"I believe I explicitly informed you to break the wedding with that rogue. Only the Lord knows what he sees in you as it is." She spat bitterly, the grip she held on her daughter's arm tightening.

  "Mother, I have no say in the matter, as you are well aware of. You wanted my contract to be made with Lord Abbot whereas father wants me wed to Lord Rivers. Not once was I asked for my opinion." Katherine answered stoically, her hunter gaze void of all emotion.

  Katherine felt the sting of her mother's palm as her face tilted to the right, but even then, her expression remained neutral, her eyes empty as she watched her mother passively. Her mother would never know, or even if she were to know, she would never care, of the hurt she caused.

  "You bint! Do not forget I am your mother." Savannah snarled as she shoved Katherine away from her.

   Katherine took in a sharp breath as she was thrown against the edge of the dressing table, her hip throbbing in white hot pain. Katherine did not know which was worst, the ringing in her ears, the fact she couldn't feel the right side of her face, or the pain in her hip.

  "Get up!" Her mother shouted through gritted teeth as she pulled on Katherine's arm.

  She bit down on her lower lip until she tasted blood, she could no longer feel her arm.

  "Remember your place while you are in my presence."

  "Aye mother." Her voice was a soft whisper, physically, nor mentally, was she able to say any more.

   "I have already prepared your dance card for the night, and you shall abide by it. Make certain that rogue does not come anywhere near you. This wedding shall not take place, if it's the last thing I do."

  Savannah let go of Katherine's arm, giving it a final squeeze before doing so.

  "Leslie, leave my daughter. As punishment for her  atrocious behavior she can dress herself."

   Katherine waited until her mother left before walking towards the door and putting the lock in place. Then, she walked towards the floor length looking glass, and ever so slowly, began to undress herself until not a stitch of clothing remained on her person. Dressing herself was not a punishment, with the amount of time she was not allowed to bring her lady's maid with her, she had become accustomed to it.

  She cast a glance at her hair which was piled high atop her head. Earlier, Annabelle had made tight ringlets into her fair hair. Katherine had never liked her hair until that moment. Her mother on the other hand had been anything but pleased. She ordered Leslie to pile her hair atop her head, time was short, but the ringlets had to be covered.
     Half her face was a lovely shade of angry red, but even now, Katherine could see the purple trying to creep in.
     Her gaze lowered to her upper left arm, where her mother had grabbed her. It was no longer a tender shade of red. In its place was an ugly purple, promising to be as painful as it looked. Katherine did not bother with the tedious task of glancing at herself in the mirror, it would only make her more upset. She was only to look at her wounds. She looked towards her hip, letting out a defeated sigh as she did so. For there was a deep cut which allowed her life's essence to flow freely down her legs to the tips of her toes. Katherine bend down to retrieve her chemise and began to wipe away the blood. A week prior to arriving at the Rivers estate Katherine had angered her mother while she was holding a knife. In her anger her mother 'accidentally' plunged the knife to Katherine's hip. A healer had been called and she was sewn right away, but even the strongest of stitches must be dealt with care. Her stitches had reopened, thus the blood. Sadly, Katherine was no healer, she did not know what to do.
   She took slow steps towards the basin in the room, and using the water already there, cleaned the stain of blood which was left behind. Katherine hissed slightly when the damp cloth came into contact with her wound.
   Taking in a deep breathe, Katherine bend forward slightly to better see her wound. Some of the stitches were still intact, only a few being ripped. There was nothing she could do about it at the moment.
   She walked to her bed and looked at the gown laid out for her along with her mask. An unflattering shade of gold with an equally dull mask. All her life she had tried her hardest to please her mother, doing everything she was told without question.
   One hot tear slid from her right eye until it reached her chin.
    But it mattered very little to her mother. No matter  how hard she tried, or what she did, her mother cared not.
   Another scorching tear cascaded down her cheek.
   Why should she continuously listen to her mother? Not listening to her would opt in the same results. If the results are to be the same, then why not choose to do as she pleases?

  Katherine ripped her chemise and tied it around her hip. It would have to do for now. She walked towards the rug, pulling it aside to reveal the wooden floor. There, she counted the wooden panels from the top until she reached eighty-one. Pulling the panel aside, she took out a small bundle before replacing the panel and straitening the rug. 
   Annabelle had told her while hiding the items of the sack that Jonathan had a hidden chamber, loose floorboard, or something hidden, in every chamber of the castle.
   Katherine took the bundle to her bed and dumped it's contents.
   For the first time she would defy her mother openly, willingly.
  Katherine's heart beat a tattoo in her chest as her long fingers felt the crimson silk. Their earlier conversation coming to mind the longer she stared.

  "I know you have tons of dresses, but I had this made for you." Annabelle smirked as she handed the clothes to Katherine.

   "But why?" Katherine stared wide eyed at the scarlet cloth.

  "I thought the color would enhance your beauty. The color is very becoming on you." Annabelle shrugged, smiling slightly.

  "Truly?" Katherine  had never seen such a beautiful shade of red, nor had she worn anything so bold. The cloth glistened as if diamonds were crushed into the material.

   "Aye, and..." Annabelle held out her hand where a black lace mask rested. Katherine carefully lifted the mask, if worn it would cover half her face, leaving the area beneath the nose and eyes bear.
 
   "This is gorgeous."

  "I have renowned taste." Annabelle winked.

  Katherine giggled, "Jonathan rubbing off on you?"

  Annabelle winked in response. "But truly, Pastry, you must wear it tonight to the masquerade. Jonathan would lose his head."

  "I do not know. Tis too bold. I've never worn anything of the likes." Katherine fingered the cloth as she spoke. She rather liked the dress.

  "Tis a masquerade, no one would be the wiser. Attend the ball, flirt with Jonathan. Drive him mad. And then leave before the night comes to an end."

   Katherine laughed. A laugh which was light and filled with unadulterated joy. The lady deserved some form of happiness in her young life. "Is that something you plan on doing?"

  "I'm still debating the issue." Annabelle smirked.

"Oh?" Katherine raised a faint brow.

  "Aye. The problem is Edward can spot me right away, masquerade or no. I have to be creative. Unless, of course, he plays along with my charade."

  "I am most sure he would entertain you." Katherine smiled as her eyes flitted to the material before her once more.

  "That he will, but I wish to catch him off guard. Perhaps adding height would help."

    Katherine now fingered the lace mask, examining it more closely. The mask was more intricate than she had first thought. The lace on the right of the mask would cover the outer part of her cheek, a slight temptation.
    The dress, the mask, everything seemed so appealing but would she be able to go through with it? Would her deception work? Or would everything turn against her?
    She stared at the gown her mother had left her, running a lite finger over it. She wasn't the sort to take risks. Why start now?

  ***

"Such cloying events, wouldn't you say?"

   "Aye, but at the moment, I'm more concerned with your father's choice of decor." Edward grumbled as he looked through the crowd, his eyes seeking but not finding.

   Jonathan glanced around the dimly  lit room, there were only enough candles  so a person could see where they were walking, nothing more. A masquerade, his father had said. A masquerade ball was something Jonathan  could understand, but the dimly lit decor was something else entirely. It almost looked like a brothel to Jonathan, and the ladies did not help much in the matter. The dark provided them with the blanket they sought. Their transparent lace gowns could easily be hidden, and just as easily be appreciated. What had his father been thinking while making the arrangements?

   "Care for a dance, my lord?" A soft voice purred to his right.

  Jonathan inwardly groaned. Trust the ladies to fully take advantage of the masquerade. Not that the lords were any different.

  "Nay, but, my! Don't you look lovely." Jonathan grinned. If the fates were with him, maybe she would not recognize him beneath his mask.

  The lady giggled, batting her lashes. "My dance skills are exceptional, my lord." Her voice dropped to a throaty whisper.

  Jonathan scrutinized her mask. It hinted at a periwinkle shade, but he may have been wrong. The mask, which was made up mostly of feathers, covered half of her face, leaving her eyes and beneath the nose area bare.

    "I have no doubt regarding your skills, my lady." Jonathan smiled.

Beside him, Edward began to laugh.

Jonathan glared at his friend before turning back to the lady.

  "Mayhap this lord would care to dance with the beautiful lady?" Jonathan smirked devilishly as he clamped Edward's shoulder.

  The lady turned towards Edward, trying to decipher him through his charcoal and silver mask which covered his entire face, even going as far as to have a wig. His infamous cobalt gaze was also obscured from prying eyes.

   "This lord cares not. My lady, you are free to choose any other lord this evening, I prithee, spare me."

  "You scoundrel!" The lady all but screeched as Jonathan stared open mouthed at Edward.

  Edward took a bow.

  "I advise you to remember my behavior towards you in the near future. It would be in your best interest to stay away from me."

  "How dare you?" Her anger was tangible but Edward cared not.

  "You have not seen ill behavior yet, my lady. This is the last time being that I advise you to steer clear of me." 

   The lady turned and stomped away, her cheeks colored with embarrassment.

  "Edward, your behavior was uncalled for."

  Edward shrugged a shoulder. "Did you not know who was beneath the mask?"

  Jonathan thought for a minute before sighing a heavy 'nay'

  "Twas Jennette. I have no desire for her to be near me."

  "You could have been polite."

  "Being polite and honest can not always walk hand in hand. My behavior may have been uncalled for because of personal reasons, but I have no regrets. I'm not a perfect person, but I am by no means going to tolerate anyone who treats Annabelle like rubbish."

   Jonathan rolled his eyes but decided to change the topic. "Why were you laughing earlier?"

  "Johnny, my boy, when you were being 'polite', were you nay smiling at the chit? Trying to charm her into letting you be?"

  Jonathan frowned, not sure where his friend was heading with this. "Aye."

  "Surely you must understand now?"

  "If I did I would nay be asking you." Jonathan all but growled.

Edward rolled his eyes, not that Jonathan could see him. "You berk, our masks are the same, the only difference being the color. Whereas mine is a raven shade, yours is a midnight blue. Pray tell me, do you think she saw your ridiculous smiles?" Edward snorted, barely able to contain himself.

  Jonathan scowled beneath his mask, his cheeks warming slightly. "Being charming is something which does not require much effort from me. Hence me not stopping because of a mere mask."

   "Are you two imbecile's enjoying yourselves?" Lord Davidson smirked as he came up behind them.

   "How do you know  tis us?" Edward groaned.

  "Masks can not hide you from me. I have spent years studying your bodies. And where I find cretin one, the other is usually close by."

  "Is there a reason you have been studying our bodies?" Jonathan wiggled his brows, not that Lord Davidson could see. 

  "Aye, to make sure you don't deflower my daughter or any other maiden for that matter." He answered dryly.

  "Why would we do such an act?" Edward mocked in indignation, taking a slight step backward as he did so.

  "Because you are men." Lord Davidson replied as if it should have been obvious.

  "Speaking from experience?" Jonathan smirked."

  "You want to know what I gathered from experience?" The older lord took a threatening step forward as he lifted his arm.

  "I'd rather not suffer Annabelle's wrath, thank you."
   
    "Where is your mask, Abu?" Edward frowned.

   "I did not have the time to acquire one."

  "You could have asked Jonathan or I." Edward sounded annoyed as he informed his father to be matter factly.

"Not worth the hassle." Abu shrugged.

  "Where is Annabelle and your bride?" Lord Davidson addressed Jonathan as he asked the question.

  "We were wondering the same before you came." Edward murmured as his eyes once more began to search.

  "Humph." Lord Davidson mumbled.

  Jonathan glanced around the dim ballroom, at the servants walking towards the guests with drinks, and at the hushed whispers that filled the huge room. No one amongst them was petite enough to be his Kitten.

  A nudge at his side had Jonathan glancing towards Edward. Edward tilted his head towards the left. He followed his friends directions, raising his brows in surprise as he saw the numerous couples mysteriously disappearing from the side entrance. He hadn't expected them to begin so soon.

  "How long do you think we would have to wait?" Edward whispered the question.

  "It would depend on their passion and the lady's nose." Jonathan grinned as he waited in anticipation.

  "Do I want to know what you two have done?" Abu grumbled from beside the two lords.

  "Only if you promise not to interfere."

  Lord Davidson raised a brow.

  "Cook decided to make chicken for the feast, as well as some goat. But the poor woman did not know what she should do with the skin and extra items." Jonathan began, his warm brown eyes lighting up as he became more giddy with excitement.

"And we, being ever so considerate, told her we would dispose of the items for her."

  "Uh-huh, and how did you 'dispose' the items?" His voice was laced with trepidation as he pursued his curiosity. 

  "Since you always advise us on protecting our virtue and to be complete gentlemen, we decided to ensure no sin would take place because of us tonight." Edward grinned.

  "That does not answer the question."

  They both rolled their eyes as Jonathan answered, "we placed bits of the animal left overs throughout the rooms we knew the guests would want to spend time in-"

  "And we took special care of the beds." Edward interrupted, bouncing on the balls of his feet."

  "Humph. How are you so certain which chambers will be used?"

  "Should we place a bet?" Jonathan asked eagerly.

  "Not in this life, lad." Abu grunted as he walked away.

***

   
   Annabelle bit her lip anxiously as she once more adjusted her wig. She had taken great measures to vex Edward tonight, she prayed it worked. But the bloody wig made her head itch! She highly doubted she could be coquettish  while constantly itching her head. Even then, the wig was not the worst of her concerns. She had found a gentleman's heeled shoes but she had not the slightest of notions of how to walk in them. After spending the better part of the afternoon learning to walk in them, she was finally ready. Annabelle only prayed she did not fall on her face while walking.
     Annabelle took a calming breath outside the ball room. Turning to the side, she took in her reflection from the looking glass.
   A strange woman met her gaze. Annabelle fixed the fair colored tresses to graze he shoulder, resting beside her collarbone. Her honey colored gaze was obscured from view, curtsy of her mask which covered the upper half of her face. A bold, red rogue covered her slightly quivering lips. The dim lightening would hide the color from the public eye. And her satin and lace, black gown clung indecently to her body. She needed to play this game long enough to annoy Edward. Because once he realized the person behind the mask, the dress would take him to the brink of insanity.
   Annabelle's gaze flickered to the entrance before returning to the looking glass. She came this far for a reason, even if that reason may be considered childish but she was doing it in the name of sport. Images flashed in her head of Edward's vexation and that was all the encouragement she needed.

  ***

  
    "Where are they?"

   "Who says they must be together?"

  Edward rolled his eyes. "''Tis obvious they shall be together. But if you're not bothered then I 'tis all well. I shall keep looking for my woman while you look for yours."

   Jonathan grunted in response, not saying very much. His eyes scanned the ballroom once more in vain. None of the ladies present were petite enough to be his Kitten.

   "My lord, care for a dance?" A sultry voice whispered to Jonathan's left.

    Jonathan raised a brow as he watched the fair haired woman stand scandalously close to Edward. This particular woman seemed to have no qualms about the standards of society.

   "I suggest you step away from me, my lady." Edward took a step back as he growled the words.

   The woman tilted her head to the side, her scarlet lips curling into a smile.
 
   "A dance is all I ask for, my lord."

  "And a dance you shall be denied." Edward sneered as he turned to leave.

   A hand on his upper arm stopped him.

   "But I shan't deny myself."

  "I have no interest in you." Edward snarled as he pulled his hand from her grasp and walked away.

      Jonathan looked throughout the ballroom,  not paying Edward any mind, or the lady for that matter. If she wanted to suffer through Edward's wrath, by all means. He had other thoughts occupying his mind.
    They were past an hour into the ball, where was his Kitten? He scowled as he spotted Savannah for the umpteen time. Where was Katherine? Surely it did not take this long for a lady to prepare herself.
    His agitation was growing as the seconds past by, making it almost tangible. If his mask were to be removed his face would show a scowl occupying his hard jaw. And his eyes, hard and cold, yet filled with so much concern. Add to that his impressive height, and his formidable reputation, he was not to be trifled.
   His body was alert, but his mind was not. So when the lady came and stood beside him and began to speak, Jonathan was caught slightly off guard.
 
     "You are not fond of dancing, my lord?"

  He turned towards the left, startled.

  "I have my moments." Jonathan answered before turning away.

  "You seem to be a man of many talents."

   Jonathan turned once more, scrutinizing her. The lady wore a black lace mask which covered the majority of her face, leaving only a portion of one half of her face exposed. But the mask did not hide the gorgeous hunter gaze. Jonathan's stance immediately relaxed as a slow smile carved his lips.
   Only then, did he actually look at her. The mask made her innocent face more seductive, but nothing could hide the innocence of her gaze, which at the moment was cool and reserved. Her delicate, lithe frame was encased in a scarlet dress which Jonathan wanted to peel away from her body. His Kitten wanted to play, who was he to deny her?

   "I have a mind to show you my dancing skills, my lady." Jonathan whispered as he took her hand in his, not awaiting a response.

    Anger flashed through her orbs before  returning to their cool stance.

    "Very well my lord."

    Once they reached the dance floor, Jonathan pressed his body against hers, indecently so.

  Katherine inhaled sharply as she felt his body against hers, but instead of succumbing to desire, anger singed her blood. Her body was tense, she wouldn't allow it to relax.

  "Relax, darling." Jonathan lazily whispered as his thumb ran circles by her hip. His warm brown eyes glittered with mischief as he felt the anger she tried so desperately to hide.

  "I am pleased with my current position." Katherine clipped through gritted teeth.

  "I am most certainly not." Jonathan laughed as he twirled her before pressing her tightly against him, letting her feel every inch of his body.
    His face rested in the crook of her neck. Damnation to the bloody mask. If it wasn't for it he could have kissed her jugular, infuriating her further. He lifted his head, knowing that wasn't possible.

   "At the moment your pleasure is the least of my concerns." Katherine harped as, much to Jonathan's horror, lite tears briefly filled her gaze.

  He squeezed her hips, lowering his head to her ear.

  "What is it that concerns you, my lady?"

   "Do you make it a habit to dance in such a shameless manner with all your partners?" Her voice was sharp as a blade. But Jonathan couldn't resist. Her jealousy was the best form of intoxication. He should be sent to the pits of hell, but Lord, did he love seeing the fire in her eyes.

  Jonathan bent to her ear as he whispered. "Seeing as your my only partner, I would say the answer is yes."

   His fiery Kitten laughed without humor. "I am your first partner for the night, my lord. You may dance with anyone once you are done with me."

   Jonathan damned his mask to the pits of hell. He wanted to nip her lobe in rebuke. He had never danced with anyone other than Annabelle, and that too, to learn. Edward would have his balls if he had held Annabelle the way he was holding his Kitten.

  "I shall not tire of you, my lady." Jonathan smirked as his fingers skimmed her curves.

  "Something regarding you is intoxicating. I can't get enough of you, tiring is out of the question."

  "Tiring of me is out the question, my lord. For I am already tired of you." Katherine snapped as she made to pull away.
   Of course Jonathan wouldn't have it.

  "You shan't be able to dispose of me so easily, my lady." Jonathan laughed before pulling her closer.

  "I can just kiss you now, none would be the wiser." He brought there eyes together as he spoke. But whereas he could see the different emotions flit through her hunter orbs, his gaze was nothing but a pitiless black.

   Anger rushed through Katherine, blurring her vision. How dare he?!

  "I assure you, my lord, I have no will to have you anywhere near me, let alone, to allow you to kiss me." Katherine hissed as she missed a step in her dance. How dare he?!

   "But I would love to taste your tender lips, to feel their softness. Then I would use my tongue to explore your sweetness further. Finally, when I am through tasting your mouth, I wish to bite down gently on your bottom lip, its fuller than your top, you see. But I shan't end there. I will begin to kiss down your jaw towards your jugular, marking you as mine. Before I trail kisses all over your sweet body. Although I adore the plunging neck line, I do not wish for others to see you in such a state.  This dress will be the death of me, Kitten." Jonathan whispered as he lifted his mask slightly to place a tender kiss on the crook of her neck.

  Katherine inhaled sharply. The anger which had been fiercely building as he spoke each word, scattered away, as if it had never existed. Why was she a puppet when it came to him?

   "How did you know it was me, my lord?" Finally, she let her body relax against his, hugging him close.
  
   "You can wear a million disguises, Kitten, but it shan't do you any good. I would recognize you anywhere." Jonathan smiled as he twirled her once more.

  Katherine laughed with her heart, her eyes twinkling with mirth as she did so. "Surely, my lord. I had you fooled for at least a second or so?"

  "La, habibti. You may put me to the test, you shan't be able to fool me."

  Katherine frowned, perplexed. How did he know it was her?

   Seeing her brows scrunch together, Jonathan couldn't resist. He had to tell her.
   "Your eyes, my lady. You can be under any guise but your eyes shall always give you away. Their hunter depths are flecked with gold, and no matter how many emotions your face may choose to conceal, your eyes unveils them. They're wide, the largest eyes I've ever seen, almost like a doe's. They hold a wealth of innocence and thirst."

  "I've always disliked my eyes." Katherine mumbled as they continued to dance.

  Jonathan squeezed her hips. Katherine sucked in a startled breath.

   "I love your eyes."

  "So you keep saying." Katherine smiled weakly as she glanced at him from beneath her lashes.

  Jonathan opened his mouth to speak when there was a loud, shrill scream.

  Silence echoed throughout the ballroom as a slow smirk covered Jonathan's mouth.

  "''Tis time. I need to find Edward. I shall be back soon, Kitten. Do not fret, ''tis Edward's and my doing." Jonathan grinned before hurrying away.

 
%%%%%

Okay soooo... I'm sooo ashamed, I have no words 🙈🙈🙈🙈
This is an incomplete or part one of the chapter. It was supposed to have the entire ballroom scene in it but I just could t leave u guys hanging much longer. My cold heart felt bad.

Hope you guys like it
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