"Young Master, you've received a letter."
A letter? At this late an hour? It was almost dark; why would someone bother to come this far this late? I looked up from the never-ending pile of papers on my desk. I had finally soothed the latest anxieties of the Queen, but my report was only half written and I was exhausted. And then there were the Funtom reports, and the ledgers (which Sebastian did, but I was determined to start looking them over as I am the head of the Phantomhive family), not to mention the other various letters from acquaintances and start-of-the-season party invitations. And homework. It was barely July yet my desk was too crowded, why would I want another piece of stupid paper? "Who's it from, Sebastian?"
My butler came up to my desk. "It doesn't say," he said off-handedly, extending his hand to show me the letter with a generic seal on the back.
"Useless." Who besides some stupid criminal doesn't use a recognizable seal? Even the poorly thought out ransom notes I had received in the past had some kind of seal on it. But I still picked it up, then dropped it on my stack of pages and went back to writing my report. "I'll look at it later. I'm much too busy for such nonsense."
"Are you sure, my Lord?"
I looked up again. What the hell was he questioning me for? "Of course I'm sure!" I shouted without meaning too. I was too damn tired for him to mess with me. "The Queen always comes first."
"Of course, my Lord."
I sighed and set down my pen, rubbing my forehead. It was hot. I was hot and annoyed and I didn't feel like taking on all the tasks in front of me. I wanted to go to sleep, to be honest, but there were just too many things I wouldn't want to face in the morning. I had to do this. As the last head of the Phantomhive family, I had to do this.
But, oddly enough, my thoughts drifted to Elizabeth. It had been a while since I had seen her. Actually, not since she made one of her famous surprise visits and she broke my ring. I still didn't hold that day very fondly in my memory, moreso because of my own reactions, instead of hers. I would never admit it to anyone but myself, but I was ashamed I had let my anger get the best of me. Elizabeth did not deserve my spite or hatred, ignorant of the fact that she annoyed me more than amused me. I wanted to love Elizabeth, my fiancée, but I knew better than to hold her in any high regard. There was no possible way for us to get married. I couldn't make her happy. I couldn't even pass on my estate to her, because I was going to cut my own life short, very short. And I didn't want her involved. I didn't want her innocence corrupted like mine. Elizabeth, annoying as she may be, was the only beacon of light I had left. I had made a promise to myself long ago that I would not blow her out. She needed to shine brightly, and I hoped she would after my death (not like I cared, because what could I do after that?).
I sighed again. What was I daydreaming for? I had work to do. Sebastian was looking at me funny, and I glared at him once. He just smiled and looked like he was about to excuse himself until I cleared my throat. "Open a window, it's getting hot in here."
"Yes, my Lord."
I watched him (warily, I might add) walk around my desk before I turned my attention back to my work. I couldn't concentrate now; Sebastian always had this presence I couldn't describe, and it sometimes seemed to put my mind elsewhere. Of course, I always ignored it, but it was very strong today, and my report seemed too daunting to finish now. I leafed through a few pages on my desk, trying to ignore my urge to open the letter I had just received, but my curiosity was growing. I couldn't help myself. But after the speech I made, I almost didn't want to open it. Still, the letter was calling to me, and I picked it up casually and popped off the wax, unfolding it.
At first, I was irked. The handwriting was barely legible; it looked like a hastily written note. There was no care taken at all, until I glanced down at the signature.
"Middleford."
"What was that, young Master?"
I was about to speak, but I noticed something else. It was like the heat in the room was suddenly sucked out through the opened window; even the faint evening breeze was chilling. My blood ran cold. I couldn't breathe. "Elizabeth. Kidnapped." I was standing before I could even register moving. W-what was I going to do? I had to find her, I knew I had to find her, but how? How could this happen? She couldn't just disappear, right? I mean, she was practically royalty, her family consisted of the best swordsmen in England; how could she be taken? Where were they going to take her to? Was it even a they? Or just one? No, one person couldn't kidnap a Middleford. Oh god what if they killed her? Was she going to be used as ransom? Then for what ? Drugs? Money? Was this an attack on the Funtom company? The Phantomhive name? The Middlefords?
Sebastian placed his hand on my shoulder; I realized my fists were tight, my teeth clenched, so tense I was shaking, the letter crumpled in my hand. But Sebastian. Just his touch, and somehow I felt…not better. Not even calmer. But lucid. My head was just noticeably more clear. I needed to calm myself down, I needed to be reasonable. Diplomatic. I couldn't get my emotions involved in this, not right now. "Young Master?" Sebastian's voice. I hated to admit it but it calmed me down. He soothed me. It was so smooth, it actually reminded me of chocolate. I was ashamed of the thought. Ugh, how childish. It was such a stupid association. "What's wrong?"
He stepped in front of me. I looked up at him, still trembling. "Elizabeth has been kidnapped," I said darkly. "My fiancée," I got louder, slamming my fist on the desk. "Has been kidnapped Sebastian!" I couldn't wrap my head around it, not yet.
But Sebastian, he was quiet. Completely calm. He looked down at me, a look on his face I couldn't understand. I assumed it was pity, and it made me angry. All of this made me angry. I was about to open my mouth to start yelling at him, but Sebastian just smiled at me and slipped the letter from out of my clenched fist. The gall of this demon, I swear! He seemed to be reading the letter, which was only a couple of words to begin with, but he was taking too long. I scowled. What could he possibly be doing?
"Sebastian."
He was quiet a few more seconds, driving me absolutely mad. How could he be so damn calm at a time like this? "My Lord," he finally spoke and I seethed. More calm. He actually sounded bored. "I don't think there's much we can do." He placed the piece of paper down and once again looked down at me. "Unfortunately, this letter is of no help to us."
"No hel-"
"Young Master," I held my tongue, clenching my jaw in an effort to stay silent. "Please think about this for a moment. How can we tell this is a letter from the Middlefords? It doesn't bear their seal, it was horribly written, and the signature is dubious at best."
No, what was he saying? "Sebastian, what are you saying? I don't care if this is some kind of joke! We have to go check on Elizabeth, I need to know she's alright."
"Indeed, my Lord. But this could very well be a trap."
"A…trap?"
Sebastian smirked at me. "My Lord, you do know how traps work, don't you?"
I sighed, collapsing back into my chair. He could be right. This entire letter could be a farce. I may have realized it eventually, but…. "Of course I do." This was very irritating. I wanted to be level headed; I couldn't be swept away by my emotions like this. I crossed my legs and settled back into my chair. "So what do you propose?" There. This was business now. Elizabeth could not be saved, if she was indeed in danger, by a sniffling little brat.
"My Lord, I would like to visit the Middleford estate myself. You will stay here with the servants, who I will give strict instruction to protect you with their lives."
I frowned. The servants protect me? I scoffed. They could barely keep from tripping over their own feet, how could I let them protect me? "Sebastian, that's a horrible plan."
My butler looked down at me, obviously faking being insulted. "Harsh words young Master." His expression evened out. "May I ask why?"
I smirked. "No." Then I crossed my arms. I did not trust any of them. Well, no, I had some faith in Sebastian, but I wanted to see Elizabeth with my own eyes. It was the only way I could be at ease with this situation. "I am going with you. I want to see Elizabeth with my own eyes."
"And what if she's gone?"
I frowned. "I want to be sure." I looked up at my butler, ready to fight him if I needed to, but the look on his face, the slight amusement and hint of pity proved I wouldn't have to. If this demon was going to be amused by my misfortune, so be it. I didn't care, so long as Elizabeth was safe. I stood, trying to level myself with Sebastian, despite his towering height. I glared up at him. "Do you understand?" He looked at me, smiled, and bowed, kneeling on one knee, finally lower than me.
"Yes, my Lord."
"Good. We're leaving now."
Sebastian stood, still looking amused. "Would you like your coat, Master?"
I didn't have the patience for whatever game he was trying to play; it was hot. "No, we're leaving now."
"Of course. If you'll excuse me." Suddenly I was off the ground. I knew to have expected him to carry me, but I was always unnerved whenever my feet left the ground. "Hold on tight, my Lord." And I did just that. I didn't expect to ever get used to this demon's power. I had always tried to remind myself that Sebastian did, in fact, have the power, skill and desire to kill me whenever he wanted, but it was becoming harder now, especially when he took such care to hold me gently in his grasp. He could crush a man with two fingers, but he held me, as we fell from the window of my study, with more care than some precious heirloom. Was it normal to feel safe in the arms of a demon? I could barely remember the feeling of my parent's embrace, any embrace, but in Sebastian's arms, I don't think I could forget it. It was exciting, fascinating and terrifying all at once, and I didn't want it to stop.
Sebastian made quick work of the many miles that separated me from my fiancée. I had kept my eyes closed, my grasp tight around Sebastian's neck, the speed sickening to my stomach. However, as we slowed, my butler did not place me on the ground. His arms tightened their grasp on me, and I couldn't help but shudder at the implications that movement could have. "Sebastian," I whispered, trying to make out the shapes in the darkness, but he ignored me, eyes focused ahead of us. It scared me, his intense focus.
"Oh, it is nothing," he finally mentioned after coming to a stop just beyond the trees surrounding the estate. I tried to make out his face in the darkness. He looked down at me and smiled impishly. I sighed.
I didn't know what to expect as he strolled along the lawn towards the darkened Middleford manor. Would Elizabeth be asleep in her bed? Auntie and Edward and everyone else asleep, safe and sound? Or maybe they weren't here at all, but in London for a while. Of course I would have Sebastian check there as well if the manor was empty. But, as we rounded about the gardens, I saw a singular light high up, flickering. My grasp on Sebastian tightened; I couldn't help it. I almost didn't want to see the contents of that room. Yet my butler was eager to do so, as he didn't even ask if we should proceed (or maybe he did, but I was too lost in my thoughts to notice. I could have sworn he said something, but I couldn't recall what it was), and scaled the distance between the third floor and us in two smooth jumps. He had repositioned me into one arm along the way, the other keeping leverage on our position right below the window of the occupied room.
"Young Master," Sebastian whispered to me, a placating concern smoothing out his voice. "Would you like me to look?" I shook my head. This was my business, not his. I could see the slight frown which formed on his face, but it was too late. I was already reaching up to the window ledge and pulling myself out of my butler's firm grasp to peek above it.
Like some kind of criminal.
I almost wanted to feel ashamed by my actions, however, I knew that if Elizabeth had indeed been taken, I wouldn't want to find out tomorrow morning by making a trip here instead. Kidnappings were delicate cases, and if Elizabeth really was gone, then we needed all the extra time we could get. I could always visit in the morning, pretend to get all the information I needed, and begin my search. But, I was distracting myself. Taking a breath to ready myself for whatever lay beyond this window, I pulled myself up just enough to peek through.
It was Elizabeth's room, obviously. The vast amounts of pink and animal décor made that blatantly obvious. But her bed was empty.
No, not empty. Aunt Frances lay there, clutching at the sheets. What was she…?
My hands began to shake. I couldn't support myself any longer. The ledge slipped from my grasp and I found myself back in the arms of my butler. I didn't see his face, all I saw was the woman crying on the bed of my fiancée, clutching a letter in her hand. The candle that was still flickering on her side table barely a nub. It would go out soon.
No.
Elizabeth was gone.
I don't know if I cried. I don't even remember if I slept that night after we returned. Shock had soon been replaced by anger, and I made it my duty to make a formal visit to the estate the very next morning. I didn't know how to act. Should I be a concerned fiancé? Or should I be the head of the Phantomhive family? I couldn't be both; I didn't understand what both would require of me. But I was quiet the entire carriage ride, Sebastian only looking solemnly across from me. I didn't have the strength to question him. It was all a blur. I had only been thinking of Elizabeth hours ago. Thinking of her happiness, determined to keep her from the evils of my world. And now she was gone. Sucked up into the filthy underbelly of my family name. It was the only explanation that made sense. Someone wanted something from me, and was going to use Elizabeth to get it. I couldn't stand it; the idea made me sick to my stomach. I wanted to order Sebastian to kill every criminal on sight, regardless of their crimes, until we found her. I wanted to kill a few of them myself. I wanted to raid every opium den, every tavern, every hideout, every home until I saw those green eyes again. I couldn't lose her, I couldn't. I wouldn't.
But, my visit wasn't very fruitful. Auntie was stern as always, but obviously upset by the faint rim of tears in her eyes. Edward did not speak, and Uncle was the one to tell me of the letter that was left on Elizabeth's bed. I pretended to read it, then handed it off to Sebastian so he could make quick work of it, though I made sure we gave the entire manor a look over as well, especially Elizabeth's room.
There were no signs of forced entry, no struggle, no evidence, nothing. Auntie mentioned a family visitor who had left that afternoon after a short visit, but she did not leave any gifts or forgot any of her belongings. There was nothing. Even Sebastian couldn't find anything amiss, and it made my blood boil.
"Don't worry," I told all of them, stoic and probably foreboding. "I will find Elizabeth." We left. I didn't want to leave, but there was nothing for either of us, and I couldn't think of a single thing to say as we rode home. Sebastian looked over the letter time and time again, but I made sure to make it clear that I didn't want to know anything about it. Not yet. If he had any suspicions, he was to follow them. But, nothing. We were both outwitted, and I didn't like how it felt at all. "Sebastian," I said wearily, partly falling asleep as the carriage rattled on.
"Yes, young Master?"
"I don't like this."
"Nor I."
"How," I sighed. "How could we be outwitted like this?"
"I wouldn't call this outwitted, young Master. I think we have been out-played."
"Huh?" I was too tired to guess at what he was getting at. I still had a report to finish, and another stack of documents that needed my signature just waiting for me at the manor. I didn't want to play games.
"My Lord, there was no evidence, not even a single hair. This was not a game of wit, but a game of skill, and there had to be multiple players for this high level of skill to be achieved."
I hummed. So there was a group of people maybe? All skilled kidnappers. This didn't look well for Elizabeth. "So, how are we going to oppose an opponent that is not only many in number, but completely invisible?" I couldn't help the negativity that was washing over me. Suddenly, I didn't feel too well.
"Well, young Master," Sebastian gave me one of his devilish smirks, though for a moment I was sure it didn't reach those red eyes of his. "No one is ever completely invisible."
I sighed, rubbing my forehead. "What do you mean?" I was getting highly irritated. This butler, couldn't he just be forthright and explain himself?
He chuckled at me. "Only that there must be evidence somewhere. May I suggest I take on the task of checking the Middleford grounds for footprints?"
I waved my hand. "Sure, fine, whatever you want." Why was he asking when I had already told him to do as he pleases? I don't think I could of frowned any deeper. If word got out my fiancée was kidnapped…well, there were bound to be rumors. And if this got back to the Queen, she may not think as highly of me as she used to. London would be abuzz…
London.
Of course!
If these criminals were as vain as I hoped, London would surely hear about it! Who could resist gloating over the fact that they had captured a Middleford? From her home no less. But it could take time - time we did not have - for rumors to spread. And what if the kidnappers weren't going to London? We would still have to check. It could still be a possibility. "Sebastian, we need to go to London. Tell no one."
He looked at me, not at all confused, like he had read my mind. I gave him a glance, and he smiled and said, "of course, my young Master."
I nodded, just as the carriage finally arrived back at my manor. "You know what you have to do," I said, getting out. I didn't have the patience for someone to open the door. My feet on the ground, I didn't even wait to see if Sebastian was following me. "And bring my lunch to the study!" I didn't even turn around. I wanted to at least finish the Queen's report before I left, and maybe sign most of the documents. The kidnapping letter would have to wait (I still felt sick every time I thought about it), I was going to be much too busy.
Tanaka already had the front door open for me, and I walked right in, being greeted with a "welcome home young Master" by my servants. I acknowledged them, but continued on my way. I was uneasy. Was it safe for them here, now? If Elizabeth could be so easily captured, what about me? What about them? Would Sebastian be able to protect all of us? I sighed as I reached my study, dropping my coat, hat, and cane on the chair by the door as I walked past. I didn't want to think about it. My safety…well, Sebastian would take every measure possible to ascertain my well-being, and he claimed my servants knew how to take care of themselves, but I found it hard to believe.
I fell into my chair, spotting Lady Middleford's hastily written note to me, crumpled up where Sebastian had left it last night. I yawned. I should have slept instead of pacing my room until dawn. I had been so worked up I could hardly speak. But I couldn't think about that now. I had to finish this report and mail it off or else it would continue to bother me. I couldn't keep the Queen waiting. I was too thoroughly trained to do something like that. Though, I could barely focus. I tried to write hastily, taking care my handwriting was still legible, but it wasn't the best report I had ever written. Whatever. I set down my pen as I waited for the ink to dry, and rummaged around my drawers for my sealing wax. They were a mess, and it took me much longer than I would have liked to find it. When I looked up, Sebastian was just coming through the door.
"Excuse me, my Lord."
"Yes, come in." Since he was here, he might as well post this letter for me. Sebastian started rambling about whatever tea he had prepared, and what I was to eat for lunch, but I just looked at him idly as he poured me a cup and I took it. "Have you finished packing all my things?" I asked, swirling the tea in the cup before taking a sip. Hmph, it was some boring black tea with floral hints.
"Yes, my Lord."
"And had the servants settled?"
"Of course."
"The carriage is ready?"
"Indeed."
"Good." I set my cup down as I picked up my report and handed it over to my butler. "Post this for me." I gave him the wax too, and my signet ring.
"Yes, sir." He placed a plate on the now empty spot on my desk. Tea sandwiches and fruit. Hm. "I know how long carriage rides upset your stomach, my Lord. So I decided to keep lunch light today. I'll prepare you a hearty dinner when we arrive in London." I couldn't complain, not really. He was right.
"Fine, you can go." Sebastian excused himself with a bow. I watched him go. Demons. Such despicable creatures. Doing all this only for a measly meal. For a moment, I entertained the idea of how old he was. When was his last meal? Just how hungry was he? I took another sip of my tea. It didn't matter. He was bound to me until the contract was complete. And I would complete it. I had given my word…so easily. I would find out on my own soon enough.
