Thank you to baneofwolves for their request! I had a lot of fun writing this one out, and I hope you enjoy it too!

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The palace was full of life with music and guests and the hustle and bustle of the serving staff.

Countess Nadia was hosting an elegant trades party amongst as many nations as she could assemble.

The invitees and their guests mingled around dressed to the nines in gorgeous attire, truly a sight to behold.

Naturally, the palace Courtiers made an appearance amongst the guests.

As a staff member of the palace, MC was sporting their best work attire. They walked about the ballroom where the main party was being held, hands filled with trays of champagne, wine and hors d'oeuvres.

As they were passing a group of guests, Valerius, palace courtier and MC's significant other, beckoned them to his side.

He took another glass of wine from MC's tray.

"Thank you, Darling," he said quietly with a smile.

Just as MC was about to leave to serve other guests, one of the other members of the little group scoffed.

"How tacky," they sneered. "The Countess couldn't even dress her staff in anything suitable?"

MC bit their lip on the inside of their mouth and moved to step away when Valerius stayed them with a light touch to the arm.

"Absolutely appalling," They continued. "Such a disgrace to face people such as I in such ratty attire. Disgusting. You look like you should be rolling around in the stalls."

They chortled and "accidentally" spilled their red wine on MC's white (shirt/dress/etc).

"Oops. What a terrible accident!" They mocked.

"Oh, dear. Here MC, take this," Valerius handed MC his black shawl to cover the stain. "The Countess provides only the finest, even for her staff. Dear MC's outfit is of the highest quality. Didn't want the staff outshining yourself, did you?" He retorted.

"How rude!" The guest exclaimed, hand on their chest. "Are you insinuating that a servant could ever outshine someone such as myself? The nerve."

"I wasn't insinuating anything. I said exactly what I meant."

The guest's jaw dropped, their brow furrowed in anger.

"You should be careful who you choose to insult," Valerius continued. "Have you tried looking in a mirror as of late? You might find someone in need of those kinds of comments."

MC stood awkwardly to Valerius' side, saying nothing, eyes flitting between the guest and the ground, hands fiddling with the shawl.

"Furthermore, you have just insulted my partner. They would've appeared here in the finest of dress, outshining anyone here had they not declined the offer to be my plus one out of their sense of responsibility to the Countess. I suggest you hold your tongue, it might fall out of your mouth." He stated, leaving the guest to quickly shut their mouth.

As the guest moved away, Valerius "coughed", accidentally sloshing some of his wine onto the rude guest who had so viciously insulted his lover.

"Pardon me, what a terrible accident," Valerius said with fake remorse.

The guest huffed and stormed off, embarrassed.

Valerius turned to MC. "Darling, why don't we head to our room and get you all cleaned up," He said gently, wiping a lonely tear that had fallen down MC's cheek.

They nodded and the pair left the party, informing Nadia of the rude guest and the incident. Nadia gave MC permission to rejoin the party as a guest, and not a member of staff.

Back in their room, Valerius went to the closet and picked a fine outfit for them to don.

"Here darling," he said as he began to unbutton their (shirt/dress/etc).

His hands were gentle as he helped his partner from their stained outfit and put on a fresh change of clothes.

When MC was dressed once more, Valerius embraced his partner in a warm and comforting hug.

"I am so sorry my darling. No one should ever speak to you that way. You look absolutely stunning no matter what you're wearing."

MC thanked Valerius and pulled away with a small smile.

"Now," He said with a hand outstretched. "Give me a twirl."

MC laughed and took his hand as he spun them around once.

"Let's go back to the party and show them who's the most (handsome/beautiful/gorgeous) guest there."

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