Wrong Place, Right Time

The dutchess. The woman I know everything yet nothing about.

I am a servant in her palace. I do many odd jobs. Known as the jack of trades here. I used to travel before one bad robbery left me broke on the street. So here I was now. Most of the staff consisted of the gardeners, the cooks, or the maids I did it all. Whoever needed help that day I was with.

This meant more work but also meant I knew so much. As a cleaner I know what the dutchess wears, a cook knows what she eats, and in the gardens, I see what she values.

I know just about all there is to know on the surface level, more than anyone else in this palace I'd argue.

Yet I have never seen her in person. Some Gawk at me when I say it but it's true. During the winter I get put on shovel duty. In the kitchens, I am only needed usually for feasts. Even on the cleaning jobs, it's for a party that will be happening and I will clean the rooms that are often not common areas unless there is an event.

Yet tonight I finally have my chance. The dutchess is throwing a masquerade of which I am going to be a server.

Though they didn't have a servers suit for me we were able to get permission for me to use an old one that was laying around apparently from an auction where it was a bonus item she had won.

We pulled it from its unopened bag and it fit like a glove. The white suit has golden accents with delicate embroidery. Something fit for a royal!

Finally, a red mask completes the look. I took to the floor to serve when they needed an extra hand.

"Come now, another couldn't hurt"

I notice a bit of a crowd staring at a man with a woman. She glared at him while he seemed to refuse to release her arm, "There are many fine ladies here I'm sure would dance with you"

Is no one going to step in? All these people are really going to just watch??

I make my way through and bow to the couple, "My lady, may I ask for this next dance"

The man glared at me but I only smiled.

She took my hand while I kept eye contact with the man. He eventually huffed and let her go storming off.

I couldn't help but smile at my victory before locking eyes with the woman before me, "Shall we?"

She nodded and I lead her to the dance floor. Her floorwork was smooth and much better than mine. We fell into the rhythm of the music my hand once hovering over her finally relaxing on her hip allowing me to help guide us.

As the song ended I assisted by pulling us from the dance floor, "Thank you for humoring me"

"Thank you for assisting me" she nodded pulling a couple of flutes of champagne from my fellow worker before offering one to me.

"I really shouldn't" I try to decline

"Oh? Is wine more you? Or perhaps bourbon?"

My voice was caught in my throat. Does she...no of course she wouldn't know I'm a waiter, I don't look like one. I take the drink with a small chuckle, "If you really insist"

She sipped hers seeming to eye me curiously, "Why did you save me there?"

"You appeared in trouble" I shrug taking a sip

"And if he is a higher rank than you? He could have you killed"

I about spit my drink. Holy shit I didn't think about that. I wipe my lip from the bead of champagne that escaped, "This is a masquerade is it not? No one should know anyone here"

She smiled to herself, "I suppose you're right, though that does raise the question of why?"

"I would believe to help level the field. So ranks don't get in the way of fun though it is disappointing to see someone try to bluff their rank"

She hummed, "Agreed. Though there is a fun to questioning who is who. You for instance...I don't believe we've ever met"

"Or perhaps we've met more times than either of us can count" that was a straight-up lie, why am I pretending to be noble?? I would just say I'm a God damn waiter

"Are you perhaps a scholar?"

I raise a finger to my lips, "If I tell you it ruins the fun of the masquerade"

She pouted but agreed, "Come, let's talk somewhere more private"

Before I knew it I was dragged out to one of the balconies. Instead of working, I found myself chatting the night away with a mystery woman about everything yet nothing at all.

It was as the night came to a close I gave her my jacket to keep warm as the cool evening air took to a chill.

I was finally found by one of my fellow workers who slyly beckoned me and I could politely leave expecting a thorough scolding for abandoning my duties.

Readers POV

I am an idiot. I throw my mask in frustration as my maid looks beyond confused, "What is it ma'am?"

"Why did I do a masquerade? It was the dumbest idea" I flop in front of my vanity

"It seemed like it went well my lady"

I point at the jacket I had neatly placed on my chair with frustration, "Do you happen to know the noble who owns that jacket?"

She looked at it curiously looking confused, "Nob...uh...no maam"

"Exactly. And now he's simply gone"

"He as in-?"

"The owner of that jacket! He was so sweet to me. Unknowing of my rank he helped and stood up for me. He danced with me and even offered his jacket"

She stared in disbelief.

"What is that look for?"

"Nothing my lady just... you also don't know that man's rank so-"

"So what?"

"If he's below you?" She assisted me in getting out of my gown

"No matter. I have no interest in marrying up just for the sake of marrying up. Besides, he's a noble either way"

She nodded finishing my dress, "anything else ma'am"

I sigh heavily, "No. I do believe I can get the rest. Thank you for listening to my rant"

"It's my honor ma'am" she smiled before leaving.

I finished changing into my nightgown and went back to admiring the jacket. His scent was still loosely on it. Who was the man behind that mask?

Keigo's POV

I was thoroughly chewed out. Not only for my disappearance but for losing the jacket I was so graciously given access to.

I was given more work as punishment. Tonight I am stuck on kitchen prep. Tomorrow I need to clean the entire west wing after all the guests leave.

I grumble to myself while cleaning all the dishes from tonight's event alone.

"Keigo!" Culpepper came running around the corner

"Pep, I don't have time. I need to get this done" I huff continuing to scrub

"This is important though! You'll neve-"

I grab the next big pot with a sigh, "Pep now is not the time"

"I know where you're jacket is!"

I stop at that, "Really? Wait where were you?"

"The east wi-"

"Culpepper, he's in trouble, let him work" the head of staff peered in

"East wing, got it" I nod as she left.

The following day I felt like a zombie. I was SUPPOSED to have the west wing at least started by noon but I didn't finish prep till nearly 5 am.

By the time I finished the west, it was late into the evening. Yet my curiosity had me wondering to the east.

To be honest I've never been to the east wing. It's where the most prestigious guests stay since the dutchess usually occupies this area.

I realize just how big this place is. Though I find myself tired looking from room to room. Peeking into the bedrooms to scan for the white jacket.

Readers POV

Today I spent more time than I'd like to admit dawdling. I wanted to find the masked man from the other night but as I said my goodbyes to each overnight guest, not one seemed anything like the masked Stanger.

I found myself thinking about him. I want to remember him. His golden hair and a lean build. His gentle touch as we danced. His voice is a sweet song.

I remember the calluses I felt on his hand as we danced. Maybe he is an artist? Or it's from writing.

By the evening I couldn't sleep trying to think. Who could he have been? I didn't just invite the highest nobles. I invited many artists as well. I know I've never seen him at any previous events though.

I decided a nightcap was in order pouring myself a glass of wine. My nightgown was thin but my robe was fuzzy and warm. I rest on the bed while I ponder the man.

Even if I was to find the man again I know nothing about him. Although he looked handsome the mask obscured his face. He spoke smartly yet so casually like that of a commoner.

He spoke of places I'd never heard of. A traveled man. It's almost like a dream. Who knows, maybe he never existed at all.

I gaze back at his jacket that hung on my chair only to see someone standing by it. I jump out of my skin but keep quiet watching the figure tiredly grab the jacket.

"No" I dropped my wine letting the class clatter loudly to the floor

The figure stopped seeming just as surprised as me. After a few long moments, I grew tired of squinting in the dark turning on the lamp on my bedside table.

My breath caught when the first flicker of light hit the figure. His golden hair, the amber eyes, that lean build. Not only that but him retrieving his jacket.

"M' sorry ma'am, I didn't know someone was in this room" He drawled

He looked exhausted. Deep circles around his eyes. I now could see his face. The light flickered at the angles of his face.

"You're the man from the other night" I mumble still astonished the man came into my room so late into the night

He perked up at that before sudden terror and realization hit his features, "I'm so sorry! Gotta catch my, eh, carriage" He grabbed the jacket and ran out of the room.

He was gone before I could even move a muscle to stop him. I managed to get out of bed and to the door. A maid looked shaken meeting my look.

"Do you know that man? The one who went running out?"

"Not at all ma'am", she stammered out

"Get someone to identify him"

"Are you going to press charges?" She looked terrified

"Press charges?" I raise a brow, "I want him invited to meet with me personally"

She nodded, "I-ill uh, catch him and schedule a day" she hurried off.

A wave of relief washed over me. Maybe I will meet my mysterious stranger again.

Keigo's POV

"Oh I fucked uuuup" I mumble

"Yes, and no, but yes" Pep examined the white suit jacket

"What am I going to do??"

"Meet with her. She saw your face. Not like you can avoid her forever"

"Or can I?" I raise a brow

She glared, "You can't be serious"

"If she finds out I'm just a servant than-"

"So what? The lady isn't going to care. She is quite stricken with you"

"Only because she doesn't know me"

"Do you believe if she found out your social status she'll reject you?"

"Shed probably kill me" I huff

"I think the dutchess is quite kind, you should meet with her and come clean"

"Or, hear me out- I run away"

"No-"

"Wait, what if I just pretend to be someone else?"

"Terrible idea-"

"It's perfect!"

Pep had a stern look but I just gave an awkward smile, "Don't worry, I got this. I'll meet with her and she'll find how blasted boring I am and never think about me again"

"I'll pass out the popcorn at your hanging" Pep grumbled before leaving disgruntled.

I just don't see how this can go wrong

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