The Masque: After making their way home, it took some time before the small group finished preparing to join the other revelers at the Cliff House. The good thing, they had plenty of time. It was three hours from the arrival of the airship until the beginning of the masquerade ball, well after sunset and closer to midnight. Helena failed to hide her excitement. She had met plenty of wealthy people in her limited years, but never royalty. She was unsure what to expect, but they had to be somehow better, more caring than the people she knew. She wished the search for Missy was over. Her life before this adventure seemed simpler, happier, and full of good things. Now her existence seemed hollow. She had a constant pain in her heart but felt powerless to place a name on the cause. She was