Masquerading (Closed)

[KiwiD82]

Raphael watched as the younger Simoneti sister adorned her mask, and quietly offered "Such a pity" in response.

He flashed a wicked grin in Elenora's direction, then affixed his own mask and turned away from the carriage which wasted no time in leaving the pair alone.

Raphael and Elenora had been brought to the edge of Piazza San Marco.

The merchant reached for Elenora's hand and led her into the deep shadow of a tall building so that they couldn't be seen by the few figures who strolled the moonlit square.

They skirted the side of the building until they reached a corner from which they could see into the square properly, if they chose.

Raphael turned to face Elenora, offering her the first opportunity to look across the face of the building.

"Care to do the honours, milady?" he whispered.

 

[heartofcourage]

As he took her hand, Elenora's heart skipped a beat. She grinned as he pulled her towards the shadow of the buildings, the moonlight obscured by the facade as they watched people walking back and forth across the piazza. Then he dared her to take the first step. She had no idea if he meant it as a challenge, but she took it as such.

Letting out a soft laugh, she gave him a nod, still holding his hand as she stepped from the shadow towards their ultimate destination.

 

[KiwiD82]

The feeling of Elenora's hand inside his own was difficult for Raphael to quantify. Even in the cold, still night, her long red glove offered them both some sense of warmth, and - for Raphael, at least - something to savour and to fight for.

His fellow runaway let out a gentle laugh that seemed to float upon the air, and even with her mask on, there was no denying she was beauteous with dark tendrils of hair that had somehow escaped their pins now framing her face.

But it was when she stepped forward out of the shadows, displaying her daring and guile, that Raphael took in her form properly. Silhouetted against the moonlight, her figure that had been missed by her sister's suitors and hidden in the darkness by the building, was accentuated more than ever before. Her figure was exquisite.

It was also just as she stepped out that Raphael saw a palace guard approaching. Normally that wouldn't bother him while out on a moonlit stroll, but their masks might raise suspicion, and he now had a lady's reputation to protect, so Raphael pulled Elenora back into the shadows until the guard veered away.

 

[heartofcourage]

Elenora took two steps and then let out a gasp as she felt herself tugged backwards into Raphael's arms. She looked up at him for a moment as the sounds of footsteps approached, her heart thudding in her chest at the prospect of being caught. Her father very well might send her away to a convent as he had threatened to do with Catriona so many times in the past.

She breathed a deep sigh of relief as the footsteps turned and went away from their position, her eyes looking into Raphael's as she gave him a slight smile. She were doing something that was incredibly dangerous and unlawful, but she had complete trust that he wouldn't let them suffer a tragic fate.

 

[KiwiD82]

Raphael caught Elenora as he pulled her back into the shadows. His nervousness of being seen by the guard was coupled with the elation of having her form pressed against his.

She looked up at him and, although her mouth was hidden by her mask, there was a playfulness reflected in her eyes that suggested a smile.

Raphael let out a quiet chuckle in response, before stepping up to the corner and peeking around it. The guard was nowhere to be seen, and he reached for Signorina Simoneti's hand and guided her along the facade of the building.

With some deft movement and careful timing, the pair were able to reach the arched entrance on the opposite side of the Doge's Palace without being noticed.

There, Raphael paused and looked back at Elenora, the moonlit beauty looking gorgeous in her tightly laced red dress. If she wanted no further part in this daring adventure, this was her final opportunity to back out.

 

[heartofcourage]

Elenora pressed against Raphael's back as he paused in his quest, looking back at her with a look that was hard to place. It wasn't fear or worry that she saw. It was appreciation. Perhaps he saw her as a beautiful woman. Maybe he thought that she were daring for wanting to do this quest with him. Whatever it was, she saw it shining in his dark gaze. She gave him a nod, motioning that she did want to continue on. She was in trouble as it was already. A little adventure wouldn't add to that.

 

[KiwiD82]

There was a very real thrill associated with Elenora pressing up against Raphael. She had stayed close to him from the moment they'd left the shadows and had been sharp enough to move as soon as he had given a signal to do so.

Clearly, there was more to Elenora Simoneti than she herself probably believed, but Raphael had quickly found himself entranced.

The merchant felt his pulse quicken when she nodded to proceed, and the thrill of embracing danger with her sent an adrenaline-fuelled shudder through his body.

Raphael nodded back, then took hold of the Italian beauty's gloved hands and guided her through the arch and into the nave. He quickly ushered her to one side of the cathedral interior, not wanting to be seen by any guards or churchmen.

The building interior itself was grand, far beyond anything Raphael himself had ever seen. The ceiling consisted of a series of tall archers that were coloured gold, and various images of prophets, saints, and disciples covered the walls. Somewhere near the altar, and obscured from view, a group of monks were chanting in Latin.

The situation was an extraordinary one, and Raphael instinctively wrapped an arm around Elenora's shoulders drew her close to relish in the shared experience.

 

[heartofcourage]

Elenora was struck by the beauty of the cathedral. It was breathtaking. She found herself wanting to stand and stare in awe, but she followed dutifully behind Raphael as he held her hand so tightly in his own. There wasn't time to waste. They had to hide from the guards that were watching over the building and the priests that were moving to and fro.

As Raphael paused and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, she couldn't help but press against his side. This moment was absolutely enthralling. There was danger and beauty, everything that she had always wanted to experience in her lifetime.

 

[KiwiD82]

There they stood, in a corner at the back of the nave, masks still concealing their faces. The lilting tones of the chanting monks carried down the vast space, echoing off the gilded walls, towards the pair in an unsuspecting incognito performance.

In truth, they were merely carrying out their religious duties, but to Raphael, it sounded wonderful. And it felt wonderful, too, with Elenora's form pressed against his side.

After a few minutes, he dropped his head so that his mouth was close to her ear, and whispered quietly into it, warm breath brushing over her skin.

"We may not be at mass, Bella, but I bet this is a bit more grand than your father's villa."

His face was hidden, but Raphael was grinning good-naturedly as he turned back to watch the monks.

 

[heartofcourage]

"It's beautiful." Elenora murmured softly as she took in the sights that were around her. "Stunning."

The ceiling glinted in the candlelight, the gold gilding reflecting everything back to them in beautiful detail. She had never seen something more beautiful, not even in her father's home. His wealth was great, but nothing compared to this.

 

[KiwiD82]

Raphael nodded, murmuring agreement.

But he wasn't looking at the gilded walls or the arched ceiling any longer. He was gazing at Elenora: at her tender jawline that her mask didn't cover; at her cheek bones; at the perfectly shaped earn and the long neck that were exposed by her choice of hairstyle...

"It has been a night full of beauty," he whispered as the monks sang on and his attraction to Elenora Simoneti only grew.

 

[heartofcourage]

Elenora glanced towards Raphael as he murmured that statement against her ear. Her dark eyes stared into his own for a moment, the sounds of the singing setting a strange, if not lovely, mood. She gave him a softly smile before she leaned in, tilting his mask out of the way to kiss him.

It was impulsive, but she wanted to kiss him in that moment. If the moment passed her by without sealing the deal, she would have been extremely upset with herself.

 

[KiwiD82]

Elenora's impulsive decision caught Raphael off guard. She had lifted her mask and was doing the same to his, and he was barely able to drink in the gorgeous sight before their lips met.

Hers were soft and, despite the late hour, invitingly warm. The merchant closed his eyes to savour the moment, his palm immediately lifting to cup one side of Elenora's face as they shared breath.

Raphael knew - as Elenora no doubt did, too - that such affection shouldn't be displayed inside a church by an unmarried couple. But he also knew they weren't the first to do such a thing. And besides, they'd already broken the rules by even being there in the first place.

Raphael's other hand reached for Elenora's waist to caress it, but he stopped short when he heard a yell from somewhere within the cathedral. His eyes widened, and he broke the kiss as he came to the sudden realisation that they'd been seen.

 

[heartofcourage]

The kiss was broken much too soon as Raphael pulled back, leaving Elenora slightly dazed and confused. She frowned, her lips still tingling from the moment that they had shared as Raphael glanced in the direction of someone further down the knave. She had no idea what was happening as his hand closed around her waist and they were suddenly off, hurrying along the way towards the exit.

 

[KiwiD82]

Elenora Simoneti was an exquisite beauty, and it would only be later that Raphael would reflect on the sensation of having his arm around her slender waist. For now, he was far too busy trying to keep her safe.

The male Venetian hurriedly pulled Elenora's mask down, and then his own, as he guided her swiftly back towards the entrance of the church.

Another yell pursued them down the nave, and it was only then that Raphael realised that the singing had abruptly stopped in an audible state of confusion. He didn't bother to look back over his shoulder, but he was sure that the whole choir of monks was now watching the trespassing couple as they fled, their heavy feet echoing off the marble floors.

 

[heartofcourage]

Elenora's hand was tightly caught in Raphael's as the sounds of yelling caught her attention. She glanced over her shoulder at the men that were following behind them and her heart skipped a beat. If she were caught, she was sure that she would never be allowed out of her father's sight again. Even if Catriona were guilty of doing much worse with men, her father had always reserved the most restriction for his youngest daughter.

 

[KiwiD82]

Raphael guided the beauteous Simoneti sister towards the entrance. He was determined not to have her get caught. It was because of him that they were in this situation, which made her honour his responsibility.

The footsteps and the yells behind them began to fade, and Raphael knew why as he looked ahead. The yelling had served its purpose as the silhouettes of two guards appeared at the entrance.

They took a few seconds to assess the situation, and Raphael made use of his and Elenora's advantage while they still had it. With one arm around the waist of his partner in crime and the other holding her palm firmly, Raphael rushed towards the nearer guard and shouldered the man in the chest.

The first guard, who had yet to say anything, was left winded and sprawling on the marble floor. His companion, with sword half drawn, yelled halfheartedly at the couple, but - caught unawares by Raphael's actions - lacked the appetite to follow them.

And so it was that Raphael and Elenora, having barely broken their stride, and with masks still covering their faces, fled the cathedral and disappeared into the night.

 

[heartofcourage]

Elenora hurried behind Raphael as he guided her towards the entrance as the guards called after them. Her dress was not made for running and she feared that she would be a burden to him as they tried to escape.

As the noises behind them started to fade, she had hope that they would make it. Then she saw the men in front of them, blocking their path. Raphael's arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her tightly, barreling straight into the men that were intent on blocking their path. They made it through easily, no one stopping them as they fled the cathedral and into the dark evening beyond.

 

[KiwiD82]

Even after leaving the cathedral, Raphael was convinced he could hear the footsteps of pursuers. But it was only when he and Elenora stopped in a dark alley that ran alongside a small canal that he realised what he was hearing was his own heartbeat.

The pair were out of breath as Raphael removed his mask and tossed it into the canal. He didn't want them being recognised, and he hoped that without masks they would look like just another couple.

Raphael turned to Elenora to see if she was okay, apologising as a matter of course.

"I'm sorry, Bella," he breathed, and as he did, an immense wave of relief washed over him, prompting him to do the unthinkable: he laughed.

 

[heartofcourage]

"Well, I'm happy that you can see the humor in the situation." Elenora said as she tossed her own mask into the canal beside them. "Of course, it probably would have been you who would have felt much more wrath than myself."

She glanced at Raphael with a grin, her dark eyes sparkling in the moonlight. "Breaking and entering into the palace chapel. Kidnapping. You seem to love living dangerously."

 

[KiwiD82]

Raphael marveled once again at Elenora's beauty as the mask disappeared into the canal water with a splash. She had been beautiful when he'd seen her at the ball, but she was even more so when she deigned to smile.

"I didn't just break into the chapel - I kissed an angel in there, too."

Raphael knew that sounded like nothing but empty flattery, but he meant every word. Being caught by the guards would have been worth it for that kiss.

 

[heartofcourage]

"And I suppose that I kissed a devil this evening." Elenora said as she glanced towards Raphael with a grin on her lips. "A moment of weakness on my part. I apologize for it. I normally do not kiss men that I have just met."

She was very serious about kissing strangers, but only a little insistent on the fact that she had kissed the devil. Raphael was anything but a devil, she thought to herself as he grinned at her in that roguish way. She could see why her sister had been enchanted with him and she felt herself falling under that same spell.