The Duke's Masked Wife

"Next year, I should hold a party for you with music and decorations just like this but without the large crowd," Alessandra said, taking in the beauty of the palace as they walked inside. No decorations resembled those from the previous ball and it was as if they walked into another palace. "They must have spent a lot of money on this ball. I can see why everyone was talking about it days ago."

"The town considers this ball to be the end of a season. You'll have to witness the horrible sight of young men and women trying to find a partner before the night ends. Mothers will be over their daughter's shoulders trying to push them into the arms of the best suitor in their eyes," said Edgar, recalling the torture it was for him.

"So, if you were not married you would have a crowd of young ladies around you by now. I wouldn't be surprised if there is someone foolish enough to try flirting with you though I am right here. I can never escape that you are quite the catch and there will always be someone who wants you," Alessandra spoke softly so no one could say she was being insecure.

"Like the fools who are bold enough to stare at you though I am right here? They will find themselves without eyes if they do not stop staring," Edgar spoke out loud, specifically to the men who watched Alessandra with a gaze he did not appreciate.

"Whatever happened to I am going home with you?" Alessandra mused.

"It is not forgotten but I still do not enjoy their stares as if they are undressing you," Edgar replied.  Not only did she need to be protected from jealous women who didn't know how to act but now there were men who needed to be warded away.

Edgar noticed the attention she was getting from his peers before but now that Alessandra was dressed up without her mask and she was oozing confidence, there was double the attention on her. If anyone tried to get too touchy with Alessandra tonight, Tobias would have special entertainment in watching someone lose their hand. Whether it be Edgar or Reed doing it.

"I have to say, I am enjoying this jealous side of you. I thought I would always be the one annoyed that there is someone lusting after you. The only man I care about tonight is you," Alessandra said to calm his annoyance.

"Please be reminded that I am here," Reed spoke up so the couple knew not to be romantic before him. He respected Alessandra and Edgar but he didn't care for the sappy conversation.

Reed didn't see why practically why everyone inside was watching the couple or Alessandra to be specific. What was the big deal about the mask? One side of her face was always exposed and it was obvious she was a beautiful woman. How could nonsense about a curse make them so blind to deny her beauty?

Still, Reed was more interested in keeping an eye out for his mother so he could avoid her. He didn't need a lecture about settling down or how many good young ladies were present. He would throw Caleb's little fake engagement under the carriage to get the conversation off of himself if he ran into his mother. All he needed to do was not go anywhere near the princess as that was where his mother would be.

"You should relax and enjoy yourself, Reed. It is amazing how Edgar has surrounded himself with people who like to do nothing but keep to themselves. I am probably the most social person at home. Oh, Tobias and Hazel are already sitting on their thrones. We missed their entrance," Alessandra said, a little disappointed but the busy roads weren't their fault. They left home at a good time but were held back by other carriages.

"Duchess!" Eleanor greeted Alessandra as she approached the group. "Duke Collins. Reed," she side-eyed the grumpy man standing behind the Duchess. Their ride back to her home was not pleasant and she found him to be insufferable. Where was the happy twin when you needed him? "You are stirring up a lot of talk when the night has only just begun."

Eleanor was made aware of Alessandra's arrival because news was traveling quickly of Alessandra being here without a mask and everyone wanted to see what was hidden all these years. It didn't seem like Alessandra was affected by all the eyes on her and the whispering. Eleanor hoped it would remain that way.

"Eleanor," Alessandra let go of Edgar to greet Eleanor with a hug. She ignored the gasps heard around them. To everyone else, it was odd for a Duchess and someone with a family background like Eleanor to be in the same circle. Alessandra didn't care as these were the same people who avoided her. "You look lovely."

"Thank you. You are stunning tonight Duchess. I can feel the jealousy and shock of our peers from here. I hope I get a chance to thank the Queen for giving me an invitation. This is the first time attending the King's birthday ball. My aunt went overboard dressing me for the occasion," Eleanor said, feeling out of her element with how she was dressed tonight.

Eleanor's shoes weren't pleasant for her feet, her lips were painted too much, the pink dress wasn't something she cared for, and the dress was bound to choke her by the end of the night. Her aunt didn't hide the fact she wanted Eleanor to find a suitor tonight.  She felt the need to tear the dress a tiny bit so she could breathe.

"What?" Eleanor asked when she saw Reed staring at her. What smart thing was he going to say? She wasn't afraid to knock him over the head even in the palace. He must think it was odd to see her this dolled up. One stupid joke and mouth would be ready to throw out insults even though there was nothing bad she could say about him. Reed was getting attention from young ladies left and right.

"Nothing," he answered.

Alessandra noticed how Eleanor felt out of place but it was important for Eleanor to be here. It would have taken anyone longer to notice what Julia was doing if not for Eleanor. "You look wonderful, Eleanor. You should stop tugging at the dress. If Erin, my dressmaker is here tonight, I will ask her to help with your dress."

"Thank you," Eleanor sighed in relief.

"Duke Collins."

Alessandra looked at a man she had never seen before whispering something to Edgar.

"Give me a moment. Alessandra, I need to leave for something important. I'm sorry," Edgar apologized as they had only just arrived but he already needed to leave her side.

Whenever he came to the palace, there was always something he needed to deal with. Grant's death was causing a lot of conflict in the palace. Even on the King's birthday, there was someone looking to stir up trouble.

"I understand. I have Reed and Eleanor to keep me company," Alessandra replied, not upset he was leaving so soon. She understood Edgar had private matters to deal with in the palace and she would rather him take care of it now so they could be together later and enjoy the rest of the ball.

"Reed, keep trouble away from her," Edgar said and kissed Alessandra's cheek as a goodbye before leaving.

"Unfortunately, trouble has just arrived," Eleanor said, looking at the entrance where Alessandra's half-sister and stepmother were standing.  Eleanor wasn't particularly fond of Kate who kept mentioning what her parents did for a living.

They would always clash when they were in the same room but since Kate was Alessandra's relative, she would try to play nice even though Alessandra and Kate did not get along.