The Red Mask

The Red Mask had divided the country. No assassin had ever caused such polarization among the people- or been so elusive. Blood was his calling card, and he painted it across every royal seal in the kingdom. Blood from the royal guards that he slayed with each passing of the sun, in order to send a message to the Queen. Screams rang out in the night; his victim would feel a sharp pain, sudden dizziness, followed by profuse bleeding. The scarlet stains upon the bodies and contorted faces frozen in terror haunted the citizens. Rumors among the village folk spoke of an unnatural being, with a skinless face and missing eyes, that would appear at the stroke of midnight. Colleagues and companions would tease each other with the idea; laughing nervously and waving a dismissive hand. For they were, after all, only rumors. However, the death of each victim happened within half an hour of stepping foot in the streets, so most rarely left their homes after dusk.

    Queen Prospera, despite warnings from the people, refused any betrayal of emotion upon her face or recognition of the bounty on her head. She and the townsfolk were to never to display any other than that of a happy and dauntless city. Even when her royal guard was half depopulated and the food supply depleted- for even outsiders would no longer venture inside the city- her will did not bend to the deadly killer’s demands. Instead, just to spite him, she threw a grand Ball, deep within the castellated abbeys of her keep. The Queen decreed that every invited guest attend, but only those of great beauty. For although Prospera was beautiful herself- having long golden hair and piercing blue eyes- her flawless face was marred with a birthmark. Many of the townsfolk viewed the Queen as vain, for it was a small mark, only noticeable if one took to noticing, but the Queen was made deeply insecure by it, and so she surrounded herself only with the those who possessed the qualities she so desired.

It was this very vanity that had cost Queen Prospera her people. She gave help only to those she deemed worth giving to; their worth determined by the quality of their features. The rest she left to starve as the fields grew barren, and crops withered. And so, the appearance of the Red Mask was a blessing to some- and a plague to others. Queen Prospera hid from her people in their time of need, secluding herself and her court in the interiors of the castle. A castle so extremely fortified that no person had ever breached its walls. It is here where she threw the most lavish celebration the kingdom had ever seen- and so few would see it. While the people continued to starve, the Queen and her chosen companions made merry with all the food and drink the land had left to offer. They danced and laughed and did as they pleased, all the while, the Red Mask lurked just outside their walls. It was in the sixth month of their seclusion that a lowly peasant girl, by the name of Carinne, was summoned to the grand Ball. A wealthy countess, by the name Invidia, ushered Carrine through the shadows to the secret entrance of the keep.

“Invidia, are you sure the Queen has summoned me? She must know I’m not of nobility-“

“Hush!” Invidia interrupted her. “We can’t be caught! I told you, the Queen asked for you specifically, she saw your embroidery on my handbag and demanded that you make her one alike. She will pay you handsomely, and god knows you need it! The Grand Ball is by invitation only, so we can’t let anyone else follow us or she’ll have us hung! Now quit your trifling!”

Invidia pushed Carinne forth through the brush. The two women stood at the base of a battlement, the exterior wall to the Queen’s Keep. Invidia pressed a hand around in the dark until she found the secret pulley that made way for a small opening in the stone. They rushed inside and the stones slid back into position behind them. They traveled down a corridor that led to a massive iron door. Invidia unlatched the parcel depository- a small door where goods were delivered and dispersed by the guards- and they crawled through. Once inside, she led them into one of the many guest rooms that lined the halls, shutting the door behind them.

“Put this on!” She grabbed a large garment bag from the closet and thrust it at Carinne, who stared at it in puzzlement

“What on earth is this for?”

“It’s a gown for the ball. You can’t be in the presence of the queen wearing those rags! You know how she feels about drabby things. It’s only for a little while. Come on, we can’t keep her waiting!”

Carrine was dumbfounded, but she trusted Invidia; they had become very good friends over the past year. Although she didn’t enjoy loud, eccentric festivities, as others in town did, she did indeed need the money. She was engaged to be married to a most respectable suitor- a man she deeply fancied. His name was Cordis, and he seemed to ardently adore her as well. Carinne’s family could not give him much in the way of a wedding dowry, so when Invidia had told her of Queen Prospera’s offer, she had been surprised, but desperately wanted to accept the money. So without another word, she slipped the garment out of the bag and put it on.

“Well… aren’t you as lovely as a rose.” Invidia’s eyes welled up, and she slipped something into Carinne’s hands. Looking down, she saw that it was a very elegant- and likely expensive- gold mask with red roses and floral accents.

“It is a masquerade ball after all. Oh, we’re going to have so much fun!” Invidia grinned, grabbing Carinne’s hand.

Carinne felt a bit nervous, but she had never been to a masquerade and couldn’t help her curiosity. Given the dark times their town had fallen under, it was rare that she had a chance to spend time with a friend, and she suddenly realized the great lengths that Invidia had gone to help her. The dress and mask alone were expensive pieces, but sneaking her into the castle, even at the Queens request, was high risk. If any of the guards had seen and misunderstood, it would mean imprisonment. Carinne squeezed Invidia’s hand.

“Thank you.” She smiled warmly.

“Don’t thank me yet. It’s up to you to impress the Queen. Now get out there!”

Carinne nodded, securing the mask against her eyes. She took a quick glance in the mirror and gasped, seeing in full how lavish her attire was. The vibrant red gown was laced with gold, just like the mask- a matching set. Before she could say another word, Invidia hugged Carinne tightly, and then pushed her out the bedroom door, towards the Ballroom.

They held hands and giggled together at their audacity. Carinne was a devout citizen, never so much as saying a bad word of anyone, always adhering to every law without fault. This sort of dangerous and disobedient ruse normally would make her fearful, but Invidia had a way of breezing through life, making everything look easy and inviting.

As they walked, she caught glimpses of both of them in the mirrored halls, and Carinne couldn’t help but compare herself to her friend. Although Carinne had often been called the Belle of the town by her suitors- none of which had ever caught her attention, the way Cordis had- she knew her dark eyes and even darker hair paled in comparison to Invidia’s honey-brown locks, her bronze skin and flirtatious green eyes. Her curvaceous figure wrapped in a stunning emerald dress, Carinne couldn’t help feeling a bit inferior next to Invidia. Like a swallow next to a hummingbird. Even though it made Carinne feel small, she liked being next to Invidia, soaking up a bit of her aura. If only for a little while.

They entered the Ballroom, suddenly surrounded by extravagant and devastatingly beautiful people. Carinne immediately felt out of place. She kept her eyes on the lush gold carpet, trying to shrink into herself and avoid being noticed. She didn’t know much about nobility- being born into poverty and struggling to get by all her life- but she saw enough of how they treated other peasants in town to know to keep a wary guard up. She did her best to avoid eye contact, even when people gasped as they looked her way. Invidia’s arm was linked through hers, and she steered them through the crowd, towards the platform which held the throne. As they came near however, it became evident that it was empty.

“Oh, balders! Her Highness must not be here yet. She always has to make such a fuss over her entrance.”  Invidia wrung her hands in annoyance, then turned to Carinne with an apologetic expression.

“I’m sorry, do you mind waiting a little longer? I’m sure she’ll be here soon!”

Carinne squeezed her hands and nodded. Invidia gave a satisfied sigh, and then said, “Why don’t we look around? You won’t get to see architecture like this often!” And the two of them wandered the hall arm in arm.   

There were about a hundred people, all dancing across an elongated hall which separated into seven rooms. Tall gothic windows looked out upon the terrace. The windows- made of very expensive stained glass- were every color of the rainbow. Each color matching in accordance with the hue of its chamber. The first room was royal blue room with matching blue windows. The second chamber was yellow, as was its ornaments and tapestries. Then green and orange and white, and the sixth was violet. All the rooms were filled with vibrant décor, apart from the last room. The seventh apartment was shrouded in black velvet tapestries that hung over the ceiling and down the walls, falling in heavy folds upon a carpet of the same color.

Something struck Carinne as very odd about this chamber. The windows were draped in black as well, so that no light entered the room. A heavy tripod stood guard at its entrance, bearing a brazier of fire. Two guards stood before it, not a single guest ventured in their direction, and Carinne realized that no one was meant to enter.

“How peculiar.” She said aloud.

“What is?” Invidia answered.

“That room. Why throw an extravagant ball, with extravagant rooms, but for one exception? And why is it guarded, if no one is to enter why invite such curiosity by having to door open at all?”

Invidia looked towards the room in question, having just noticed it for the first time. A chill swept through her, and she shuddered.

“I don’t know, but that room gives me the creeps. Let’s not venture near it.” And she steered the two of them in the direction of the refreshments.

The guests were all dressed in their most lustrous attire, in all colors matching the seven rooms. As they approached the refreshment table, a man had his back to them, in a white and gold suit with golden hair, and Invidia gasped with excitement. She placed a hand on his shoulder, and he turned to see who greeted him.

“Lazarus, darling, you look wonderful. I almost didn’t recognize you through that mask!” Invidia gave her most flirtatious giggle, which made most men like melted butter in her hands.

Lazarus, however, was the finest looking suitor in town and quite accustomed to his many female admirers. He donned his most dazzling smile, and Invidia quite likely would have swooned, had Carinne not been supporting her.

“Ah, Invidia, charming as always. Are you just arriving? It’s unbecoming of you to be so late to a party.” He kissed her hand, and Carinne felt Invidia shiver with delight. Practically gasping, she replied.

“Oh my word, well… just had to take care of an errand is all. Do you know when her Majesty will arrive? I have someone I’d like her to meet.” As she gestured to Carinne, Lazarus’s eyes followed, and he blinked as if just noticing her.

“Well now. What scarlet beauty do we have here?” Lazarus took one of Carinne’s hands and kissed it, as he had Invidia. Carinne also shivered, but not with desire. Something in the man’s eyes, the way he carried his words, was unsettling to Carinne. She found herself wanting to be far away from him.

“Carinne is my name, sir. Lovely to meet you.” Carinne curtsied, and Lazurus smirked. He likely realized she was not of noble birth, but said nothing of it.

“Charming. My lady, I quite adore this hymn, might you bless me with a dance?”

The music had picked up, and guests were dancing in pairs now. Carinne did not want to upset her friend, and looked to Invidia standing next to her. Her green eyes were disapproving, but she smiled and nodded.

“Yes, of course. You two have never met so you must get acquainted. I know most of the guests here, I won’t have trouble finding a dashing young man to partner.” She winked at Carinne, who tried to shake her head subtly, but either her friend didn’t notice or ignored her silent plea for help.

Lazarus wrapped a hand around her waist and led her across the dance floor. Carinne tried to smile politely and seem as though she were enjoying herself, all while trying to find any means of escape. Lazarus, however, did not take his eyes from her.

“I’ve never seen you here before. Are you local to this area?” He pulled her in a bit more, as if commanding her to answer.

“Um, somewhat. I-I travel a lot.” Carinne stuttered. She hated lying, but she knew if any of the nobility found out who she really was, she’d be swept away by the guards immediately.

Lazarus smiled, but pressed her again, “Really? Your family must be quite wealthy then, what is their trade? I would love to do business with them, if you think it’s worth my time?”

Carinne avoided him, searching desperately for Invidia, but he tilted her chin towards him, forcing her to meet his gaze.

“Or perhaps, you gain your wealth from a… different line of work.” He looked down at her, following her curves with his eyes and tracing a finger down the line of her back. “Any woman daring enough to wear a dress of that color, in the presence of the Queen, must have quite the appetite for mischief.”

Carinne tried to pull away, but his hand was like iron around her wrist.

“S-sir, you’re hurting me.” She tried to yank her hand from his, but he only tightened and pulled her closer, whispering in her ear.

“You may have everyone else fooled, peasant girl, but I know what you are.” He leaned into her, and she stifled a scream. If she drew attention, he would surely expose her. He brought his lips to her neck and she felt tears welling in her eyes. Where had Invidia gone, at a time like this!

“Excuse me, m’lady, but you’ve been summoned by another guest.”  A voice spoke to their left, and Lazarus pulled away to glare at whoever had interrupted them.

A young, broad-shouldered man that Carinne recognized as the local Bakers son was wearing a butler’s garb and holding a tray. Lazarus scowled at him, signaling for him to leave, but the man didn’t budge.

“I’m afraid I must insist, sir. She is needed urgently.”

Lazarus continued to glare, but released Carinne, who rubbed her aching wrist. “Just as well, I’m done toying with this one. For now.” He sneered at her, then leaned in to whisper in her ear. “I’m still dying to know more of you peasant girl, and I have all night.”

Then he turned sharply on his heels and disappeared back into the crowd. Carinne let out a gasping breath, and the young man held out a hand to steady her.

“Best steer clear of that one miss. Most of the women in town fancy him a god, but he’s more wolf than man, though he hides it well.” He tucked Carinne’s arm through his and walked her in the opposite direction.

“Thank you, um… Scott Bayworth, is it? I see you often in town, I buy bread from your dear grandfather, at the market every Sunday. I am greatly indebted to you.” Carinne said as she tried to calm her pounding heart. Scott shook his head and smiled.

“No thanks needed m’lady, ‘tis a gentleman’s duty. Besides, if you’re one of our loyal customers, then it’s the least I can do!” He gave a booming laugh and several heads turned in annoyance, but he ignored them.

For the first time since arriving at the party, Carinne let herself relax a little. It was nice to be in the company of a common folk, like herself.

“How is your grandfather anyways? He must be so proud that you’ve gained favor here at the castle!” She said cheerfully as they continued walking, but the man’s face fell solemn as he replied.

“I suppose he is. It was his idea for me to come here, to have a chance at a future. I’m not sure if I made the right choice, though, and now I’ll never get a chance to ask him.”

“Why, whatever do you mean?” Carinne frowned. Was his grandfather sick?

Scott stopped their walking, turning to look at her with sad eyes, “What about you miss? Weren’t you engaged to be married? It’s not an easy choice, between salvation or starvation, but everyone here had to make it. We all bear the weight of leaving our loved ones behind.”

Carinne’s stomach sank, she shook her head slowly and replied, “Sir… what are you saying exactly? We’re all just guests, here at a Ball. To dance the night away and return home in the morning?”

It was the man’s turn to look bewildered, as he told her, “No ma’am. Everyone is here because Queen Prospera has abandoned the town. As of sundown this evening, the doors will be locked and only those in the castle will receive provisions to wait out the famine. No one else shall enter or leave. Our lives are within these walls now. By the Queen’s order.”

Carinne felt her heart go still, her mind unwilling to witness the truth. Trapped inside the castle? Forever? What madness! That couldn’t be, she was only here to see the Queen and then return home. Her mother, father, Cordis… no one knew she was here. She had wanted to surprise them with the Queen’s offer.

“Are you alright, miss?” Scott Bayworth steadied her again as her face went pale and she felt bile rise to her throat.

“I must find Invidia.” She whispered. Before the puzzled man could say anymore, Carinne bolted into the crowd, dashing through every room in the Grand Hall, searching for her friend. Finally, she found her in the Green room.   

Invidia was lounging on a couch, a bottle of wine in her hand, and Carinne knew she was drunk, for she wasn’t even using a wine glass anymore. Her eyes distant and her speech slurred, she brightened when she saw Carinne approaching.

“My dear friend, there you are! How was the dance, you lucky star?” She laughed and took a giant swig from the bottle, burgundy trailing down her lips.

“Invidia, there must be some kind of mistake! I’ve just heard from the Bakers’ son-“ but Invidia ignored Carinne’s distress and pulled her down onto the couch. It was extremely soft, with satin cushions, and Invidia all but melted into it, laying her head on Carinne’s shoulder.

“I can’t believe you danced with my sweetheart, you know I fancy him so!” She pouted, taking another pull from the wine, and Carinne found herself getting flustered. She snatched the bottle away, and set it on the tea table. Invidia shot upright in protest.

“What’d you do that for? Quit being a stinge!” She pushed Carinne playfully, who in turn grabbed her by the shoulders, trying to shake sense into her.

“Invidia, you must listen! The Queen is boarding off the Keep, if we don’t leave now, we’ll be stuck in here forever!

 Invidia pulled away from her and snatched the bottle off the table, taking another long pull. “Relax, darling, we have everything we need right here! We can dance the night away and eat and drink all we like!”

“This isn’t funny Invidia! If we don’t leave right now we will never see our families again, and Cordis and I-“

Invidia scowled and interrupted Carinne, “Cordis, Cordis, if I hear you blabber on about your puppy-love one more time, I swear I’ll throw you from the window!”

Carinne was taken aback by this. She had never known her friend to be aggressive. Fiery perhaps, but never brazen, not to her. Carinne placed her hands gently on Invidia’s shoulders again.

“Invidia, what’s gotten into you? This isn’t like you.” Carinne tried to soothe her, but Invidia went stone cold, dropping the wine bottle to her lap, and her façade with it.

“God, I hate you. I’ve spent months putting up with your obnoxious niceties and I can’t stand it anymore.” She lifted her eyes to meet Carinne’s, and they looked like ice.

“I never liked you. I just couldn’t stand the thought of Cordis marrying you. I loved him… but he only sees you.” Bitterness spread into Invidia’s expression now. Carinne simply stared back in shock. After a moment she found her voice again.

“Wh-what are you saying Invidia… you knew about this? Y-you fooled me into coming here, for what… to steal Cordis away form me?”

Invidia stood up, wobbling as she did and Carinne reached out to steady her, but Invidia slapped her hand away. Carinne lurched back in bewilderment, and Invidia stared down at her with a cold, calculating gaze.

“That’s just it, isn’t it? Even if I got rid of you, Cordis would never choose me. Even if I’d stayed behind, I’d have to bear this miserable broken heart all alone. At least this way, we can spend the rest of our lives suffer together. It should have been me, and I’ll be damned if I let you have him!” She hurled the bottle into the air and the two women watched as it shattered against the wall. Others in the room went silent for a moment, then the static of chatter continued. Carinne sat motionless, frozen in a hurricane of emotions.

How. How could this be Invidia’s true nature? How had she never realized? All this time she believed they’d shared an unbreakable bond… only to find that her beloved friend was the snake in her den. After a few moments, Invidia turned to walk away and Carinne grasped her arm.

“Please… don’t do this.” She pleaded; her voice thick with emotion. Invidia ripped her arm away, turning to look at her with a venomous expression.

“Never speak to me again.” And with that, she left back into the Grand Hall, leaving Carinne to stare helplessly after her.

Carinne sat on the edge of a cushion, staring unchangingly at a wall. Even as guests weaved in and out of the room- some stopping to shake their heads at her, but none who paused to assist- she paid them no mind. She didn’t know how long she sat there, agonizing, grieving over her immense losses, but it was more than an hour before she stirred. The thing that broke the spell over her was the far off sound of brassy bells, cutting through the evening like a knife. It was quiet at first, then grew in intensity until even the musicians of the orchestra were constrained to pause. The waltzers ceased their merriment, and there was a brief disconcert of the entire castle. The chimes rang again, and many of the guests turned to each other in confusion. When the echoes finally faded away, a light laughter pervaded the assembly; the musicians continued with their music, and it was as if no sound had pervaded the night at all. Only Carinne continued to look around in confusion, wondering how no one showed the slightest interest in finding the source of the bizarre noise.

The guests continued on merrily, and Carinne- in her state of despair- decided she could bear no more. She would find Queen Prospera and demand she be released from the Keep. The Queen wouldn’t want a peasant in her midst, would she? Carinne would be doing her a favor anyway. Hiking up her skirt, Carinne marched out into the corridor.

Now a full hour and one half late for her own Grand Ball, Queen Prospera would have to be arriving soon! Carinne told herself.

She searched through the orange room, then the yellow and blue, finally in the violet room, she spotted the Royal Guard making their way towards the far exit- near the black velvet room. It was impossible the see her Majesty through the armored men, but they went where she did, and Carinne wasted no time on hesitation. Marching through the crowd, she heard odd grunts and disgruntled gasps as she moved. Perhaps they found her rude, to be marching so and without the usual polite acknowledgment, but she didn’t care anymore what they thought of her. Returning home- to her family, to her beloved Cordis- was all that mattered now.

As she came closer, Carinne could see that the Guard has stationed in front of the fiery brazier, blocking the door from view. Someone was whispering in a high pitch to one of the henchmen standing at attention there, and Carinne realized it was Queen Prospera.

“Do you imbeciles know how to do anything right!? When I said no one was to enter that room I meant no one. Now that stench is entering into the halls and disturbing my guests!”

One of the older guards bowed, profusely reciting apologies, “It won’t happen again your Majesty, I’ll personally make sure of it!”

“You’re absolutely right, it won’t. Throw that welp in the dungeon and fetch the executioner in the morning. I want that wretch rid of by the time I wake.”

The older guard hesitated, as if choosing his words very carefully, “My most gracious Queen, might I hope for mercy on him… he is but an eager young man, fresh to the guard only this month. He made a folly, yes, but wants nothing more than to please you-“

The Queen hissed her reply at him, “Mistakes have no place here! The Red Mask is still abroad and I can’t afford weakness in my Guard! That welp is a mistake enough himself, I have no interest in his presence. Dispose of him, unless you’d like to join him at the galley?”

Carinne couldn’t believe such a cold-hearted person could be their ruler. For the first time, she found herself sympathizing with the rebels in town that held such disdain for her.

The Queen turned suddenly to begin marching towards the throne, at the other end of the grand hall, only to meet Carinne’s aghast expression. Queen Prospera was every bit as stunningly beautiful as her admirers proclaimed, all but for the tiny birthmark marring her left cheek. An insignificant thing- it looked hardly more than a rash. Carinne found herself loathing the woman for having any insecurity over such a thing, when many a girl in town would starve themselves silly just to have the slightest comparison in beauty. The Queen’s eyes stared unmovingly into hers, until finally Carinne gained enough sense to look away, hoping she hadn’t drawn unwanted attention. She had, however.

“Who on earth do you think you are, wearing that dress?” Queen Prospera was deadly poison wrapped in winter, her voice calm and icy. Carinne kept her gaze to the floor, fumbling for words.

“I-y-you’re Majesty… I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I wanted a word with you-“

“I should have you strung up for appearing in that despicable color. How dare you!” The Queen’s icy tone broke for a fraction of a moment, betraying a tinge of fear in her voice.

Carinne looked up finally, though thoroughly confused. She noted the Queen’s glittering gold gown, then looked at her own dress, with its vibrant crimson. She searched all around- as guests had stopped to watch them- and realized that not one among them wore its hue, the full depravity of Invidia’s plan dawning on her.

“Oh, god, I didn’t know. Your Highness I am deeply sorry!” Carinne bowed and scrambled for sense, realizing too late that a ruler so unforgiving would never release her- a peasant with such unbridled defiance as to invade her home, and insult her further by wearing the one color that had brought the Queen so much distress these past months.

Queen Prospera’s eyes blazed with fury. Opening her mouth, ready to command the guard to take Carinne away, a hand rested gently on the Queen’s shoulder, and she turned to see the owner of it.

“Now there, my most beloved Queen, let’s not waste good time for merriment on such an insignificant creature.” Lazarus stood to their right, and as Carinne’s eyes became wide in horror, the Queen’s softened at his appearance.

“Laz, I can’t forgive such a display of arrogance. What will that teach the rebels who congregate against me?” There was seriousness in her voice, but Queen Prospera’s lashes fluttered flirtatiously.

Lazarus patted her hand affectionately, “Forgive? Gods no! But if you wish to set an example of, why not allow her stay to absorb the ridicule and condemnation she so deserves? Your guests have bored of the jesters and improvisatori, why not take this opportunity to offer them fresh entertainment?”

The Queen blushed and giggled as Lazarus bent his head to kiss her hand, and as he did, he peered up to wink at Carinne. Satisfied with this alternative, the Queen allowed Lazarus to lead her onto the dance floor. The moment they did, the nobility descended on her.

Men and women grabbed and tore at her garb, shredding fabric and pocketing any jewels they could find on her. Carinne covered her face and screamed as her dress was torn to rags, her hair unraveled and yanked about her. The crowd jeered and laughed as they shoved her to and froe, mocking and spitting at her as she cried and begged for mercy. Finally, when she became unresponsive, not a tear left to shed, the guests dissipated back to the dancefloor. Carinne was left standing alone. Even as she moved to the wall and crumpled into an exhausted heap, not a soul paused to acknowledge her.

Carinne curled into herself, hugging her knees to her chest. How had fate led her so astray? How had everything she’d ever known and loved been swept away… in the course of only hours? She knew now there was no hope. She would never see the faces of her parents again- never walk to the alter, a blushing bride aglow in white, to exchange vows with her beloved Cordis. And worst of the misfortunes- wanting to keep her monetary gains a surprise- she hadn’t told anyone where she’d been off to. None of her loved ones knew she was at the keep, and they would spend the rest of their lives searching and failing to find her. All the while, she lay just out of reach on the other side of the wall.

A primal rage grew in Carinne at this thought. She let it fester, a devious ploy coming to mind that, before this night, she never would have dared herself to imagine. If fate had abandoned her to this nightmare, then she would abandon her senses and make the Queen- and Invidia- pay for their cruelty. Carinne’s eyes drifted to the black door that stood only a few feet from her. The guards either flirting with women or intoxicated with drink- none paid her mind. Slowly, achingly, she slid little by little across the floor. She would find what secret the Queen had hidden from her guests, and expose her. Perhaps it would cost her, in dungeon or death, but she didn’t care. A life without her loved ones, trapped in cruel company, was as good as any death.

When Carinne reached the black door, she expected it to be locked, but it jarred easily. She gave a quick glance at the guards- all still preoccupied- and slipped inside. The room was entirely cloaked in black velvet. Curtains and tapestries and even the hearth where the fireplace stood, such deep darkness that one almost felt themselves swallowed into it. Most disturbing inside the room, however, was the tall, ancient looking grandfather clock made of ebony. Its pendulum swinging in rhythmic, hypnotizing swells. Carinne instinctively felt that this clock was what the Queen wished to hide, but why? Aside from its gothic nature and eerie movement, it appeared otherwise ordinary.

She took a few more wary steps until she stood just before it. An unexplainable urge to touch it shivered through her, and she pressed her palm to its glass face. Something quiet, like a whisper, sifted through her bones, taking shape in her mind.

“My Lady, what do you wish for?” A soothing male voice spoke to her. Carinne felt startled at first and intended to pull away, but the voice pulled her back in.

“Anything at all my dear, it is yours, just name it.”

Carinne trembled, her heart racing, but then she thought of Cordis. Would she truly never see his face again? A single tear rolled down her cheek.

“I wish… to see my beloved again.”

“Very well, my lady. I will grant your wish. Find the key behind the clock face and open the trap door at the base of the clock, that lay just beneath the Pendulum.” The male voice commanded gently, and Carinne obeyed.

She clicked the latch on the clock face. Reaching inside, her fingers closed around a small copper key. Then she reached down at the base of the clock, unlocked it, and slid the drawer open. As she did, the clock gave a booming clang, causing her to yelp and fall back. The pendulum swung to the center and suddenly stopped, and then the room was deathly quiet. When Carinne could feel her breath again, she got to her knees and peered inside the drawer. A pile of red ash was all that lay there.

“No… no, you lied to me. There’s nothing here that can help!” She screamed at the disembodied voice, but it did not answer.  Feeling the fool once again, Carinne chastised herself for her naivete, until she heard movement behind her.

“Who lied to you, exactly?” A silky voice drawled. Carinne looked back to find Lazarus stalking towards her. She stood quickly, facing him fully and preparing to fend him off. He must have seen her slip inside the Black room. Whatever reason he was here, it would prove ill-fated for her.  

“Stay away from me.” Carinne did her best to growl, although her voice shook. Lazarus gave his most charming smile.

“Why, is that anyway to treat your savior? Had I not intervened with the Queen, you’d be headless about now.” He took another step towards her, and Carinne mirrored a step back.

“Am I to believe thanks is in order for what you did? To throw me to the wolves and then demand praises, oh yes, what a savior you are!” Carinne spat angrily. Lazarus paused, but then continued towards her, Carinne matching his steps and retreating to the wall.

“Quite an ungrateful thing, aren’t you? Invidia saves you from a life stricken with starvation and poverty, I save you from being beheaded- and you have the audacity to speak as if you’re above us? A lowly peasant that snuck into the castle with delusions of grandeur, envisioning herself at the same table as nobles?” Lazarus gave a callous laugh, then fixed wolfish eyes on her.

“It appears I have to teach you a lesson. I’ll take the thanks owed me… one way or another.” He looked her up and down, and Carinne felt her heels touch the back wall. There was no where left to go, and Lazarus knew it. He advanced towards her, and Carinne’s mind raced, trying to find a way out. He was tall and brawny, blocking her way to the door. If she ran around the clock to the other side he would still corner her at the fireplace.

God, please, someone help me! She thought, squeezing her eyes shut and preparing for the worst. Lazarus gasped and Carinne heard his footsteps stumble backwards.

“Where the hell did you come from?” He snarled. Carinne opened her eyes to find a man with long red hair in a black suit, standing between her and Lazarus.

“No one is allowed in this room, by order of the Queen. Leave now, or I will have to escort you to the dungeon. “ He spoke so calmly that it was almost unsettling. Lazarus sneered, but replied casually.

“Fine. I was just coming in here to retrieve my woman, she got lost, you see.” Lazarus winked at Carinne, and she felt bile rise in her throat. The red-haired man didn’t budge.

“I will escort the lady out. Your presence is not needed here.” To better display his seriousness, the man put a hand on the hilt of a dagger, secured at his waist. Lazarus scowled, but eyed the dagger warily.

“Very well. I’ll see you at the party, Carinne. As I mentioned… I have nothing but time.”

He turned on his heel and exited the room, and Carinne exhaled in relief. The mysterious stranger turned to her, and Carinne went stiff again. He was wearing a mask, like many of the other masqueraders, but he could easily be one of the Queens guards with that blade on his hip. What was his intent in interfering? Was he truly trying to help her?

“Are you hurt, madam?” He gave a small bow, and Carinne felt herself relax a little.

“I’m… alright. Tell me sir, who are you? And how did you get in here?”

“Why, the door, same as you.” He smiled, and Carinne felt an odd warmth spread through her, like when alcohol pervades ones senses. She shook her head, vigorously trying to dispel the strange sensation.

He strode over to the farthest wall, past the fireplace. Something in the way he moved was eerie, as if the air was not displaced by his presence. He pressed a hand beneath a velvet tapestry and there was a clicking open of a latch. He slid a portion of the wall aside and reached in, then turned to her and produced a red dress, similar to the one she had been wearing.

“The Queen keeps secret garment troves in all the rooms of the castle. Here, you can’t go back out there in those rags.” He held it out to her, his manner speaking all that of a gentleman.

“I can’t.” Carinne shook her head, “The Queen hates that color, she’s forbidden it in her presence.”

The man thought for a moment, then reached inside the hidden closet and produced a gentleman’s cloak of the same color.

“There. A matching pair. One would be seen as defiance, but two is a fashion trend.” Carinne tried to disapprove but the man held up a hand.

“Trust me, it will be alright. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Carinne hesitated. Should she trust a complete stranger, even after everything she’d experienced tonight? But then, he did seem to be one of the Guard, and there was something about his aura that made Carinne feel she could trust him. She accepted the garment from him, and he turned away to let her undress, watching the door for any intrusion.

Carinne and the mysterious red-haired man whisked out of the Black room and seamlessly melded back into the crowd. The music had picked up and the entire room swirled with dancers, intoxicated by the festive air. With her arm linked through his, they swept through the guests, who turned heads to watch them as they passed. Instead of disgust, this time they gaped in awe. Something about the mysterious stranger was utterly captivating, and he had been right when he said their bright rouge pairing would be a hit among the guests. Women glanced enviously at Carinne, and men winked at her, nodding in greeting at the red-haired stranger.  Carinne knew she should be enjoying the approval, but it only made her more discontented at the scenario. That people could turn from ravenous wolves into cordial acquaintances over such a vain influence, it was sickening, and she found herself disgusted with them.

The only moment she took the slightest pleasure in was when they came across Invidia, standing at the refreshments table. One look at Carinne’s new, lavish dress and the handsome stranger at her side was all that was needed to streak a jealous rage across Invidia’s features. She turned on her heels and stormed in the opposite direction, and although Carinne held her head high well after the green trails of Invidia’s dress had disappeared, her heart ached at the death of her former friendship. No matter how Invidia had treated her, there had been a time when Carinne had loved her, and she grieved the loss of it now.

Turning to wipe fresh tears from her face, Carinne distracted herself with the refreshment table. There was a dazzling array of hors d’oeuvre’s. Most dazzling, however, was the bubbly, ruby colored liquid inside of a crystal pitcher, in the center of the table. Carinne thought it looked out of place, its bright substance almost glowing. Such an odd choice- since the Queen had forbidden such a color in dress, yet approved of it here? She reached for a glass, pouring the liquid for herself. It was thick, almost syrup-like, but smelled most wonderfully like rich, wild raspberries. She brought the glass to her lips to sample a taste.

Just then, a hand placed firmly over hers and moved it away. Carinne looked up to see the stranger, staring through his mask at her. His eyes were dark, so she couldn’t tell his expression, but he leaned into her hair and whispered fervently.

“You mustn’t drink of this.”

Carinne stared at him, perplexed, and whispered back, “Why not?”

The stranger helped her return the glass to the table before answering, “It’s a favored drink among these people. Like ecstasy in liquid form, it will rob you of your senses. Like poison, it is. Very dangerous with a man like Lazarus lurking around.”

Carinne felt her blood run cold, suddenly very grateful to the man for his advisory. She nodded, leaning away from the substance in disapproval. The man gave a small laugh, then extended his hand.

“Perhaps a dance, instead?”

Carinne hesitated. She was still uncertain of this man’s intentions, but… he had done so much already to help her, she could at least repay him with the courtesy of a dance. She accepted, and the two came together in a graceful waltz. The movement was lovely enough, but she could not bring herself to look at him. It felt wrong, somehow, dancing with a stranger while her beloved Cordis may be out searching in the dark for her. She wondered how he was doing. Did he know yet, that she was gone? Did he fear she’d left him and run away to another town? Carinne could not disguise her discomfort, and the stranger noticed.

“Am I boring you, my lady?” He said quietly, but with kindness.

“Hmm? Oh, no not at all! I was just… I’m not supposed to be here, you see. I was just fretting over what my loved ones might be thinking right now. Whether they believe me kidnapped, or that I’ve run off somewhere and left them.” Sadness befell her features again, and this time the stranger lifted a hand to her chin. She looked up at him, still unable to see much of his eyes, but what she could see appeared kind.

“You’ll see them again, don’t worry.” He said gently, and she tried to smile at him.

“How can you be sure? The Queen has decreed lock down on the Keep, it’s impossible to escape this place.”

“My business here, in fact, is to persuade Queen Prospera to change her mind. Believe me… I can be very convincing.” He flashed a grin at her, and Carinne felt her heart flutter. He truly was handsome, and every woman in the castle could be seen pining for his attention. Still, all she wanted was Cordis. Her heart belonged to him alone.

“I didn’t properly thank you for helping me earlier. I am deeply grateful for what you did. I don’t have much, but is there any way I can replay you, good sir?” The two waltzed around a column of marble, coming into view of the throne room.

The man smiled and replied. “Not to worry, dear lady. You already have.”

Carinne felt perplexed again by his reply. Surely a dance was not nearly enough to repay her debt?

“Sir, please, I insist. There must be something? And for that matter, it would be rude to continue calling you “sir.” May I know your name?”

The man opened his mouth to answer, but as the revel went whirling on around them, a loud clang rang through the hall.

The music ceased. The waltzers were quieted and there was an uneasy murmur throughout the company. Twelve similar, dull clangs rang out in succession, and as the last echoes of the last chime sank into utter silence, Carinne realized it was the sounding of midnight upon the ebony clock. Somewhere in the night, it had begun working again, and Carinne had a sinking feeling it was due to her meddling with it earlier. After the shock of the unwarranted interruption faded, the musicians picked up the music, and the party-goers laughed nervously, but began their dancing once again.

Carinne, however, could not shake the feeling of dread that had washed over her. She looked to the throne area, fully expecting the Queen to point her delicate fingers in their direction; for the royal guard to haul Carinne away or throw her at the mercy of the noblemen again. Surprised, was she, to find Queen Prospera staring into space- almost as if in a trance. Several minutes passed before she seemed to finally come out if it, and when she did, her eyes drifted in Carinne’s direction. Suddenly, the Queen’s eyes went wide, and she stood abruptly. The music kept on, but the guests noticed and some scuttled out of the way in anticipation of the Queen’s wrath. Anger was not present in her features, however, and instead the Queen drifted from her seating and through the crowd, guards following behind and guests skirting quickly out of her way. She came to a stop in front of Carinne, but looked straight through her, to the face of the stranger.

“You’re… magnificent.” Queen Prospera breathed, and she held her hand out for him to take, “Dance with me.” She commanded.

The stranger bowed politely, “I’m flattered, you’re Highness. I would enjoy a dance.” He turned and picked up two of the glasses filled with the exotic looking crimson liquid, winked at Carinne, then handed one to the Queen.

“A toast first?” He implored, and the Queen giggled, accepting the drink from him.

All the guests raised their glasses- some having to scramble to the refreshments table and secure a fresh drink for themselves- as the Queen raised her glass in anticipation. The stranger held up his own, and then spoke.

“To our dearest Queen; the fair ruler of our land and even fairer beauty. May you be blessed with all the tidings that you so well deserve, even after your death.”  He finished by tipping his glass to his lips, the Queen and all the guests following. Only Carinne did not drink to the Queen’s blessing.

After everyone had finished their glass, the Queen set hers back on the table and reached a hand out to the stranger again. This time, he obliged, and they began waltzing around the room together. It was customary that when the Queen danced, no others were permitted to, and so they all watched with awed eyes as the two twirled about the hall- a stunning display of gold and rouge. They wound around pillars and tables, pulling awestruck gasps from the party-goers as their elegant movements spun them through each room- the blue chamber and the yellow, then green and orange, white and violet. Finally, they waltzed between the fiery torches that stood outside the black door to the velvet room.

As Carinne watched them, she heard movement behind her, and turned just in time to find Lazarus stalking over to her. He smirked at her as he came closer, seeing that she was finally alone and an easy target to make for himself. Heart pounding, Carinne searched for someone or something to aid her, and her eyes fell on Invidia. She was standing by the refreshments, scowling at Carinne and sipping on a drink. When she saw the desperate pleading in Carinne’s eyes, she made no move, simply smirked and observed on as Lazarus descended on her. His hand latched around Carinne’s arm, and he leaned into her.

“Finally, we’re alone.” He smiled wickedly, and Carinne felt like her heart was about to burst.

It was then that the Queen let out a cry of anguish, and they all turned to witness as the infatuation in her eyes morphed into horror. The crowd that had been giddily observing now reeled back in matched terror, as a bright red stain spread from her chest across her gold dress. Screams enveloped the air, and even the musicians and performers gasped in furious terror. The guards all seized in shock, and nary a one moved towards her to help. Even Lazarus- who dropped Carinne’s arm and began backing away, fear breaking through his carefully manicured façade.

They all gazed on as the red cloaked stranger stepped back from the Queen, revealing the dagger that had been plunged into her heart- the one Carinne had seen strapped at his waist. She had mistaken him for a guard, but he was now very certainly an unwelcome guest. As he turned to face the crowd, the simple mask he had been wearing was now replaced with another- one that was grotesque and skeletal. His vesture was dabbled in blood- and his broad brow, was sprinkled with scarlet horror.

    "Who dares?" The Queen demanded hoarsely, falling to her knees, the color draining from her face as she struggled to catch breath. "Who dares commit this blasphemy? Seize him, unmask him- that we may know whom we have to hang at sunrise from the battlements!"

No one moved, save for a few brave among the guard. But as they neared the scene, the masked man turned to them and spoke.

“You dare point your swords at me? Did the countless men slain in the night, their blood upon the Royal flags and tapestries, not offer fair warning? I bade the kingdom, hand over this vile woman so I may rid her cursed soul from this land- but you refused. Now, the blood of your Queen, as well as your kin, is on your own hands.”

    And now was acknowledged the presence of the Red Death. He had come like a thief in the night. Queen Prospera fell to the floor, dead, and a disembodied laughter filled the hall. So loud was it, that the people all screamed and shook, and Carinne had to cover her ears to keep from fainting. Her eyes stayed open, however, and what she witnessed transpire was something that would stay in the darkest corners of her mind, forevermore.

The Black door to the velvet room swung open and she could see the ebony clock, aglow with crimson light. One by one dropped the revellers within the keep. Blood foamed from their mouths, each spraying the halls in spluttering coughs, each dead by the time they sank to the floor. She watched as Lazarus and Invidia both choked on their own blood, frothing onto the marble floor as each sank in a heap of flesh. The ebony clock clanged loudly in approval, and the flames of the torches expired. Darkness enveloped the castle, until every living soul was alive no more. All that remained, were Carinne and the man who was the Red Mask. He stood motionless within the shadow of the ebony clock, an unnatural quiet settling upon the keep. Carinne was too petrified to even breathe, she wanted to run but her legs couldn’t move… even if they could, there was nowhere to go.

The Red Mask drifted towards her, and Carinne found she couldn’t even shut her eyes. She would have to bear full witness to her own death. As he neared, the man removed his mask, and Carinne finally felt air return to her lungs. He was every bit as beautiful as they’d all believed; flaming auburn hair, flawless complexion, and eyes that were a mesmerizing gray- seeming somehow cold, yet sad in the same instance. He reached a hand out to her, but Carinne flinched away, so he withdrew it.  

“I’m sorry to make you bear witness to such a thing. You should not have been here tonight.”

Carinne stuttered in response, “W-what have you done? These people, they’re all-“

The man sneered, an unsettling and cruel expression that marred his beautiful features. “These were not people. They were wolves in white robes, with faces of light, yet souls shrouded in darkness as they lay waiting for prey. Just as they did to you, so they did to me tenfold. Queen Prospera was once my beloved; until another suitor laid rumor that I’d found a mistress. She plunged a dagger through my heart, burning my body and keeping the ashes within the Ebony clock. With my body confined, my soul became trapped- wandering in a timeless space between this world and the next. I took my vengeance upon her most loyal guards first, painting her banners with their blood to remind her of her sins. Run down with paranoia, she forbid anyone from leaving or entering the castle, and had her remaining guards secure the clock within the velvet room- the room which I once shared with her. She knew my spirit lay in wait for my opportunity, and wait I did… then you appeared.”

He paused to reach for her again, and Carinne still found herself too terrified to move. He swept a hand beside her face, tucking loose hair behind her ear. His hand returned to his side, and Carinne felt cold tears stream down her face.

“Even so, how could you slay all these people? What magic did you wreak upon them?” She shuddered as her eyes drifted to Invidia’s crumpled body; laying several feet away, blood still foaming out of her mouth, eyes blank and staring.

The man- or specter as he claimed- gave a wicked smile at this, “I didn’t do anything, save for slip Arsenic into that pitcher over there.” Carinne followed his gaze to the scarlet liquid still aglow on the refreshment table.

That’s why he’d warned her not to drink- he’d poisoned it. The man wasn’t a ghost, but a maniac! He’d fooled the townspeople with an elaborate tale of misfortune, tricked them into believing him a specter so that he could carry out his nefarious plan to murder the Queen- it was madness! Carinne didn’t think she could take any more, her knees ready to give way. She didn’t want to ask, but she had to know.

“Why… did you spare me?” She whispered, and the assassin thought for a moment before replying.

“In part, because you freed me. Had you been a wicked soul like the others, however, I’d have killed you on the spot. But, there is purity in your heart- you remained loyal to a friend that didn’t deserve you, and to your beloved, even when he is not with you. Loyalty, it appears, is the most rare of virtues.”

His gray eyes shadowed over with a profound sadness, and Carinne almost found herself wanting to comfort him.  She raised a hand to his face, but he came out of it and stepped back from her.

“Do not feel sorry for me, dear lady. I have both my vengeance and my freedom back, thanks to you.” He gave a deep bow, one that denoted the utmost respect, only afforded to those of nobility. Then he turned to leave.

“Wait! You can’t just leave me here, take me with y-” She wrapped a hand around his wrist to stop him, but unlike before when they’d touched, it fell right through.

The man turned back to her, his angelic face fading into that of a skeletal creature; gaunt with all the signs of decay. Carinne gasped and stepped back, placing a hand over her mouth in horror. The Red Mask was no more a man, but an inhuman and ethereal creature. He smiled at her, skeletal teeth grinning through holes in his flesh.

“Where I am going, you can not follow.” He whispered. With that, the Red Mask and all myths of him faded into the night. Carinne was left standing alone in a sea of bloody bodies.

It wasn’t long before news of the Queens death- and the events that transpired at the Keep- traveled to the townspeople. Now free to manage the kingdom as their own, they abandoned the castle and its occupants- no one dared to venture inside ever again.

Many tales were born from the story of Queen Prospera and her deadly lover; the Red Mask became the Red Death, etching his name into the folds of memory and time. A few will tell you that in the end, Carinne was rescued by her lover Cordis- that they lived happily ever after, all but forgetting the nightmares inside the keep. However, most will tell you that the moment the decaying man with his skeletal face disappeared, her sanity disappeared with him. Abandoned to a lifetime of lonesome madness inside the Keep.

They say if you visit the castle at midnight, and listen very closely, you can still hear her screaming behind the wall.