Masquerade Ball Part II

 Carly, Day 123, May 3, 2026

Carly was still on the property, devastated by the thought that Austin wasn't the man she had dreamt he would have become. So many emotions were bubbling to the surface. The tremendous joy she felt when she saw him and knew right away - the mask couldn't hide those eyes. She wanted to run into his arms, but her joy was quickly overshadowed by the betrayal she felt. Why did he leave me confused and suffering for so long without knowing what had become of him? He was here living in a palace while I wondered and worried about my dear friend. They had made promises to each other to never be separated, but he had broken that promise and Carly couldn't reconcile her joy, her anger, and her sadness. It was overwhelming when she left the party. 


Carly knew she had to pull it together and get herself out of there before he found her. She didn't fail to notice how handsome he had gotten, but she felt more alone than she had on the day he disappeared.

But then the most beautiful horse she had ever seen nuzzled over to her. She found herself drawn to this horse.
Carly: Hello, Beautiful. You are very sweet to comfort me. What's your name?

Phillip thinking he had heard a voice.

Phillip followed the sweet sound of Carly's voice and said her name is Moondance.
You named her after my ...

Phillip quickly stepped over, not wanting her to slip away again.
Phillip: Oh Carly, I never forgot anything you ever told me. I have kept your picture with me always. The thought of seeing you again is all that has kept me going. We don't need these masks anymore.

Phillip: This crown means nothing to me. I am still the same boy that wants to climb mountains, explore jungles, and swim in the oceans, but only if it's with you. I've been raised my whole life being told that this crown was my destiny, but holding you on the dance floor, I know what my destiny is. 

Phillip: Carly, I know every freckle on that beautiful face of yours. I must have counted them a million times. I may not believe in fairytales either, but I do believe there could be a happily ever after, if you give me a chance.

Carly: Oh Austin, I want to believe you. I have longed for the chance to see you again. 

Carly: I've missed you so much.
Phillip: I'm here now. I've missed you too.
Carly: Can we sit for a minute?

Phillip told Carly the history of the Devereauxs ruling Ondarion; how his grandfather Louis was forced out by the other Nobles before he had produced an heir. He went to live in the jungles of Selvadorada and there fell in love with a local woman and they had a son, John - Phillip's father. But the seers and fortunetellers had foretold that John's son would bring the Devereauxs back to power. There were factions that didn't want that to happen, and factions that did. Phillip's Grand Uncle Simon, Louis's brother, never left Ondarion and had a way of working both sides, always in the know. And it didn't hurt that Phillip's mother had a spellcaster connection. His parents tried very hard to keep Phillip safe from both sides, but in the end, Uncle Simon became his caretaker and trained him to fulfill what the seers had foretold. He would rule Ondarion, with Uncle Simon as his noble advisor. But Uncle Simon didn't want the other side to know that Phillip was being trained, so he was kept hidden and had no contact with the outside world, other than Uncle Simon. 

Carly: Do you trust Uncle Simon? Is he a good man?
Phillip: Yes, his intentions are good. His methods are questionable. I never wanted this, but I knew once I became King, I could do as I wanted. Oh, and I have a kid sister.


Carly: A sister? Was she the beautiful young girl at the ball?
Phillip: Yes, that's her - Isabella. Her birthday is tomorrow. I would love if you would come - it will just be the 3 of us, and you would make 4. And we can talk some more.


Carly: I think I would like that.My head is spinning. I don't even know what to call you.
Phillip(joking): Well, some people call me Your Highness or Your Majesty.

Carly: Haha. You better never ask me to call you that. I do think Phillip suits you though.

Carly: I think the sun is going to come out soon. I need to get going.
Phillip: I'll walk you out.

Phillip: I think I forgot to tell you how devastatingly gorgeous you looked tonight.

Carly: I thought the same about you. And I am leaving now before I get in trouble with those thoughts and will see you later. 
Phillip: Well, you could stay.
Carly: Don't tempt me. I am leaving.

And as the moon was beginning to set in Ondarion, Carly made her way back home to Verdemar feeling more hopeful than ever before.

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