I took off my clothes, grabbed the mask, and hid the bag in a place where no one would go.
I was wearing a black wool tunic and a plain white mask. By my hips I had some pliers hidden behind my cloth.
I ran and climbed over a wall to get inside the manor.
Traditionally, only the butlers who worked in the manor were allowed to be in the masquerade ball. My plan was to act like one of them. I had to go in from the back because there would be less people near the back windows.
I climbed up to the second floor, and when I saw no one walking by I opened the windows and sneaked in.
It was an empty hallway. The floor was red carpet and the walls were full of wooden windows. I was on the second floor so a big chandelier was at my eye level. I had to walk through the big crowd of royals dancing, talking, and eating to get to the other side, where I could reach it.
I started walking to the stairs. My strategy was to pretend I belonged there.
The stairs made a slight creak as I walked down. It was even more noticeable to me when I was trying not to draw any attention.
As soon as I reached the bottom of the stairs, I paced quickly towards the stairs leading to the other side.
There were royals surrounding me. None seemed to notice me as I was walking through.
Just as I was about to reach the stairs, the worst case scenario happened.
"What are you doing here Herbert?" Countess Maria asked.