Rupert had chosen to dance with this particular woman for the simple fact that she stood out in all her simplicity. Among the Lords and ladies dancing and mingling about in all their fancy garb and jewels, she stood alone dressed in a simple mask and gown. They danced, and as he looked at her face he tried to place a name to it. Brunette, petite, and what he could see of her face, some would call pretty. No lady he knew of came to mind, and this was a first for him, to not be able to pinpoint the name of the pretty lady of Edwards’s court. Perhaps she was a guest of someone’s. Rupert was quite a bit taller than his dance partner, but then again he was always on the taller side compared to all the other men around. 

“So many I have the honor of knowing my lady’s name, or should I guess?” He asked curiously as they danced together.
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The dance ended, the masked King kissed Johanna’s hand, and quickly disappeared into the crowd. Johanna smiled to herself, happy to have been first to dance with the King, not that most knew which fancy dressed Lord the King was tonight. She found her friend lady Beatrice standing next to the table, with a look of longing in her eyes as she watched the Archduke Arn begin to dance with the fair-haired lady. Lady Beatrice had basically been infatuated with him since first time she met him, many months ago, but she had yet to even speak to him once. 

“Beatrice my dear, once he’s done dancing, you should put yourself in his way, might he notice your beauty and instantly fall for you, as you did he.” Johanna said for only Beatrice to hear. 

“I could never be as bold as you Johanna, and I’m not at all suited for him, I am only the daughter of a lowly baronet. I've also told you many times, that I’m to be married next spring to Sir Calvin.” Beatrice replied to Johanna’s pointless encouragement. 

As Johanna and Beatrice chatted more, sipping wine, and giving their opinions on the many gowns worn tonight, the lady Veronica dressed in men’s clothes came and asked Johanna to dance. 

“Why is that you Lady Veronica? That is quite the costume you have on. A dance sounds just fine with me.” Johanna said smiling and trying not to laugh. Masquerades seem to bring out the fun in people, and Johanna was certainly enjoying this entertaining night. They walked to the dance area.