(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)
~Chapter Nine: Her Butler, Engaged~
(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)
"What the hell were those Indians' problems? First, they try to attack me, then some 'prince' told his bodyguard to side with me." Jane said heading into the mansion.
"Who knows?" Sebastian replied. The others came in the living room while Sebastian was removing Jane's coat, glad that the two arrived safely.
"My lady!" Finnian said.
"Welcome back," Mey-Rin told her.
"Yeah, thanks. At least the errand from the Queen wasn't that bad. I'm just glad I'm done with it."
"Ah, my lady, you're here," Lau said, opening the front door.
"Lau? What are you doing here? You could've just written a letter to let me know if you're coming." Jane crossed her arms after her speaking.
"I always remember that, my lady."
"For our guest, I'll make some tea," Sebastian said. Jane sighed, but agreed with a nod.
"I'll have chai than English tea."
"Suit yourself." Jane looked at Lau, but it wasn't him who told her that. She looked behind him and noticed the two Indians at her house.
"Oh, w-well, hi there," Jane said freaked out.
"I found them on a street corner. They asked me if I knew you and I said yes. After that, they told me they want to see you."
"But... their people tried to attack us!"
"I told them to apologize," the purple haired said. "Besides, I think we could be great friends. After all, I helped you with Agni."
"Oh, I see..." Normally, Jane would get more upset, but today, she just feels calm. After all, it'd be best to just relax since she just finished her errands from the Queen.
"In my country, it's normal practice to invite your savior and entertain him or her," he told her heading upstairs.
"Who are you?" Jane asked looking at the man in her guest room. He was laying down on the bed, relaxing.
"You really need to ask? I told you earlier, I'm a prince."
"This is the twenty-sixth child of the king of Bengal, Prince Soma Asman Kadar," Agni told them.
"I'd like to thank you, Beauty, for letting me stay here."
Beauty? Jane thought.
"You're a real prince?" Finnian asked excitedly. Mey-Rin was blushing and looking at him in wonder.
"A prince!" she said happily.
"This is the first time I've seen a prince up close!" Baldroy added.
"If you want to come closer, I won't mind," the prince told them. In a split second, Mey-Rin was sitting on the bed with him, while Baldroy and Finnian stood and watch Prince Soma talk.
"What is your castle like?" the maid asked.
"It's like a heaven blessed by our Goddess Kali and the Ganges River."
"Well they surely are excited aren't they?" Lau asked the two who stayed behind.
"Yes," Sebastian replied. "I'm sure they'll be more happier since our guard dog is watching the mansion from harm."
"That should be all right," Lau agreed.
"Sebastian, even though they meant no harm, don't leave them out of your sight."
"Yes, mistress."
(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)
Another day arrives, and the curtains are drawn for daylight to wake Jane up.
"Good morning, Lady Worthington." Wait, what?
"'Lady Worthington'...?" Jane asked quietly, opening her eyes. Then all of the sudden, Agni went beside her and smiled, causing Jane to have a panic attack.
"Namaste ji, Lady Worthington." The confused brunette got off her bed and was startled.
"Why are you two in my room? Sebastian was supposed to-" Out of nowhere, Prince Soma picked up Jane, making her panic attack arrive.
"We're going out, Beauty. I would like to see your town today."
"Please don't call me 'Beauty'. My name is Jane. Also, please put me down, this is just not right." Jane may have felt uncomfortable, but she really doesn't want to be rude to the two Indian men.
"Ah, what a pretty name, Jane. I want you to take me to town, please." Prince Soma started to head out the door, but Sebastian blocked him.
"Forgive my excuse, but my lady has a schedule for today which includes work. And besides," he took Jane, bringing her in his arms, "only I can carry her."
Sebastian...?
"Now, I would like for you to step outside so my lady can change. She has a sword fight with me that she must attend." He put her down while instructing the two men to follow him. Once her door was closed, a smile escaped Jane's face.
"...only I can carry her." That was really sweet of him to know that he doesn't like it when another man carries her. Jane gasped, thinking too much. So she hurried into her clothing and headed into her practice room. Seeing Sebastian carrying two swords: one for fencing, while the one hidden in its scabbard, which is her family's.
Sebastian threw her sword to her, and she caught with no problem.
It feels like it's been a long time. I can't wait to use you. Jane took the sword out of its hiding place, seeing half of her face in the sword's reflection. Before the two could start practicing, the brunette heard humming and noticed at the corner of her eye a statue with a woman and heads sitting on Jane's piano.
"What in the world is that statue doing in my mansion?" Then she noticed the two Indians doing some sort of gesture, while Lau watches them. She and Sebastian walked over to their location and stare in wonder.
"They seemed to be praying," Lau told them. "However, it seems so unreal as well."
"It seems to be a statue of a woman carrying a severe head, and is wearing a necklace of other heads cut off. It's also dancing above a man's stomach."
"This is the goddess of our Hindu religion: Kali. She is the wife of Shiva and is the goddess of power," Agni replied. He took a picture and showed it to them. "Long ago, a demon challenged her to battle with him. Of course, she was unbeatable." Showing another picture, it reveals the goddess with severed heads in her possession. "After that, her urges of power were unstoppable, so she exchanged her life into devastation. So to protect the earth, her husband went below her feet." Jane almost looked disgusted to see the statue with the snakes and pose. "Thanks to Shiva, the world is saved and the goddess was returned to normal."
"That seems interesting," Jane added.
"I wasn't aware of a woman so strong. If ever go to India, I best be careful," Sebastian said. Jane aim her sword at her butler.
"Then you best be careful while we practice fencing." The butler smiled and began to walk a few feet away from Jane.
"Wait! What about guiding me to London?" Prince Soma asked. Jane turned her head around.
"Just be patient!" Jane replied turning her head towards Sebastian's. The prince pouted, so he decided to sit down and do what Jane said. Once their swords crossed each others, the demon made the first move by flinching her sword, but she knew where this was going. Jane galloped two steps backwards, getting some time to focus. She surely doesn't like it when Sebastian gets too dominate.
Clutching her sword with a light grip, she began to collide with Sebastian, fighting for her might. A crossed blade and a thin fencing sword seemed incompatible for fighting, but in this, it's anyone's competition. Sebastian chuckled, engaging his sword to Jane's. They both resisted, swords going back and forth.
"You look so cute when your firing up, my lady," Sebastian told her with a sneaky smile. Jane blushed slightly and swayed her sword to escape his grasp, taking to steps back.
He's teasing? I'll show him who's boss. "You know it's not wise to tease your lady in front of our guests," Jane replied slyly. Sebastian lunged forward and their swords slid against each other, enduring until their midpoint. The brunette swung the tip of her sword to get the first point, making the butler lose his grip. His sword dropped beside him and Jane got closer, readying her sword for the final blow. However, her confidence got the better of her because the winner is decided on at the edge of defeating someone, not when they are on their knees.
Sebastian smiled, sneaking the sword to his hand. He took her free hand and turned her to where he was facing her back. Jane was shocked for his cunning action to be so clever. As in this result, Sebastian wins.
"You've done so well, my lady," Sebastian said, bringing his weapon a few inches close to Jane's neck. "But it's over now." He moved it away from her so she can move. Calmly, she put her sword back into its scabbard.
"Such an impressive battle," Agni told the two. Jane smiled, giving thanks to the Indian.
"I'm sure we've would've made it longer if I haven't lost concentration." She raised and looked at her bandaged hand from five days ago. She never did that to herself on accident, but sometimes thinking without looking can lead to injuries.
"I would like to try fighting you," Prince Soma told Jane.
"Very well. Sebastian, give him your sword."
"Understood, ma'am." Following Jane's order, he threw the sword to the Indian prince, leaving him a cocky smile.
"If I win, then you'll have to give me a tour of London."
"I don't see how you will, but very well," the brunette said taking out her sword.
"I wish you luck, my prince," Agni told him. Once Agni and Jane are in preparation, Sebastian went to the middle of them. He raised his arm, motioning them.
"Begin!" Prince Soma rushed to Jane, while she stayed calm and engaged.
"I got you, Beauty!" When the prince got close, he aimed for the woman's ankle, which didn't took effect. "Why did it bend?" Jane smiled and told him,
"That's because if you hit someone's leg with a foil, then it won't hurt at all. I won't do it, because mine is made of steel texture, and it can cut yours."
"That's unfair!" Prince Soma fretted. "I don't even know how to play!" Jane took a step back and looked at him confused.
"Once we fight, it can't be undone. It's your fault for not knowing the rules." She engaged her sword and theirs clashed for the first time.
"Watch out, Your Highness!" Agni said, defending the prince from Jane's sword with a durable cup and poked Jane's pressure point of her arm with his bandaged hand. She began to lose feeling of her right arm, making her drop her sword and on her knees. It was just like earlier yesterday: he used his arm from the "gods" the Indian would tell. He used it on Sebastian, but he was unaffected. Jane cringed and held her numb arm with her injured hand. Agni noticed and got worried, crouching down to her side.
"Lady Worthington! Are you all right? When I saw the prince losing, I got carried away..."
"I-I'm okay. Just try not to get carried away..." Sebastian went to her and helped her up, feeling her right hand.
"So you can't feel it, my lady?"
"That's right." Prince Soma laughed, making the two of them look at him.
"That means I win!"
"Hang on a minute!" Jane replied, while Lau picked up Jane's sword, feeling the texture carefully with his fingers.
"Hey, Butler. I guess this means you have to avenge your lady." The Chinese noble threw the sword to Sebastian, who caught it.
"Really? I apologize my lady for having two useless hands. So as the Worthington butler, I'll show you no mercy to someone who hurts my lady."
"That's a good deal," Prince Soma added. "Agni, in the name of Kali, don't lose at any cost." Agni took the sword, honoring the prince's command.
"Sebastian, you hear my words: make him be quiet!" Sebastian nodded, while Prince Soma stepped back for them to face each other.
"Jo anja," Agni told the prince.
"Yes, my lady," Sebastian told Jane. Their swords met, clashing and hoping to win their masters' honor. The butler almost hit the Indian, but he dodged and almost hit Sebastian in the face, but with Jane's sword he possesses, he used it to guard himself. Then they aimed for each other, trying to stab each others' eye, but they both ducked, which cause a reaction to the three watching especially to the purple haired man.
When Agni aimed for an attack, Sebastian knew where this was going and copied his attack, making the ends of their swords meet. However, it was a dead end for Agni, because with Sebastian holding Jane's sword, it was no competition. The sword Agni holds started to break, leaving pieces falling to the floor.
"So Sebastian wins," Lau told the two. Even though that is true, Prince Soma smiled, agreeing.
"Your butler's not that bad, Jane."
Even though Sebastian won, something feels strange about Agni... Jane thought, walking up to her butler.
"Agni's my best warrior. I've never seen someone who can beat him, though they are on the same terms!" Once Jane was beside the demon, Agni went to the prince.
"Sebastian, do you know who this man is? Is he inhuman like that other...?"
"Definitely not, my lady. He's just a human like you, but deadlier."
"That explains why, but that's a lot of power from a man like him."
"Yes. I bet he could hang men upside-down with no problem."
(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)
"Now it's time to start on dinner!" Baldroy said, gripping his frying pan. "I shall make my best-"
"I'll do the cooking," Sebastian said taking the frying pan out of Baldroy's grip. "You should relax."
"What now? Are you still upset with me about making Jane sick? I was planning on making-"
"Hey, Sebastian," Agni said entering the kitchen. "I was wondering if I could help with the cooking."
"Just leave it all to me. It's nothing much," he replied smiling. Agni stepped in, offering.
"Two people work faster than one. Just ask me for anything."
"Very well. Would you kindly make a cottage pie with some gooseberry sauce as the entree?"
"As you wish," Agni replied bowing slightly.
"Wait a second! Why are letting him cook, and not the chef! I swear, I apologize for the cooking that made Lady Jane sick!" Sebastian walked away, leaving Baldroy fretting. "Hey, are you listening to me?"
"A lot to do right now," Sebastian said. Once he passed Agni, a serious face went to him. After the butler left, the cook sat down on the wooden stool and laid back with his arms crossed.
"Excuse me, Chef?" Agni said.
"Y-You mean me?" Baldroy asked, pointing at himself.
"Yes." That caused the dirty blonde to smile and his eyes sparkle.
"Chef..."
"Since I don't know much of English food, can you help me?"
"Of course! Just believe in me and I'll do my best!"
Feeling confident, Baldroy grabbed a peeled onion, took its skin out, and started to cut it up with a required knife. Agni checked on one of the pots, making sure it was steaming well. Finnian opened the door, smelling the aroma of the room.
"What that wonderful smell?" he asked excitedly. Agni looked at the younger man and smiled.
"Just in time, sir! It would be kind of you to help us prepare the meal. How about mashing and pureeing the potatoes?"
"Wow, really? However, I don't know my strength and if I'll do well, since Sebastian told me not to touch the kitchen materials..."
"You're strong? That's great! Don't worry; just do what I tell you and you'll do fine."
"I know I will! I'll do it!" Finnian replied feeling the confidence. While the three men continued on the cooking preparations, Mey-Rin began to get the plates from the counter, trying to do more than one plate at a time to get the job done faster. She lost her balance and almost fell, but only saved by Agni who caught her and the falling plates without a single crack.
"Are you all right, Ms. Maid?" the Indian asked, giving Mey-Rin her nickname. She nodded her head in response. He smiled, relieved that she is. "Maybe if you took one plate at a time, then there would be no trouble for you." Mey-Rin blushed, stuttering a yes.
"Is everything going okay, Agni?" Sebastian asked heading into the kitchen. His words got the better of him when he noticed the three servants helping him with dinner, which was start.
"Thanks to these kind people, dinner will be scrumptious," Agni replied. Sebastian was just surprised by all the hard work they've done, but he joined in and helped cutting the ingredients of the meal.
"I'm impressed that you got them to support the meal."
"Everyone is born with their special talents. Their paths and duties are chosen by the gods. We children of the Divine Mother need only to follow her will and do our tasks." Sebastian looked at the Indian man.
"You are a man of perfect character."
"Not really. I was screwed up before I met the prince. I owe him more than anything. I used to hurt people, disobey the gods, and committed crimes. And when I was punished, I became a new man and started a new life."
"Agni, your pot is boiling," Sebastian told him checking it. He started to stir it, making the ingredients blend in.
"The prince is my ruler and god. Since he gave me a new life, I want to protect him with my own life."
"The gods are actually good-for-nothing, as I recommend."
"Excuse me?"
"It's nothing."
(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)
"So how long are you intending to stay here?" Jane asked the two Indians in the dining room.
"We'll be leaving once we accomplish something," Prince Soma replied.
"That's right. You told me that you were looking for someone."
"So what makes you want to stay in this mansion?" Lau asked.
"That's an interesting question." He took a piece of paper and showed the drawing. "I'm looking for a woman." The sketch seemed okay, but wasn't detailed on who that woman could be. "Her name is Mina, and she is my servant at the palace." Putting her fork and knife down, she looked at the demon.
"Sebastian, does that help you gain any clues?" Sebastian went to look at the drawing.
"This doesn't seem to help, but I'll do my best."
"You also said she was in England. Doing what, exactly?"
"She was more or less my nursemaid. My parents don't really pay attention to me, but she did, since I was alone in the palace. Then she was kidnapped and taken to England by a British nobleman!" Jane frowned, feeling the prince's agony.
"So that's why you came here. You want to get her back?"
"That's right. No matter what, I'll take her back and bring her home with me!"
Why does this make me remind of someone...?
"Why do you care so much if it's just one servant?" With that question, it made Prince Soma sat up.
"What if that happened to you?" was all he could ask. Jane blinked and looked at the prince. It would get uglier if one of them said another negative question. She didn't want to lose someone like Tanaka, Mey-Rin, Baldroy, Finnian, and more importantly, Sebastian. She wouldn't know what to do if he just disappeared out of her sight. "I'm sorry, Jane. Please forgive me, but me and Agni have an errand to be at. I'm a busy person like you."
"I see. I'll be retiring then. Goodnight." The brunette got up, Sebastian following her. Hurrying into her nightwear behind the rice paper screen, she removed her eye patch, getting ready for bed. "They surely are strange."
"I agree. And they are already back." That was strange, since they just left a few minutes ago. Maybe it was the winter storm that made them come back. Jane fell asleep, while Sebastian left her room with the candles blown. Walking through the living room, he noticed Agni leaving in a hurry, so he watch the Indian leave.
"So he made a move, huh?"
(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)(~::...::~)
If you like this story and want more, alert me and review along the way at the bottom of this chapter! :)