A/N: Hello all again, this time I written a well exciting tale for Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler). I had in interest of the story of Oscar Wilde's tale of Dorian Grey since nobody else had written one for this manga. Lol Since I'm the writer for this fan fiction I decided to delay his 'demise' for one more year (Heh, Heh). Ciel is now fourteen years old and Sebastian is…well still Sebastian. As this story progresses it will kind of start off a little mundane…or not, then very dark. I will not hold back on the story…you have been fairly warned.
Synopsis: Ciel receives a book called "The Picture of Dorian Grey" by Oscar Wilde from her Majesty while visiting her all week. Her Majesty tells him of a little tale of a spirit that grants wishes and gives grave warnings to those who seek her in dreams. Later that evening at the Phantomhive town home, Ciel is reluctant to read such a vile book…but soon changes his mind for an unknown reason.
A Wake's Dream
Late in the afternoon of June 21,1890; the butler all in black sat on top of the driver's seat firmly slapped the horses reins once against the railings; commanding the Spanish black stallions to pull the carriage away from Buckingham Palace.
Inside the confines of the carriage, young Earl Phantomhive restlessly gazed outside the window witnessing the sky turning to it's usual deep yellows, oranges, reds and then finally the purplish-blues signifying as it transitions into dusk.
He let out a long waited lowly sigh as he sank back into the royal blue cushioned seats as his butler drove back towards the townhouse in London.
After a long week of being summoned back and forth to Buckingham for this rare special arrangement; her majesty personally invited the young earl for luncheons. Ciel glanced over next to him a copy of Oscar Wilde's book of "The Picture of Dorian Grey"
"Why would her Majesty give me such a book?" He thought puzzlingly. "I've already heard about how it was received amongst the landed gentry. Not unpredicted, as it received dismal reviews to much of the author's dismay, many critics calling it over-use of hedonism and immorality." as he thought to himself.
"I know her Majesty, being the kind woman…thought to give this to… me? What was her reasoning?"
"Was she trying to insult my intelligence? Pensively he thought "No… that couldn't be it.."
"And why did her Majesty tell me of that strange fairy tale of a dream spirit that grants wishes and warnings? Was she implying something…?"
"Haa…she didn't leave me anymore information before I took my leave."
His tone towards the book was of immediate disaffection, he glanced back at it once more, only to come to the conclusion not to read it. "I have no such interest in reading this." He picked up the book, stared at it for a brief moment and then toss it aside carelessly.
The young earl ran his slender fingers through his dark bluish-grey hair as he slouched in annoyance, he was just tired…he was terribly glad the day was coming to a close. Looking up with his un-patched eye up towards the ceiling, he recalled the events that transpired before home.
Trumpets blaring in the background as Ciel and his "flawless" butler stood at the entrance waiting to be announced by the Queen's doormen.
"Your Majesty …Now arriving Earl Phantomhive, Ciel and his butler Mister Sebastian Michaelis."
A booming voice echoed before the now fourteen year old boy and manservant as the loud man announced from behind. The sound seem to travel all over the Palace, in fact quite nerve-wracking. Plus the noise made my ears wince in protest for him to stop.
"I say! Her Majesty know who we are!…We've been coming all week! He muttered to himself quietly.
The doorman motioned them to follow the head royal stewardess to be escorted towards the Queen's Royal Hall; where she sat with all of her royal subjects.
The hall was long aligned with ferns and palm trees that complemented the red and gold carpet runner where a stunning light marbled floor shined underneath.
On each side of the long hall; beautifully decorated high ceiling light colored marbled columns, giving the columns enough room to perfectly balanced space between them.
Elegant chairs and paintings of royal family members from past generations aliened the right-side of the hall.
On the left-side of hall; rows of grand windows shone outside giving the view of the Palace's uniformed gardens and trees in plain view.
Upon arriving in front of two grand double French doors, two royal servants opened doors to the Royal Hall; where a small framed old woman seated on a high esteemed royal chair, with hands folded on top of her lap; talked in hushed tones to her subjects.
She was dressed in her usual black mourning attire, white and black roses perfectly aliened across her chest. Her white lace veil laid under a quaint golden crown. Her Majesty's popularity arose again during the Golden Jubilee, she was quiet comfortable in knowing her people still revered her.
Before we could advance down the continuing red and gold carpet runner, we were stopped by her Majesty's Royal butler's Charles Grey. Charles Phipps, he on the other hand wasn't as wild like his companion that served as her personal bodyguards.
Though… irritating, do I need to be frisked all the time…Really now? Ciel gritted his teeth in sheer annoyance, trying to force a wayward smile to his face. All the while the royal servant didn't seem to notice nor care, he hated me as much as I despised him.
As suspected that man… the somewhat poised overly overwrought Charles Grey, he love to brandish his most prized possession in front of my face, 'his sword'…trying his best to intimidate me at every chance.
The sickening pleasure he gets from mocking me with his vain tactics. "Hah, sorry Earl Grey your idiotic temps to coerce me are fallen on deaf and dumb ears."
I can see that my butler too isn't all to thrilled to be frisked either, but to the sight of it all…I was quite amused with his disconcerting look.
"Alright you…little braat…I meant Earl C. Phantomhive and…bloody Monsterr… I meant…Mister S. Michaelis your both clear to proceed her Majesty." provoked Charles Grey his golden eyes seemingly cold.
Both Ciel and Sebastian glanced at each other in unison, knowing too well that the Royal butler disliked them.
Sebastian gleamed in amusement to his failed attempt of hiding his weak insults. He recalled last years incident at the Phantomhive Manor when Charles Grey last visited.
Around the time of the murders at the manor in early spring, he barged into my kitchen, attacked my servants, almost ate the Phantomhive household out of house and home by is insatiable appetite, killed the not-so fresh "gentleman" from Germany that he was conspiring to blackmail my young lord and then effortlessly tried to kill me all the while with guest staying because of the continuous storm.
I sensed that he didn't care for me nor my young master by his actions. In my conclusion; I know this man has a hidden vendetta against the Phantomhive family. He surly should understand, that making himself an ass and enemy in front of me is severely not the wisest choice to make. I would love nothing more bare my fist into that arrogant face.
Charles Grey still wanted to 'off that little bastard' with joy; but to his digress, he couldn't be bothered right now he had other matters to attend too. Now, If that elusive butler of his wasn't in the way he would have taken his chance long ago.
Charles stuck closely watching the two people he detested, watching like a hawk as they walked towards her Majesty's warm aura. He himself didn't understand why her Majesty needed that meddlesome brat all week.
"What are you planning your Majesty? Why do you need to see him so urgently?"
She dismissed her two servants as they escorted the young boy and his butler. Her gracious Majesty, of high stature greeted the young earl and his distinguish butler with a wide friendly smile that creased her matronly face.
"Ah, my little boy…Ciel Phantomhive…I've heard that you were ill when you returned from your last assignment. But I'm glad that you're here and well." She said as she stood up from her throne to hug the small framed boy.
His butler just stared at his young master in amusement, Although he didn't like people touching him so freely, he didn't mind if was his beloved majesty touching him. He just shook his head as he half-smiled.
Her Majesty turned attention to the handsome butler always standing besides his young master, no matter how many times she'd seen him…she couldn't help but to notice the mysterious aura about him. However her heart still belongs to her dear beloved late husband…Albert.
"Ah,… and Mr. Michaelis!" she said with an widening smile. I must commend you on that quick rescue on the Dolton Orphanage fire three days ago. Saving those children in record time. Incredible!" She relayed praising him. "And for that, I also have a gift to present for your swift bravery." she said as she stared at stoic man with gratitude gleaming in her soft blue eyes.
"Your Majesty? Please don't trouble yourself…it was nothing." He told her as placed his gloved hand over his heart as he bowed; without noticing the Queen placed a metal of honor around his masculine willowy neck.
"..…" the man was silent, but slightly appreciated; he looked down to find the shinning piece of silver dangling below him, he frowned a little. He thought to himself that she should have given it to his young master, besides it was his doing… he just added the 'extra' help.
He just quietly smiled at her majesty generosity, he's never gotten anything like this before it was a nice jester.
His ruby-eyes shot over to the young master, he had an overly-proud smirk on his face,
"Tch, if only her majesty knew…if wasn't for me ordering him to save those orphans from burning alive. They would have all die by the hands of that miserly landlord of theirs." Ciel murmured to himself
During the late winter of this year, He worked on that case with Inspector Aberline reluctantly to capture the landlord red-handed.
That woman was an uptight, vile human being, very smart cunning and powerful, I almost had trouble in dealing with her, until my butler 'convinced her'.
Being naturally the prim suspect in human trafficking and blackmail. She sang like an canary to Sebastian as she…ugh relayed all the information that he needed. She also confessed by trying to murder her ex-husband Baron S. Dolton.
The Baron threaten his ex-wife by having her arrested for racketeering his business in shipping exports company.
Sebastian, Aberline and I tracked her down by the London docks escape to board a departing ship to New York.
Mrs. Dolton hissed at us…manly at Sebastian, she'd gained his trust and he hers. She actually thought she had him wrapped around her decrepit fingers. We infiltrated the orphanage, I posed as a homeless boy and Sebastian a social worker dropping me off there.
Ha ha silly stupid woman! I swear, that old hag getting weak in the knees when presented by an opening, such a fool. Lord Randall and his men finally came down to the harbor; swiftly arrested Mrs. Dolton escorting her to Scotland Yard, now she's awaiting trial.
That man still doesn't like me meddling into the Yards affairs, if wasn't for me being her Majesty's watchdog he wouldn't have to worry about me. I still think he is a feeble old man who can't solve a case.
"Ahem, excuse me your majesty…I implore your asking, but what was the reason for me being called to your presence?…yet again
"Well my dear little Ciel, I requested to see you again, Before I leave for my trip to Austria. I have something to give to you. I think you will find my next assignment quiet well deserved."
"Well…deserved… your Majesty what do you mean by that…"
"Be patience my dear boy, I have a tale to tell you…but not here. She smiled