I'm back darlings!

Sorry for the wait, but school was hectic for the last little bit and then I had writer's block. My best friend is currently staying over and she told me to see if I could do a complete chapter on my own with no help from sweet CarolNJoy. I agreed reluctantly…because she would not stop nagging me about it! But yes, long story short, this has not been beta-read by Her Writing Majesty.

I hope you like it anyway!

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Chapter 6

Conversations

Entering the library, Lucifer smirked upon seeing Babette seated in a chair, reading. It was a sight he remembered from their old encounters, and one that made his heart soften. "You still like your books, then?"

Clearly startled by his presence she jumped slightly. The maid nodded, not looking up. "Oui," she met his eyes, "But it does not matter. For you plan to tell me to put my book down and continue work, if I am correct."

The nobleman shook his head, coming to sit beside her. "No. Unlike the other nobles, I will do nothing of the sort."

I had forgotten that he is most different from the other nobles. Dismissing the memory she asked, "Why is it that you are here?"

"I plan to stay after the ball's completion. It will only be for a short while, but I feel that it is strongly needed," Lucifer answered.

The chambermaid asked, concerned, "Why is that?"

He hesitated for a moment. What would she think? Nervously he started to speak, when Angelique's voice suddenly came from the doorway. "Babette, may I speak to you, s'il vous plait?" The older woman nodded, standing and following her.

Once they were out of hearing distance, the castle decorator demanded in a whisper, "Just what is he still doing here?"

Babette questioned, "Why do you ask?"

"If you and Lumiere were arguing about what I think you were, then he's not going to be very happy if he sees you spending too much time with him," Angelique responded.

Her friend sneered, arms crossed, "I was about to ask why you take a sudden interest in him, but then I recalled something. Your interest in him is not so sudden, now is it?"

The castle decorator asked in confusion, "What do you mean?"

"I saw your little flirtation with Lumiere a few days ago. What made you think you could do such a thing?" she snapped, betrayal and anger in her eyes.

Confused, the blonde questioned. "What are you speaking of? I never did anything of the sort."

Babette rolled her eyes. "Do not lie."

Becoming annoyed, the castle decorator replied, "I am not! When did you see our supposed flirtation anyway?"

"The week before the ball! I heard you two speaking, I looked around the corner and I saw you flirting with him!" her friend spat.

To her surprise, Angelique broke into a smile. "Oh mon ami! You have jumped to the wrong conclusion. You see, I was attempting to make Fife jealous and I asked Lumiere if he would pretend to flirt with me," she explained.

The chambermaid did not reply, suddenly feeling idiotic. What have I done? I should have never yelled at Lumiere. Excusing herself absentmindedly, the young woman ran off to find her suitor.

Coming down the hall, she stopped abruptly when Lucifer touched her arm. "Babette…I have something to say."

"Oui? Whatever it is it will have to be fast, for I am searching for my beloved Lumiere. I must say something to him," she asked, somewhat distracted.

Bitterness entered his thoughts. Of course she is looking for him. She always puts him before me. Ignoring the bitterness, the nobleman took a deep, nervous breath. "I am staying here because…because I want to get close to you again. I still have feelings for you."

The chambermaid stilled. Bringing her full attention to him, she replied softly, guilt lacing her words. "Lucifer…I am sorry. My heart belongs to Lumiere now. I…I love him. I am so sorry."

Lucifer nodded, releasing her and giving a simple wave of his hand. "Alright then. You should…just go and find him."

Babette swallowed, before nodding. "As long you are sure you are alright."

The nobleman lied, his voice soft and hurt, "I will be fine."

The chambermaid sighed, before turning and continuing to search for her suitor. I cannot believe he just told me that.

Lucifer lingered in the hall for a few moments. Babette's words echoed in his head. "My heart belongs to Lumiere now." If her heart truly belonged to the servant, then he would have to find a way around what her heart wanted.

Meanwhile, Lumiere was busy in the kitchens, looking over the menus for the fourth time. He did not precisely need to do so, but it was a good way to keep his mind off of Babette. Although he was not a jealous man, Lumiere could not help but be wary of her former suitor.

The young chambermaid's voice then came from behind him. "Lumiere, mon cher, I have finally found you!"

The maitre'd turned, "Why is it that you have been looking for me?" he asked.

She responded. "I want to apologise for my earlier behaviour. I spoke with Angelique and she told me where I was wrong in my accusations."

Lumiere smirked, "At last the lady comes to her senses."

Babette smiled, letting his arms wind themselves around her waist. "I feel so silly. I should never have accused you of doing such things," she apologized.

The Frenchman placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "It is alright mon amour, all is forgiven," he whispered.

Lucifer's voice suddenly came from the doorway. "Babette, pardon me señorita, but I was wondering…" he stopped when he saw the display before him. Clearing his throat, the Spaniard continued, "I am sorry for interrupting. Excuse me."

Walking out of the kitchens, Lucifer's mind was made up. If Babette truly had as much affection for Lumiere as he had seen, then something certainly had to be done about her relationship with the egotistical servant.

…

Ooh, what's he going to do?

Please review and tell me what you think of my solo-chapter. I really have nothing else to add today, other than updates may not be as far apart for the rest of this book, because I'm on holidays and have more time to dedicate to my writing.

-Babetteisawesome