Monday 7 January 2013

#12Masque


Well, I couldn't resist the pull of the Twelfth Night Masquerade hosted by the lovely Meg McNulty. You can click on the link and read all the fantastic stories by brilliant writers.
I hope you enjoy this tale. I love the picture as I think it captures my character perfectly well . . . . . .  at the beginning of the story anyway. xx 





The First dance

     Emily’s pulse quickened as she entered the Georgian masquerade; couples waltzing in their splendid gowns and outrageous masks. Curious glances came her way as Emily waited. She fiddled with her mask then with the back of her dress trying to alleviate the whale bone corset that confined her.
“Emily? How could I not recognise my own splendid daughter? There are some people I’d like you to meet; a fine husband I’m sure is among them.”  Emily sighed; her father had hinted at marriage for a few weeks now. But the choices didn't fill her with a wanting desire for anything let alone marriage. She hung back, looking around the room as her father spoke for her.  The bluest eyes stared at her; piercing against the palest skin. His porcelain face broke into a captivating smile and Emily smiled back, her face heated at the brief exchange before her arm was taken by Reginald Harper, a close friend of her father’s and just as old.  

       She waltzed around the floor. Every spin, she searched out the porcelain one and there he was, in the same place, the same intense stare. Spin after spin. Emily’s heart fluttered, until he disappeared. Literally, her heart sank to her feet as they became heavy and uncoordinated. Reginald snapped as Emily trod on his foot; more so for the black smudge on the white silk rather than for any discomfort and he let it be known with a bitter swipe to her face.
“I shall take over here.” It was him. His voice authoritive yet gentle. His glare unforgiving to Harper as he took Emily’s gloved hand and began to lead her around the floor; turning, spinning like she was flying. “You are magnificent” he whispered. “Can I kiss you?”  Her eyes gazed through her mask towards his.  He met her lips, crushing them completely.  A trickle of crimson seeped from her swollen lips. With his finger, he tenderly wiped it away, bringing it to his mouth with a wicked grin. “Delicious. I knew you would taste sweet. I apologise for my fervour.”
“No apology required Sir.” He lent in for another kiss as her mouth was ready but he skipped it; her bare neck more inviting and kissed hard. Her pulse throbbed to his rhythm.  She was floating. 

         A scream shattered the illusion of intimacy, followed by other screams as Emily looked down; for she was floating.  Blood flowed from her neck like a waterfall, splattering the marble floor below.  . . .


     “I’m sorry Emily” Doctor Harper said as he brought her out of a regressive sleep. “It appears the reason for your unfinished business and broken heart was an untimely death at a Georgian masquerade.”
“Broken heart?  I think not. Unfinished business, well that’s only a matter of time. Nice silk shoes, ancestor of Reginald.” Flashing a broad smile, she bared sharp fangs. “Promise I won’t put a black smudge on them but I can’t say the same about blood spots.”
497

22 comments:

  1. WOW!!! I love it!!! I was totally sucked in and don't think I breathed the whole time I was reading!!! Absolutely breathtaking!!! ;) xo

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    1. Aw, thanks Ruth. I wasn't too sure as I wrote and thought it was going in a different direction entirely but can always rely on you to make it feel worth while. xx

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  2. LOL, what a completely unexpected twist in the tale! I love how you move from all softly romantic to killer ending. Fab! Thanks so much participating!

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    1. Thank you. I'm pleased with the reaction so far as I wasn't too sure what I was writing at first. But i'm glad I entered and wrote this piece. I love romance but couldn't help with the twist. Thanks for organising. xx

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  3. The Harpers are a bit unlucky aren't they? Great story telling Lizzie! Very visual and yes, I could see all that blood!

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    1. Yeah, sorry about that. I was in the mood for a bit of B movie horror lol. Glad you liked Lisa. xx

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  4. Did NOT see that coming. In fact, was thinking "Oh dear, find something nice to say" and then wham, you slapped me in the fact double-time. That was excellent! I'm addicted to twists.

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    1. Well, that's how I felt when writing. I wasn't sure where it was going. The idea I had got swallowed up amongst all the description and then there it was. Pleased I changed your mind and you liked. Thank you. xx

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  5. Well......I loved it because it is full of love, romance and fluff right up until the unexpected ending which I didn't love because it's not my thing but I think you did a fab job as always. I pictured Emily perfectly as she fit right into her man's arms. Good job honey!!

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    1. Thanks Chickidee. I'm pleased you're back commenting. I love your comments. I know you love romance so thought you'd enjoy the first part and seeing as you hate vampires, well I knew it wouldn't be your cup of tea. Chuffed you like as always. xxxx

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  6. I was definitely not expecting the finish! Nicely done!

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    1. Thank you. I wasn't expecting it either when I started. Amazing where your words take you. xx

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  7. Really loved the ending! So very good!

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  8. Yikes! I was not expecting that ending at all. Nice build up!

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    1. Thank you Sophie. I wasn't sure where I was going with it but got there in the end. x

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  9. I love past life stories!! Something tells me she's not going to be anyone's victim in this life—nice twist!

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    1. Me too; my NaNo was based on that theme. Enjoying reading around it. Glad you liked. x

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  10. Great twist! You took me completely off guard there. Masquerade balls and vampires! The perfect combo!

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    1. I know! I could have gone on for ages. They are indeed the perfect combo. x

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