The night was little less than a scandal. The debutantes flooded the ballroom in beautiful gowns and masks, The masquerade ball was the time people's imaginations would run free. Most had dressed like a princess many like a angel but josoline had spend three days contemplating on what was proper enough to wear and she finally had given in to the idea of the scandalous attire . Becka thought her mad, Ruth and Mari thought her brave but josoline just wanted to not be her tonight . The stress of marriage and not receiving word from her family and thier state was equally distrubing her.
When she entered the ball many looked at her, though many weren't present because it was invitation only so tonight she was alone with Ethan on her wrist. When he had met her that night his mouth feel open because he had wondered if this was josoline ..his josoline.
Her blood red non traditional dress swayed across the floor, her beautiful silk hair let lose her eye blazing behind the mask that was also red, Her lips matched.
As they swayed across the room to stand next to the food table people stared women smirked and whispered and men lust.
A small smiled played across her lips as she felt Ethan's eye on her " what is it Duke Ethan?" She asked turning to face him.
" I must say I'm just having inappropriate thoughts " he whispered with a blush.
She chuckled as he handed her the wine glass," tis nothing to be afraid of Ethan ." she said taking a sip, " and after all I will become your wife soon" She said boldly surprising even herself.
She felt as if someone else spoke through her. She had been repeating that in her mind for the pass two days and ever morning she woke she prayed Leo would only be a distant memory but who was she fooling but herself, this would take years to forget all the pain and suffering she felt inside and worst of all she'd have to watch him because after all he and Ethan are family.
"Duke?" She called and he looked down at her, he was watching and listening to the musicians.
" yes my sweet" he answered sweetly.
" Do you think that we we'll be happy in marriage? " She didn't even know where that question came from but she just felt the need to ask.
" I do think so" He Replied with a smile.
Oh may the heavens bless her soul she thought all the guilt of Leo came flooding back. She looked at Ethan his hair neatly comb back , the suit he wore was blue with his family Crest on the chest . He looked handsome and even though he wasn't the man she loved he would make her happy one day.
" I'm still awaiting that dance" she said smiling up at him.
His eyes found her face and he grinned " whenever you are ready "
" oh-" she started.
She was cut off by the royal fanfares as they Entered every one showed reverence, the woman crusty and nobles dipped ..
When josoline looked up she had seen the royal family in all there perfect glory. Leo who wore only black with the royal crest on his chest and his hair in a cute mess that she loved. His face covered with a black mask. She admired him in secret , her eyes flowed him as he took each step.
Theo who looked dashing in his royal blue had clearly had ask Celia to be his company tonight. A small smile played across her lips at that Drusilla was left in the cold.
Then she noticed not far behind stood her majesty princess Serena in white, if josoline could only admit out loud that she looked like a angel. As she watched them neared the dance floor and the king and queen took there seats, they danced slowly and the way she grinned up at him broke her even more.
But she kept a straight face and told herself that Ethan would soon marry her, She took a breath and smiled.
" Are you alright ?" Ethan asked , his brows knitted. She gave him a nod and a polite smile " do you wish to dance?" He continued.
" I would love that" she answered then took his proffered arm.
They danced and laughed , for the first time she could relaxed in his arms because that moment she realized that he would be her husband. The music ended and Ethan took her and lead her to the balcony and josoline followed reluctantly.
The night air was cool and the moon was Bright, under the moon light josoline looked so beautiful especially in the appearance of a mistress.
" did I tell you how ravishing you look" Ethan whispered. His eyes blazing with passion," could I kiss you?" he asked his voice deep, raw from desire.
Josoline taken aback ,her eyes wide from shock. Her body went stiff as his lip touched hers he hadn't even waited for her reply .
The kiss was wet and unpleasant , her only thought was of Leo and then she pulled away .
" Duke this is scandalous behavior do you want to ruin me?" She asked with a fake cunning smile and he grinned.
" but you my lady will soon be my wife" he counters.
" yes I will" with a huge fake grin. There and then josoline realize she was a great pretender.
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" Do you realize she is marrying our cousin" Theo said standing next to Leo whose face was unreadable.
Leonardo ignored him.
" and them kissing is only a start... " he continued trying to get a reaction from his brother. Theo knew his brother wanted Miss Prescott that was the only reason he didn't pursue her further but what he didn't understand was why hadn't Leo pursue her openly. " they do look happy together"
Leo jaw flinched , he didn't even look at him . The way josoline looked in her red gown, her face, her hair ,her eyes all this felt wrong, seeing another man touching her.
He wanted to march over there and place a coat covering her.
" I wonder if he had bedded her yet". Theo asked out of teasing. Leonardo didn't give his brother the pleasure of watching him pine away and he knew his josoline wouldn't sleep with Ethan she wasn't that type. So he walked away but right as he was about to josoline had turn to Ethan and gave him a peck on his cheek and that nearly drove him mad, he started to question everything.
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The night went on blissfully . Leonardo hadn't had the chance to confront josoline, he wondered if she was trying to prove something, he wondered if she was truly going to marry Ethan, so many questions ran in and out of his mind and he needed answers. As the music played and Leo was joined in company with the beautiful Serena the pair looked perfect.
" You know if time could stand still with us right here at this moment with you looking so dashing. I'd be the happiest woman on earth" Serena said looking up at Leonardo. Her eyes lite as she spoke.
The words she spoke did nothing for him, he felt pity for her because all he wanted to do was get josoline alone. He watched as Ethan held josoline too close, his blood boiling and his heart pudding. The feeling he felt was way beyond anything he had experience and he could only identify it as
.jealously
" mhnm" he managed trying to suppress his anger.
Serena looked at him and noticed his eyes were behind her, she felt so embarrassed and her heart sank.
She cleared her throat " I feel a bit parch" she said forcing a smile.
As the dance ended she looked behind her an noticed lady josoline and Duke Ethan and even as she walked away Leo eyes never left josoline .
Was there something between them, this she had to know.
The night came to an end and Josoline couldn't even feel her feet much longer Ethan had accompany her to the top of the stair and bid fear well.
The man was too nice she thought as her slender body made its way down the hall to her Chambers, the candles flickered and small shadows creped. The hallways were lonely , she had left as soon as the royal family exited.
Leonardo's face came to her mind and she stopped in her tracks , look how happy Serena looked with him,With his family.
Even earlier tonight when she watched as the queen conversed with her. Maybe this was faith only time could heal her now.
She was about to start walking when she felt a sharp pain in her head the pain only got worst when she fell to the ground .
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Hay guys I've kinda had writers blocked became I have a lot going on right now in life.. But thanks for your support and plz vote, comments I'm all ears..