(Scene — Minister Alvyn Rhoan's Mansion, Evening)
The mansion glimmered under hundreds of chandeliers. Gold drapes shimmered, fountains sparkled, and a sea of formally dressed guests milled about, champagne glasses in hand. The celebration was for Minister Rhoan's daughter, Lyanna, turning eighteen — the grandest ball in months.
But tonight, the King and Queen would not enter as the rulers of the Blackwood Empire. Tonight, they were just two masked guests, blending into the throng.
Chris (adjusting his black masquerade mask, whispering):
"Are you sure this works? Everyone here is a snob about names and titles."
Amara (in a silver mask, twirling lightly):
"That's the point. No one should recognize us. We're here to see the Empire as it truly is… from the inside."
Chris smirked, eyeing her with a flirtatious glint.
Chris:
"And we're doing it with gifts too, right?"
Amara raised a brow.
Amara:
"Cheap ones. Remember? We're blending in. Not making ministers bankrupt themselves over us."
Chris chuckled, pulling out two modestly wrapped boxes from under his cloak.
Chris (whispering):
"Nothing says 'masked royalty' like thrift. Let's see if they notice."
---
(Scene — Grand Ballroom)
The couple moved through the glittering crowd, masks hiding their expressions. Servants bowed as they passed. Ministers chatted loudly, oblivious to the fact that the empire's rulers were wading among them.
Lyanna Rhoan, the birthday girl, sparkled in a sea-green gown. Her friends fawned over her, oblivious to the masked figures approaching.
Chris (handing her the small gift, in a low voice):
"Happy eighteenth… from, uh… admirers."
Lyanna looked confused but politely accepted the gift. She opened it quickly — a simple silver locket, clearly cheap but polished enough to glint under the chandelier lights.
Lyanna (puzzled):
"Oh… thank you… I guess."
Amara (smiling softly, holding her own small package):
"Make a wish."
Lyanna opened it — a tiny crystal keychain with a heart inside. She blinked, trying to mask her disappointment.
Lyanna (laughing nervously):
"Uh… thank you, I suppose."
Chris leaned in slightly, whispering in her ear with a playful tone:
Chris:
"Don't worry. Sometimes the best gifts aren't the most expensive… they're just… memorable."
Amara shot him a subtle look — a mixture of amusement and mild annoyance.
Amara (whispering to Chris):
"Memorable for us, maybe. Don't act like this is a romantic gesture."
Chris grinned, brushing past her arm flirtatiously.
Chris:
"Ah, but my love… everything with you is romantic."
---
The ministers around them whispered among themselves, none realizing that the most powerful couple in the empire was mingling in plain sight.
Chris (whispering to Amara, as they move to the dance floor):
"Next step: watch them scramble if they ever figure out who we really are."
Amara (smiling, twirling in her mask):
"Oh, I can't wait. Let's enjoy their little ball… incognito."
The couple moved deeper into the crowd, subtle and graceful, their presence commanding without revealing a single royal clue.
The cheap gifts were forgotten in minutes, but the unseen rulers observing the empire were already plotting their next playful disruption.