You drew a faint breath, mind churning up with countless thoughts.

Today was special day for Athy. That wasn't all. You frowned. That snake bastard would be there too just like last time to ruin the day and Jennette...

You winced, guilt and sadness twisted your gut. I need to apologise to her.

Dazzling golden lights drew closer, and you picked up your pace, disregarding the painful thoughts. The familiar sight of three silhouette brought a small smile on your face, heart warming up instantly replacing the beginning of cold. They hadn't notice you, too busy in their conversation. You smiled mischievously. How could you let the chance slip and not scare them?

"You finally showed up."

You yelped when Claude turned around abruptly. At his calm gaze you pouted, "You always foul my fun. Do you have eyes on back of your head?"

"Give up trying to startle me. No matter how far you are, I'll always notice you."

"Why does it sound like a threat..?" You huffed and turned your head away, sulking. "Whatever."

"Mom?"

Athy's curious eyes darted off to Claude before settling on you. You softened.

"You look breathtaking, Athy." You took her hands in yours and beamed at her. The white dress wrapped around her like the shimmering wings of fairy fluttered in the wind. She looked beyond breathtakingly beautiful and something otherworldly.

Athy giggled, her rosy cheeks turning a deeper red, "You look beautiful too, Mom. Super pretty. Right, Dad?"

Cocking his head to side Claude raised a eyebrow, "Doesn't she always."

Your lips pulled up into a small smile against your will.

Claude took your hand and brought it to his lips, his blue eyes locking with yours, melting away the world for the briefest moment. "Today it's just more apparent."

You melted, eyes softening as you gazed at him. The image of you reflected in his eyes focused soley on you was indeed beautiful and enchanting. That's how he saw you, that's how you always looked in his eyes. Maybe in your eyes he could see his reflection too, the way you saw him shinning brightly like the brightest star; breathtakingly beautiful.

Only when Athy cleared her throat loudly that you both snapped out of your little world.

"Look at you, aren't you quite the smooth talker. You look dashing yourself" You smirked with a tinge of bashfulness, pulling away your hand in slight embarassment. At least tried to. Claude kept a firm hold, his lips lingering on the soft skin of your knuckles much to your poor racing heart. You jumped when his teeth sank in and bit softly. "Claude!"

With a smirk, he tilted his head innocently as he let go of your hand while Athy watched exasperated, "Daddy's shameless."

You immediately smacked his arm when he let out a nonchalant hum neither agreeing nor refuting the claim. "Sheesh."

"Is it wrong to compliment--"

Athy quickly stuffed herself between you two, shielding you from sight and glared at Claude, "No more teasing Mom."

A brief silence as Claude stared at Athy clinging to you and your smug smiling face as mouthed, 'she loves me more'. A dry chuckle left Claude as his large hand came down on Athys' head making her freeze in shock.

"Don't mess up her hair! It took awful lot of time." You chimed in. As much as you loved their adorable interaction, you didn't want Athy to attend her debutante with a bird's nest.

Claude rolled his eyes, "Let's go."

"You look handsome too Felix." You smiled at the red haired silently watching from sidelines. His face brighten up. Too bad you were in mood to tease. "I'm sure Lily already showered enough compliments on you so mine is unneeded, yeah?" You left behind the sputtering knight choking on his embarassment as you laughed under your breath.

The announcement of your arrivals was made. When they announced your presence along with the Imperials signature name, you cringed. It was awkward. It's not like you were officially part of the Royal family but you were recognised as such in public's eyes. How troublesome.

You entered the banquet overlooking the crowd gathered beneath, you noticed the way Athy stiffened, grabbing on Claude's cape while hiding ever so slightly behind you, her face pale and anxious.

"Today's your day, Athy. Don't be nervous. We are here." You stroked her back and gently assured.

Claude flashed his sharp cold eyes at the crowd and the reaction was instant. Each head bowed down in reverence, back trembling in fear.

"Should I make them stay in that position?" Claude asked, turning to Athy.

Athy cranked up her neck, "Eh?"

"What?" You freaked out. "No-- Think of the poor girls! It's their first debut too!"

Thankfully the ridiculous offer was rejected by Athy who calmed down, gaining back her confidence seeing both of your support.

As per the Royal customs, first the royal members would initiate dance followed by sole dancing group of girls then pairs or couples. It was time for them take the stage.

"Felix, don't leave her side."

You rolled your eyes by the sidelines, patting Athy's back as her nerves acted up again.

"As you wish, your majesty." Felix obediently, happily nodded.

"Stay with him." Claude ordered you next.

You made a face. Claude narrowed his eyes. Sighing you nodded and he relaxed giving you one of his rare smile before leaving with Athy who still looked quite jumpy. You knew it was out of concern since you could feel the crowds eyes focused on you, not all of them with good intentions.

By the end of the night you'd probably get to hear juicy gossips about you. You smirked at the thought. Well you couldn't wait to see creative ways their imagination would manifest.

Felix uneasily shifted as he watched you smirk to yourself. "(Y/n) you are not planning something, are you? You're not going to set someone's hair on fire, right?"

"No," You looked at him confused. "Why do you think I'd do that?"

"Have you forgotten your debutante?" Felix questioned in disbelief. That was single most unforgettable moment of his life.

"Oh yeah. Fun times, huh?" You cracked up, hint of evil twisted in your laugh. "That old creep was lucky the only thing I set on fire was his hair, not anything else. Though the punishment that followed wasn't fun. All the extra paperwork and assignments still haunts me."

Felix shook his head helplessly at your flippant attitude.

Your searching eyes scanning the mob soon focused on two person. The crowd spread, bowing deeply as Claude and Athy made their way to the middle, steps graceful and regal. The pleasant sound of music filled the air, all attention on them, at their otherworldly beauty and untouchable presence.

You were taken in by their smooth gliding movements, mesmerized just as the crowd as you watched them with a soft smile.

Last strings of music echoed in the hall. The crowd broke into applause as Claude and Athy bowed to each other as the last step.

Athy nervously shifted, using her Dad as a shield. Claude noticing it, asked her something to which she shook her head real hard. Claude sighed. He looked back at you then at Athy.

You watched his actions curiously.

Pushing her back encouragingly one last time to the eager girls waiting for her, Claude left the area and was right by your side. You cracked a bit at his hurried steps.

"Did someone approached you?" Claude asked, his sharp eyes going over to Felix who shook his head in negative.

"Given the scary scowl on your face I hardly think anyone has the balls." You said, trying to imitate him. Claude's lips twitched, eyes filling up with amusement.

"If anyone wants their balls intact, they better not." Claude said in low tone, a dangerous spark in his eyes. His arms came around you, pulling you closer to his side and his thumb drew possessive circles on your waist, coursing back and forth as you fought back a shiver. You rolled your eyes but leaned into him, looking at Athy.

The ones who heard Claude's words immediately raced to the other side of the room, wanting very much their balls intact.

Meanwhile Felix was flabbergasted hearing both of your exchange. He wanted to scold for using inappropriate words but he was afraid he might lose his balls. And also the fact both of you always bickered this way, the situation was a lost cause.

"Well, Athy's enjoying herself." You smirked. Ijikeil and Athy were swaying to the beat of the music, standing out among the crowds of other pairs.

"Hmm." His displeasure was coming off in waves, clear as day as his sharp gaze drilled into the dancing pair.

"Stop. You're gonna burn a hole into the poor boy's back." You scolded him playfully.

You winked at Athy when her eyes met yours, wiggling your eyebrows suggestively and giving her not so discreet thumbs up. She flushed bright red, ducking her head away from your blunt teasing smile while Ijikeil watched her with amusement and wariness from feeling the glare on his back intensify.

"She's getting embarassed by us. My baby's grown up." You giggled.

"She's only a child." Claude muttered, his gaze dry as he watched them.

"Yes, yes. She's will always be our child no matter how much she grows up, don't worry." You patted his arm as unbeknownst to him he looked glum at the prospect of Athy growing up.

You have come a long way Claude. You smiled to yourself.

"What?" Caught off guard by smile, Claude looked at you suspiciously. "Why are you smiling at me like that?"

"I'm feeling proud of you. You should be proud of yourself too. You've come long way Claude, from indifferent jerk to caring Dad. Hehe."

"...What am I, a child?" His ears were red as he turned his head away and scoffed. "Sometimes I wonder how you see me?"

"Like a man child, of course. Heart-throbbing combination of a cute, stubborn, sometimes idiot child and a possesive, socially inept handsome dense man I love." You said in one breath, smiling slyly

"...You truly lack in fluttering skills."

"No, no. I'm fact I excell at fluttering and complimenting. I just like to be bluntly honest with you."

"That's your honest opinion of me...?" A hint of incredulity slipped in his tone.

"That's right!" You beamed.

Claude glowered.

"Your majesty, if you could spare a moment."

As if a light switch was turned, Claude expression turned cold and apathetic as he faced the old man bowing infront of him with air of disinterest and intimidation. The old man trembled.

"T-The present ambassadors from foreign empires wants a brief word with you."

Visibly looking miffed,.Claude looked at you and you shrugged your shoulders. "Go ahead. It seems important matters."

"...I'll be back then." He begrudgingly followed the envoy, not before throwing a meaningful look at Felix.

Felix nodded firmly, catching the wordless order to look after you. With a smile he turned to you..

"Wha- (Y/n)?!"

...only to find empty air.

You felt a little bad for Felix as you snuck away, twisting and turning in the crowd with a certain someone in your mind. You had to push through the people coming to make small talk. You didn't had the time to look ahead and you collided with someone.

"Ah, I'm sorry!"

At the familiar voice, your heart cleaned painfully. "Jennette.."

Jennette guilty flushed expression morphed into surprised one. "You know me, Miss?"

There was hopeful glint in her shinning green eyes.

You swallowed the painful lump in your throat. Could you forget the child you taken care of, forget the awful things you done and said to her. "No. But you remind me of someone."

The hopeful look amplified but doused off soon as she looked at the snake bastards way. "You remind me of someone too. Someone I really wish to meet. But I'm not allowed to see them."

Your gut twisted painfully. So that snake bastard did fill her, though to which extend truth was told was highly doubtful. You were sure he must have twisted the truth to his benefit.

You cleared your throat. "You look beautiful, blue colour suits you. And why are standing here alone? Where's your partner?"

You belatedly realized that Ijikeil was her partner as your eyes fell on Athy and her white haired pair.

"Thank you but you look more beautiful! My partner is dancing with someone else but I'm fine with it! So it's alright!" Jennette smiled bashfully. It was just as you remembered. She was same. The same innocent girl with beautiful heart.

Countless apologies remained stuck in your throat like a painful thorn. The girl across you wasn't the same. She didn't have the memories you shared, didn't carry the hurt you inflicted on her, didn't know you. You were complete stranger to her, so wanting to atone for your cruelty was useless. It was nothing more than a frivolous, selfish wish.

"Your hair is coming undone." You pointed out as your gaze swept over her stopping at her brown hair.

Jennette's eyes widened, her hand shooting up to her head. The ribbon holding her hair had come undone, probably broken. She frantically tried to keep the hair from getting completely ruin, face flushed in embarassment as she mumbled under her breath excuses.

Smiling softly at her adorableness, you pulled out the butterfly hairpin from your hair holding the elegant bun in place. With nothing to keep it in place, the hair fell gracefully on your shoulder. You weren't bothered, looking at the panicking girl calmly "Here take my hairpin."

"Huh? No, no you don't have to!" Wide eyes Jennette shook her head, completely forgetting her hair getting more messy.

You ignored her protest and carefully placed the hairpin while brushing the tangled hair. "Consider it a gift for your first debute."

Stunned, she watched in wonderstruck. Her pure eyes made you shift away, the guilt of past action chipping away at you. "It suits you better." A beat of silence as Jennette tentatively touched the hairpin, a small smile on her lips. "See you around then. Enjoy the banquet alright."

Your haste departure left her disappointed but you had to get away. There was a ominous nauseating feeling in your stomach, a sickeningly familiar sensation that made you sick stomach further twist in dread.

A regal, intimidating figure appeared in your sight. You paused.

Shit...

Claude's eyes were searching the crowd frantically before they found you. Taking big hasty impatient steps, he stopped infront of you. His pinched expression relaxed, stiff shoulders visibly sagging a bit and a small barely audible sigh raked his figure as you found you harmless. You sheepishly smiled a small oops leaving your lips as the expression on his face was less than friendly. Claude sharply frowned in disapproval which only deepened more at your unravelled hair. "What happened?"

You touched your hair, "This? I gave away my hair pin to a girl. Hers was broken. I didn't want that poor's girl special day ruined."

Claude raised a eyebrow, silently scrutinizing you and deep sigh followed. Although he wanted to stay mad, your puppy eyes made it impossible. "Turn around."

You did. Startled for a brief second when he came closer.

His presence pressed closer to your back, close enough to feel his cool breath against your ears. Contrary to your thoughts, Claude took small section from your front hair and pulled it back. Not before you felt as he started braiding it in princess style and you blinked in surprise. "Is it too tight?"

You refrained from shaking your head, not wanting to ruin his efforts. "No."

You closed your eyes enjoying the feel of his careful fingers running through your hair. You opened them when you heard the silence break with countless gasps of disbelief and shock.

People were dumbfounded, jaws dropped to the floor with eyes bulging out of sockets.

"Pfft--"

"Hmm?"

You nodded towards the crowd with entertained grin. "Look at their pale faces Claude. Pfft-- it's priceless!"

Claude spared a indifferent glance before continuing to braid your hair. "They are just bunch of spineless pests. Ignore them."

"That's a bit harsh but oh well," Aimlessly your eyes wandered around, taking in the hilarious sight when a pair of eyes made you pause. Blue eyes..?

A chill ran down your spine. You blinked and it was gone. What the--

The pair of eyes had eerie resemblance to one you loved so much. Were you eyes deceiving you?

"Is something the matter?" Claude asked seeing you slightly dazed state, a look of concern flashing in his eyes. You shook your head.

"Done already? You become expert." You smiled at him, impressed. Touching your hair, you glanced at the crowd again before your eyes widened as for a split second pain flashed through your head.

Not catching your wince, Claude pursed his lips, his eyes following your line of sight. He couldn't find anything out of ordinary.

"I'm going to washroom. I'll be back."

Claude snapped his head to you, begining of protest on the tip of his tongue.

"I want to freshen up." You said, giving him a pointed look. "I'll make it quick."

A beat of silent stare down, Claude's expression soured but he nodded stiffly. "Alright."

Beaming, you pressed a quick grateful kiss on his cheek before hurrying away less he changed his mind.

The left side of the castle hosted guests room. It was the last room in wing you entered and found her.

"Celestria, can you not do your telepathy thing in my head? You sound so creepy I'd have nightmares for weeks on end."

You said standing at the threshold, staring down at the entity quietly standing in the room.

Celestria merely smiled; a cold, empty curl of lips with no apparent emotion. The fog in the room moved eerily, her pitch black gown spread across the floor like claws of doom rising from hell, the air cold and heavy. The hair on back of neck sprang up as goosebumps erupted over your body.Gathering your courage you ventured further into the room and closed the door behind. And immediately regretted it.

It felt like you had stepped into another space disconnected and cut off from the world beyond the door. Knowing her, the idea wasn't too far fetched.

"I had no way to contact you, not with the lover of yours prowling around you."

You crossed you arms putting a brave face, "So why did you call me? As far I know I still got time."

"Such impatience. Is it only with me?"

"Yes, you're special." You said rolling your eyes.

"Firstly child, time is slipping away like the miniscule grains of sand. You already must be facing the symptoms. You have accomplished all your your tasks, yes?"

Your arms went slack. You instinctively gripped your forearm, almost feeling the phantom pain. This crazy lady, did she have to remind you of things you rather not think about. You wanted to preserve your resolve till end without wavering. You weakly scoffed, "That's right. Everything is nearly done. Just a few more adjustments and a happy ending for everyone."

Celestria was silent for a few seconds as her dull eyes searched your face. You shivered feeling her haze like sharp claws running down your skin. A low hum parted from her red lips "It's a unfortunate event. You'd successfully stop the encore but that means a tragic end for you. Despite the happiness and serenity you must be feeling a great deal of anguish. The decision must be tearing you apart."

You laughed humourlessly, "It that your idea of torturing me? You're something else, Crazy Lady."