Heavy footsteps bounded through the gardens, Sophia's irritable scowl quite apparent. A mere half hour ago, while busily preparing herself and the other young maids to leave for the main chamber and attend to the guests, Celeste appeared, the top of her gown ripped and her countenance disheveled with tears. Not long after trying to comfort her trembling and crying daughter did, she learn of the attack, how Joho had put his hands upon her and how Celeste escaped what could have been a terrible misfortune.
Sophia was pissed beyond measure, her hands tightly clenched. Joho, a man she once thought suitable to take her daughter's hand, was no more than a fool, a pitiful man she now felt bitter resentment for. Were she to see him at the feast this evening, she wasn't sure what would become of her behavior. Allowing Celeste to marry him was now something of the past; in fact, she forbade it, but it was a topic she would surely need to discuss with the King, and she only hoped he would show sympathy.
It wasn't long before she arrived upon a long corridor, decorated with high banners and beautifully painted vases, the halls scarcely void of servants, and when she arrived upon a particular door, her knocks were loud and threatening. Behind the door, Sophia heard the quick shuffling of footsteps, confused murmurs, and within moments, the door opened, a confused maid peering back at her.
Without so much as a thought, Sophia's hand fell flat on the door, and she pushed it completely open and raised her hand. The impact with the woman's cheek resonated loudly in the room as she fell onto the floor at Sophia's feet, clearly stricken with shock, pain and confusion.
"W-what is the meaning of this?" Ruth cried, touching her palm to her cheek achingly, a few maids quickly helping her to her feet.
"I should be asking the same! Where were you tonight?" Sophia interrogated, feet apart and her countenance crossed.
Bewildered, the young woman could only stare at Sophia, slightly offended, if not puzzled by her actions. It was clear something must have happened, but why take her anger out on her? "I was tending to the Princess this evening…"
"And Celeste?"
Her brow furrowed. "Ah, yes, I tended to her as well," She replied, still uncertain of this conversation.
Sophia withdrew a small folded piece of parchment from her pocket and held it up, her expression scornful. "And what of this?
Squinting at the missive, she recognized the penmanship and immediately froze. Could it be something happened? Something must have if Sophia was acting like this. "That's … the letter I received from Sir Joho earlier," She began carefully.
Her eyes narrowed. "So, you were aware of this? And you still left Celeste alone to meet with him?!"
"Sophia, please calm down," She replied worryingly, the curious stares of the other maids watching the scene unfold. "What is this about? Has something happened? Where is Celeste?"
"You shouldn't be asking me where Celeste is when it was your duty to look out for her!" She remarked loudly, the tone of her voice easily startling the maids as Ruth stepped back. "Did you happen to notice the state he was in when you received the letter? Joho was not in his right mind!"
"I … he seemed fine," She quickly retorted, not understanding. "Tell me what the meaning of this is about? Why did you strike me? Your mannerisms are so abrupt."
She scoffed, very tempted to raise her hand again. "Abrupt? My feelings are more than abrupt! I am furious. That man you sent Celeste out to meet was drunk! And what's more, because of your carelessness, you've allowed the King's guard to manhandle my daughter!" Upon noticing Sophia's shocked countenance, she went on. "She ran to me in tears. Her dress was torn and there were bruises upon her wrists! How will you atone for this mistake?!"
"I … I didn't know he was drunk! He seemed perfectly fine…"
"Regardless, you should have been there to supervise her. That is the reason the King put her into your care in the first place. If it was our princess, I'm sure you would have been there to follow behind her. This will not go ignored; I plan to speak with his Majesty about this matter after this evening!"
Without another word, Sophia turned and slammed the door shut behind her, her steps loudly echoing down the long corridor until she exited the main structure, her feet guiding her through the gardens and towards the Servants Quarters. She was trembling, every fiber in her being wanting to lash out at everything and everyone, but she held back, taking deep breaths as her walk slowed upon reaching the corridor. If anything, she was thankful her daughter's chastity remained, and the situation between her and Sir Joho had not escalated into anything more.
Numerous faces turned at her approach, many stepping aside as she passed, and when she arrived, she noticed her daughter sitting upon her knees, her face concealed against the side of the bed, her shoulders trembling. The young maids tended to the child, consoling her and offering her water, and it was all but ignored.
Sophia's expression softened, and as the young women noticed her return, she waved them away and approached the bedside. "Celeste, cease your tears."
She turned slightly, shifting her gaze to stare at Sophia from where she knelt, and the sight broke her heart. When she looked away, wiping her tears from her eyes and cheeks, she stood up to greet her. "Mother…"
When she was within arm's length, she gently pushed her daughter to sit on the edge of the bed, placing her fingers upon her reddened cheeks as she wiped the tears away. "Celeste. Everything will be fine."
"I know…" She sniffled. "I … thought the letter was from…"
Sophia only nodded, understanding already. "I know. I know, dear. But it will do no good to stay here like this. You must attend the party this evening. The guests are already there, and I'm sure Princess Midna is waiting for you."
She shook her head. "I can't. Joho will be there…"
"You let me worry about him. Your presence is important tonight; you mustn't be absent. Besides, Lord Zant will be there. Who knows, he might ask you for a dance, Celeste."
After a moment of careful consideration and drying her eyes with an offered handkerchief from her mother, Celeste finally nodded. "Alright…"
Sensing another onslaught of tears which threatened to fall, Sophia wrapped her arms around her daughter, pulling her into her embrace. "It will be alright. We'll have you dressed in something pretty. I'm sure you and the Princess will enjoy yourselves. So, don't let this matter upset you. Enjoy yourself and have a good time."
If anything, she was thoroughly pissed, so angry, she could scream, but doing so, while walking the halls of the palace, would surely draw curious stares and whispers from the passing servants. Her gaze drifted towards the maids, young and old running through the halls in a stressful and hurried frenzy, and Midna soon found herself standing before an intricate set of double doors, its height immense.
While standing just outside it's close proximity, she heard a mixture of music playing, both stringed instruments and flutes sounding from within, accompanied by many voices of the guests she was sure to attend this late evening. Taking a deep breath, she slowly exhaled. If she learned anything from her lessons in etiquette, a royal should never reveal her true emotions, lest it bring misunderstandings.
"When I get my hands on that asshole, I'll throttle him and drown him in the Black Sea," She murmured under her breath.
Although she didn't have nearly enough time to put herself together, she was sure her attire was appropriately decent. With the little time she had, after sending Celeste to meet with her secret admirer, she adorned herself in a simple and yet seductively dark maroon dress which flared outwards below her knees. The sleeves were slim and short, resting daintily on the sides of her upper arms, exposing her shoulders, and a simple pair of high platform shoes encompassed her feet.
Tucking a strand of hair over her shoulder, she regretted not styling it properly, bounding it tightly like Ruth had wanted. But, at the time, she'd been feeling quite good before her mood soured, and allowed her hair to splay down her back in soft curls and waves, a simple barrette fastening a few strays from her face.
Holding back her murderous thoughts, if only for the moment, she pressed her palm upon the door, opening it just enough to step inside. Upon her entrance, a collection of stares soon fell upon her, and though she acknowledged them politely, she couldn't resist the strained expression which graced her countenance as the music became much louder. The royals, friends and cousins of the family, parted as she passed through the crowd, nodding her head respectively from one person to another, but she didn't have time for idle chitchat; she needed to find Celeste.
There were so many people gathered in the room, a vast majority spinning with their partners on the dance floor intimately, but with only a quick glance, she did not see her friend among them. Crossing the room, while politely dodging most of the guests who attempted conversation, she spotted a group of maids standing in the farthest corner conversing quietly, but she didn't bother approaching, mainly because the Council stood between her and them. The old geezers, who hadn't bothered dressing up, still adorned in their dark robes, were wolfishly helping themselves to an assortment of food prepared upon an intricate table, likely discussing politics. Midna kept her distance, merely for the sake of her sanity; she wouldn't put it past them to piss her off.
Knowing it would be futile to locate Celeste in this throng of people, Midna quickly crossed the room and soon ascended the carpeted stairway leading towards the balcony above. From there, she was sure she'd have better results in her search, but on account of her climb, she noticed several eyes glimpsing her from below, likely eyeing her evening's dress.
Once at the top, she pressed her hands against the railing of the balcony, her amber eyes taking in the view of the dancefloor. The musicians were just below her, playing to their heart's content, the dancers filling the majority of the space in the center of the room. Beyond the dancers, there was a cluster of people standing idly, most staring or others just walking around with their friends and families, but even still, Midna could not see Celeste among them.
'She must not have arrived yet…'
A familiar face fell into view, talking gingerly with the guests just below her. This person was dressed in a simple white button up long-sleeved shirt, tucked neatly into black slacks with a dark cloak draped over his shoulders, and her grip upon the railings tightened. Zant. "I won't forgive you…"
Recalling a conversation earlier, before she arrived, Midna found herself seething, unable to control her inner turmoil. Half an hour ago, after receiving news from her Nurse Maid that her father had summoned her, Midna had prepared herself for the conversation which she knew her father wanted to discuss, especially before the party. It was likely in regards to the victor in the tournament and her hand in marriage, though she prayed it was anything but that.
Flashback
"Father, you summoned me?" Midna inquired, curtsying to his Majesty, seated in his regal throne like usual. When she arrived but a moment ago, she was bewildered by Zant's presence, standing quietly beside him, his expression blank and his eyes merely watching her. Why was he here and not with Celeste? Could it be, the letter was written by someone else?
"Indeed, I have. It's good to see you've finally come out of your room."
"Yes," She replied carefully, her hands folded before her. "My actions were not only reckless but also thoughtless; I thought about what you said, and you were right, father. Whomever you wish to marry me, I'll not protest."
His brows shot up at her reply, and he eased himself further into his chair. "Is that so? Well, I'm certainly glad to hear that. I suppose it's only natural to fuss upon these matters. Very well, then, this conversation will run more smoothly than I anticipated."
So, it was just as she thought; father wished to discuss her engagement, and she mentally braced herself. According to Celeste, the winner of the tournament was the infamous Joho, and she swallowed nervously. Did father intend to marry her to him? If so, then it would certainly relieve Celeste's constant worries, but then again, he wasn't exactly Midna's taste. Still, she remained silent as her father continued.
"As you may or may not have heard, one of our many talented knights, Sir Joho, bested a great many in the tournament, thus ending it with his splendid victor. We spoke earlier this morning, and we had a brief discussion, one concerning his reward," When Midna failed to reply, he continued. "Such a fine gentleman, strong and well deserving of his achievements, I was all, but surprised, when he refused my offer to marry you, Midna."
Surprised, she lifted her head suddenly. So, he refused her? "Father?"
"Sir Joho made it clear there was only one woman in his heart, one whom he hopes to wed someday, but has failed to attain certain affections," He explained. "Did you know he has a deep inclination for our dear Celeste?"
Midna bit her lip, but slowly nodded. Yes, in truth, she knew; she knew all too well. Hell, the man practically wooed her for years now, but couldn't understand the obvious hints Celeste dropped on numerous occasions. "Father, about Sir Joho—"
"I've always thought of Celeste as my second daughter, since the time we took her under our wing," He reminisced, smiling at the memory. "And, just as you, she is also of marriageable age; it would not look right if only one daughter were wed and not the other. So, I've decided to marry the two of you together. In a week's time from today, the ceremony shall be held."
Two ceremonies? What? Judging by her father's expression, he hadn't decided on this matter, but he needed to know that Joho was not suited for Celeste. She loved another, and that man stood beside his Majesty, quietly. 'Why isn't Zant protesting?'
When Zant failed to respond to her incriminating stare, merely withdrawing himself to look elsewhere, Midna couldn't help but bite her lip agitatedly. What was his problem? "Both?" She asked, her eyes returning to his Majesty. "Father … if I might ask, to whom will I be wed?"
As if to answer her question, he extended his hand towards his left, not noticing his daughter's startled stare. "Lord Zant," He answered. "He took part in the Magic Division, excelling greatly. I'll admit, I was dismayed when he dropped out, but I would have welcomed a battle between him and Sir Joho. Still, Zant's magic is, without a doubt, unparalleled, to even my own, Midna. As someone who rules Twilight, the ability to harness and use such powerful magic is key to extending one's rule. Zant did not fail to impress me, and he certainly has the makings of someone I can place my trust upon when my time draws close."
Stunned and left speechless, Midna's gaze shifted between her father and Zant. The man she would marry, was him? Him?! No. This had to be a mistake. "Father I—"
"Your Majesty, surely this has come as a surprise for the Princess. After all, I am merely her instructor…" Zant stepped in, choosing his words carefully so as not to offend the King. "Surely, there is someone better suited than I…"
"Nonsense!" The King responded, his palm falling heavily upon his knee with a loud smack, though his expression remained at ease. "There is no other better suited. You've been with my daughter since she was merely a child; with this knowledge, it's clear to me she would be in safe hands with someone she has grown comfortable with," He explained, suddenly scratching his beard thoughtfully. "I'm sure it can't be helped; it's bound to feel awkward at first, but I have faith you can rely on each other in time. So, as my final wish, I want the two of you to accept this, for the sake of this Kingdom."
Unfortunately, before she could protest hers and Celeste's arranged marriage, her father dismissed her and Zant without another word, his own attendants arriving shortly with the clothing he would wear for the evening's party.
Soon, the heavy doors fell close behind her, and dismayed by this revelation, she pressed her back against its exterior, a hand sweeping across her face. What would she tell Celeste? This couldn't happen. And yet, as her thoughts lingered on the conversation moments prior, her gaze drifted to Zant standing beside her.
"We should make our way to the Main Hall, Princess," He voiced suddenly, but as if not sensing her distress, he turned away and proceeded down the halls.
In an instant, she pushed away from the door and grabbed his arm, the action immediately pausing his escape. "Why didn't you speak up? Why did you go along with father's command?" But he didn't reply, instead, he turned his body fully towards her, his face passive and without emotion. "I thought you cared about Celeste! Do her feelings not matter?"
"Princess…"
She continued. "My father would have understood. He would not have carried on had he known! Father is not so cruel to force someone to marry when their sights are already set on someone who shares similar feelings! You should know this, better than anyone! I know you are loyal to father, but you should have put your foot down and explained yours and Celeste's relationship!"
From her interrogation, his brow arched. "Our relationship? I believe you are mistaken, Princess."
"What?" Amber eyes widened upon his reply. What exactly did he mean by that? "So … you used her?!" When he didn't say anything, she felt a knot tighten at her abdomen. "You're heartless! She loves you! How could you do this to her?!"
Zant only removed his arm from her grasp and turned half way, smoothing the wrinkles on his sleeve. "Again, you are mistaken. I know very well of Celeste's feelings, and though she has confessed her affections, I've yet to return it. I will not disobey his Majesty's command, and as heir of the Royal Family, you mustn't dawdle on trivial things such as love."
"Zant!"
End Flashback
Unable to control her disdain, Midna pulled away from the railing and began her descent down the carpeted stairs, her eyes following Zant as he moseyed his way around the dancefloor with the other guests. No explanation was needed after what happened earlier; it was clear Zant only used Celeste for his own amusement, and she wouldn't put it pass her thoughts if he desired power than a meaningful relationship.
'That pompous ass. You're not getting away from me that easily!'
And yet, as she planned her quick approach to lash out at him, she paused on the stairs, her eyes noticing a familiar face in the crowd ahead, and her face fell. It was Celeste. Poor Celeste. How could she explain the situation without breaking her heart? It would be impossible not to. While it was certain her father had yet to arrive and make the announcement, she knew it was best to explain everything before then, otherwise, she felt a misunderstanding might fall between them, and ultimately, this marriage would put a wedge between them. 'How could father suggest Zant, of all people? I would have taken Joho in a heartbeat had I known his intentions sooner!'
With a troubled sigh, she quickly descended the last of the steps and proceeded through the throng of guests, never once breaking her gaze from her friend. From her vantage point, Celeste was peering around the room, her expression uncertain. Nearly in range, a servant passed in front of her, and quickly ducking under his tray in hand filled with wine glasses, she managed to reach Celeste's side moments after, taking her hands into hers immediately. "Celeste!"
"Midna," She replied, unexpectedly startled, but relieved nonetheless. "I was beginning to wonder if you had arrived."
Midna only nodded, smiling weakly, but she couldn't help but notice Celeste's swollen red eyes; had Celeste cried? Worried and gripping her hands a little tighter, her gaze traveled from her face to Celeste's dress, realizing immediately it was not the one she'd worn earlier before the party.
Similar to her own, the sleeves were thin and short, resting just above her arms. A beautiful white and blue gown adorned Celeste, falling past her ankles in a soft and wide flair, and secured around her petite waist was a black corset with white ruffles. Ivory long hair fell along her back loosely in soft sweeps of waves and curls, her layered fringe framing her face beautifully. There was a softness of makeup applied to her cheeks, pink rouge painted upon her lips and eyes, and charcoal lined thinly behind her long white lashes.
"You look stunning, Celeste," She complimented, easing Celeste who faintly blushed.
"Thanks. I met with my mother shortly after leaving the gardens; she fussed so much on my hair and makeup," She laughed.
Midna nodded. "I see. Speaking of the gardens … the person who sent you the letter … was it Joho?"
Celeste's mouth opened in surprise, and she slowly nodded. "Yes. I guess, I was mistaken when I thought it was Zant…"
"Celeste, where did these bruises come from?" Midna's eyes followed the traces of small bruises upon her wrists, the sight enough to elicit immediate worry, but Celeste only shook her head.
"S-so … how did you know it wasn't Zant?"
Celeste was avoiding the question, but for whatever reason, it likely tied to her meeting with Joho. What the hell did that bastard do to her? Rather than try to force an answer from Celeste, Midna held back. "After you left, I was summoned to meet with father before the party, and Zant happened to be there…"
She blinked at this. "I see. What did your father wish to speak about?"
Midna's expression fell suddenly. "Oh, well, there was a topic concerning my engagement. It seems father has made his decision."
"Midna … I noticed you seemed troubled, but I see now why…"
"Troubled isn't the word. I'm furious, Celeste. You have no idea…" But, to her dismay, Celeste only smiled, holding her hands tenderly.
"It will be fine, Midna. You said so yourself earlier, that you would accept your father's wishes, right? I'm sure he wouldn't choose someone you greatly disliked, after all, he is your father."
Words couldn't describe her guilt. No, she couldn't let this continue, not like this. "Celeste. I need to tell you something. When I met with father earlier, I—"
"Excuse me," A voice unexpectedly interrupted.
Recognizing the voice and practically growling with disdain, Midna shot an accusing glare at Zant. How dare he show up now, just as she was about to reveal the truth to Celeste. A casual smirk graced his expression, his eyes only briefly noticing Midna, though his attention shifted to Celeste moments after.
"L-lord Zant," Celeste stammered, her cheeks darkening on account of his unexpected appearance. "How are you?"
"Well. I hope I am not intruding?"
"No! Not at all," Celeste quickly replied, her eyes flashing to Midna, squeezing her hands excitedly. "Right, Midna?"
Hearing this, Zant's smile only grew, and surprising both Celeste and Midna, he extended a hand out to Celeste. "Would you care to have the last dance with me this evening?"
Before Midna could outright reject his attempt to steal her friend from her, already coming up with an onslaught of verbal accusations for the asshole, she froze on account of Celeste's stare, her excited and hopeful expression. 'Don't, Celeste. Don't go with him.' That's what she wanted to say, but she couldn't bring herself to say anything in that moment. Instead, she uttered a single word, one she immediately regretted. "Fine…"
Silently, she watched Celeste bashfully place her hand in Zant's, the two-walking side by side onto the dance floor. While she stood there, contemplating how she would kill Zant in more ways than drowning, she noticed a passing servant sauntering by with a tray of wine glasses, balancing it as he greeted the guests. Without a moment's pause, she reached for a chalice, downing its contents heavily. 'Zant, I will never forgive you.'
Once their dance ended, she would certainly reveal the truth to Celeste, but in the meantime, she found herself reaching for another glass of wine, placing the empty chalice back onto the servant's tray before he disappeared through the crowd once more. Again, she took a heavy drink, watching the figures of the guests skirt across the dancefloor intimately, hand in hand, and she scoffed.
Looking away, her eyes skimmed the crowd, the people hovering here and there as they watched the dancers excitedly, others gossiping, but beyond the dance floor, Midna noticed the familiar face of Joho, standing alone, his eyes rested on the dancers somewhat anxiously. Following his gaze, Midna didn't have to guess who he was watching, and it was likely he was feeling pretty jealous. So, the letter was from Joho? If that was the case, did something happen at the gardens earlier? 'Did he make Celeste cry?'
Again, she took a drink, watching him across the rim of her glass. Something must have happened between them. Was it possible, Celeste already knew of her engagement with the soldier? Midna couldn't be sure, but it would make sense if it was the reason she'd cried. Before Midna could approach the young man, she suddenly noticed Sophia in the distance, walking briskly towards him, a heavy tray in hand filled with what seemed like pastries and drinks.
To Midna's astonishment, the old woman clumsily walked right into him, the tray of delicacies staining his attire, the bottom part of his tunic around his waist soaked with alcohol. Somehow, by the expression worn on Sophia's face, Midna couldn't help but wonder if her accident was done on purpose. Still, she didn't give it too much thought as the woman led Joho through the crowd, her eyes returning to the dancers.
Words couldn't describe her excitement in this moment, but recalling an intimate encounter with Zant, two days prior, she blushed, biting her lip nervously as they danced. Although this wasn't the first time, she'd danced with Zant, it'd been years since; back then, she was a child, not yet taken under the Royal Family's wings, and had only known the life of a servant.
Silently, she allowed Zant to guide her, spinning her like all the others, his palm pressed against her lower back, the other holding her hand gently in their dance. It felt weird, a little awkward, but she was happy nonetheless.
Swallowing nervously, she swept her gaze upwards, his crimson eyes ever so watchful, and she quickly diverted her gaze. "Lord Zant," She began softly. "about what happened before … two days ago … I feel I must apologize for leaving so suddenly. I hope I did not offend you?"
His brows rose, an amused smirk suddenly gracing his countenance. "Ah, you mean, when you ran out during our intimate love session?"
She gasped, her fingers tightening upon his shoulder, and fearful someone might have overheard, she was relieved when they were distracted by the music. "L-lord Zant!" She sputtered in almost a whisper, though her reaction only spurred a deep chuckle from him.
"Worry not; I found it rather charming," He replied just as softly. "I'll admit, I fear I came on a little too strongly, but it was for the best you left when you did."
She only nodded. That was true. Had they gone any further, there was no telling how they could explain themselves after, especially since they were unwed. Still, just thinking about that moment warmed her thoughts. "That's true. Lord Zant, Midna was just telling me she was summoned earlier before the party and that you were as well?"
"Ah, it was with regards to the Princess's engagement," He revealed, his smile suddenly falling.
Celeste nodded. "Yes. I heard her father chose a suitor for her. Would you happen to know her betrothed by chance?"
"Yes," He began slowly, his eyes turning towards the second floor curiously. "Tell me, did the Princess mention anything else besides her engagement?"
Bewildered by his reply, she merely shook her head. "I'm afraid not. She seemed a little upset, but I didn't want to pry."
"I see. Well, the Princess's engagement was not the only topic of discussion," He began, earning Celeste's fullest attention "His Majesty brought you into the conversation. I do believe he has decided upon a suitor for you as well…"
Cerulean eyes widened at this revelation. What? His Majesty had plans to marry her off as well? Immediately, her thoughts flew to Joho and the event which transpired in the gardens. Was it possible he already met with his Majesty and asked for her hand? "I see…"
"You do not seem thrilled?" He asked, arching a brow.
Her hands tightened upon the sleeve of his white button-down shirt, her gaze sweeping across his face worryingly. Was it Joho the man she would marry or was it Zant? "Zant…"
His lips curled into a smile, the likes of which immediately calmed her worries. If he wasn't worried, then, maybe there wasn't a reason for her to either. Could it be, Zant asked for her hand in marriage? The thought seemed almost too good to be true. "Zant, I—"
He leaned in suddenly, his breath caressing her ear, and it sent a shudder through her body. "Once this song has ended, let's go somewhere more private and talk. There's something I want to discuss…"
Blushing at his words and feeling a tinge of excitement, she nodded. "Alright." Anticipating they would continue where they left off two days ago, she felt a nervousness swell in her abdomen. The remainder of the dance fell in silence, and soon, the music ended with a round of applause. As the dancers left the floor, a series of trumpets sounded in the Main Hall, and it was then, Celeste realized his Majesty would soon arrive.
"Celeste, let's leave."
Surprised by his anxiousness to leave so soon, Celeste's eyes turned back towards the crowd, her gaze searching the sea of people for Midna. If his Majesty was soon arriving, then shouldn't they wait until after? "Wait. I wish to speak with Mid—"
"It can wait until after, Celeste," He replied, his voice more serious than before as he pulled her off the dancefloor and towards the crowd.
Her nervousness only increased as he pulled her behind him, and looking back towards the dancefloor, she caught sight of Midna running in her direction. "It will only be a moment, Lord Zant," She replied, somehow managing to free her wrist from his grasp, but when she did, she was surprised when he struck her with a dejected look, as if she'd scorned him so terribly. "Forgive me."
Turning her back to him, she lifted the skirts of her blue dress and approached Midna hastily, but as she neared closer, something loud resounded in the room, so loud, she paused in her trek. The other guests were just as befuddled by the noise, and they soon realized it was the result of a heavy wind blowing outside, the windows clattering noisily against the interior walls.
But no sooner had Midna reached out to take her hand, a chilling wind swept through the entirety of the room, and with it, the entire Main Hall fell into darkness, with only the golden auroras of twilight peering within. There was movement in the crowd surrounding them, a shrill cry followed by another, and as Celeste and Midna braced against this, they noticed strange shadows moving around the room from all corners.
"Celeste…"
"Midna, what's happening?!"
