Prologue

In the year of our Lord 1524 the wonderful contraption called a pocket watch was invented. My father, who was a very influential man in Italy, decided to purchase me one for my 13th birthday, due to my incessant tardiness. I cherished the shiny golden watch as if it was the most important thing in the world, and to me it was. I would spend all of my free moments trying to find out how it works, polishing it, or gazing at it, fascinated by how the gears could move in such perfect time.

Time flew by and before I knew it it was my 18th birthday, my pocket watch was still in mint condition even with all the use it has had over the years. I smiled to myself as I walk through the immense Roman style gardens located to the back of the mansion. Little did I know that my life would change in just a few hours. You see in order to celebrate my 18th birthday my father invited a circus to stay with us on the grounds and be the entertainment for my ball. I objected to the idea immediately due to the fact that the circuses are inhumane to all the inhabitants, especially the so called 'freaks', I cannot stand to see people living so broken and hurt. However my cries and pleading fell upon deaf ears and my requests were completely ignored. I sigh and glance over my right shoulder to where the enormous tent was set up just beyond a line of trees. I continue walking until I hear one of the maids call my name. I sigh softly and begin to make my way back to the house. It was time for me to get ready for the festivities, I groan and grumble to myself in disgust. I hate parties. Especially the large ones that my family is famous for throwing every chance they get. I would much rather stay inside and read, write, compose or play music, or draw.

After excruciating hours of being poked, prodded, squeezed, and made up in one of my finest gowns, the hour of the party was upon us. I looked at my beloved pocket watch before the enormous wooden doors are pulled open and my name is called.

"Miss Anastasia Dandolo." I glide across the villa's marble floor and down a short flight of steps to where the open air ballroom is. My emerald green eyes scan the room and I am shocked to see everyone's heads bowed until I reach the crowd, I shyly smile and wonder to myself if I really look that beautiful.

"Oh my Goodness Anastasia!" Young ladies surround me completely, all squawking about how my dark chocolate hair looks perfect when curled down my back, how my deep red dress set off my eyes and pale skin, or just my overall appearance. I smile and politely reply to all the compliments as the girls and I make our way out to the circus, Then something catches my eye. The fortune teller's tent seemed to call me over with loud yet gentle cries. The girls notice where I'm looking and instantly take me over to the mishmash tent set up. A middle aged lady steps out with long black hair, lightly tanned skin, coal black eyes and thick kohl eyeliner, putting up her hand to stop us.

"Welcome to my humble tent ladies. I will read all your fortunes, but on the condition that I see Miss Anastasia last." All the girls agree before I can voice my opinion and one by one they are ushered in. I check my golden pocket watch and watch how the gears all move together while I am waiting for the girls to be done with their fortunes. Before I know it all the girls are done with the fortunes, buzzing about their future husbands, kids, houses, so on and so forth. I shyly step inside the tent and sit down in the seat across from the beautiful gypsy lady.

"Hello my dear Anastasia," The lady smiles, her bright red lips curving up in a radiant grin, "my name is Bella Vital. I am one of the Rom fortune tellers here with this circus."

"Hello Miss Bella Vital. I am pleased to make your acquaintance." I reply politely, my manners automatically kicking in. Miss Vital takes my pale and small hands in her tan and relatively large ones.

"Miss Anastasia, your life has had it's own trials and hardships but alas more are to come! A poor girl locked in a room, put out of her own time, country, and family." The rich alto voice echos in the tent as her dark eyes cloud over with a mysterious gold mist, "A strange man with a mask. He is the key! Listen to me my dear. Keep heart. Wait for the man!" I gasp as the gold in Miss Bella's eyes jumps out and surrounds me.

"Miss Vital! Please help me!" I plead as my hands slip out of hers and I feel myself be lifted up in the air.

"Alas I cannot my dear! You have to face your fate! However I can help." She gently replies as my world flashes a bright gold, then black.