*Oh why... why..?!*

She barely stepped inside back in the giant room, everypony looked at her again.

*What's so funny?! Stop staring at me!*

A white unicorn in a light purple stepped outside the crew, deciding to break the silence.

"Hello darling! You seem nervous."

*Somepony talking to me! Remain calm! Just answer! Talk like you talk with Mane! - She thought.

"Darling, are you ok..?" - The white mare asked.

"This sucks!" - She shouted angrily.

The indignity in her words only attracted more attention. The guests started to whisper to each other, judging her, and yet the looks multiplied.

*The hell did I just said?! Am I retarded?!

"Erm... what..?"

"I mean... why everypony is looking at me?" - Asked Diane.

The guests returned to their original groups, returning to their business, leaving the two mares alone in the carpet leading to the gardens.
Maybe they got disturbed, and didn't want to cause trouble on the poor mare.

"I'm sorry about It." - The white mare apologized - "My name is Rarity, fashion designer. What about you, my dear..?"

"I'm... Cupcake... Flavor..." - Hiding her true name was a smart move. Saying It could lead to trouble, considering her infamy. But there was a chance of nopony believe her. Stealth was the key in her case.

"That's a nice name... I can provide you why many look at you in such way..."

"Please do!"

"Your dress... It's unique! Look around you." - Asked Rarity

Pinkamena looked around as requested. Then she looked at herself. It was clear...

"Sometimes, simple is the best, you see." - Said Rarity - "And yet, you look beautiful. Not even knowing you, It easily fits on you, as if your fashionista knew you personally."

"I guess..."

"I like your rose. It looks like a true flower, I can see from here It's made of thick silk, but that is my specialty. I think the other guests would never know." - Rarity giggled, while Pinkamena didn't understand what was so funny.

"Oh sorry... fashion things..." - Excused Rarity - "Say, did you come with any friends or family?"

"Alone..." - Simple answers to simple questions.

"You're a very reserved one, aren't you?" - Asked Rarity taking a look at her.

"You can say that."

They stood silent, when something caught the attention of the mare in purple.
She apologized, wishing enjoyment to Pinkamena and headed to a group.
Diane took a turn and her mouth opened slightly.
She pulled her purse, opened and took a quick look inside.

*It's him...*

Another with unicorn, expensive tuxedo, blue mane and mustache. Fancy Pants.
Standing there in the company of a very light pink unicorn, probably his wife.

*No sudden moves, just keep an eye on him...*

She stayed there, and a maid offers her a cup of champagne from the silver tray, full of cups all half filled.
*Enjoy the food...*

Took her a while to react and gracefully takes a cup. The maid smiles, thanks her with a curtsy and walks away to a group.
The mare in black looks back and Fancy Pants was right in front of her, along with his company. She shivered, controlling her urge to grab the weapon and take it to the colt's neck.

"Pardon me, Miss Cupcake. But Miss Rarity there called my attention about your taste in fashion."

"Um... Hi! Nice to meet you too..."

"Sorry my abrupt approach. I'm Fancy Pants, fashion critic, celebrity. And this is my friend, Fleur Dis Lee, supermodel and my partner."

"It's a pleasure meeting you..." - greeted Fleur.

"I like your dress. The gothic feeling sure is a unique one, must say." - he stated - "And yet, you sure caught everypony's attention, for the simplicity yet beauty, of you and the dress along."

"Thank... you?" - Pinkamena was blushing with the compliment, yet nervous with the proximity of her objective.

Hide.
Wait.
Look.
Move on.

It was the pattern he established during the last half hour. Patrols of four walking around, most of times, in places where there was barely any place to hide, and he had to stick in the shadows at all cost.
His dark coloring was a risk in such place, full of white marble, full illuminated by chandeliers and indoor lamps.
But that was nothing compared with his problems...

*I hope she doesn't stab at him at first sight... I need to do something. I can't talk to her, appear in public, or interrupt her.

He finally reached his destination, strangely, no guards around. Attending most of the army was signed to patrol and pose in the gala.
Dark big doors, decorated with night related ornaments, making them the material, and the doors the canvas.
Beautiful.

He entered there silent, everything was dark, and the familiar perfume filled his nose and lungs. Closed the door behind me and stayed there, waiting...