That void did not last long, however.
As the gala returned to its normal liveliness, picking up in energy as the night raged on and the liquor continued to flow freely, Rarity spotted a shadow flitting about the edges of the event, every movement deliberate if not particularly elegant.
The music had changed to something more upbeat and modern, and Rarity hummed the melody to herself as she skipped over towards the Faithful Princess.
"Hello, Twilight," she said, causing her beloved to look up from the checklist.
Twilight's expression quickly shifted from annoyance to joy as she saw who it was who had interrupted her. "Rarity!" she exclaimed, a wide grin forming on her muzzle. "How are you doing? Are you enjoying the gala?"
"Oh, most certainly, darling," Rarity replied. "However, I have noticed the lack of a certain princess on the dance floor."
Twilight shrugged. "Somepony needs to handle the logistics of this event."
Rarity rolled her eyes. "We both know very well that there are plenty of ponies who are more than qualified for that job."
"Well, yes, but that doesn't mean I can't help out," Twilight said.
"And I'm sure they appreciate it, but right now, your marefriend would like to request your presence on the dance floor." Rarity reached out a hoof towards Twilight.
"You know I don't dance." Twilight stared at the hoof as if it might bite her.
"But I do," Rarity replied smoothly. "Allow me to guide you, dear." When Twilight didn't respond, Rarity leaned in closer. "Do you trust me?"
Twilight nodded.
"Then come with me, and let's show all these nobles that you're just as much of a princess as the others."
Reluctantly, Twilight took the proffered hoof, and they set off towards the centre of the room. All eyes were on them, and it was clear that the young princess was feeling the pressure of their judgement on her nerves.
"Eyes on me, Twilight," Rarity said, keeping her gaze captive with her own. "Don't worry about all of those other ponies. Right now, it's only you and me, and this lovely song."
As the music picked up, Rarity began to guide Twilight through the dance.
It wasn't anything overly complex, and despite the quick tempo of the music, Rarity kept her movements slow and deliberate. Twilight had the knowledge of how to perform this dance, and so long as she had the time to read her cues, she could barely keep up with Rarity.
They didn't speak a word as they danced, Twilight too focused on her technique to make conversation. That suited Rarity just fine, however. It was pleasure enough to see the intensity on her lover's face, to bask in Twilight's dedication to doing everything with all her heart, whether it was dancing, ruling, or loving. No matter how sterile their dance might have looked, Rarity could feel her passion with every motion, and she could have spent hours admiring how Twilight was studying her so intently.
A lady did like to be noticed, after all.
They made it to the end of the song without any missteps, and when Twilight finally allowed herself to relax, the carefree, ecstatic grin on her muzzle made Rarity's heart skip a beat. "I did it, Rarity!" she exclaimed, lunging forward to embrace her. "Oh, thank you so much for being such a good teacher."
"I couldn't have asked for a better student, darling." Hugging at an event like this was frowned upon, but Rarity couldn't quite bring herself to care.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Raven Inkwell approaching, holding a clipboard in her magic. Twilight seemed to notice the same, as she released Twilight to face the newcomer.
"Princess, the unloading area appears to have been double-booked, and Mulia Mild and Gustave Le Grand are currently having a spirited disagreement near the back entrance of the palace," the seneschal said, keeping her voice low enough that the other guests around them wouldn't be able to overhear her. "You instructed us to inform you of any disruptions of operations."
Twilight nodded. "Right, I'll sort that out." She turned to Rarity, an apologetic smile on her face. "I'll see you tomorrow for lunch, then?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Rarity replied, bowing respectfully. "Enjoy the rest of your night, my darling."
"You too, Rarity." And with that, Twilight teleported out, leaving Rarity to mingle with the aristocracy. That was fine, though — they each had a part to play, and the warmth of love kept Rarity smiling as she went to do her duty.