The Duke and the Girl from Nowhere

The carriages began arriving just after dusk, wheels crunching against polished stone as nobles descended one by one, draped in jewels and velvet, their faces hidden behind delicate masks of silver, silk, and intent.

The Spring Masquerade Ball, hosted by the elusive Lord Baek Seung-Min, had drawn the entire noble court. Rumors swirled through the air like perfume — not about politics or trade, but about a girl. A strange girl with fire in her voice and eyes the Duke couldn't look away from.

Yuna stood near the grand staircase, a lace mask tied behind her head, her crimson gown trailing like spilled ink across the marble. She didn't know how Lord Baek had even known she existed — yet the invitation bore her name in gold.

Soo-Min stayed close, whispering, "If anything feels off tonight, we leave. No questions."

Yuna nodded, trying to still the thudding in her chest.

Just then, the music shifted — a grand waltz began to play. And the guests turned as a figure entered the ballroom in black and gold.

Duke Ryu Ji-Hwan.

Even behind his mask, she knew it was him. He paused at the top of the stairs, searching the crowd with a quiet desperation that only she noticed — until his eyes found hers. The music dimmed in her ears.

But before he could reach her, a noblewoman stepped between them. Her gown shimmered like water, and her hand fell onto Ji-Hwan's arm like it belonged there.

"My Duke," she purred, "a dance?"

His jaw tightened.

"I'm waiting for someone," he said without looking away from Yuna.

"But this is a masquerade. You could be anyone. She could be no one."

Yuna watched as Ji-Hwan hesitated — just long enough for another man to reach her.

"You must be Lady Yuna," the stranger said, offering his hand with a smile too perfect. "Lord Baek has spoken of you."

She blinked. "He has?"

"Only in admiration."

Yuna glanced toward Ji-Hwan — but he was already swept onto the dance floor by the noblewoman. Their hands touched. Their bodies moved. His eyes… didn't leave hers.

She took the stranger's hand.

Let him lead her away.

They danced in opposing circles, crossing each other in swirls of silk and strings. Every turn brought them closer. Every twirl pulled them apart again. Ji-Hwan's smile was tight. Yuna's breath hitched. They passed like stars in orbit, desperate to collide, destined to miss.

From the edge of the room, Lady Hwa-Ryeong watched with a gleaming smile and dagger eyes.

"Poor thing," she murmured. "So out of place, even in a gown."

Her hand slid around Ji-Hwan's arm as he returned from the floor. "Let me rescue you from that farce. You've been cold for too long. Isn't it time to let someone… warmer in?"

He didn't answer. His gaze was locked on the corner of the ballroom — where the Crown Prince now stood with Yuna.

"I was wondering when you'd appear," he said, offering her a drink.

"I was dancing."

"Unfortunately."

He looked at her the way only second leads do — soft, aching, the kind of gaze that wants to be enough even though it never is.

"You look beautiful," he said. "But it's not the dress."

Yuna's heart stuttered.

But then her eyes found Ji-Hwan again. The noblewoman was gone. Hwa-Ryeong stood too close. He didn't push her away.

"Is this… who you are when no one's watching?" she asked the Prince Lee Sun-Woo.

He looked away. "No. This is who I am when I want to be seen."

And watching it all — from the highest balcony — was Lord Baek Seung-Min. His mask glinted like polished obsidian. No one saw his entrance. No one noticed his silence.

But he noticed everything.

"She draws them in," he murmured. "Fools."

He folded his hands, his gaze locked on Yuna.

"Let's see what kind of power she holds… when the mask finally falls."

End of Chapter 14