Miss Matilda Waren stood with her ink stained hands shaking at her sides as she looked back at the stranger staring back at her.The dim reflection of her through the body long ornate mirror in the sleeping chamber was now dressed in a midnight-blue dress, scared eyes hidden darkly behind the delicate lace mask. Like a butterfly begging to break free. Not very long ago had she received the invite-a thin piece of parchment slipped under her door inviting her to the Masqueraded ball.
Her mind soon filled with questions. What lay beyond the doors of the ballroom, what were the masked strangers like? And would they dance through the night? What if anyone asked her to dance? Oh, what will she say?! Will her mask hide her identity that she kept away for years?
It was so unlike of her to go out into the real world. To her it was filed with noise and chaos. Growing up without any siblings made her grow into an independent observer, quiet, and reserved. Her parents often were up early and in a hurry to reach work in time. Leaving Matilda to herself most days. With countless days spent at the wooden desk with a piece of parchment and a bottle of ink. She would stare dreamily out of the window overlooking the lush garden as she hoped inspiration would fly through the partly opened window. She wouldn't bother going out to her publisher, rather she would send the postmen; who she soon grew quite fond of.
Her words poured out like ink onto her parchment,danced with glitter across pages and found its home in her unknown readers. Fourteen books were published over the time of twelve years. None however by her real name. Her parents persisted for her to step out of her homely sanctuary" Inscribe your books dear. For the sake of your readers!" Matilda only resisted having thought of it more often. She wanted to remain a mystery.
Even so till now to herself, she was more of a mystery than she had expected. She stared into her eyes knowing well that the mirror held her past and even more so her plans. The quiet chamber will soon say goodbye and the noise of the real world will pump into her bloodstream. Light, laughter, music, and whispers...
Matilda took a deep breath. She would be a mystery tonight, but as she hoped; the mask would be her armor and the dance floor her battleground. For once she would be sure to give the unknown the chance and embrace it.
As the clock chimed midnight. Matilda stepped out of her chamber and rushed through the long corridor, down three sets of spiraling staircases before she reached the grand staircase. Oh, but why must my room be so high up in this hotel? She thought slightly out of breath.
She watched carefully as guests like her walked down in excitement. The familiar scent of Vanilla and Jasmine yet again welcomed her and made her relax her stiff shoulders. With her heart racing, she gracefully walked down the staircases.
She smiled wearily at the man who held out a glass of champagne and shook her head in refusal. Matilda took her first step into the grand hall and the sound of music, laughter, and talk rushed through her ears and the vibrations of the music tickled at her toes...
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