Due to his diminishing health, the king unfortunately passed away, meaning his son was to ascend to the throne. Naturally, this sparked a frenzy amongst the noble families. Tradition called for a seven-night masquerade extravaganza where both upper and lower nobility would convene at the main palace. For six nights, the noble families would mingle with one another. In order to retain anonymity, they were only allowed to use first names for the first five nights, and only on the sixth night could they reveal their surnames to their new friends. This tradition was created in hopes that any differences could be breached in order to bring both lesser and higher nobility together as one.

This custom also served a second purpose. On the seventh night, the new king, who would also mingle amongst the families incognito, would declare before everyone his betrothed's name. After that, everyone would celebrate the happy news and give the couple their best wishes. All of this was done in hope of forging previously impossible alliances.

A century ago, it had worked without a hitch. Lesser and higher nobility families built lifelong friendships and alliances based on their ideas instead of position, and they came together as a cohesive group. However, times changed everything. Rivalries became fiercer, the need for status and power more overwhelming, and the tradition slowly warped into a blatant search for powerful alliances. Slowly, the tradition started to unravel at the seams.

John Watson was of lower nobility to say the least. His older brother, Harry, nearly drank the family into poverty. Now that Harry was disowned, it was up to John to redeem the family name. That was the sole cause of his being sent to the masquerade – to prove that the Watson family could provide a proper alliance to anyone. After all, no one in his family thought there was any chance that John would capture the attentions and affections of the future king. If John married anyone of a higher standing, his family would be more than satisfied.

John arrived in a chauffeured carriage – the best his family could afford after his brother's fall from grace. It was plush and large enough to carry four people comfortably, which John enjoyed to the fullest extent. Two black-and-white Clydesdales – a breed only saved for royalty – pulled the carriage with grace, and John's family was sure that he would arrive in style. Even so, it was nothing in comparison to the golden-coloured carriages of the other guests, drawn by six horses and adorned with rich, thick curtains and painted accents. Already, he felt outclassed by most of the other nobles.

Upon arrival, he went to his assigned room. This was always a momentous occasion as it gave the first glimpse into the king's mind. Before the week began, the king decided who would stay where in his palace. Depending on location and size of room, one could find out if he or she was in good, neutral, or bad standing with the king. It had nothing to do with actual financial status or landownership. Instead, it reflected the king respected and revered the family. Common courtesy caused for most to remain quiet about their status, even when they were in a good standing, in order to avoid unwittingly making false friends or new enemies.

As expected, John didn't have much of a standing with the king, as his room was one of the "common" ones in the palace. However, in John's opinion, the room was gorgeous. The walls were a rich golden colour that stretched from the dark, wooden floors all the way to the white crown moulding that outlined the ceiling. A canopy, four-poster bed sat in the far corner of the room, parallel to the oak door. Pure white, the drapes were created from the finest silks, and they barely made any noise as they fluttered in the wind. The ceiling itself was painted with the different gods and angels who watched over and protected the kingdom. A final couple of accessories polished off the look: a large dresser, an armoire, a stationary desk, and a full-length mirror were scattered about the room. Even though it was considered common, this room was still far more grandiose than the one John had at home.

Once he settled in, he changed into his first outfit for the night – a royal blue with gold embellishments. After receiving the invitation, John's mother frantically summoned the best tailors and seamstresses in their land in order to dress John in proper attire to ensure that he would look impressive. His short but firm stature made it difficult for the creation of a nice suit that would ensure he looked proportional, especially in his trousers. His mother insisted that he dressed in a shade of blue every night, as the rich colours always made his eyes sparkle and it would be easier for someone to search out a colour than a masked man.

As he straightened himself out, he heard a soft rapping on his door. It must be his assigned servant. He quickly picked up his matching mask, covered in gold dust with very small sapphires attached to it, and placed it over his face. Although it only covered from his nose to his eyebrows, John was assured that would be enough to keep his identity secret.

Opening the door, he found a woman on the other side. She curtsied. "My name is Molly Hooper, my lord, and I will be your personal servant this week. I will be available to take you to and from events as well as provide you with any assistance you should need. I have been sworn to secrecy about your identity, and I will refer to you as 'Lord John' or 'my lord' from here forth. As you should know, we call everyone here by 'lord' or 'lady' in order to avoid recognition or acknowledgement of power via proper titles," she explained. "I have also been sworn to secrecy about anything I might happen to know about other people's identities. Any bribery will be reported directly to the king, and you will be escorted from the premises immediately."

John knew already that he was going to love having her as his servant. She didn't seem the type who would try to force herself upon him, as some had before, and would be loyal and dutiful. If it all went well, John might even be able to purchase her in the end. He would have to make some key alliances, though, in order to be able to afford such a luxury.

"Pleased to meet you, Molly. I am, as you know, Lord John Watson," John answered quietly. He loathed his title. Never once in his life had he felt like a proper lord. In fact, only the servants ever treated him as nobility. Harry was considered – until recently – the only important offspring since he was the eldest. This also meant that he received all of the attention and education. Unfortunately, John wasn't as versed in proper manners, and he was reprimanded time and time again for being "impolite." Whenever he tried to change his behaviour, he always managed to get something else wrong. He eventually began to shy away from social gatherings in order to avoid further humiliation. However, he had to show confidence and poise now, and thus, he would have to proudly use his title of 'lord.'

Curtsying again, Molly nodded. "It is almost time for the masquerade, sir. I am to escort you to the Great Hall. Whenever you wish to return to your room, please inform any servant that you require me. I shall come at once and guide you back to your room."

John wasn't a fool. It was a precaution. Even though it was easy to get lost in the hallways of an unfamiliar palace, the servants ensured that nobles didn't start wandering about. The king's room would be hidden amongst the rest, indiscernible from the outside, but if they could find other private chambers – the personal living room or library, for instance – they would have a better chance of locating the king. And then there were, of course, the possible assassinations that would be thwarted.

Silently, Molly led John through the halls, each one winding and branching off down several corridors. Tapestries hung from the stone walls, covering them with reds, golds, blues, beiges, and browns. He recognized famous battles, treaty meetings, and the crowning of several kings in the last centuries. As he neared the Great Hall, the tapestries started to change and show the history of the world – the creation of each God and Goddess, the stories of their victories as well as their losses, and the founding of the royal family. Honestly, John wanted to stop for hours just to look at each one and see all the work and effort placed into making them. It seemed dishonourable to walk by them as if they were nothing more than stones and mortar.

As they approached the Great Hall, two servants stepped forward and opened the large doors. John was overwhelmed immediately. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling in rows of three for as far as he could see. The walls were probably originally golden, but it was hard to tell with all of the stunning artwork that crept up and onto the ceiling. Once again, John felt the urge to just stand next to a wall and examine each and every painting. However, a majority of the nobility had already arrived, and they were starting to mingle with one another. After thanking his servant, John braced himself and headed into the crowd.

Trying to start a conversation was the hardest part, his instructor had told him. If John couldn't interest someone immediately, there was no hope of forming an alliance. John always found it difficult to start conversations. Usually, it required a quick wit, which John had, but he always got tongue-tied due to nerves. The other option was to flaunt his status, and John never felt comfortable with that. Not that he had much of a status to begin with, considering whom he was around.

He glanced around the room, examining the different costumes. The elaboration of some costumes was remarkable and put John's entirely to shame. Most women had gems, lace, and symbols for the gods sewn into their dresses. The more poufy the dress, the more funds the woman had, and he doubted that many of the women here could dance with a partner tonight. As he walked by, he overheard one woman comment that her dress was dusted with 24 karat gold around her waist. Meanwhile, the men were all in finely tailored suits, most of them in bright colours – such as yellows and oranges – in order to attract attention. Their masks were generally more elaborate than the women's, though. One man John noticed had a rainbow of gems on his mask that extended from the inside to out in a circular pattern. That mask was probably worth more than all of John's suits combined.

Searching through the crowd, John tried to find someone who wasn't already engrossed in a conversation. He locked onto one woman who was standing alone in the middle of the room and headed towards her. Standing tall, she was blindingly bright in her all white dress. Splashes of crimson and rubies accented her outfit, reminding John far too much of blood. Her mask was solid crimson and studded in rubies. It covered her whole face, save for her eyes, which bore deep into John's flesh as he approached.

"Hello, my lady!" John greeted cheerfully, flashing a smile.

The woman rolled her eyes. "Trust me, darling, when you have enough wealth to speak to me, you'll know." With that, she walked away.

John felt stung. He forced himself to take in a deep breath and brush off the rejection. She would just one of many, after all. Turning around, he swallowed hard. He found another person – a man this time – but only managed a greeting before someone else walked over and took that person's attention away from him. Without saying a word, John walked away and tried to join in a different conversation only to find that he had nothing to say on the topic. He walked around the room slowly, listening for anything he could relate to. Naturally, most of them were speaking of politics. Facts and figures. Statistics and numbers. Nothing that John felt comfortable discussing, given his educational background.

Frustrated, John gave up and stalked out to one of the empty balconies. He leaned against the railing and let out a long sigh before staring out at the gardens below. The moon was bright enough to reveal the neatly combed hedges and iridescent colours of the flowers. As his eyes began to wander, he mind wondered, too. If he didn't make proper alliances, his family would once again label him as the failure. It would merely confirm that he couldn't take his brother's place, vacated though it was. He was already the laughingstock of the family. Now, it would just be worse. Taking in a deep breath, John closed his eyes. He needed to relax for but a moment before trying again.

"Getting stuffy in there for you as well?" someone inquired. Jumping, John spun on his heels. Behind him stood a man in a white outfit with black embroidery. A rose in his front jacket pocket gave the only splash of colour, but that hardly mattered in comparison to his mask. It was half black and half white. Although John was certain that white sapphires made up one side, he had no idea what could possibly cause the other. The man laughed. "Did I frighten you?"

John offered a smile in return. "A bit," he conceded. Holding out his hand, he continued, "John."

"Richard. It's a pleasure, John," the man responded, shaking John's hand briefly. "I already feel overwhelmed in there. I cannot imagine another six nights of it."

Grinning, John responded, "Yes, well, I believe it would be incredibly unfair for us to waltz up to the king and declare, 'Your Majesty, you simply must choose a betrothed immediately for we cannot possibly imagine conversing like this for another six nights. Choose wisely, though, good luck, and long live the king!'"

Richard laughed as he heard this. "If we could find the king in that gathering."

"Gathering, really? You'd call that a gathering?" John jested. "I would attest that a horde would be a better description."

Grinning widely, Richard nodded. "A 'horde' is a perfect description of them, actually. A horde of nobles."

"I think we should make it official in the language," John responded with a laugh. "We'll inform the king about it as well. But only after we force him to decide to whom he will marry, of course."

"Of course." Richard smiled at John fondly before looking out at the gardens. "They're beautiful, aren't they?" he inquired, seeming to lose himself for a moment.

Nodding in agreement, John looked out as well. "I was just admiring them when you arrived."

"Admiring the garden with your eyes closed? I must admit that I am quite jealous of your ability to view a garden through your eyelids."

John flushed in humiliation, having been caught in his lie. "I was smelling its aroma," he stated, not willing to concede.

Closing his eyes, Richard took in a deep breath. "I don't smell anything."

"Of course you don't. My family is notorious for their heightened senses," John remarked jokingly.

Richard smiled. "Ah, the first hint to discover your last name before the sixth night. I do love a good challenge… So, a family who is notorious for their heightened senses." He paused for a moment as he thought. "I didn't know sommeliers could become so powerful and rich!"

"Ah, yes, you caught me. John Sommelier at your service," John responded sarcastically before giving a mock bow. "Might I suggest the decadent King's '09 brew, sire?"

"I'll keep that in mind," Richard answered graciously.

Suddenly, there was a call for dinner within. Surprised, John wondered how long the chefs prepared food in order to feed so many people. It wasn't as if he expected for them to starve for a week, but he thought perhaps they would have more personal meals. Meals requested by and sent to each room. Something that might give the chefs a chance to breathe.

"Shall we?" Richard inquired, cutting into John's thoughts. John responded with a confused look. "I'm afraid I'm quite unaccompanied here, and you seem to be without companions as well. I figured we might as well be solitary together."

"It would be my pleasure." With that, John headed into the dining hall with Richard. Tables upon tables were lined up, and Richard brought him to one in the far, back-right corner. Sitting together at one end, they waited patiently for their food to arrive. Once the table was entirely served, they picked up their utensils and began to eat.

"Not as good as what I was expecting from the royal palace," Richard noted with a slight disappointment in his voice.

Immediately, John became paranoid. Such talk was fine for an empty balcony, but they were now seated with other people. People who might be the king. Or, worse still, people who might report them in order to gain favour with the king. "Well, they cannot serve the gold-encrusted goose for obvious reasons," he joked quietly.

"Out of season?" Richard suggested with a grin.

John couldn't help but laugh in return. As they turned back to their food, he listened to the idle chatter happening around them. Everyone seated at the table were far more serious whilst he and Richard were trying their best to just have a good laugh. They were most likely forging deals and alliances and negotiating with one another. John's relationship with Richard seemed superfluous by comparison. Once again, John worried that he would disappoint his family. He wasn't without his flaws, and social interaction had always been difficult for him.

"John?" Richard called out. "Are you alright?"

Sucking in a deep breath, John looked over. "Yes. My apologies. I was just…" He let his voice trail, not even certain how he could start explaining his thought process.

"Getting caught up in what you're supposed to be doing?" Richard inquired.

John flushed slightly. "Yes…" he admitted.

Leaning back, Richard gauged John for a long moment. "You shouldn't feel so guilty, you know," he finally stated. "All of these people are jumping the gun. They're so confident in themselves – in their ability to perceive the truth – that they are going into deals blind. All they want is to forge as many alliances as possible. But it's not the quantity of alliances – although having more does help than having less – but the quality. Take, for instance, you and me." John tilted his head in interest. "Instead of just jumping into the gritty part of business, we have been taking the time to get to know one another on a different level. I know now that you have a wonderful sense of humour that matches my own, but you're also much more self-conscious of your surroundings and potential threats. Even so, you're still willing to play along, although you're more cautious than I. Now, what do you think those people know about each other?"

John paused a moment and looked at the people surrounding him. All masked. All only going by first names. They weren't supposed to divulge intimate details about their homelands as it could give away who they were. "So how do they even start forming alliances like this?" John inquired, realising that the people knew next to nothing about the others.

Shrugging, Richard answered, "That's the issue. Taking your time is key with most alliances. You could have twenty people with whom you have aligned yourself. However, if you cannot keep in contact with all twenty of them consistently, you'll lose them. And then what if two of those families turned against each other and each demanded that you choose a side? Well, if you met them both here and hardly know either one of them, you might very well make the wrong decision since you would most likely base it on political and financial standing instead of personality." Richard glanced back out at the table. "That's what this whole ball was set up to destroy – favouritism based on perceived superiority. Unfortunately, that seems to have fallen to the wayside."

"Times are changing. Or so they say," John responded with a nod.

Richard looked at him solemnly. "The question is, though, if it's for the better."

John nodded, sobered by the discussion. After a few moments, he forced a smile to his face. "So what you're telling me is that we're not jumping into bed together on the first night. What are you? A three-night kind of bloke?"

"Well, I have to ensure that you are of a good character. Someone I could take back to Mother," Richard replied, chuckling. "I require at least four nights before even thinking about committing."

Mockingly incredulous, John echoed back, "Four nights?" He couldn't keep himself from grinning. "You are really going to make me work for it, aren't you? Woo you and convince you that my intentions are pure."

"You can never be too careful nowadays," Richard told him matter-of-factly. "There are scoundrels who would take advantage of someone as helpless and innocent as myself."

John fought the instinct to roll his eyes. Once again, they relapsed into comfortable silence, each of them eating slowly. Honestly, John felt better about his situation now. He didn't think he was wasting his time anymore, especially since Richard made such good points. Besides, he was forging an alliance with Richard – whoever he was – which was something, given that Richard was clearly far more superior than John. Quality over quantity indeed.

Looking back over at Richard, John caught sight of his rose once more. "That's a nice touch you added," he complimented, motioning towards the flower.

"Already trying to woo me, Mr Sommelier?" Richard teased.

"I should have known you were too sharp for such blatant compliments." Then he looked back at it. "But I mean it. From what I can tell, and given my years of fashion experience," he added sarcastically before continuing honestly, "you would look good in red."

Richard paused for a moment, examining John carefully. Once he realised John was being genuine about his final comment, he smiled. "Well, thank you very much. And now is my opportunity to say that blue is a flattering colour on you, although I cannot say this with the confidence of a fashion expert such as yourself."

John smiled at that. "Well, we all can't be both sommeliers and fashion experts. Don't feel too poorly about your obvious lack in education."

"I want you to be my first dance tomorrow," Richard stated all of a sudden.

Surprised, John responded, "Very well." It was an honour to be asked to be someone's first dance – he recalled his instructor noting – as it meant that Richard wanted to spend the entirety of tomorrow night with him as well. Never before had John been asked to be a first dance.

"Meet me out on the balcony where we met tonight," Richard ordered gently. "It'll be easier to find you then."

Nodding, John replied, "I will be there, but will you recognize me in a new outfit?"

"Undoubtedly," Richard informed him before rising from his seat. "Unfortunately, I must leave you. May you have a fair night, John."

"May you have a fair night, Richard," John responded with a nod.

As soon as Richard had disappeared from sight, John realized the error in his judgement. Most new connections were made at the beginning of the night. By the time they were done dancing, it would be too late for John to make any new associates, as they will have all already found someone to talk to. Richard would monopolize John if he continued to meet him at the beginning of the night.

"It's the quality of alliance, not quantity," John reminded himself as he rose from the table.

He didn't even attempt to meet someone new that evening. After his jackpot with Richard, he knew that he had used up all of his luck. Instead, he summoned Molly and headed straight back to his room for the night. At least he would see Richard tomorrow. His heart raced at the thought. Things were going better than expected. Not only that, but he still had plenty of time to meet new people. He shouldn't worry about everything so much, especially when it's just the first night. And Richard wanted to see him again. That's what was important.

Smiling to himself, John slid underneath the duvet and let out a groan as he sank into the mattress. It was tenfold more comfortable than his mattress at home. At this rate, he wouldn't want to leave the king's palace. He took in a deep breath and closed his eyes, his heart still beating a bit irregularly as he waited for tomorrow to come.