's ball.""A disguise huh? Alright I'll olay along your disguise. I'll be Aaron while you are Tris."

He place her shoes neatly on the side and lifted her legs, setting them on the bench. This caused her skirt to be lifted a bit above her ankles."Rest your feet here for a bit." He sat beside her stretched out legs.They were both blushing profusely. Attheia never knew she could get so embarrassed. She was normally cool-headed and calm in any situation. "Thank you..." She mumbled shyly.

It was the that she heard the voice of the most annoying bastard ever. This guy tried to touch her inappropriately and can't take a hint. Worst of all, he was coming to the balcony.

She panicked and looked over to Aaron. She removed her legs to the ground and moved closer to him.

"Will you please help me for one more time?" She pleaded."Uh, okay?"She hugged 'Aaron' tightly. He was confused at first but understood after seeing another man come in and started shouting in anger.

"Lady Tris! What is the meaning of this?" The man said."Sir Seymour, it is very rude to barge in like that. I'm trying to spend time with my lover.""Wha- but-""Oh, shut up Seymour. I never said I like you and I never will. Go away you creep."

The idiot finally left, feeling at lost, and stunned.

"I'm really sorry. That was inappropriate but I really needed help." She said to her accomplice."It's alright. I'm happy to help a pretty lady.""Thank you. Um, I need to go now. Goodbye!" She left hurriedly, feeling her face heating up.

....

It was yet another ball. A normal ball in her palace, Athy insisted they had one for her birthday. Ever since that Masquerade ball where she met 'Aaron', she can't enjoy parties anymore.

"Why so blue, Your Majesty? Or should I call you Lady Tris?" She turned around and her heart thumped louder. Those dark eyes and that voice she would never forget. That alias was something she created in a whim. It means something to this man if he remembers it. And she remembers him."I was missing a certain handsome lad. Thank goodness he's here. Plus, I'd stick with 'Your Majesty' here if I were you." She smirked.The orchestra started, signaling for guests to dance.

"Very well, Your Majesty. May I have this dance?" He extended his hand. She took it and off to the dance floor they go. She was so entranced that she didn't notice that everyone else were staring.

"Shall we formally introduce ourselves now? I am Attheia de Alger Obelia. Of course, you might know me from the announcement just now."

"Duke Noah Edenberg, it is nice to meet you, Your Majesty."

"The pleasure is mine." She replied. He spun her, then proceeded for a dip, earning an applause from the audience.

"Meet me at the balcony" she whispered, then curtsied and left.

......

Duke Noah opened the door to the balcony, where a private resting area was placed. Attheia sat on the sofa, her heels discarded on the floor as her feet frees from the pain.

"This feels like deja vu." Noah chuckled. He kneeled down in front of her while taking out the same ointment he used before. He applied the ointment to her ankles, massaging her feet slowly.

"Thank you."

He didn't reply. Instead, the duke got up and sat beside her. "If you want to thank me, shouldn't I get a reward?"

Attheia's face turned dark. "You want a reward? All men are the same, approaching me because their greedy for wealth. What do you want? Land, money, gold? I'll give it to you as long as you stay away." Her voice was cold and venomous. She couldn't believe the one guy she thought was decent was also trash.

Noah turned red because he felt flustered. "N-no! That's not what I meant...." He said. "I want something that only you can give me. You as Attheia and not Empress Attheia."

Attheia leaned in closer as curiosity took over. "What is it?" She asked, eyebrows knitted together. Noah blushed even more at their close proximity. "Never mind..." He stuttered.

She realised what he wanted but abandoned. Attheia moved even closer to him, closing the gap between them. She smirked and said, "I think I get what you mean now. Shall I give you the 'reward' now?"

She was teasing him no doubt. And she enjoyed every moment of it.

The raven haired girl lifted her head, her lips touching his cheek. He turned to her only to see her smirking smugly. "Were you perhaps hoping for more?" She whispered as she tap his shoulder.

"W-wha?"

She then burst into a fit of laughter when she saw his embarrassed face."Hahahahaha! You have the funniest look!" She teased.

When she calmed down, Attheia grabbed his hand that was covering his face. "Though I don't mind." She clasped her hand with his, bringing the other hand to his face to tilt it.

"Say so if you don't like it." Attheia said. Then she crashed her lips onto his. Noah was undoubtedly surprised, but the butterflies in his stomach were telling him the same thing. He closed his eyes and kissed her back.

Attheia practically climbed on top of him, pushing him down to the sofa. They parted to breathe. Noah played with her hair, kissing a lock. "Unfortunately I have to leave soon. My mother expects me to be home by midnight." Noah said. "I'll write to you. Let's go on a date next time."

"I'd love that. But for now, I'll take uo your remaining time. One last kiss?" Attheia said. They started the kiss again, but this time the duke was the one who initiated it. The beauty in front of him is hard to resist, especially when she invites him herself.

....................................................................

Athy noticed a carriage with the royal family's seal was ready to depart in front if the palace. She quickly went down to investigate.

"Theia? Where are you going?" Athy ask her daughter.

"Oh, I'm going on a date." Attheia grinned.

"A-a date!!!" Athy exclaimed. "Why didn't you tell me earlier! Oh my oh my. You look wonderful dear. Dressing up like this once in a while feels quite fresh."

Attheia was wearing a turquoise day dress that fell right below her knees with laces stitched at the hem. Her hair was tied in a half up half down style. Simple makeup adorned her face and accessories on her hair.

"What?! Who? Where?" Lucas screamed. His daughter is leaving him for another man! Well, that may be kind of exaggerated.

The mother and daughter laughed at him while trying to calm him down. Attheia expressed how much she likes him and promised to come back early.

"Sigh.... Alright, go ahead to your date. BUT if he upsets you even the slightest, I'm declaring war on the whole continent." Lucas then proceeded to nag and give lots of advice in which Attheia payed no attention.

Hence Attheia met up with Duke Noah at a busy street, accompanied by 15 guards as insisted by Lucas. She managed to shake them off, continuing the date in private......Aaand that was how Obelia had a new Consort. Lucy and Athy was absolutely delighted. Oriella was the most excited. While Arius and Lucas had a heart attack.

Yay another extra done! What do you think of Attheia's boyfriend? Or should I say fiancé! Lucas cried when he saw the ring on Theia's finger.