Chapter 2
Lumiere roamed the halls that evening, searching for his beloved Babette. She had been somewhat tense and distant ever since he had found her in the library earlier that same day, which made him concerned. The Frenchman muttered after another failed attempt at finding her location "I hope she is alright. She has not been quite like herself today."
All of a sudden, he noticed something out of the corner of his eye. The door to the dining room was closed, but a light was on inside. Curious, the maître'd walked over, and his hand touched the doorknob.
Babette, meanwhile, sat inside the room, deep in thought. A lit candelabrum nearby was her only source of light, yet she could see everything perfectly. She scoffed "Even a Young One can see perfectly in the dark. It is not much trouble" she muttered. A 'Young One' was the name for someone of her kind when they were at their early development stage, who were also the most inexperienced.
The young woman had not attempted to contact the Enchantress because of two reasons: one, she felt she didn't need to, and two, she couldn't even if she wanted to. The 'sighting' only worked one way with more powerful creatures like the Enchantress "Which is very inconvenient in many ways" thought Babette.
The maid glanced at the brass clock that ticked on a high ledge, noticing the time. She gasped "There are only a few more hours until the Grand Celebration. I have to get ready" she told herself. It was a private affair held on the anniversary of the spell break, which was attended only by the castle's inhabitants. Babette smiled to herself when she remembered the dress she intended to wear. Her mind then drifted to further details of the night, which made her smile lessen "Tonight will be a full moon, which is when They are at their most powerful" she muttered to herself. Fear filled her, shooting down her spine and running her earlier good mood. If she did plan on coming to the castle, then that night would probably be worst time for her to do so.
All of a sudden, the voice of the maid's suitor came from behind her "Ma cheri, what are you doing in here?" he inquired, entering the room.
The young woman stood, smiling at him. Her fears disappeared as she kissed him softly on his lips in greeting, allowing herself to melt into his embrace, before pulling away only centimetres and breaking the kiss. Babette chose this moment to glimpse his aura, knowing he would simply think she was just looking at him. Guilt entered her when she saw that his usual golden aura with dark red swirls also continued swirls of green, which meant concern. He was concerned for her, and she couldn't tell him what was wrong. The young woman wanted so badly to tell him about the part of her life she had kept secret from him, but knew she couldn't. She blinked a few times, effectively disenabling her ability to see his aura "I do not want to see what I have done to him. How much I am making him worry" she thought. The maid smiled at Lumiere as he led her out of the dining room, and knew that the only thing she had to worry about was the Grand Celebration.
That same night, Babette entered the ballroom, Lumiere by her side. She was dressed in the most formal gown she owned, and her companion wore a dark suit that made him look even more handsome in her eyes.
But, neither of them compared to the attire of the Prince and Princess. Adam, the former Beast, entered with the newly crowned Princess Belle and her father, Maurice. The royals (Maurice included) were dressed in beautifully made clothing that looked quite expensive.
Lumiere grinned kindly at Belle, and then Maurice, who both smiled back. He turned to Adam, and bowed low as he once was forced to do to the Prince. He laughed kindly in response, causing Lumiere to smile.
The Frenchman then turned his attention back to Babette, and brought her hand to his lips. He murmured in adoration against the soft skin "Mon amour, je'tadore, je'taime ma cheri." He placed a fervent kiss on her hand, before lowering it an interlocking their fingers.
Babette kissed him passionately but quickly so no one would see "Tu est la lumiere de ma vie" she replied.
All of a sudden, a knock came at the door, causing everyone to turn their attention to it. Babette walked forward and opened the door, stepping aside to allow the stranger in. The stranger was covered by a long black cloak, which gave an immediate sense of curiosity to everyone watching.
Babette, however, was the only one who knew the stranger's identity. Before the figure had done even the slightest thing to hint at who it was….Babette knew. She could tell by its aura and scent.
The young woman stiffened in fear in realisation.
It was her.
