For Brenda & Skye's Monthly Contests #11 Victorian Romance

@BrendaDaaeDestler XxCloudy_SkyexX

Word Count: roughly 870

Inserted here are images of the dress and mask. They would be something like this, I just didn't feel like searching high and low on the Internet to find exactly what I wanted :)

Also disclaimer: I'm not very well versed in the Victorian Era. I did some research, but if anything is inaccurate, it's simply for the sake of this story.

She took a deep breath as she walked through the doors, her arm linked with her partner's. She put her mask on and subtly adjusted her dress as they entered. Jonathan, her dancing partner for the night, squeezed her arm reassuringly. He knew she was nervous since this was her first masquerade ball. She almost didn't come.

"You'll be fine, Lucie, I promise," Jonathan murmured. She only nodded in reply. She hoped she didn't forget the dances she had painstakingly learned for the previous months leading up to the ball. She shouldn't focus on that now.

They walked over to the man who announced the names of the Nobles that were there. Jonathan whispered their names to him and he announced them.

"Sir Jonathan Casey and Miss Lucie Buckman!"

Jonathan led Lucie to the dance floor as a lively couples dance was beginning. They stood across from each other, did the customary bow, and advanced toward each other. Lucie worked hard to execute the steps exactly as she had learned. At one point during the dance, Jonathan spun Lucie. As she spun, time seemed to slow as she noticed a man across the room. She inhaled deeply. Who could he be? He definitely noticed her too because he seemed just as winded as she suddenly felt. All she knew is she must get closer.

Reality came crashing back as Jonathan caught her and dipped her, effectively finishing the first dance.

Thankfully for both Lucie and the mysterious man she saw, the next dance included several partner switches. Not caring about etiquette anymore, Lucie did her best to travel across the dance floor toward the man.

"Woah Lucie slow down!" Jonathan laughed. Lucie simply ignored him. All that she could think was that she must meet that man. She led Jonathan between several couples in attempt to reach him.

And it seemed as though that's what he thought as well. He was making his way toward her. Finally, the switch happened.

"Hello!" Lucie exclaimed breathlessly. Her hand seemed to fit perfectly in his. She felt a spark as his other hand was placed on her waist. She noticed his bright, emerald green eyes. That was all she could tell; however, since his mask covered his face. He was completely anonymous and that excited her.

"Good evening, Miss. My name is Oscar. May I ask what yours is?" the man asked in a hushed voice.

"Lucie," she simply replied. Oscar smiled.

"Such a pretty name befits such a pretty woman," he remarked. Lucie blushed.

"You don't even know what I look like under the mask," she retorted playfully. His eyes sparkled at that.

"I don't have to. I can just tell. Meet me on the balcony after this song?" Oscar asked as they were about to switch partners. Lucie couldn't reply as Jonathan resumed his position.

"I haven't seen you look like that in a long time," Jonathan remarked. Lucie frowned.

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"You clearly fancy him, and by the way he keeps looking at you, I'd say he fancies you as well. Go to him, Lucie. I don't want to stand in the way of your happiness," Jonathan told her. Lucie felt tears form in her eyes.

"Thank you, Jon, you don't know what this means to me!" She exclaimed. As the song ended, they bowed to one another. Lucie walked towards Oscar painfully slowly as to retain proper etiquette. She didn't want to anger the host of this ball after all.

When she finally reached the balcony, she noticed Oscar had taken off his mask. She inhaled sharply. He was more attractive than she imagined.

No words spoke between them as they analyzed each other. Finally, Lucie spoke:

"So, what is this?" She asked. Oscar smiled at her. Lucie felt her heart flutter at his smile.

"Do you believe in love at first sight?" He asked plainly. Lucie thought for a moment before replying.

"I suppose so. I guess I just never thought it would happen to me." Oscar gestured for her to come closer. She obeyed. He wrapped his arms around her and cupped her cheek with the palm of his hand.

"Well, clearly it's what happened between us," he whispered, his words getting taken away by the sudden breeze. Lucie shivered, but it wasn't because she was cold.

"This isn't proper," Lucie murmured as Oscar leaned in closer to her.

"I don't care about being proper, do you?" He asked softly, his face inches away from hers. Lucie smiled.

"No," she replied and closed the distance between them.

That kiss was the greatest kiss that either one of them had ever experienced up to this point. It was sweet yet passionate. It was as if their lips were made to touch. After all, they fit perfectly together. The only thought that went through Lucie's head at that point was that she was so incredibly happy she decided to come tonight.

Thank you so much BrendaDaaeDestler for this amazing cover!!!!