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When Lucian says (in the safety of his mind) that he'll do anything for his twin, he means anything. Even dressing up as her and going on a date she doesn't want to go to.
It all started when Lucille got an invitation to a ball. Technically, they both got an invitation, but, unlike Lucille's, Lucian's is only a formality, since they are the Marquis' children. Anyway, due to the upcoming ball, many try to ask the two for a chance of becoming their dates. Lucian rejects all of them, not planning to attend the ball. Lucille does that too, even if she is planning to attend. One suitor, however, is persistent.
None other than Callisto, the third and youngest prince. Being the prince, Lucian knows that Lucille thinks that it would be rude to reject him.
Now here they are in Lucian's room; Lucian on his desk, writing, and Lucille nearly on her knees, pleading.
"You did this to yourself. Why would I be the one to fix it?" Lucian asks, not looking up from writing. "All you had to do was say no."
"Please, Lucy. I had no choice! There were too many people watching." Lucille pleads, dragging her twin's chair to make him face her. She then grabs his shoulders to shake him vigorously. "Please, I'll do you a favor next time."
"Don't call me that, it's your nickname." He crosses his arms, annoyed from being disrupted from writing.
"It's yours too. Remember, what's yours is mine and what's mine is yours." She says, hoping to shift his focus. Lucian only raises a brow. She slumps her shoulders and sighs, "Please?"
Sighing, Lucian drags a hand down his face, resigned. "What do you want me to do?"
"Talk to him?" She asks, her voice lowering slightly.
Lucian barks out a laugh and then looks at her incredulously. "You and I both know he won't listen."
Lucille shrugs, "I don't know. Maybe he'll listen to you." Her face scrunches up in a way that shows him that she's hiding something.
He squints his eyes at her in suspicion. What is she hiding? Chalking it up to the nervousness of rejecting a prince, he brushes it off and stands up. "He won't." He says firmly, then adds when his sister opens her mouth to retort, "So we'll just think of something else."
Lucille tilts her head slightly and walks to sit on his bed. "What do you mean?"
"I mean that we need a plan." He paces around the room. "I know his personality, unfortunately. I know he won't retract his date offer just because somebody asked."
"But he might! If you were the one to talk to him." She insists, taking hold of both of his hands when he stands in front of her.
He raises a brow at her once again. "And what difference will it make if I'd be the one to talk to him?" Lucille freezes momentarily, looking around as though the answer might appear before her. "Well?"
"I don't know, I think he might." She mutters, defeated, dropping her hold on his hands.
He sighs and plops down beside her. "Don't worry, I said I'd help you. We just have to think of something. The ball's tomorrow night, so there won't be time to talk to him." He glances toward the window on the far side of the room, where their reflections are becoming stark with the evening sky. Lucille also turns her gaze toward it, their eyes meeting through the glass. Without warning, he jumps off the bed and onto his feet.
Startled, Lucille yelps, "What? What is it?"
"I've got an idea!" Lucille waits for him to finish but he only continues to grin proudly at their image on the glass. So, she coughs and motions him to continue. "Lucille would be going to the ball. But you won't."
"What?" She utters out, deeply puzzled.
Lucian sits back down and faces her. He rambles, "Yes! We know that Callisto won't take no for an answer right? So we know he won't accept me talking to him on the day of the ball. You don't want to but Lucille has to attend with him or else it would humiliate him, seeing as he asked in public. So..." he trails off, seeming slightly hesitant of his idea now.
"So?" She parroted, coming to a conclusion on her own. However, she must hear it from him directly to truly believe he's willing to do that.
"So, I go as you." He finishes, voice lowering to a mutter. It doesn't seem like a good idea now that he says it. But, it would come down to either of the two things; he goes as Lucille and rejects the prince himself or Lucille goes and the prince forces her to marry him or the likes.
Alright, that might be far-fetched but he never knows with Callisto. Callisto's unpredictable and has always struck him as odd. He always pestered Lucian nonstop when they were still at the Academy. So yes, as if he'd leave him alone with his sister for one whole night.
"You're kidding." Lucille breathes out in disbelief. For the second time that evening, she grabs his shoulders and shakes him vigorously. "Take a few steps back and think, Lucy. Just talk to him! Maybe he will listen."
Lucian hums doubtfully, removing her hands from him. "And how are you so sure of that?"
"It's just- he's alright, I think. He was quite nice when he talked to me so deceiving him is a little..." she trails off.
He hums again, this time it was a teasing one. "Sounds like you like him, Lucy." He laughs at her expression. He relents when she quietens, guilt painted on her face. "If you like him, why don't you want to go with him?" He asks softly.
Lucille sighs, looking like the weight of the world is on her shoulders, even though Lucian has explicitly told her she doesn't have to attend the ball with the prince. "I don't like him. Well, it's not like I dislike him either. I simply don't like him like that. I guess he's alright."
"But?"
"I don't know." She's silent for a few beats before she perks up as if she has an idea. "But I think that if I go with him, people might expect that we'll marry or something."
"That's why I'm going as you. I can act like there isn't anything going on between you and Callisto," Lucian argues. He doesn't understand why his twin doesn't like his plan. "Are you opposing this plan because you still want to go to the ball?"
Lucille sighs, pulling on a strand of her framing her face. "I'm not opposing your plan. I'm just saying that maybe you should talk to him first. And yes, I still want to go to the ball."
"It's settled then, since you're not opposing, we'll do it. You can still go, but not as yourself." He stands up, reaches for Lucille's hand, and drags her out of the room. "Now rest. Talking to Callisto earlier must have been stressful."
Lucille rolls her eyes, exasperated at her brother's attitude towards the prince. "Prince Callisto's not that bad, you know."
"Spend a few years with him before telling me your opinion." He sticks out his tongue -which is childish of him but he doesn't care, only Lucy's here to see it- and shuts the door.
*****
Tomorrow finds the twins in Lucille's room this time. They're deciding on what to wear tonight. Well, Lucille's deciding. Lucian knows that she can handle the dresses, she's much more knowledgeable about them anyway.
Many dresses later, she ultimately settles on one. The dress is a mixture of black and dark purple hues, featuring an intricately designed bodice with a high collar that seamlessly transitions into a sweetheart neckline. The sleeves are long and extend down to cover the wrists, with layered, flowing fabric flaring out from the elbows. The skirt of the dress has layers of sheer fabric that drape over a full, black underskirt, which is adorned with lace detailing along the hem. The sheer layers are embroidered with an array of constellations, while silver ornaments of stars and moons cascade from a silver piece that cinches the waist.
Thankfully, it covers his neck and chest. The latter, especially, would be a telltale sign of which twin is which. She pairs it with a silver mask that fits nicely on his face. It has a filigree design and small rhinestones, the edges curving elegantly.
Lucian has forgotten that it was a masquerade ball. Although, he supposes it doesn't make much of a difference whether he wears a mask or not, at least he doesn't have to show his whole face to Callisto. He doesn't need a wig since his hair is already long enough. It isn't as long as Lucille's but they simply have to style it in an updo.
Lucille has also picked an outfit for herself. A light pink dress adorned with roses, paired with a mask with a matching color and design. She also sports a short and wavy light brown wig to complete her outfit.
A few grueling hours of preparation later, they arrive at the palace in a carriage that doesn't bear their family seal. They stride in after a confirmation of their invitation.
As soon as they step into the ballroom, a man approaches them and asks to dance with Lucille. Restraining the urge to glare daggers at the man, Lucian nods and tells her to enjoy the ball.
"You sure you'll be alright, Lucy?" Lucille whispers to him, unsure, and takes hold of his hand.
"Yes. We've impersonated each other plenty of times now. Don't worry." He squeezes her hand tightly then smiles as she nods and goes to dance.
Watching his twin out of the corner of his eyes and taking a drink from a passing servant, he walks around, hoping that nobody asks him for a dance. It seems that somebody heard his wish and does the opposite because a young man purposefully strides in his direction. Before the man reaches him, however, another has already reached Lucian.
"Good evening, my lady." He hears a familiar voice behind him, a very unwelcome but very unavoidable voice. The young man stops in his tracks and turns, embarrassed.
Lucian spins around to face Callisto. He's wearing a white tailcoat with gold embroidery featuring sun motifs patterned along the lapels, cuffs, and tails. A matching vest with sunburst patterns, along with a white dress shirt and a gold-hemmed cravat. His upper face is covered with a white mask with gold designs. His usually carefree hair is styled, golden locks shining against the candlelight.
He smiles down at Lucian who inwardly curses. He hoped that Callisto wouldn't recognize him -or Lucille, to be exact. So much for that. Lucian puts on a courteous smile, not responding to his greeting, no matter its rudeness.
"May I have the honor of dancing with someone as enchanting as you?" Callisto bows slightly and offers his hand.
Still a smooth talker, I see. Lucian resists the urge to roll his eyes at his attempt to charm. Seeing that there's no other choice and that Callisto already knows who he is -or rather, who he's pretending to be -, he accepts with a practiced smile. Callisto leads them both to the dance floor, then places a hand on Lucian's waist, his other hand never leaving Lucian's.
Lucian stumbles through the first few steps, forgetting that he's not supposed to be the one leading. "Not much of a dancer, my lady?" Callisto teases, breaking the silence between them.
Lucian's head snaps up to glare at him before he remembers who he is supposed to be tonight. He looks away, pretending to be embarrassed about his mistakes in dancing. Successfully remembering the steps, the two gracefully glide across the dance floor.
Callisto chuckles at his reaction, "Not much of a talker either?"
Huffing a laugh, Lucian answers him with a hint of an amused smile, "Only those I'm not close with, my lord."
The prince chuckles again, "I understand. Then, may I know your name, my lady?" He asks as they turn.
Lucian rolls his eyes and huffs. "You already know who I am. You wouldn't approach me if you didn't."
"How would I? Your face is covered by your mask. And I approached you because you're the loveliest out of all the people here." The prince smiles innocently.
Breathing out a laugh, he grins at Callisto. "You see that my face is covered and yet you call me lovely. Your flattery confuses me, my lord."
Callisto chuckles as he spins Lucian away and back to him, his hand reclaiming its position on the other's waist. "It isn't just mere flattery, it's a fact. You truly are lovely. And I don't just mean you're face." He pauses as they make a sweeping turn. "So will you tell me your name?"
"That defeats the purpose of the masks, don't you think?" The prince doesn't answer, only staring at him expectantly. Lucian sighs, "Fine. You may call me Lucy."
"A nickname?"
Even with the mask covering half of the prince's face, Lucian can see delight radiating only from his smile. He nods his head.
"Then, Lady Lucy, you can call me List. Just List."
"Well, Lord List, I'll drop the Lord if you drop the Lady." He laughs lightly. I'm not a lady anyway.
Callisto laughs with him. "Of course, Lucy."
After a few moments of unexpectedly pleasant silence, a thought comes into Lucian's mind. "You know, why did you bother asking me to be your date if this was a masquerade ball?"
Callisto pauses for a second, his steps unaffected, before shrugging, "No reason."
Lucian hums skeptically, raising a brow behind his mask, but doesn't argue against his reply.
When the song finishes, Lucian allows himself to be led outside before removing his hands from the prince's. Callisto whistles a familiar melody as they walk through the garden, somehow sensing Lucian's desire for a moment of quiet.
Why isn't he this thoughtful back at the academy? Lucian wonders, peeved. After a while, he hums along with the melody before realizing where he has heard the tune before. It's the song he can play with his eyes closed. The one he wrote when he was still a child exploring everything and anything. His steps halt and he stares at Callisto, who pauses when he sees him stopping.
"What is it?" Callisto asks, his head tilted curiously and his smile puzzled.
It takes a few beats of silence before Lucian can respond. Shaking his head, he continues walking and casually asks, "Where did you hear that song?" He smooths his skirt and fidgets with a star adornment, incredulous that he took so long to recognize the tune.
Callisto scrambles to catch up to him, responding only when they’re walking together. "Well, I heard you-" he breaks off, as if gathering his thoughts, then carries on, "During my time at the academy, I often heard that melody being played in one of the more rarely used music rooms. I had come to look forward to it each time I strolled past that area."
Seeing his wistful smile, Lucian blushes at the discovery that someone has listened to him play enough times for them to still remember it and smile with such fondness. Maybe he isn't as bad as I thought. Shaking his head to rid of that thought, he turns away to compose himself lest the prince see his reaction.
"How about you, Lucy?" Callisto smiles at him. He elaborates when he only gets a questioning hum, "Where did you hear the melody?"
They pause, admiring the view of the garden full of colorful flowers, only lit by the moonlight and the lanterns. Lucian lingers by a flower bush, running a finger over the petals. "Oh. Well, I know someone who often plays that song too."
"Is that so? I went to great lengths to discover the composer, but no one knew the song." Callisto leans closer and grins at him knowingly, "I take it you know who it is?"
He grins playfully back at him, crossing his arms, "Why do you think that?"
"I just know." Callisto smiles proudly, leaning away.
Lucian nearly lifts a hand to playfully shove at him but stops, remembering his role for the evening. He clears his throat and steps back. The prince looks at him confusedly but before he can ask, Lucian ignores his questioning look and notices a short bridge not far from them.
Following his line of sight, Callisto holds out a hand and motions for them to walk towards the bridge. Lucian accepts his offered hand and follows his lead, relieved he didn't press further. At the highest point of the arched bridge, he let his hand slip away, a silence, slightly awkward but still pleasant, enveloping them.
After a few minutes of quiet and gazing at their reflections, Callisto reaches behind his head to untie his mask, letting it drop onto his other hand. He faces a shocked Lucian and grins at him.
"Your Highness," Lucian breathes out, caught off guard by the turn of events. Does this mean that I'll have to remove mine too? Callisto already knows who he is (pretending to be), yet without a mask, he feels that he's exposed and bare. Both of which he doesn't want to be. He's saved from thinking about it further when the prince sighs, resigned.
"Just call me List or Callisto, Lucy. No need for titles. Just for tonight." Even as he smiles, his green eyes are still so somber that Lucian simply nods, unable to do anything else.
An odd thought crosses his mind; he finds that this kind of expression doesn't suit Callisto's face. It makes his face dreary and so unlike the usual one that is bright and lively. He shifts his head so he doesn't see the other's face. "If you say so, Callisto."
Head turned away, he misses the way Callisto brightens at him. "Well, Lucy. Aren't you going to show me your face?" He leans close to Lucian's face, grinning from ear to ear.
Lucian frowns at him, "I don't have to show you, you already know what I look like." The prince gives him a face that clearly shows his desire to see his unmasked face, his eyes widening as he pleads. Lucian rolls his eyes, although he can't help the slight smile curling at the corners of his lips. "You're annoying, you know that?"
"So I've been told in the past." Callisto grins, his expression cheery, much more suitable for his face than the one before. He leans even closer, his resolve unwavering.
Cursing himself for being weak, Lucian unties his mask, revealing an unimpressed stare. He flinches back when Callisto tucks a strand behind his ear.
"You truly are lovely," Callisto whispers, eyes glazed over.
Without warning, Lucian is struck with a disturbing realization. "Are you in love with me, your highness?" He asks abruptly, effectively sobering up the prince.
A few beats of silence pass before he declares, "Yes, I am." Then he added, "And please call me Callisto."
His breath hitches. It’s as if his thoughts are a volcano, erupting and sending a flood of questions and ideas surging through his mind. How long has he been in love with Lucy? Was it before or after we went to the Academy? Is that why he keeps pestering me? To ask for my sister's hand? Is that also why he asked her in public even though it's a masquerade ball? Just so it would put her on the spot? If so, then I'll make sure that he never-
His train of thought gets interrupted when Callisto asks in a low voice, "Does that make you mad?"
"What do you mean? Why would I be mad?" He questions him, genuinely confused.
Callisto laughs, humorless. "Well, for one, you hate me."
Lucille hates him? Since when? She told me he's alright. She just doesn't like him romantically. Is it only Callisto's assumption? Must be. Frankly, Lucille doesn't hate anyone. That's my job. A lighthearted laugh snaps him out of his thoughts once again.
"You're thinking too much right now, aren't you?" Still smiling so amusedly, Callisto lifts a hand to Lucian's face, smoothing away the furrow on his brows with his thumb.
Mind still preoccupied by the prince's remark, Lucian fails to fully comprehend his touch. "Why would you think I hate you?"
Callisto's eyes widen as if just remembering something. He withdraws his hand from the other's face."Nevermind. Forget I said anything. Forget about that part about me being in love too." He spins to walk back to the castle when Lucian grabs his wrist. He looks up to see him staring firmly.
"No. What did you mean about me hating you?" This night is starting to puzzle Lucian. He intended to steer the prince away from his sister, yet his words only seem to complicate things further. He figures that the only way to find the answer is to go to the source of confusion; Callisto.
The prince nervously scratches his cheek, looking away. "Please forget about it. I apologize for springing that on you. I know you don't hate me, Lady Lucille." He tries to free his wrist from Lucian's tight grip to no avail.
"You know, if you tell someone to just forget about it after saying something like that, they're more likely to not forget about it." Lucian gives him an unimpressed stare once again. He watches the prince wince, knowing the truth in his remark. Lucian tightens his hold, urging him to speak. "Don't run off now. You can't simply dash off like a maiden in a fairy tale. It's hardly even midnight."
Callisto focuses his gaze on the hand keeping him from running away. Strands of hair have escaped his carefully crafted hairstyle, casting a shadow across his face. Then he mutters, so quietly that Lucian barely hears him, "You know I'd never run away from you." He clears his throat and straightens up, looking purposefully into Lucian's eyes. "Lady Lucille doesn't hate me. But you do."
An embarrassingly long moment passes before Lucian finally understands the implications of his words. He drops the other's hand and steps back. "What?" It feels as if all he has done tonight is ask that question.
"I know it's you, Lucian. Or may I still call you Lucy?" Callisto bows and takes his hand, pressing a kiss on top and winking up at him. He straightens up and chuckles at Lucian's stunned face. He leads them to walk around again, his hand delicately settling on Lucian's lower back.
Lucian coughs, to cover up his shock, and raises a brow. "How bold of you to accuse me of something like that. Do you have proof?" His words come out haughtily, a stark contrast to his much kinder twin. Yet, he can't help it; the prince's unpredictability continually catches him off guard.
Callisto removes his hand from Lucian's back. He then raises the hand he hasn't let go yet, running a thumb over a scar on it. "This is from that time when someone tried to attack me with a dagger and ended up slicing you when you pulled me out of the way."
"Was that why you were staring at my hands? Was that when you figured it out?"
The prince's face colors and he glances away, still holding his hand. "Well, no, I just think they're quite beautiful to look at. And, I already knew who you were ever since I asked you to dance. Lady Lucille would've responded differently."
Setting aside the praise, Lucian tilts his head. "So you already knew who I was from the start." Callisto nods. He turns his face away, embarrassed to be found out so early or to be found out at all. He's so confident that he's already mastered impersonating his twin. A thought comes to his mind and he pauses walking. "Is that why you retracted your confession? You momentarily forgot I'm not Lucille?"
Callisto halts in his tracks as well, seeing as they haven't thought to let go of each other's hands yet. "No. You're the one I'm in love with." He says matter-of-factly, smiling sweetly. He continues walking, pulling Lucian along.
Lucian, however, gapes and tugs his hand to stop him. "You can't be in love with me! You're a prince!" He withdraws his hand from Callisto's. "And if you are, why did you ask Lucille to be your date?"
Rubbing the back of his head, Callisto laughs sheepishly, "Oh, I didn't ask her to be my date. I only asked for her help so I could talk to you. I told her to tell you I asked her to be my date, then say she doesn't want to go so you can come and convince me to retract my offer."
Lucian looks at him incredulously. "That's a lot of work just to be able to talk to me."
"What can I say? Love makes you do things. You have a habit of avoiding me as well." He chuckles, "Besides, it worked better than I could've planned, don't you think? I got to dance with you too." Callisto beams so brightly that Lucian imagines that if the sun were present, it would be outshined.
He can't help but smile at him as well. "Was that your reason for pestering me all the time at the Academy?"
"Pestering? I was courting you!" The prince cries, affronted.
"Oh, yes." He rolls his eyes despite the slight smile on his face. "What a wonderful way to court someone; annoy them all the time until they come to the conclusion that it's another form of harassment."
"You seriously thought I was harassing you?" Callisto asks, looking like a kicked puppy.
"Obviously. Why wouldn't I when you wouldn't leave me alone."
He sighs dejectedly, slumping. "I apologize. If you still think that then I'll stop and back off."
Seeing the look on his face, Lucian elbows him. "I don't think like that now. Actually, your being in love explains almost all of the things you did back then." He laughs, vividly recalling the memories. "The sweets, the trying to carry my bag as if you aren't a prince, all that stuff."
Callisto perks up, rubbing the sore spot on his arm. "Does that mean I can court you properly this time?"
"Well..." he trails off as if thinking about it. "If it means you won't be courting Lucy then all right."
"Are you only allowing me to court you so I won't court your sister?"
He doesn't respond, only giving an innocent smile, which is an answer in itself.
"Lucy!"
"Will you start calling me Lucy from now on?"
"Lucian, come on. Can I really do it? And not just so I wouldn't court your sister?"
"Well, are you sure you're up to the challenge?"
"Of course! Anything for you."
"You know, you shouldn't say that kind of stuff. You are a prince."
"I'm the last one in line for the throne. I don't have responsibilities like those of the crown prince. Besides, I only say them to you."
"How charming. But I'm afraid it isn't enough to make me swoon."
"Of course not. By the way, you look quite stunning in that dress."
"Of course I do. I look exactly like Lucille and she worked hard to dress me up."
"You also have a pleasant singing voice."
"You haven't even heard me sing."
"You hummed earlier. That was enough to make me swoon."
"You always swoon, Callisto."
"I can't help it when I always find you attractive."
"..."
"I'm guessing compliments don't work either?"
"Why? Is it all you've got?"
"Of course not."
"It better not be. Or you won't be the Callisto I know."
"The me you know and love?"
"Maybe, if you've successfully wooed me."
"You know..."
"Hm?"
"Earlier, when you said I can't be in love with you, it's quite the opposite."
"Why is that?"
"My parents would rejoice at the fact that I'm pursuing the child of one of the most powerful people in the kingdom. My mother would probably want to plan the wedding herself."
"Proposing already? How eager."
"Not yet. I still have a lot of things I wish to do before that.”
"Confident. I like it."
"Then be ready for a lot of attention and wooing from me."
"I already received a lot of that back in the academy."
"I was just getting started back then."
"I can't wait to see you fail."
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Lucy. I have more to show you than what you’ve seen so far."
"Let's see about that."