A Party's Happiness

                                    

                                          
───── ❝ Chapter Twenty-Eight ❞ ─────
In keeping with tradition, the following day was filled with love for the new couple. In Adieya's audience chambers, the couple exchanged gifts, each symbolizing something they saw or thought about the other. The festivities from the previous night had exhausted everyone, yet they still looked on to tonight's activities. After a courtship was announced and accepted in the Russian court, the next night, tonight, was a masquerade ball. The masquerade allowed the couple to be slightly hidden from the eyes around them and was the only time the couple could be alone together without supervision. The goal was to keep the couple hidden, and everyone guessing. 
The first strains of music drifted up from the ballroom, and both Mary and Edward took deep breaths, steeling themselves for the night ahead. The masquerade was about to begin.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the palace was a whirlwind of activity, with servants and courtiers bustling about, ensuring that every detail was perfect for the upcoming masquerade ball. In her chambers, Mary stood before a gilded mirror, her heart fluttering with excitement. A team of handmaidens flitted around her, adjusting her gown and securing her mask. She looked over every piece of her clothing, feeling the delicate mask held gently in her gloved hands. Her chestnut hair was elegantly styled in cascading curls, and a crown of sapphires and diamonds adorned her regal head.
"You look radiant, Your Highness," one of them murmured, stepping back to admire her handiwork.
Mary's fingers traced the intricate design of her mask. "Thank you," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Her mind wandered to Edward, wondering how he might look tonight.
Suddenly, there came a soft knock at the door. With a delighted smile, she turned, her eyes lighting up as Adieya entered the room, a vision of grace in flowing silk and intricate embroidery, a mask of emerald and silver cradled in her hand. 
"Dieya," Mary greeted warmly, her smile genuine. "You look absolutely enchanting."
Adieya's laughter was like a melody, carrying an air of joy as she approached Mary. "And you, dear Lilly, are the epitome of elegance and grace. The masquerade will pale in comparison to your radiance. Edward will not be able to keep his eyes off of you. "
Blushing, Mary looked down modestly, a sense of warmth spreading through her. "You always have a way of making me feel at ease, Dieya."
The empress took Mary's hands in hers, her touch a comforting embrace. "It is the happiness that you deserve."
Their eyes met unspoken gratitude passing between them. "Tonight holds special significance, Lilly," Adieya said softly, her gaze sincere. "It is not just a celebration of the masquerade, but a celebration of the union between you and Leo, one of love and always, happiness."
Mary's heart swelled with emotion, her voice sincere. "Thank you, Dieya. For giving Leo a chance with my heart. But you as well deserve happiness too, I doubt my father will be able to stop looking at you."
Adieya's smile held a hint of playfulness as the pair put on their masks. "Then let us make this masquerade a night to remember, for our kingdoms and for the journey that lies ahead."
Hand in hand, Mary and Adieya walked toward the ballroom, their laughter mingling with the enchanting music. Stepping into the dazzling splendor of the masquerade, their masks concealing their identities but not their genuine bond, the world faded away, leaving only the joy of the present and the promise of a future, both for their kingdoms and for the love story that Mary and Edward were about to embark upon.