Sorry this is so late, but I've had tons of assignments to get done. The good news is that school is nearly over and I only have two more assignments to do! Yay!

Please enjoy this chapter and remember to review!

…

Chapter 4:

By Chance or Fate?

Babette could not remember a time when she had worried so much about a celebration. The night of the Christmas Ball had arrived, and she was close to physically shaking with fright. The rational part of her brain reminded her that she had nothing to fear. The ballroom's decorations were clean and presented, the castle was spotless and every dish was sparkling.

Despite this her concern still remained, although it was for a different matter. While she had been busy with preparations, the encounter she had witnessed between Lumiere and Angelique had been at the back of her mind. But now that she let herself rest, the memory crept into the forefront of her consciousness, and stubbornly refused to leave. She could not forget the scene she had witnessed. Angelique had had her arms draped around his neck and had been shamelessly bantering with him…and Lumiere had flirted in return!

She muttered while searching for her mask. "Why would Angelique do such a thing? She is my good friend! Worst of all, why would Lumiere just let her? Does he not care if she is doing such things?"

A small smile twitched at the maid's mouth upon finding her self-made mask. It was simple and covered only the top half of her face, painted silver with a few drawn feathers.

After slipping it on she sighed. "Here I go. I just hope that everything is going smoothly."

As she walked out into the ballroom, Babette released a breath of relief. From the appearance of the guests, none of them were upset. The young woman quickly went to her own duties, once again carrying around the silver tray of drinks.

After politely serving two noblewomen, she could not help but overhear their conversation. It was mostly boring gossip, but one word alone caught her attention. The chambermaid drew her lips into a tight line. It cannot be him, can it? To her surprise, Babette found herself hoping that he was amongst the guests, and felt excitement at the thought of seeing him again.

She was brought from her pondering by Lumiere's voice. "Mon amour, I have found you at last!"

The young woman turned and greeted him with a smile. "Bonsoir mon cher." She studied his mask. The design was similar to her own, except it was painted gold and had a few flames drawn on it.

Lumiere caressed her cheek with his hand. "You made a beautiful mask."

"Merci beaucoup. So did you," she replied softly.

All of a sudden, Angelique called out, "Lumiere!"

He turned and she hurried over, smiling. "It worked!" she announced.

The Frenchman answered merrily, "Well of course it did! After all, it was quiet a clever plan."

Only just noticing Babette, the castle decorator greeted her, "Bonjour mon amie."

The maid responded, a slight bitterness in her tone, "Bonjour."

Angelique blinked a few times, obviously stunned by her friend's manner. "Is something the matter?"

The younger woman replied bitterly, "No. It is nothing. Just enjoy your night together."

Lumiere gave a confused expression. "What are you talking about?"

Babette answered, "I think you should know." Without another word she walked away, giving her suitor and best friend the sternest glance possible.

The chambermaid gripped the silver tray so hard that her hands began to hurt. I cannot believe them! They act so oblivious when I saw them engaging in flirtation only a week ago! Why would they do that to her? Most of all, why would Lumiere do that to her?

Taking a deep breath the young woman continued to serve drinks. It was nothing. Lumiere had never betrayed her. Surely she was misunderstanding the situation. However, the thought remained in her mind. The chambermaid hated to think that her suitor would leave her, but she had seen it for herself. He had openly and shamelessly flirted with another woman! Her best friend none the less! Fuming she continued her work, making sure to glance at Lumiere every few moments to try to catch him and Angelique flirting.

Meanwhile, Prince Adam was speaking to a nobleman that had recently arrived. The Spaniard was well-respected and had been to the castle several times before. Adam shook his hand, "It's wonderful to have you back for the night. Especially after the…incident with one of my staff. I promise that she will behave more professionally now. If she doesn't…"

"I know very well what the consequences will be," replied the man, interrupting slightly. He continued, "It is an honour to once again be welcomed in your castle."

The young prince muttered, "Of course."

The Spanish man was about to reply, when he suddenly noticed a young maid out of the corner of his eye. She was walking around serving drinks off of a silver tray. He would have to get a closer look…but he could have sworn it was her. The woman he had come to see. The very reason he had agreed to come to the ball. Murmuring a polite parting phrase to Adam the man walked off in her direction.

Babette clutched the glasses so tightly she was surprised they did not break. Her anger had mounted considerably. They are both selfish! They betrayed me!

One of the noblewoman half-heartedly said something but the maid was too frustrated to hear it. In a slightly harsher tone then she should have, the young woman questioned, "Pardonnez moi. What did you say, Madam?"

She scoffed, "Forget it. To think I bothered wasting my breath to thank an ungrateful wretch." The chambermaid uttered a string of apologies before moving along. A blush of embarrassment appeared on her cheeks.

All of a sudden, a male voice came from behind her. His Spanish accent was smooth and charming as he called out, "Señorita Babette!"

The maid turned at the foreign word and the use of her name. Her gaze flickered across the crowd, trying to find the person who had spoken. When she did see him at last, she froze. Is…is it really him?

Deciding to be sure she studied his appearance as he advanced through the crowd towards her. His skin was a tone darker then fair, he had dark brown hair that went to just below his ears, and a somewhat broad build. His dark green eyes were fixed on her.

The man stopped upon reaching her, placing a kiss on the back of her hand. "It is wonderful to see you again," he greeted.

Barely able to raise her voice above a whisper Babette asked, "Lucifer?"

He nodded with a smirk. "Do you not wish for me to be here?"

Realizing his question she shook her head. "No, of course not. It…it is just a surprise."

Lucifer responded, "I was thinking of writing to you, but then I thought that surprising you would be much more entertaining." Babette could only nod, entranced by his gaze.

Lumiere's call suddenly came from nearby, "Babette, mon ange!"

The chambermaid turned to see the Frenchman heading towards her. Looking to Lucifer she introduced, once the maitre'd was by her side. "Pardon moi, where are my manners? Lumiere, this is Lucifer…an old friend of mine, and Lucifer, this is Lumiere."

The Spaniard seemed to stiffen at the mention of him. "Pleased to meet you señor."

"Bonsoir monsieur," answered the Frenchman. With a harshness in his tone he whispered close to Babette's ear, "May we speak in private for a moment?"

No sooner had she nodded then Lumiere pulled her away into another room. Shutting the door he turned to her, his eyes slightly stern. "Who is he...really?"

…

Whoa, chill Lumiere.

Sorry once again for the late update. I should have the next chapter up later today.

See you soon,

-Babetteisawesome :)