"Grandfather,Grandmother, we missed you very much!" The oldest four children cried running into the throne room toward Ann and the devil.
"Hello precious ones, we've missed you as well. Come and give grandmother a hug." Ann said holding out her arms and embracing them. Rachel then stood in front of her grandfather as Ciel gave Angelina to his mother in law.
"Grandfather?" Rachel tilted her head to one side.
"Yes Rachel?" The deep voice answered.
"Why do you not like hugs?" She asked.
"I have never been affectionate my dear granddaughter, that is not part of who I am." He explained.
"Oh. But that hurts me because I do not think you love us even when we love you." She sniffled and rubbed her eyes.
A second later she found herself in her grandfather's arms, a faint smile on the king's face made the child stop sobbing.
"Dear little Rachel, I do believe that once in a while a hug would not hurt. I know that I have not given much reason for your family to believe that I love you all, however I promise it is there and you as well as your siblings are and always will be my favorite grandchildren." Rachel giggled.
"Silly Grandfather, we are your only ones." She said. The devil chuckled.
"All the more reason for me to love you so much." He replied as Rachel rested her head on his shoulder allowing him to pat her back gently.
"Grandfather, why do you and mommy hate each other?" She asked quietly.
"I have no ill will toward your mother,I personally admire his strength,bravery and willingness to do all he can for his family,even if that means going against me. It only proves his loyalty is in the right place and his heart belongs to his children and his mate."
"But you were cranky with each other."
"Yes, however, he is still family and I -I was wrong to provoke him into anger. The fault is mine."
"will you please tell mommy that and make it all better?" The devil sighed.
"Kings do not apologize dear one."
"Daddy says he is sorry to mommy and some times mommy says it to my daddy. They will be kings someday. Daddy says that it is not worth fighting with mommy because it only hurts both of them."
"I see, since you brought it to my attention so calmly, I will speak to your mother."
"Thank you Grandfather, you are a happy thing!" The devil chuckled softly.
"So are you heart brightens each time I see all of you."He kissed her cheek and put her down carefully.
"Ciel, a moment of your time please?" He asked sitting back down on his throne. Ciel opened his mouth to decline when Sebastian placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Please my love,for me?' Ciel sighed, Sebastian didn't ask him for many things,the last request he made for himself had been for Ciel to accompany him to an event hosted by Ann and those requests were very small compared to the things Ciel wanted from him, he couldn't refuse his mate.
The devil gestured for him to sit in Ann's seat and he wasn't sure about what to say.
"Ciel," he began." When first you stood before me, you and I got along very well. I told you that you were an excellent match for my Sebastian and I stand by that, now more than ever. In the time between then and now, you have saved my sons, fought in a war,given Sebastian a beautiful family even when it was most difficult. I would like for you to know that in doing so, you have made Rhiannon and myself very happy. Somewhere along those events you and I began to argue with each other and I know I was the one who provoked you to act as you did. You have my apology for all my wrongdoing, please accept it." Sebastian stood in shock as he heard the words. Ciel sat silently looking into his burning red eyes.
"I accept your apology." Ciel replied.
"Perhaps we can attempt to repair our relationship for the sake of our family, before you became pregnant with your little Evian, I asked you to play a game of chess with me. We could talk more then." Ciel knew that it hurt Sebastian that they couldn't get along and he didn't like to see pain in Sebastian's eyes when everyone was together.
"Alright, we'll play some time." He replied finally.
"Thank you. I bow to your kindness." The stood and gave a small bow. Ciel nodded once in acknowledgement.
"Grandfather, Mommy, I am a very proud of you Rachel. Yay for you!" The children clapped their little hands.
"Daddy, did you see, they are nice to each other now, they are good, I will hug them and tell them I am happy!" Rachel said before doing just that. The boys followed her example.
"Now then, Sebastian my son, you, Evian, Rowan, Vincent shall follow me, and Rachel Ciel will go with Ann. If need be, Tani can take the infants." The devil said
"we are going to learn with Grandmother, Mommy I love Grandmother very much, do you think she made cookies for us this time?
"Certainly Rachel, I have tea as well, come along darling, I will teach you many things today." Ann held out her hand and Rachel took it happily. She turned to her brothers and father.
"Goodbye Brothers and Daddy, I will miss you very much but do not worry, I am with Mommy and daddy is with you so it is okay. I will save cookies just for you." She said waving.
"Thank you sister, you are very good. We will miss you too. Goodbye mama, we love you." Evian said. Ciel gave each one of his sons a hug and instructions to behave and pay attention to their lesson.
"I will see you soon my beautiful Ciel, thank you for what you have done for me." Sebastian kissed him and then kissed his daughters.
"I love you all very much he said and followed his father from the room.
"Well, shall we go and find Bethy?" Ann asked Rachel.
"Oh yes, we cannot forget about Aunt Bethy, I love her very much. She plays with me." Rachel replied as Ciel took Kathryn in his arms and Ann held Angelina in her free arm.
"Alright my dears, let the learning begin."