Author's Notes: Ash will be playing a role in the story but he will not be the Ash we know from the anime. He is NOT Angela. He's completely separate from Angela. In fact Angela does not play a part in the story so by means of the anime; Angela and the Queen killing Ciel's parents don't apply. The Queen herself is not manipulated, she is of proper age for the time period and looks the way she should look.

Chapter 6 Transfer of Ownership

(July 25, 1888)

Waking again when the butler gently called her name. "My Lady, it's time to get up. Breakfast will be ready soon." The man stood to his full height and moved over to the curtains, opening them fully to let the morning light in. It was a beautiful morning, a perfect day to travel to Buckingham palace to announce the decision of what to do with her family's estate.

She gave a moan as sunlight shone on her face. Her head moved before eyes opening. "Morning already?" she asked, feeling a bit refreshed. She had slept better than she had since waking up in the hospital. She noticed his clothes were fresh, which meant he must have slipped out of bed when she was asleep last night, or so she thought. Seeing how he seemed so refreshed, reminded her she was going to need to bathe before getting dressed and going down for breakfast.

"I'm afraid so." Sebastian turned to her and smiled. "How did you sleep? Better I hope."

"I did. Thank you." She sat up and stretched. "I'm in need of a bath before going to breakfast."

"I've taken the liberty of drawing one for you. It's waiting for you when you're ready." The butler always thought ahead.

Sabrina gave a smirk, which didn't go unnoticed. "Thank you. I will go there right now." She stood from the bed, blushing as she walked by him. He was going to have to help her bathe like usual but at least it would be better than with Mey-rin.

Following behind her, he finished up with the preparations before blindfolding himself once more. Helping her wash like he did before, as if they had never had the time apart. When he bathed her this time, she still blushed brightly but it didn't seem to be as bad as at the beginning. Perhaps the month apart like they were actually did more good than harm.

"Sebastian, may I ask you something?" The sound of her voice interrupted the silence of the bathroom and quiet splashing of water when he would dip his hands. "In your opinion, do you think I made the right choice in giving temporary leadership to Lord Ciel?"

The butler hummed when she asked him. "But of course. That is what you want isn't it? I assure you, your father's company and estate are in good hands. My master is a bit more generous then he leads on. I'm sure if there's something you want he'll be open to suggestions."

"Well in reality what I want is to have the business myself, but that will never happen." She lowered her head down. "But with the options I have, I do believe Lord Ciel is the best choice. He's too young to marry right now, though he's the head of his household, and legally been given Earl-ship title. I don't even know if he's seeing anyone."

"He does have a betrothed assigned to him from before his parents were murdered. I'm afraid they don't always see eye to eye. But she is a sensible girl." Washing her hair gently as they talked. Wait did he just say murdered?

Suddenly Sabrina reached up and grasped his wrist, forcing him to stop washing her hair. "His parents were murdered?!" she exclaimed. "Is that why he seems so uncompassionate?"

"I believe so, sadly. He was a rather happy child. Their deaths seemed to have caused that change in him," the butler answered.

Taking note, she was amazed how smooth the man's skin was for being a servant of an Earl. Her fingers remained on his wrist a little longer than was necessary. It was as if she didn't want to let go. She never felt texture so smooth before from hired help, and it was part of that reason she was raised to wear gloves, so she wouldn't actually have to touch the servants.

Keeping his hand still, he could still feel her fingers on his wrist. His lips curved into a smile when he knew she wasn't looking. It was a surprise to him she would touch him so suddenly. Through working for the young Phantomhive child, he was able to learn all the ins and outs of being a servant of nobleman, including why many nobles acted and dressed the way they did. "Are you alright, my lady?" he asked after a moment a bit close to her ear. Acting like he didn't realize it.

Hearing his smooth voice in her ear, forced her to realize her hand was still on his wrist. "Oh!" she gasped, quickly snatching her hand like his skin was burning her. She blushed brightly, yet again. "Can you please hurry up so I can deal with the rest of the bath and get dressed?" She tried to hide her embarrassment by giving him a command.

Sebastian forced down a chuckle. "Of course. As you wish." Being sure her hair was fully wet, he picked up the shampoo and began to wash her hair again. He made quick work of it but still kept it comfortable. She seemed more conscious of his presence now.

Once she had finished her bath, the plug was pulled, draining the tub. She stood, keeping her back to him as she stretched over and picked up a towel. He held open the towel for her so she could slip into it. The entire time, he was still blindfolded. With her fully wrapped up, the two left the bathroom to get ready. He went straight to the wardrobe and pulled out her dress that had been cleaned from the first time she had seen the Queen.

Sabrina made her way to her bed, happy to be out of that room. She sat down on the bed, looking down at the hand that held his wrist. 'What was I thinking?' she thought. 'He had to have noticed but he acted like he didn't realize my hand was there.' Needing to get her undergarments on, she dropped her towel and quickly got her underwear on, being sure to wear one that was strapless.

She ignored what he was doing for the moment. Where her hair was wet, she wasn't going to be able to have her hair in the curls, so instead, she would need to have it pulled back in a bun like setting or perhaps a braid twisted up out of her face.

Placing her dress next to her. He could smell the aroma of her soul waver as she thought. "Let me know when you're ready and I'll help you," the man said with a pleasant smile, not at all suspicious to the untrained eye.

Turning away from him, she leaned against her four-poster canopy bed all carved elements of quite outstanding quality. The open work pierced supports under the canopy with scrollwork and pleats; the headboard had the Phantomhive crest. All around the top of the canopy had a valance, which had a thick red curtain, tied back on the support posts at the head of the bed. The bedding, valance and curtain all matched together.

"Do you know how to do braids?" she asked, as she kept her eyes completely closed while he did her corset and helped her with her dress. She literally wasn't used to such fine dressing.

"Of course. Is that what you would like?" The man asked. Tying the corset securely without hurting her it was very different from Mey rin's help. Putting on the dress he secured the back before finally removing the blindfold to reveal those crimson eyes once more. "There, all done."

Once she was dressed and no longer was exposed to his hands. She turned to face him, now able to see his full handsome features.

He gave her a quick look over, marvelling how she looked. The ice blue off the shoulder dress was beautiful on her. The sleeves were puffy with lace on the top and bottom of the sleeves and even around the collar. "Yes. You could twist it up around my head like a crown."

The butler agreed, having her sit down in a chair while he stood behind her. Getting to work, he first brushed her hair, being sure to not pull too much on the tangles. He was always careful, and it felt comfortable as he arranged it. Not pulling on the auburn locks. Each time he did her hair, he would grin, able to tell she greatly enjoyed it. He could tell she would close her eyes and relax. After a few minutes, he pulled out something and pulled it around her head, which matched her dress, keeping a few tendrils of hair falling over her cheeks. Finished, he handed her a mirror. "Is this to your liking?"

She looked into the mirror and turning her head back and forth. "Amazing. That is good. Now I suppose you should see to your master before he has a fit or something." She slowly stood and faced the man. "Sebastian, thank you for staying with me last night until I fell asleep."

She was completely wrong on that. The man never left her room the entire night, other than to start breakfast and get his master up then returned to her room.

"It was no trouble at all." his expression matched perfectly with what he said, a practiced skill. He gave a slight bow. "I'll see you down at breakfast." The look in his eye was that of intent, but almost looked like a twinkle. The man excused himself from the room as he went to tend to his master's needs.

For several minutes, Sabrina remained where she was, admiring the butler's handy work with her hair. She had to admit he was extremely good in what he did. Knowing she couldn't sit around all day, she stood and made her way out of the room, taking her time heading to the dining room. She entered the dinning room as if she belonged in the household. "Good morning," she greeted, seeing Ciel and Sebastian were already there.

"Good morning," Ciel greeted. Upon seeing her looks, it was easy to see Sebastian helped her dress this time. Did that mean the two made up? "Judging by the smile on his face you made up with Sebastian," the boy said rather boldly. Looking down at his teacup as he took a sip, noting the look of surprise on the butler's face, which looked rather cute.

He then chuckled under his breath "So you've noticed."

Glancing up to the man at his side, Ciel replied, "I'm not stupid. I've known you long enough."

Sabrina remained quiet though lightly blushed in how quickly the young pre-teen noticed her appearance. "Yes. Well I had a bad dream and he was there. I remembered something about that horrid day. Not sure if Sebastian told you yet or not."

Ciel glanced up from his cup. "Oh? And what might that be?" It was obvious Sebastian hadn't had time to inform him yet.

Her eyes closed. "Sebastian, please tell him. I really don't feel like going through it again."

Sebastian nodded. Leaning close to his master's ear, he brought up his hand whispering into it.

Half expecting to hear the smooth talking butler speak in what she told him, she braced herself for the words to be spoken. When they never came, she opened her eyes to see the man leaning over to the Earl's ear, whispering. Surprised and yet happy, she gave a sigh of relief and waited.

The Earl immediately looked shocked and irritated. "What?! You're serious?" Though he knew his butler never lied to him. Pressing his fingers to his forehead having put down the cup. "This is troubling news indeed..."

"I'm sorry if this is going to be a hindrance..." she apologized. "But I guess it's better to be prepared then not."

"Quite the contrary, this will help with the investigation. As you said it's better to know and be prepared for it. It's just a surprise since we haven't had any information regarding this new partner of hers... apparently she hid him well." Glancing up to the tall butler, "Sebastian, I want you to contact Vernon. Make sure he is aware of this since he's also been to the colonies. It's better to be safe than sorry."

"Yes, my young lord," Sebastian bowed. Walking over to Sabrina, he held out the chair for her, allowing her to take a seat. He then excused himself to make a quick call, making sure the two had everything they needed before he left.

Knowing it wasn't her business, though she was curious. She began to eat her breakfast, which was different from her host's breakfast. No doubt it was something sweet again, as usual.

After a few moments Sebastian returned. "It would seem Vernon is away from his desk at the moment. I'm not surprised though it is early. I'll try again in a few hours."

"Excuse me?" she asked, putting her fork down. "What's that supposed to mean? Early for what?" This confused her greatly.

Sebastian just smiled as he explained. "You see Vernon has a habit of going to the church early in the morning. He rather enjoys listening to the choir. An old habit I suppose."

"Oh..." Sabrina gave a slight shrug. "I suppose that can happen. There are people who do go to church through the week to pray and to listen to the morning choir. In fact there is more than just the Christian religion. Some religions do have church more than just Sunday."

Sebastian nodded. "The cathedral there seems to be his favorite. It reminds him a bit of his past."

Remembering, Sabrina had noted whenever she had seen Vernon;] he always wore that same silver cross around his neck over his gabot. The pendant looked old and she passed it off as being a family heirloom or something.

"In any event I don't think there's anything to worry about," the butler finished. Turning away, he began tending to other needs in the room as they ate.

When breakfast was done and dealt with, it was time to travel to Buckingham Palace. Sebastian went and got the carriage ready. When he pulled it up front of the house, he opened the door and allowed his master in first. Sabrina was next to enter, and as proper, she held out her hand for him to take, helping her into the carriage. He then climbed in the main seat and was quick to command the horses to move forward.

"I'm a little nervous," she finally said as they drove through the city towards the palace.

"What's to be nervous about?" The boy asked. Which was a genuine question. "Everything will still be yours."

"I know and again thank you for doing this for me. Right now, my life is too hectic to really do much. I'm just more nervous that her majesty will not accept you as the head of my estate, where as you're her 'watchdog'." She gave a sigh as she noticed the buildings were getting further apart.

"I don't see why not. I am one of her most trusted. There shouldn't be any problem." Letting silence fall between them for a moment, before the young earl spoke again, still looking out the window. "I know it's hard for you now... but you shouldn't give up on living your life as they would have wanted you to..."

She looked to the boy. "The company has been in the family for a long time. The jewelry the Queen of England wears and those of her children all came from the family company. It's why the company is important to me and why I'm a noblewoman."

Looking to her now "Yes, I am aware. But is that your reason to live? No matter how small you need to find your purpose and grab hold of it...let nothing stand in your way." From the sound of what he told her, was as if he had said the same thing to himself, perhaps many times.

"No, I don't want that to be the only thing to live for. I want to someday be a mother and carry on my family's legacy." From outside the windows, it could be seen they were starting to approach the gates to the castle.

Glancing out the window to see they would be arriving soon. "Perhaps that then. Once you are ready that is."

Pulling up to the castle once more the carriage came to a stop; Sebastian stepped down and opened the door to the carriage. Ciel was the first to exit, followed by Sabrina. Her hand in Sebastian's, helping her to the ground. At the entrance to the palace, a couple guards waited. Ceil taking the lead; he stepped up to the guards, announcing his arrival to speak with her majesty. Sebastian was allowed to enter since his master was now there. Together the guard escorted them to the Queen.

There before them when they entered the throne room, was the Queen and a tall man with silver/white hair standing beside her. He wore a white and purple suit, which matched his hair.

"May I present to you, Lady Sabrina Parker and Earl Ciel Phantomhive with his butler," a guard announced.

A smile appeared on the old woman's face. "Ah, Earl Ciel what brings you here?"

Ciel bowed out of respect before he spoke. "Your majesty. Last month, my house guest sought an audience with you in regards to her family estate."

Queen Victoria nodded. "I do remember, yes. It was decreed for Lady Sabrina to either marry or to temporarily give up claim to the family estate until she were to marry. She was to return in a month's time with the decision."

"Exactly so," Ciel continued. "I have come to take ownership of the Parker Jewellery Company and estate temporarily."

The queen and her butler Ash seemed surprised by this. "Is this true, Lady Sabrina?"

"Yes, your majesty," Sabrina answered. "I took your options very seriously. As I mentioned a month ago, I am staying with Lord Phantomhive. He is an Earl and that is, with all due respect, what you did ask of me. Either marry or ask an Earl to take over."

The older woman gave a small smile. "Earl Ciel, you are willing to hand over the rights if the day was to come Lady Sabrina is to marry?"

Ciel nodded "That was the agreement yes." The boy was serious as always but respectful.

The old woman gave another smile. "That is good to hear." She looked to her butler. "Ash, please have this recorded."

"Yes, your majesty."

"I hereby state as of this date, July 25, 1888, Lady Sabrina Parker will have her estate and holdings placed into the hands of Earl Phantomhive until the day she marries, which is when the Earl will relinquish his holdings to the husband of Lady Sabrina."

"It will be done," Ash responded.

"Thank you, your majesty," Sabrina curtsied.

Ash stepped away from the throne, walking over to the three. "We will need time to draw up the necessary papers. If you'll wait in the next room, I'll return shortly with the paperwork." The white haired man told the group. Waving his hand towards a door off to the side of the throne room, he escorted them himself to a waiting room before he left to write the letter and get the queen's seal.

The three entered a room, which already had a pot of tea steaming and a couple cups as well as some other refreshments. The room was small with a small sofa and two cushion chairs facing a fireplace.

Sabrina walked over to the sofa and carefully took a seat. "I can't believe it was that quick. You know I never thought in my life I would ever meet our great Queen."

"When you know the right people anything is possible," Sebastian remarked with a smile "Isn't that right young master?" His expression was a tad cocky.

"I suppose," the boy answered, playing it off as he took a seat as well, but in one of the chairs.

The butler made his way over to the teapot inspecting it. "It appears to be an herbal blend would you care for some?" He asked his master and Sabrina.

"Perhaps just a bit." Ciel answered. His butler poured a cup of tea before handing it over to his young lord. He then turned to Sabrina.

"Yes, thank you. I need something to calm my nerves. I'm glad to have met her majesty, but I'm not used to having to be this formal." She rested her hands in her lap, trying to prevent herself from fidgeting. Unlike her normal white gloves, she was wearing gloves to the elbows, which matched her dress. She leaned her head back a moment before looking to Ciel. "Do you know how long it will take for the papers to be drawn?"

Sebastian poured her a cup as well and handed it to her. Being a loyal servant, he was sure to remain quiet as he did what was asked of him. He could tell she was trying to hide her nervousness within the folds of her gown.

"I'm not positive. It could be anywhere from several minutes to an hour, which explains the tea and refreshments. They wish to keep us comfortable."

Taking the tea, she took a sip. "I guess we can just relax a little, or try to." She looked over to where the teapot was and saw something. "Sebastian, what is that beside the teapot?"

Sebastian glanced to where she was looking. Smiling again he picked a tray of snacks up as a server would. "It appears to be left for guests. There are a variety of pastries and cookies." Offering her some before doing the same for his master who decided against it for now.

Sabrina took one and savoured the taste of biting into it, not paying attention if she drew the attention of the demon. "Hmmm... At least they want us to be comfortable."

The butler glanced to her, but being very discreet about it. He was good at that. Watching her was a definite change than to always keep his eyes peeled to his young master. When he first met the boy, Ciel was considered more of a brat, but over the years it wasn't so bad. Though there was moments the young Earl would lapse and show his childishness when he didn't get his own way. Setting the tray down, Sebastian remained standing as he often did and continued to wonder how he could take the sweet smelling aura around Sabrina and make it even sweeter.

For an hour the three waited. Ciel wasn't much for conversation, which disturbed Sabrina but there wasn't anything she could do about it. It was much of a relief to both the Earl and Sabrina when Ash entered.

"I apologize for the delay," Ash began. "Her majesty has drawn up this letter with her seal of approval." The man handed the letter to Ciel. "I do believe everything is in order. You may use this to gain access to everything within the estate, including Parker manor."

The three thanked the man who then bowed and returned to his duties. Ciel put the paperwork in the inside pocket of his coat before looking to his house guest. "Where to now?" he asked Sabrina which surprised her. "Shall we visit your families estate? I imagine you'll wish to see what condition its in. As well as your families company."

"Yes, that would be lovely," she smiled. Happy to be leaving the palace and to finally see her father's company, which had been in his family for centuries.