Heart racing and head pounding, Haru struggled to kept a clear view of the hallway before her as her back paws bounded across the tile. The Baron was in trouble, she knew that, but it was because of Inir that she knew it was up to her to save him. Following the former Cat King's directions, Haru made the turns and winds of the castle. Finally, she heard the music of a wedding precession... and her heart skipped a beat.
But right as she reached those frosted glass doors that led to the balcony, she froze, her paw mere inches from the handle. Voices murmured beyond the doors as figures moved back and forth. There was no doubt in her mind that the wedding was in full swing.
But Haru couldn't move.
The sheer thought of the Baron promising vows of love to that white feline made her muscles tense up. Her shoulders raised as her body began to shake from the fear and frustration, tears quickly following. The brown cat's eyes shut tight as her fears flooded her mind. Then all became silent on the other side of the doorway. A sudden voice snapped up her head.
"This union is one of true love, where both of the cats before these witnesses promise to love and support each other with all their being. If there are any among us who object to this union, speak now or forever be silent."
No. She couldn't let it end. Not like this. There was a soft touch on her back and a whispered in her ear, "Go."
With all her force, Haru threw open the door, the crowds of cats seated to witness the wedding turning their heads around to the sudden disturbance. But with all eyes on her, nothing came from the tan cat's mouth. Her fears were quickly becoming more and more real as her terrified eyes made it up the aisle to the pair standing at the altar. Puarau glared at Haru, but the Baron seemed more stunned than anything else. Yet, still no words made it from Haru's mind to her voice. Small noises came out, but nothing complete. Just as she closed her eyes, a voice called out.
"Guards! Arrest that feline!" It was Paurua. She had one paw holding the Baron's, the other pointing right at Haru. A group of felines wearing the armor of the Cat Kingdom surrounded her, holding each of her arms.
"Wait- No- Please-" she stammered, struggling against their hold. Haru shut her eyes tight, fighting back the tears that stung her eyes.
"I object!" another voice called out. All movement stopped as faces turn the blue cat standing from his seat in the front row.
"Lune?" Paurua screeched. "Lune, what are you doing! She is ruining my wedding day!"
"No, I object to this marriage," the Cat King explained, staring straight at his cousin. "I cannot, in good faith, give my blessing to this marriage. Not under such false pretenses."
"That's right!" That time it was Yuki who spoke up, standing beside her husband. "You poisoned the Baron!"
Murmurs surfaced throughout the crowd of felines. Paurua's eyes widened as all the eyes turned to her.
"You- You can't possibly be serious..." she tried to laugh, though she did take a rather defensive step back. One of the guards beside the altar reached out and took a hold of her arm, to which Paurua tried to pull away. "Don't you touch me! I am the future Queen of the Feline Fairgrounds!" Her white face turned back and forth, quickly registering how quickly every cat in the room was turning on her. She let out a sound of frustration. "He's mine! The Baron is mine! And no one can have him!"
Before any of the other guards could intervene, Paurua's paw snatched the coat collar of the orange cat, forcing their muzzles to press together.