The Strings of Fate
Chapter Seven: A Ball for Lady Elizabeth
By The YangSistaz
Disclaimer: Kuroshitsuji aka Black Butler belongs to Yana Toboso. Her characters have been borrowed solely for the purpose of The Strings of Fate with no intentions of copyright infringement. Any similarity to other fanfictions is purely coincidental and no malicious actions are intended.
Author's Note: Any distribution of The Strings of Fate is prohibited without the author's permission. Thank you for your cooperation! On an additional note, it is recommended to go reread the last chapter because it was revised. If not, this chapter might be somewhat confusing. Sorry for any inconvenience!
"Oh, you look absolutely wonderful!"
Lydia watched as Lizzy continued buzzing about Giselle while complimenting her looks. Dressed in a lilac gown with off the shoulder mid-length sleeves, Giselle looked every bit the noble lady. The bottom of the dress puffed out and was decorated with frilly lace that matched the lace which lined the neckline. Paula had helped style Giselle's hair into a half updo with the bottom half parted into three braids and pinned up to make a bun with the upper half. Lizzy gave Giselle a pair of white lacy gloves to wear and stepped back to admire before nodding her head with approval.
"That dress looks lovely on you, Miss Giselle," she complimented with a smile.
"Thank you, Miss Lizzy," Giselle replied.
Lydia found herself wondering how on earth such a happy and cheerful woman ended up engaged to an arrogant grouch like Ciel.
"Now, it is your turn!" Lizzy interjected as she faced Lydia.
Lydia felt the blood drain from her face.
"M-me?" she questioned.
With a nod, Lizzy giggled to herself as she went to retrieve a dress from the armoire. She returned and held up a pastel peach dress in front of Lydia. With a smile, she pushed it into Lydia's arms.
"It suits you," she noted. "I like it!"
Lydia looked down at the dress in horror. She didn't even want to hold the thing and attempted to return it to Lizzy. The other woman brushed past Lydia and ushered her to the mirror. She laid her hands on Lydia's shoulders to hold her there.
Not wanting to seem rude, Lydia looked over the dress in the mirror. The sleeves were long with lacy ruffles and the scoop neckline looked conservative. Unlike Giselle's, the bottom of the dress flowed to follow the figure. The bodice of the dress had a lacy layer of fabric while the bottom of the dress was left plain. A large ribbon flopped on the side of the dress.
"See? Isn't it cute?" Lizzy asked. "It definitely matches you; I can't wait to see you wear it!"
The older woman was practically hopping in place which would've made Lydia laugh if she wasn't being forced to wear a dress. She stared at her reflection and found the dress repulsive. It was beautiful, yes—but she was disgusted by the idea of having to wear such bothersome clothing. The urge to reject was strong but she didn't want to hurt Lizzy's feelings. With a sigh, she faced the woman to decline but was startled when Lizzy moved to undo the buttons of her overcoat and was already removing the layer of clothing.
"W-Wait, what're you doing?!" Lydia exclaimed.
She pulled away and reassembled her clothes.
"No need to be shy, Miss Lydia," Lizzy replied with a giggle. "It is only us ladies in here after all."
"I-It's not that!" Lydia countered. "It's just…you want me to wear the dress now?"
Lizzy nodded.
"Of course," she answered. "The ball will be in a few hours."
Lydia looked away and couldn't believe what was happening. Ever since Giselle had convinced her to try reading that one spell their great-grandfather had written into his diary, her life had seemed to take a turn for the worse. She woke up in a place that wasn't familiar to her at all. She saved a man from a goon only to be taken by said man and forced to be his servant simply because she refused to tell him about her ring. At least he had allowed her to remain in pants but that didn't seem to matter now. Lizzy was persistent on her wearing a dress and Lydia had an inkling that Lizzy didn't take "no" very well for an answer.
"Do I have to wear a dress?" she asked in a quiet voice.
"Of course, you do!" Lizzy exclaimed as she clasped her hands together excitedly. "It is a ball; you are silly, Miss Lydia."
Lizzy laughed and Lydia turned to her sister for help. Giselle was clearly enjoying her misfortune when Lydia saw the older woman was trying to hide a smile. She bit her lip as she tried to think of a way to get out of wearing a dress. How on Earth was she going to convince Lizzy? Then, an idea popped into her head and she prayed it would work.
"Actually, Miss Lizzy," she started. "I just remembered that I have some chores to do."
"But the ball…" Lizzy noted with a sad expression.
"I have to finish my chores before anything else, Miss Lizzy," Lydia insisted and placed the dress into Lizzy's hands. "I must go before I am scolded."
"Promise to wear the dress when you return?" Lizzy called after her.
"Yes!" Lydia answered just to keep Lizzy happy and made her escape.
Outside, she let out a sigh of relief and wondered what she had gotten herself into with that promise. Deciding she didn't have to worry about it just yet, she headed off in search of Mey Rin. Hopefully, there really were chores that she would be able to help the other maid do. She passed by Ciel's study and paused when she heard his voice. He sounded angry and she wondered what was going on. She saw the door was ajar and leaned closer to listen.
"I've…forgotten how to smile like I'm having fun…"
Her eyes widened with surprise at the confession. Perhaps, that was why Ciel seemed like he was such a grouch. She wondered what could've possibly happened for the man to forget such an easy gesture of the lips. She thought she heard Sebastian's voice as well but the voices were low whispers now. Straining to hear, she leaned further against the door only to have it open unexpectedly. She lost her balance and stumbled into the room, landing ungracefully with an audible "oof". She groaned as she pushed up onto her knees and rubbed her head where she'd hit the ground.
"Lydia?"
Based on the surprise in his voice, Lydia assumed Ciel hadn't been expecting her. Then again, it wasn't like she was expecting to tumble headfirst into his study either. She straightened to look up at him and met his blue eye. She didn't know if it was because she'd heard his confession but she felt as though his expression held a much deeper emotion that she hadn't noticed before: vulnerability. Then, his look became guarded and the emotion was gone to be replaced by a cold stare.
"Lydia, what are you doing?" Sebastian asked. "Weren't you with Lady Elizabeth?"
"Ah…well…" Lydia struggled to explain.
Sebastian looked her over and rubbed his chin as he crossed his arms.
"Actually, I have something for you to do," he announced.
"And that is…?" she questioned.
"You can help Master with his dance lessons by being his dance partner," he explained.
"W-what?!" she exclaimed. "But I—"
"That should be better for you, right, Master?" Sebastian asked Ciel, ignoring her. "Dancing with a lady should be more beneficial, correct?"
Ciel sighed deeply as he rubbed at his left temple.
"I suppose it will," he said nonchalantly.
"Wait, just hold on!" Lydia exclaimed, emphasizing her words by holding her hands up and out in front of her. "I never agreed to this! We are talking about my body; I get to have a say in this too!"
"You do not have any chores," Sebastian noted. "And you are not yet ready for the ball. You are to assist the Master with his lessons for now."
Lydia sighed in defeat.
"I suppose I have no choice," she countered. "Let's get started then."
She approached Ciel and he was taken aback at her assertiveness. She would've laughed if it had been anyone else but kept a straight face as she took his hand with her right and laid her left atop his shoulder. She waited for him to take his place to begin the lesson. His hand came up to grab her waist and she felt her heart skip a beat at the touch. His touch was somehow hot and she felt as if the heat was burning through her clothes to scorch her flesh. Pushing aside the thought, she kept a professional air and followed along as Sebastian instructed Ciel on how to dance.
By the end of the lesson, Lydia's legs—as well as her toes despite wearing shoes—ached from the onslaught of Ciel accidentally stepping on or kicking her. Several times, she wondered if he deliberately did it but brushed aside the accusation when she would see the quick-flashing apologetic look in his eye whenever he did. They had finally stopped when Sebastian said Ciel's dancing was well enough to uphold the Phantomhive name and they'd immediately released each other.
"I must say I'm impressed, Lydia," Sebastian announced. "Have you learned to dance?"
"I'm taking lessons with my sister," Lydia answered.
"Good," Sebastian noted absently. "You did well; you may return to what you were doing."
Feeling insulted at being dismissed so nonchalantly, Lydia shot a glare at Sebastian who seemed oblivious. She spared a glance at Ciel to see he was looking out the large window behind his desk. With a huff, she departed from the room only to stop when Ciel called out to her. With her hand on the doorknob, she looked over her shoulder back at him.
"Yes?"
He seemed hesitant as if struggling to find words to say.
"You should put ice on your…er…legs," he announced without turning back to look at her. "It would be a shame if you missed the ball later."
Lydia paused to allow her brain to process what she'd heard. Was this arrogant grouch of a man actually expressing worry for her? She fully faced him with an arched eyebrow. She looked at Sebastian whose expression was blank and still as a stone. She returned her attention to Ciel.
"Are you—"
"Lizzy would be upset if you did not make it," Ciel added in finality. "And you are needed to help clean after the ball."
Just when she'd thought he was actually being nice…
"You need not worry, Lord Phantomhive," she stated defiantly. "I'm a tough girl."
With an exasperated sigh, she departed from the room and pulled the door shut behind her. She headed back to where Lizzy was most likely waiting for her return so she could wear the dress like she'd promised. She winced at the sore achiness in her legs but ignored the pain. She frowned when she thought back on Ciel's words again and couldn't believe he almost had her fooled.
You are needed to help clean after the ball…
"Jerk…" she grumbled.
*/*\*
"Do not worry, Miss Lizzy," Giselle noted as the woman stared after Lydia. "She has always been that way since I can remember."
Lizzy faced her with a surprised expression.
"You knew Miss Lydia, Miss Giselle?"
"Of course," Giselle replied with a light chuckle. "Lydia and I are sisters."
"You are?" Lizzy questioned. "Oh, I do apologize for not noticing!"
"It is fine," Giselle answered. "Some do not find it obvious since we are only half."
"I see," Lizzy noted. "Now...did Ciel hire the both of you only recently?"
"Hire?" Giselle questioned. "Actually, Lydia and I were separated on our way to London. Lord Phantomhive must have hired Lydia during that time."
"I am glad the two of you are together again, Miss Giselle," Lizzy announced.
"Thank you," Giselle replied. "I was worried for her but I am happy to see she found a place to stay."
Lizzy nodded with a smile.
"Where are you from?"
Giselle paused, wondering what she could tell Lizzy. Come to think of it, she wasn't even sure if the Hastings were around. Even if they were, she knew they would know nothing about her and her sister. Perhaps, it would be better to fib.
"Um...we have come a long way to get to London," she explained.
"I see," Lizzy replied. "What about your parents?"
Mother and Father didn't exist either...
"Our parents...died when we were young," Giselle stated. "Lydia and I were taken to an orphanage because we had no other close of kin."
God forbid that ever from happening.
"My condolences..." Lizzy noted apologetically.
"It is all right," Giselle replied. "Lydia was too young to remember and I have come to terms with the loss."
Lizzy took her hand and gave it a squeeze.
"It is tragic when children lose their parents too early in life," she stated and her expression became distant. "Ciel also lost his parents not too long ago."
"He did?" Giselle questioned with surprise. "How unfortunate."
"They died in a fire less than a year ago," Lizzy explained as her eyes became teary. "Ciel disappeared for a month. Everyone thought he died in the fire as well." Lizzy took a breath to steady herself and took the handkerchief Paula held out to her. "I was ecstatic when I first heard he had returned."
She sighed and her smile was filled with such sadness that Giselle felt her own heart breaking.
"I do not know what happened to him during that one month," Lizzy continued. "Since then, he has not been the same. I feel as if the Ciel I remember is no longer here and the Ciel I see now is someone else. He used to smile and laugh all the time but not anymore."
She dabbed at her tears and sniffled.
"I try all I can to make his life brighter than it has been for him," she added. "Just a smile is enough because I know the Ciel I remember is still there somewhere. I hope someday he will smile and laugh freely like before."
Giselle reached forward to lay a comforting hand upon the woman's shoulder.
"I am sure he will, Miss Lizzy," she stated with a smile. "With you by his side, I am certain you will fill his life with the love and light he needs."
"Thank you, Miss Giselle," Lizzy replied with a teary smile.
Giselle nodded.
"Now, you should get ready as well," she announced. "After all, this ball is in honor of you, Miss Lizzy."
"Yes," Lizzy stated and—with an excited giggle—turned to Paula. "Paula, please retrieve my gown."
"Yes, Miss Lizzy," the maid replied before disappearing into the dressing room.
*/*\*
"I can't believe I'm wearing a dress," Lydia grumbled as she stared at herself in the mirror.
"Neither can I," Giselle noted as she stood next to the mirror to look at Lydia. "Mother would be happy."
Lydia snorted as she turned her body this way and that to examine how well the dress fit. She had to admit the dress was pretty and—though she preferred it didn't—accentuated her curves. Her legs felt naked and she would've worn her pants but Lizzy hadn't allowed her to do so. Lydia had only agreed not to because she didn't want Lizzy to make a fuss and discover the already-forming bruises she'd gotten from the dance lesson with Ciel. With a sigh, she stopped swaying to look full frontal at her reflection.
"I hope it doesn't last too long," she announced begrudgingly.
"No more than a few hours, I'm sure," Giselle replied. "How are your legs?"
Lydia turned her attention to the older woman.
"What do you mean?" she questioned.
"The bruises on your legs," Giselle answered.
"Oh…I'm fine," Lydia replied. "It's just…cleaning the stairs can be rough."
Giselle's expression indicated she didn't believe her but the older woman dropped the subject.
"We'd best head down before Miss Lizzy starts wondering what happened to us," Giselle noted.
Lydia nodded and took one final glance at her reflection before she followed after her sister. Approaching the top of the stairs, they looked down and Lydia frowned when she caught sight of Grell wearing what could be considered as a wedding dress. The white gown was atrocious—in Lydia's opinion—with how it was covered in bows. He even had a white ribbon that tied his hair back into a bow and it had flowers adorning the side by his temple. As they descended, Lydia heard the butler's complaints about the outfit as he stared at his reflection with a horrified expression.
"Th-This is…such a humiliating outfit."
Bard laid a hand on his shoulder.
"Come on," he said. "Just give up on this one."
"This girlish, infantile white color," Grell whined. "I'd rather it were a passionate red so I could look sexy and decadent!"
"That's your problem?!" Bard exclaimed as he eyed the butler as though the man had lost his mind.
Grell grabbed his skirts and rushed toward the nearest window.
"If my only other choice is to live in shame, I'd rather…I'd rather die!"
He opened the window and moved to jump to his death. Lydia held Giselle back when the other woman attempted to stop him. Giselle gave her a questioned look and she shook her head.
"He's just doing it for attention," Lydia answered and ushered Giselle toward where Lizzy stood with Paula and Mey Rin.
"I am sure blue will look good on Ciel," Lizzy announced as she looked over her reflection. "I fell in love with the clothes I bought while I was shopping in London." She faced Mey Rin with a smile. "All right, it is your turn next. I shall make you beautiful!"
Mey Rin screeched with horror when Lizzy reached for her glasses. She backed away at such a speed that Lydia feared she'd trip and fall. Fortunately, she didn't.
"I'm really farsighted!" Mey Rin exclaimed nervously. "I can't see anything with these, no!"
Lizzy followed after her with a smile.
"You must not look at the dream world with your eyes," she noted. "Feel it with your heart!"
"M-my heart?!" Mey Rin exclaimed.
The maid cried out once again when Lizzy made a grab for her glasses.
"Let her be."
Everyone's attention shifted toward the top of the staircase and Lydia felt her breath stop short. Dressed in a blue suit with a matching overcoat, Ciel looked every bit the handsome nobleman. His overcoat was held together in the front by a chain and a hat that matched the outfit in color was placed atop his head. As Lizzy had stated, Lydia agreed that blue looked good on Ciel. Realizing she was staring and what she was thinking, Lydia shook her head and huffed impatiently while ignoring the look Giselle sent her way.
Lizzy let out a squeal of joy as she ran to meet Ciel at the bottom of the steps.
"Ciel, you really are dashing!" she exclaimed and pulled him into a hug before twirling him in tow which made his hat fly off into a random direction. "I judged correctly!"
She continued twirling him in tow which had Lydia wondering if either of them were dizzy when Lizzy stopped and pulled up Ciel's hand.
"Ciel, where is the ring I bought you?" Lizzy demanded in a voice that shocked Lydia.
Who knew the cheery fiancée could speak in such a tone?
"There was a lovely one to match your clothes!"
Ciel pulled away with a sigh.
"This one is fine," he noted dismissively.
Lydia was taken by surprise yet again when Lizzy suddenly burst into tears. She sunk to the floor as she covered her face and rambled on about how Ciel was too cruel in not doing as she wished. The woman continued into what could only be considered a tantrum as she fussed some more. Lydia cast a side glance at Giselle who looked equally surprised.
"That's not it," Ciel stated over Lizzy's cries. "This ring is—"
Again, Lydia was surprised when Lizzy stopped crying only to lunge toward Ciel like a monkey.
"Just kidding!" Lizzy exclaimed and swiftly removed Ciel's ring from his finger. "Got it!"
"Lizzy," Ciel stated with surprise.
Lizzy laughed as she examined the ring closer while mentioning how it didn't suit Ciel at all. Lydia noticed the shift in Ciel's demeanor and feared for the woman's wellbeing. Despite being his fiancé, she was obviously pushing her luck.
"Give it back!"
Lizzy was shocked by Ciel's harsh voice and stopped to look at him. He glared at her as he held his hand out to her.
"Give that back, Elizabeth," he commanded.
"Why are you so angry?" Lizzy questioned as she became flustered. "I went to such trouble and…" She paused when Ciel's expression became darker. "What? All I did was try to make everything perfect! So, why are you so angry?!" Her eyes welled up with tears. "I hate this stupid ring!"
Lydia gasped when Lizzy threw the ring back at Ciel. The ring whizzed past him and hit the stairs, cracking in two places. He faced Lizzy with a look of pure contempt and stalked toward her with his hand raised. Lydia hurried forward and was vaguely aware that Giselle did the same. Lizzy cowered back in fear but it was Sebastian who halted Ciel's intentions by grabbing the young man's wrist.
"Master…" he stated nonchalantly and placed the walking stick into Ciel's hand. "You forgot the new walking stick we had made."
Lydia sighed with relief and looked at Giselle to see the older woman was just as relieved. She turned her attention to see Ciel breathing hard and realized how angry he had been. The look of contempt was gone and he appeared surprised almost as if he couldn't believe what he was going to do. Lydia looked back at the broken ring on the stairs only to pause when she realized it was her ring.
"That ring was very important to the Master," Sebastian announced as he bowed to Lizzy. "The heads of the Phantomhive family passed it down for generations."
"I…I destroyed such a precious ring?" Lizzy questioned.
Lydia frowned when she heard Sebastian's words. Passed down for generations? She looked to Giselle who returned a knowing look. Suddenly, Lydia was reminded of the two lines of poetry she and Giselle had read before passing out. Apparently, it wasn't poetry at all. She swallowed as she felt the blood drain from her face. If they really had traveled back in time, how were they going to return home? Especially when they were at the mercy of an Evil Nobleman?
*/*\*
"Giselle?"
Lydia and Giselle stood off to the side as they watched the servants enjoy themselves dancing freely. Lizzy was laughing gleefully while she and Ciel danced. Sebastian was nowhere in sight but he wasn't on Lydia's mind right now. The older woman turned to look at her.
"Yes?"
"H-how…" Lydia paused as she struggled with her thoughts. "How are we going to get home?"
She looked at Giselle to see the older woman wasn't going to play dumb about what Lydia meant. Her expression became thoughtful before she shook her head.
"I'm not sure, Lydia," she answered. "But we'll find a way…"
"The ring that I bought…" Lydia announced. "Ciel took it away from me because he thought I stole it." She stared at the couple who twirled along the dance floor. "He must've been so confused when he saw it because it was supposed to be one-of-a-kind."
"What did he do with it?" Giselle asked.
"He has it locked away in one of his desk drawers," Lydia answered. "I don't think he's going to give it back anytime soon." She sighed. "Who knows…he might keep it and say it rightfully belongs to him. After all, he is the heir of the Phantomhives and his actual ring he threw out the window."
"We have to find a way to get it back," Giselle noted more to herself than Lydia. "It might be a way in getting back home."
"You think so?"
"It's worth a try."
Their conversation was interrupted by Grell who swayed into their vicinity to offer a glass of wine. Lydia refused while Giselle took one out of courtesy. Grell laughed gleefully before he turned away only to accidently bump into the dancing couple. Lizzy squeaked in horror as Grell spilled wine over the bottom of her dress. Grell immediately began apologizing and even offered his life as atonement. Ciel cast an annoyed glance Grell's way before sighing.
"No need for that, Grell," Sebastian noted as he arrived with a towel for Lizzy. "Are you all right, Lady Elizabeth?"
"Fine, thank you, Sebastian," Lizzy replied as she wiped at her dress. "Oh, dear…what will I do now?"
Giselle moved forward and placed her hands on Lizzy's shoulders.
"Come, Miss Lizzy," she ushered gently. "If we hurry to the washroom, we may be able to save your dress."
"Paula," Lizzy called as she followed Giselle.
Lydia watched as the three departed from the foyer and sighed. Grell continued apologizing only to be led away by Tanaka. She watched as the other servants continued dancing along the floor and smiled to herself. It was probably rare that they had the free time to enjoy a ball to themselves. She glanced at the clock to see it was getting pretty late already and wondered if it would be okay to retire. Her legs were starting to hurt now.
With a sigh, she figured Lizzy would probably be upset if she retired early. She decided sitting down wouldn't hurt and turned to go sit only to bump into a hard form with an audible "oof". She stepped back to see the Lord Phantomhive standing before her. His eye locked with hers and she felt her pulse suddenly going into overdrive. She noticed how he stood awfully close and swallowed to calm her nerves.
"Y-yes?" she questioned.
With an uneasy look in his eyes, Ciel appeared hesitant before he held out his hand.
"Will you…um…do me the honor?" he asked.
His voice was barely above a whisper. If she hadn't been listening at full attention and he wasn't standing so close, she wouldn't have heard. Then, his words clicked into her mind and she stared at him. She blinked, unsure if she'd heard him right.
"W-what?"
His look became guarded once more as he let out an exasperated sigh.
"Will you do me the honor of this dance?" he asked, his voice gruff with impatience.
Lydia continued staring, her mind at a loss. Why on earth did he want to dance with her? She stole a glance around the room to realize the only other female present besides herself was Mey Rin. She figured Ciel didn't want to trouble himself with the maid especially when she was already occupied with Bard. Biting her lips, she hesitated momentarily before placing her hand in his.
"O-okay."
With a sigh, Ciel tightened his hold on her hand and led her to the dance floor. Unlike the last time they danced, his hands claimed their place easily and he pulled her close. A surprised gasp escaped from her lips and she swore she saw a smirk dance over his lips but it disappeared before she could confirm its presence. She caught the impatient look he was giving her and realized he was still waiting for her to respond. Her hands found their place and she allowed Ciel to lead them into the sway of the dance.
She was actually impressed that he had learned the basics quickly. Even now, he was looking at her with a confidence she hadn't seen during their lesson. She felt a strange sensation in her chest with the way he was looking at her and averted her eyes to his chest. They continued dancing for longer than Lydia expected. Eventually, the ache in her legs became throbbing and she found herself struggling to keep up with Ciel.
"What's wrong?" he asked with a hint of irritation in his voice. "You're not even trying anymore."
"I am trying," she countered between her winces. "It's just—"
A misstep led to a flash of pain surging through her leg and she stumbled. She felt Ciel's hold tighten around her waist and she was pulled even closer against him. Her face was scrunched into his neck and the starch on his shirt tickled her nose. His breathing teased her ear and sent shivers down her spine to places she couldn't identify. Pulling back, she looked up at him and felt her cheeks flare up with embarrassment.
"W-what are you doing?" she questioned in a whispery voice.
"You were going to fall," he answered and she noticed how considerably low his voice had gotten.
"Um…Master Ciel?"
Breaking from Ciel's gaze, Lydia looked to see Finny standing there with a hesitant expression. She pulled away from Ciel and he allowed her space but kept his arm around her waist. She smiled at Finny who looked as if he wanted to ask a very important question.
"What is it, Finny?" Ciel asked, his voice clearer now.
"Um…w-would it possible if…uh…could I possibly…erm…"
"What is it, Finny?" Ciel reiterated, his tone exasperated.
"Ah, well…I was wondering if I could dance with Miss Lydia?"
Lydia smiled at how adorably cute this man was being.
"Of course, you can, Finny," she answered.
She looked back at Ciel who looked as if he wanted to say something. She saw an unidentifiable look in his eye and wondered what he was pondering. He looked between her and Finny before shaking his head.
"What are you asking me for?" he countered.
He pulled away from her and turned to leave. Lydia wondered if he was irritated and wondered why he would be. Then again, the man always seemed to be in a foul mood. She curtseyed and plastered on a smile.
"Thank you for the dance," she bid.
Ciel paused to look back at her and—once again—his gaze became thoughtful. Then, he nodded and departed from the dance floor. Lydia turned her attention to Finny who still looked hesitant. With a smile of encouragement, she held her hand out to him. He took it gently and smiled bashfully before pulling her close. She managed only one round of dancing before the pain in her legs became impossible to ignore. She winced when Finny twirled her around and was surprised when he pulled away.
"Did I hurt you, Miss Lydia?" he asked. "I'm sorry!"
She managed a choked laugh before shaking her head.
"No, Finny, I'm fine," she answered. "It's just…I hurt myself earlier."
"Are you all right?"
His voice was dripping with concern and she smiled once again to reassure him.
"It's nothing, Finny," she insisted. "Don't worry about me; I'll be fine. I just really need to sit right now."
"All right," he replied. "If you say so."
Finny helped her to the nearest chair and she sighed in relief. She smiled once more to reassure Finny who still looked worried. She ushered him to continue enjoying the ball and that she just needed some time off the dance floor. Finny only agreed to leave her after making her promise to seek any of the other servants' help should she need it. She finally allowed herself to slouch against the chair and sighed.
She saw Giselle was back along with Paula and Lizzy. Lizzy's dress looked as if it hadn't even met with an accident and Lydia smiled. She didn't want Lizzy to feel as if her night had been ruined and was glad Giselle had been able to help the woman. She smiled to herself when Lizzy bombarded the other servants and finally convinced Finny to dance with her. She saw Giselle was headed toward her only to be stopped by Sebastian who evidently swept the woman away into a dance. Seeing her sister with the butler, she felt a sense of worry and hoped Giselle would be able to hold her own against the man. She lifted her legs to test them only to wince again as they cramped under the pain.
"Did you put ice on them like I told you to?"
Lydia looked over her shoulder to see Ciel standing a few feet away. She thought back and remembered how he'd told her to ice her legs. Why did he care anyway? Then, she remembered. Of course, who else would be cleaning up after the ball? With a frown, she looked away and sighed as a sudden rush of anger flashed through her system.
"Of course not," she stated matter-of-factly. "After your dance lesson, I had to help finish preparing for the ball."
"You weren't able to find the time at all?"
He sounded like he didn't believe her which only succeeded in making her angrier.
"You don't have to worry, my lord," she snapped. "I'll be fine to clean up." She shot to her feet and nearly stumbled but kept her balance. "If you'll excuse me, then…I wish to start cleaning now."
Ciel didn't stop her and she was glad.
*/*\*
The ball ended late into the night. Lizzy was exhausted due to dancing so much although Giselle was certain the woman had thoroughly enjoyed herself. At Ciel's request, Sebastian had called a carriage for her and Paula helped the young woman into the carriage. The brown haired butler—Grell, if she remembered correctly—offered to escort the ladies home and drove off into the night exclaiming about how he would always remember that night.
"Good grief, what a rotten day," Ciel announced as he headed back into the mansion.
"You seemed to be quite enjoying yourself," Sebastian noted matter-of-factly.
"Do not be a fool," the young lord countered as he headed toward the stairwell only to stop and look back. "Miss Giselle, I expect to see you in my study after you have settled in for the night."
Giselle was almost offended but brushed off his authoritative tone and curtseyed.
"Yes, Lord Phantomhive."
"Sebastian, escort her to my study when she is ready."
Giselle looked at the butler who stepped up beside her but didn't look at her.
"Yes, my lord."
Ciel nodded with approval before he continued his way up the stairwell. Sebastian looked at Giselle with an expression that she couldn't read. She attempted to decipher it but was distracted when Lydia tugged her by the arm.
"Why does he want to see you?" she questioned.
Giselle looked to see Sebastian had followed after his master before giving Lydia her full attention.
"How am I supposed to know?" she replied with a shrug. "Perhaps, he has some questions to ask. He did see this."
She pulled her pendant out from beneath her bodice and Lydia's lips thinned with concern.
"Is that why they brought you back here?" Lydia asked.
Giselle nodded and tucked the pendant away. She licked her lips nervously as she watched the other servants depart to start on their chores. She looked back at Lydia who appeared to be deep in thought. She noted how Lydia had departed from the foyer earlier after a small conversation with Ciel. She wondered what the man had said to upset her so. Then again, it really didn't take much to upset Lydia.
"Where are you going to sleep, Giselle?" Lydia asked which had Giselle pausing in thought.
"With you, I suppose," she answered.
Lydia sighed.
"Let's get out of these, then," she said.
Giselle followed Lydia back to the room Lizzy had taken them. Lydia lifted the outfit she'd borrowed and raised an eyebrow in question. Giselle realized the both of them probably had quite the tale to tell each other and she wondered how long they had been separated from each other. She shrugged and took the dress from Lydia's hold. As they hurriedly dressed, Giselle couldn't help but smile to herself when she saw Lydia slipping into a pair of black trouser pants. Then, Lydia winced and Giselle saw the bruises on her sister's legs.
"They've gotten worse," she noted. "Are you sure you're all right?"
"They're fine," Lydia replied. "Just sore, that's all."
"You should put ice on them," Giselle suggested. "How did you get them again?"
"I will," Lydia countered with a huff. "I just haven't had the time."
Giselle took notice of how Lydia avoided her question but realized she was probably pushing her luck and decided to change the subject.
"How were you able to convince them to let you wear pants?"
Lydia's only response was a cheeky grin which resulted in Giselle rolling her eyes despite the smile that remained on her face. Once they finished changing, they returned the gowns to their rightful hanging places before they made their way to Lydia's room. It was plain and bare except for a bed in one corner with a desk and chair in the other. She watched as Lydia slipped onto the bed with a groan of relief. She smiled and went to join her sister only to pause when they heard a knock at the door.
"What?" Lydia called, her voice dripping with irritation.
"I have come to retrieve Miss Giselle," Sebastian announced matter-of-factly through the door.
Lydia sat up in bed and sent Giselle a worried look. Giselle smiled and shook her head before she answered the door. Sebastian stepped back to allow her to exit from the room. He looked over her shoulder into the room at—she presumed—Lydia. She thought she saw a flicker of a smile before he reached past her to close the door. Then, they were on their way to the master's study.
*/*\*
Lydia remained in bed after Giselle left with Sebastian before remembering she had to help the others clean. With a sigh, she sat up and pulled up her pant legs to examine her bruises. The color was darkening but they didn't seem too bad. Pushing the pant legs back down, she slowly got to her feet and limped her way to her door. She was surprised when she opened the door to find Sebastian standing on the other side with a fist in position to knock.
"Yes?" she questioned.
The butler looked her over once.
"What?" she asked.
Sebastian's lips curved into a smirk that made Lydia feel like she was prey being stalked by a predator.
"I assumed you would be in a state of dishevelment but I was wrong," he confessed.
The lewd tone in his voice sent her cheeks flushing with both embarrassment and anger.
"You pervert!" she exclaimed. "Only in another world will you ever get to see me that way!"
"Ah, but I do believe I had the honor of seeing a preview the other night," he countered.
Lydia opened her mouth to speak but couldn't say anything when she realized he spoke the truth. She glared at him as best she could but his smirk never disappeared and she could see how thoroughly amused he was by the glint in his eyes. She huffed and—with a turn—limped back to her bed. She winced as she sat down and lifted her legs back onto the bed to rub them.
"So, what did you want?" she interrogated but didn't look up to meet the butler's eyes, "If it's about clean up, I'll be there soon." She winced again. "Slowly but surely…"
"It appears Master was right," Sebastian noted as he entered the room. "I have brought you some ice seeing that you are incapable of getting it yourself."
He held out manual ice packets—towels tied around a bunch of ice—and Lydia took them.
"Th-thanks…" she murmured hesitantly.
He nodded and turned to leave only to stop and turn back.
"Oh, yes; Master has dismissed you of your chores," he announced. "The others can handle the cleanup themselves. You may rest for the night."
With that, Sebastian departed from her room shutting the door behind him. Lydia was left to the mercy of her own mind. Why had Ciel decided to let her rest for the night? She let out a deep sigh as she looked at the floor. She wondered if—perhaps—the young man was actually worried about her. She remembered back to how Ciel had pulled her too close to him when she stumbled while they were dancing. The memory of his starched shirt rubbing against her cheek and his breathing against her ear sent unknown sensations squirming through her figure again.
"That's crazy!" she exclaimed in an attempt to squash the alien sensation. "Why would the Lord Phantomhive himself worry about someone like me?"
No matter how hard she tried to convince her mind, though, another part of herself—a part she thought she'd hidden away—kept telling her different. With a shake of her head whether it was to deny that hidden part of herself or to clear her mind, she lifted her pant legs and placed the ice atop the bruised flesh. With a relieved "ahh", she laid back and cleared her mind of everything but the sensation of the special treatment her legs were getting.
Author's Note: Well, that chapter was certainly long! We know it doesn't make up for the long period of no updates from us but we hope it can be a start. ^^ We hope everyone enjoyed this chapter and thanks for reading! Until the next chapter! =)
P.S. – We would like to extend a very big "THANK YOU" to ZephyreNotes for your honest critique on last chapter. After reading your review, we decided to rewrite it. We are happy to say we like the rewrite more and hope that you do too. Please keep supporting us with your honest critiques and, once again, THANK YOU!
