The musicians struck up a lilting tune that wafted softly across the room. Lights dimmed as the hum of noise faltered and silenced, all eyes turning to the center of the floor. Aranelle tiptoed shyly through the crowd and advanced toward the open area of the floor, adjusting the pearlesque masquerade mask that hid all but her rosy lips and the smile in her emerald eyes. Her iridescent dress swished around her as she made her way to the gallant gentleman approaching her from the opposite end of the gathering crowd. His feathered mask was slightly askew, which he casually adjusted with the tips of his gloved fingers. The gentleman flicked out the tails of his sapphire velvet coat, bowing to her. He then offered her his hand, a coy grin on his lips. She took his hand and he began to waltz her around the floor with a flowing ethereal grace. She felt like she was walking on air. Every twirl sent her curtain of strawberry curls fanning out behind her before brushing against her cheeks as they bounced against her. When she dared look in the man’s eyes, she was startled by the warmth in those hazel eyes. The flecks of gold entranced her, and she could not look away as they spun faster and faster, growing more in synch with each step. Grinning, the hazel-eyed gentleman picked up the pace, skirting her around the edge of the crowd, testing Aranelle with intricate moves that she followed expertly. The dim lights shimmered across her dress, making the couple glow as they twirled. The crowd watched in awe, breaths caught by the sight of the couple in the center. No one knew who they were, but they were content to watch them float across the glossed oak floor, admiring the fluidity of their dance. Aranelle was content to follow every step the man lead her into, soon slowing the pace with him as the song drew to its end. With the last hovering notes, he twirled her in a slow circle before dipping her down. Aranelle’s breath was caught with the honest admiration in the man’s eyes. She couldn’t help but smile at him. When he gently pulled her back up, he led her off the dance floor, one hand entwined in hers, the other lightly pressed at the small of her back, navigating her towards the French doors that led to the balcony overlooking the garden. Once they reached the railing, the man turned to Aranelle, a slow smile tugging at his mouth.
“You dance beautifully.”
“I must admit, you lead rather well, yourself. You didn’t once step on my toes.”
The man grinned. “That comes from years of practice. But never have I met anyone who followed so well. It was like we were one person. I’ve never had that happen before. It was exhilarating.”
Aranelle smiled. “Indeed it was.” She offered her hand. “I am Aranelle. Who might you be, good sir?”
The man chuckled, removing his mask and tucking it into his belt. He took her hand and lightly kissed it. “Please, call me Robin. ‘Good sir’ makes me sound old.” He wrinkled his nose.
Aranelle stifled a giggle. “Perish the thought.”
Robin tucked a stray strand of black hair behind his ear, grinning. “Indeed. How, might I ask, do you know the Baron? You don’t seem like the type to fall into his cluster of pomposity.”
She stifled a louder fit of laughter, which got her a few glares from the nearby partygoers. “Excuse me, Sir Robin, but that is my pompous father you are describing.”
His eyes went wide in alarm. Kneeling before her with his head bent, he replied, “Please forgive my audacity, lady. I meant no offense to you or your father, the illustrious Baron Vandauden.”
Aranelle smiled impishly, pushing her mask back into place. “I shall consider your remark forgotten, on one condition.”
Robin looked up hopefully, eyes pleading. “Anything, milady.”
She smirked at Robin’s formality. “Get up.”
He hopped to his feet, dusting himself off before standing stiffly in front of her like a fledgling soldier. Nervously, he awaited her next command.
She couldn’t help but smile at the stricken look of panic in his features. She paused a moment longer before continuing, “First, you must escort me around the gardens…” Relief filled Robin’s features. Aranelle found this look much more befitting of his handsome features.
“Will that be all, milady?”
She shushed him. “Don’t get ahead of yourself, sir. Next, you must call me Aranelle.”
“Y-yes mil-, uhm, Aranelle…”
She barely caught the sheepish blush cross his cheeks. “Shall we?”
He held out his elbow, waiting for her to slip her arm through and lay her hands on his arm before leading her slowly down the marble stairs to the garden below.
The night was mostly clear, with only a few scattered clouds to soften the glow of the moon. That coupled with the lanterns placed along the cobbled paths gave the atmosphere a cozy intimacy. The young couple proceeded under a woven canopy of trees which opened into a garden of twining roses in full bloom. The smell was pleasantly intoxicating, filling the warm summer air with the heady scent of flowers. Robin did his best to be cordial, not speaking much as he led Aranelle through the maze of roses. She was having a marvelous time, looking over at him occasionally to smile with encouragement. Soon, she could feel the tension leave his arms and they relaxed back into friendly conversation. They talked about their families and shared stories about their childhood and their dreams.
Once they made it to the other side of the maze of roses, they stopped in front of a bubbling fountain. The water glistened in the moonlight, adding to the relaxed aura surrounding the two of them.
Robin turned to Aranelle, tilting his head to the side. “You are amazing. You are sweet, intelligent, kind, and a wonderful dancer. Yet, I am immensely curious. This entire time we have walked together, you have not removed your mask.”
Aranelle grinned, shrugging. “I didn’t see the need.”
Robin hesitated before tucking a blond curl behind her ear. “Would you consider removing it? Someone as amazing as you must be beautiful as well. May I see your face?”
She shook her head. “I will not remove my mask.”
He looked crestfallen. “Why?”
She smiled. “Here is your second task. Remove my mask.”
With great care, Robin took hold of the ends of the ribbons that tied on her mask. Slowly, he pulled at them until the ribbons fell away, Aranelle catching the mask in her hands.
Robin stood speechless, in awe of the soft cheeks that curved up from her rosy smile, and the fiery spark in her emerald eyes. He slid his fingers down the curve of her face, taking it all in.
Aranelle’s soft smile transformed her face, making it all the more beautiful. She whispered, “To complete your apology, there is one last thing you must do.”
Robin swallowed and blinked before responding. “What might that be?”
She looked him in the eyes and responded, “Kiss me.”
He slid a hand around her waist, stepping closer as he cupped her chin in his hand. Tipping up her chin, he leaned in to touch his lips to hers. Their kiss was gentle, and long, and they wished it would never end.

Is there more? I love the word choice, you could really picture the scene. My only concern is the line spacing, you can read it but it is a little confusing.