Lance let out a heavy sigh as he looked into the room of people gathered for the ball. He had endured so many of these over the years. Well balls. Not really Masquerades. So thankfully even if he had to endure yet another party for the sake of appearances, he was hidden behind a mask of black and gold.

Sure this was yet another way for his family to try an get him situated with a bride. He wasn’t interested in the ladies they tried to pair him with. They were all so fake and weak. Not to mention none of them had really caught his eye. If he was going to take a mate, he wanted someone who could stand beside him. Not someone who would cower behind him. Twenty eight an still unmatched. No wonder his family considered him unfit to be the heir. That was fine with him.

He spotted his mother in the distance speaking with a lady in red. He grimaced. Probably another attempt at his family to make a match for him.

“Have we met before?”

Lance quickly forgot his thoughts as he was spoken to. Sky blue eyes looked out from the mask to the elezen woman who had spoken to him. His head tilted in thought as he tried to remember if they had ever met before. However it was hard while wearing masks.

“I’m afraid I can not say with these masks everyone is wearing this evening. It is quite possible we may have met in passing yet not actually ever met in person.” Lance told her as he bowed politely. His eyes caught his mother an the lady in red moving their way. Lance gently took the arm of the viscountess with an apologetic smile. “Pardon my forwardness. You may have just become my saving grace. It seems my mother have taken it upon herself to try an pair me off again. I do hope you don’t mind playing along for a moment for the sake of this poor knight?”

(Thanks @sorceressofdurendaire)

(From here)