Take a peek

“It would be rather exciting to take in the festivities without being seen,” says Adella. “Perhaps just a quick peek before we go on our way.”

The young ladies follow the guests as they proceed to one of the banquet halls. Courtiers are standing at the entrance, holding large baskets filled with masks for any guest who failed to bring their own. Adella nearly takes a mask before remembering that it would actually draw attention to her rather than hide her presence.

Adella and Courtney, still holding hands, enter the banquet hall and come to an abrupt halt. As expected, the room is filled with the sounds of music, laughter, and conversation. They also see a few couples dancing. What surprises both of them is that they see hardly a stitch of clothing anywhere in the room.

As the guests enter the banquet hall, they are directed to attendants who would ordinarily be checking coats, scarves, and other outdoor apparel. This evening they are working faster than ever as they receive every item of clothing worn by the visitors. As guests proceed further into the banquet hall, each of them is adorned only by a masquerade mask.

The sound of laughter immediately behind them causes Adella and Courtney to startle and move just in time to avoid a collision with the next couple to arrive. They hastily step to one side with their backs against a wall as they take in the unexpected sights.

One of the dancing couples moves near them. Adella is unable to identify either of them because of the masks. The broad, hairy chest of the man, his muscular arms, and overall fitness suggests he may be in the military — possibly a member of the royal guard. She has no idea about the lady with whom he is dancing. She is obviously enjoying herself, as is indicated by her broad smile as they sway to the music. When they step away from each other momentarily, holding hands and pivoting in a well-executed ballroom dance move, Adella can see that the man is enjoying himself as well. His penis is fully erect and sways back and forth with his movements. The dancers close the distance between them, pressing their bodies together. They each join one hand to the other’s, but the man’s other hand moves down and sensuously explores his dance partner’s ass. The woman moves her free hand between their waists. At first Adella suspects it is because she feels uncomfortable from the large rigid shaft that must be poking her. It takes just a few moments, however, to realize that the woman is not adjusting her partner’s appendage; she is stroking it.

The couple move on, and Adella is about to lean over and ask her friend if she witnessed the encounter. Before she can speak, however, she suddenly sees that the dancing couple is far from alone in their sexual antics. Everywhere she looks, she sees explicitly intimate contact between the guests as they mingle in groups of two, three, or more.

There are decidedly more women than men in the room. This imbalance is addressed by several instances where one man is enjoying the company of more than one woman. In other situations, Adella is shocked to see that women have paired up with other women.

At this point, the sound of a spoon repeatedly striking a glass brings the music and conversation to a stop. Everyone turns their attention to the young man who is tapping the glass. It is safe to say that he is also naked except for his mask, even though most of his lower body is blocked from view by the rapturous attention of three adoring young women, who are covering his stomach, waist and legs with their hands and lips.

“My lord and ladies, I bid thee welcome,” he calls out. Adella gasps at the recogition of the voice. It is her youngest brother, Duncan.

“My royal brother and I have been looking forward to this joyous occasion — namely, the King and Queen’s annual holiday. What better way to fill the void caused by their absence by enjoying the company of our dear friends!”

Adella feels Courtney draw closer and hears her whisper in her ear, “Of course! I had heard some talks among the palace staff about this, but I just assumed the princes would be a little more open about their daliances. Having a masquerade sex party of this scale is a bit brazen even for them!”

Adella agrees but before she can say anything, Duncan continues. “My brother, His Royal Highness Prince Stewart joins me in welcoming you. He would extend his greetings personally, but our mother always taught us that it is rude to speak with one’s mouth full.” His mask covers the upper part of his face, but it does nothing to disguise his wide smile as he looks to his right. Adella follows his gaze and is so shocked that it takes a moment for it to fully register. On the floor amidst a scattering of cushions, she sees a pile of people. Upon careful inspection, she makes out the sight of a pair of legs and feet of a man who is lying on his back. His arms are the only other part of his body that are visible. The rest of his body is hidden from view by the woman who is straddling his waist, bouncing up and down, and two other women who are facing each other as they squat over the man’s upper body and face. As they grind against each other, Adella can see that they seem to be availing themselves of oral stimulation from the man’s tongue.

“That’s Stewart!” Adella exclaims, as realization hits her.

Duncan continues his welcoming remarks. “So we welcome you here tonight. Enjoy our food. Enjoy our wine. Enjoy each other. We have but one rule: what happens here, remains here. Besides, as long as we all keep our masks on, you can do what you want with whomever you want. Tomorrow, it will be as if nothing has happened — except that I expect each of you to be dealing with a well-deserved hangover! Let the real festivities now begin!”

With that, Duncan set his glass down, looked at the women kneeling around him, and allowed himself to fall into their waiting arms.

Adella says to Courtney, “Have you ever seen such debauchery! We really should leave here immediately!”

Courtney responds, “Must we? Aren’t you at least a bit curious? We could stay and watch just a bit longer.”