“Isabela, I’m so happy to see you!” a stranger exclaimed, giving her a warm hug. Startled, she paused for a moment, not knowing what to say, until the stranger released her.

“We have to get out of here. I’ll explain everything to you once we get back to my room,” he said. 

Again, she didn’t move but quickly put her mask back on. Judging by the situation, the stranger must have been confused. She had to calculate her words carefully because she was alone and far away from anyone who could help her. She could see the lights from the candles flickering in the distance. She could run if necessary. 

“I’m unable to leave at this moment since my mother is waiting for me to return to her side” she said.

“Lady De La Guerra?” he said as he paced back and forth in front of her trying to come up with a solution. 

“You’re right, it would be too suspicious. But we may not have another chance, Isabela. I’m sorry for leaving you alone for so long, but my plan got away from me and I could only figure out what went wrong a few weeks ago,” he said as he knelt before her. 

“What plan?” Anastasia asked.

“What plan? I’m sorry, but it's not that I’m not willing to go. I would love to understand your plan. Why don’t you explain it to me?” 

At that moment, he stood up and quietly asked “What's your name?”

“Anastasia De La Guerra, What is yours?” she said with a look of confidence. 

“I’m the Marqués of Carrillo, Daniel Carillo. I'm sorry for my sudden ramblings, but you reminded me of a friend I had met a long time ago. Why don’t we go and  join the festivities?” Marqués Carillo said. 

“I would love that” she said. Their conversation did not continue as Marqués of Carrillo was lost in thought. Anastasia was, also, lost in thought. She wanted to ask him more questions but she was afraid of letting a stranger know her secret. For her own safety it was better for both of them to stay away from each other. 

Once they entered the ballroom, they parted ways. Sofía was waiting for her and showed her a dance card.

“While you were out in the garden, I went around and asked all the gentlemen to add their name to your dance card. I know you have always been a terrible dancer but you just need more practice!”

Anastasia was left contemplating if she had enough time to fake a headache when the first gentleman on her card stood right in front of her to claim his dance.