Hello all and welcome!

I'm sorry I haven't updated in a while. I'm either working, at the gym or at the barn with the ponies lately so I'm not really able to do much of anything right now. However, there's a tail end of a hurricane ripping through my side of the province, and it happens to be my weekend off, so I figured I might as well type some chapters up for at least a couple of my series. ;)

In this chapter there is mostly Ciel and Aelia, so I apologize for you guys who wanted to see more of Claude, but this chappy is going to be one of those important ones. :)

Also, I should apologize for the how short this chapter is. I was running out of time considering the power has been flickering on and off for two hours now (FUCK YOU HIGH WINDS! *shakes fist*) and the battery on the laptop I'm using has no longevity. So yeah!

But hey... It's an update, right? RIGHT? ;)

Magnificence

CH X; The Young Master's Plans

The Phantomhive manor was absolutely stunning. The carefully picked out colors matched the decor perfectly. Everything was placed precisely and not a speck of dust marred even the railings to the grand staircase. The carpets were free of debris and laid down without so much as a bump rippling anywhere in its wake.

"Welcome home, young master!"

Aelia looked over to see three very different servants waiting patiently at the end of the staircase with huge grins lining their faces.

Ciel, who walked through the doors with Aelia by his side and Sebastian trailing behind, looked over his servants before speaking briefly.

"I want you all to introduce yourself to our newest guest before returning to your chores," Ciel spoke calmly. Aelia noticed the lack of powerful authority most noblemen used on their servants while addressed the three standing before him.

The tallest of the three sported what looked like a culinary uniform with the exception of the missing chef hat that usually went with the ensemble. The white apron he wore over top of his uniform was crisp and clean. Even the lenses belonging to the goggles hanging loosely around his neck were spotless. He had messy, short blond hair paired with bright ocean blue eyes and an unlit cigarette perched between his grinning lips. Aelia had to admit that he was exceptionally handsome, even with the stubble covering his sharp jawline giving him a more rugged appeal. He was the first to speak, the charming grin already set in place becoming wider.

"The name's Baldroy," He spoke with a thick Brooklyn accent. "Please to meet ya!"

The male standing beside him also sported blond locks with red barrettes holding back his bangs and bright blue eyes, only he wore a large white shirt with red piping and red and orange plaid paints. She could also see what looked like a large sun hat hanging off his back. At first glance he only looked like a child no older than twelve, but Aelia could tell he was older than that. The boy had very round eyes that made him look so innocent, she couldn't help but grin at how adorable he was. His bright blues seemed to widen and shine at the sight of her grin, making him beam with excitement.

"I'm Finnian, but please, call me Finny!" The boy exclaimed brightly.

Aelia couldn't help but giggle at his enthusiasm.

Lastly, Aelia's eyes fell on a blushing maid that seemed to stare at her through the enormous round spectacles covering the majority of her face. She had bright cherry-red hair pulled back into high pigtails and her bangs were straight cut. Her uniform was of usual standard for maids to wear, being a darker blue long sleeve dress with a crispy clean white pinafore that frilled at the shoulders and matching bonnet. The only thing setting her off from the proper maid image were here white laced, knee-high boots leading father up than the skirt would allow for sight. Like Finny, this girl was rather adorable.

"Hello there!" She had a unique, chipper voice that seemed almost... raspy, as if she were forcing herself to speak in this way. "My name is Mey-Rin!"

Ciel cleared his throat once introductions were finished and looked to Mey-Rin.

"Mey-Rin, make sure Miss Alice has everything she needs and that her accommodations are to her liking," Ciel let Sebastian remove his top hat and coat, his eyes never leaving his maid. "She will be staying with us for the night."

Mey-Rin bowed quickly with a smile. "Yes, sir!"

Aelia watched at the peppy girl quickly left to go tend to her new duties, while the boys stood patiently awaiting their orders. Sebastian was the one to direct them.

"Continue on with your chores," His silky voice reminded Aelia of Claude in an almost eerie way. "And Baldroy, I will be taking care of dinner preparations this evening."

Finny nodded happily and skipped off after being dismissed while Baldroy muttered something to himself while running his fingers through his hair. Nonetheless, he too left the main lobby to go tend to whatever it was that needed done.

"Come Miss Aelia," Ciel turned to Aelia and motioned for her to follow him. "Sebastian will prepare us some tea while we wait in my study."

Aelia nodded and followed closely behind Ciel. Once they climbed the staircase, they walked a little ways down a long corridor until they reached grand set of double doors. Sebastian, who had followed silently, opened the doors for his master and guest before leaving them to tend to the tea. Aelia's eyes went wide as she drank in all the details of the room. Much like her own study, bookshelves that reached the ceiling lined the walls and were filled with books of all subjects.

"Please, sit," Ciel took his rightful spot behind the large oak desk and sat back into his high-back plush chair.

Aelia looked at Ciel before walking towards another high-back chair that matched his own. It was positioned perfectly angled so that she could see would be able to sip at her tea as well as converse with the Earl comfortably.

"Will you tell me what business you have me with now, Ciel?" Aelia sat back against the plush cushion and sighed lightly, relaxing into the chair.

Ciel made no response as he glanced at the door. Seconds later, Sebastian gave a gentle knock before entering the room while pushing a silver cart with an expensive looking china tea set and a wicker basket with freshly made scones.

"I have for you a simple earl grey tea with freshly baked scones," Sebastian announced calmly as he poured Ciel's cup and set it down in front of him before looking at Aelia. "Might I ask what you take in your tea, my lady?"

"Plain is just fine, thank you..." Aelia felt her cheeks burn ever so slightly at his gesture. He's just like Claude...

Sebastian smiled and poured her cup of tea and set it on a small table that had somehow appeared by her side moments ago. Aelia thanked him and picked up the saucer and held it in her hand as she lifted the delicate china cup from its perch and took a small sip.

"My compliments to your ability to make outstanding tea," Aelia blinked and looked up at Sebastian. "I've never tasted an earl grey so good in my entire life."

Sebastian gracefully bowed to her. "Why thank you, Miss Aelia."

Ciel watched the two for a moment before clearing his throat.

"Shall we begin?"

Aelia looked at Ciel and nodded, continuing to sip at her tea as Ciel spoke.

"You are currently living at the Trancy estate, are you not?" Ciel began. When Aelia gave a curt nod, he continued. "It would be safe to assume that Claude Faustus is your butler?"

Aelia gripped the handle on her cup tightly. "You know who Claude is?"

"He was Alois Trancy's butler when he was still alive," Ciel looked right at her. "He was also the cause of the earl's death."

Crimson eyes narrowed at Ciel. "It wasn't Claude, it was a woman named Hannah Anafeloz that killed Alois."

"That is only partially true," Ciel smirked. "Hannah played her part well and was in fact the final piece that set the plan all into motion, but it was in fact Claude Faustus who is responsible for the Trancy's death."

Aelia let her eyes shift downwards as she picked through all of the information being fed to her. Claude had been sure to explain the entire event and how it unfolded that night when Alois had been stolen from him, but... had he lie?

"Claude told me Hannah had planned to steal Alois from Claude by reuniting him and a boy named Luca, who she had previously created a contract with before Alois," Aelia began. "If he and Claude had formed a contract earlier on before she had been able to, how was it that she was able to steal him from his butler?"

Ciel narrowed his visible eye ever so slightly. She's observant, and she already knows enough that it will be impossible to contradict with what happened in order to sway her.

"I know how this ordeal works in regards to forming a Faustian contract with a demon, as I was once a contract holder myself," Aelia added quickly, recycling the question she had previously asked. "So how exactly does another demon form a contract with a human who is already marked?"

"The young master was brought into the feud after Claude had a taste of his blood," Sebastian cut in, earning a sharp glare from Ciel. "When a demon becomes obsessed with a human soul, it consumes their mind and body until they have drained every last drop from the human. Claude had this experience with my young master."

Aelia's brow furrowed. "So, Ciel was a human?"

"That's correct," Ciel emptied his cup before setting it down. "Hannah is to blame for my transformation, despite Claude being the real reason why I am what I am now."

"I still don't understand what Claude did?" Aelia muttered aloud. "You said when a demon becomes obsessed with a soul, it basically consumes them," There was a brief pause as she looked from Ciel to Sebastian. "What did he do?"

"Claude and I were to duel for rightful ownership of the young master," Sebastian revealed.

"He had been stolen away from me and during that time, Claude managed to mix Alois Trancy's soul with my young masters in hopes that under the influence of another being inside of him, Ciel would demand out contract be terminated. Hannah took that moment of weakness on both of our parts to steal both of the earl's away in order to create a deal with Alois. Her terms were simple and unfortunately, Claude and I had played both right into their hands.

"It was declared in the new contract between Alois Trancy and Hannah Anafeloz that Claude and I were to engage in an official duel over the young master's soul. The terms of their deal also stated that no matter the outcome of the battle, Ciel's soul would be out of reach to both Claude and myself and he would be turned into a demon."

Aelia took in his words and sat in silence. Hannah had gone to all that trouble to ensure Alois's will would be achieved? But, why would be go to such great lengths?

"Alois Trancy was in love with Claude," Sebastian seemed to read her thoughts as he answered the very question weighing heaviest on her mind. "He wanted nothing more than for Claude to acknowledge him and his very existence as more than just a meal."

Aelia frowned and looked down at her lap. "How tragic..."

"Enough about Trancy," Ciel spat out in annoyance. "Let us discuss why you are here."

Aelia looked up at Ciel and nodded.

"I had the pleasure of meeting your father, Sorben," Ciel began and smirked at the shocked expression crossing Aelia's face. "He and I made a deal that I think you will be most interested in."

"And what would that be?" Aelia's crimson eyes narrowed.

Ciel met her gaze without hesitation. "He and I wish for the same thing, and that is to make use of your power over the demonic world and train you to become the queen you so rightfully deserve to be."

Aelia went wide eyed. "W-What?"

"Your father made it very clear that you were of royal bloodline," Ciel's smirk never faltered. "Even with your human heritage, you still have Urbana blood coursing through your veins. You can rule."

Her fists bawled tightly as she clenched the skirt of her dress in attempts to fight off the shaking her body was doing. Sebastian stood to the side silently and watched her closely, allowing his young lord to begin the preparations in order to persuade Aelia to join their side.

"What's the catch?" Aelia mumbled softly, her eyes not looking up to meet his own.

Ciel seemed amused that she would ask that question this early in the game. "Upon his terms, he requires the life of your butler."

"You mean Claude?" Aelia narrowed her eyes sharply at the young boy.

Ciel's visible eye trailed downwards until it caught sight of the fuchsia ring displayed proudly on Aelia's finger before meeting her eyes. "I see he is no longer your butler."

At his accusation, Aelia caught the undertone in his voice.

"Tell me Ciel," She set her saucer and cup onto the small table beside her so it would not break should she get angry. "How much do you already know about me?"

"I know more than you may think," Ciel never attempted to hide that face. "You went under the Faustian contract with Claude after your human step-father disowned you. Claude assisted you, much like Sebastian has been doing for me, in attaining your revenge against that man and once the contract had been fulfilled, Claude insisted you become his mate."

Aelia gave him a dangerous look. "And what does my father have to do with any of this?"

"Your father originally gave me a blessing as a possible candidate to become your mate," Ciel gave a smug grin as he brought both elbows up onto the desk and leaned forward to let his chin rest on top of his threaded fingers. "However, I have no intention on taking a mate this early as a demon."

Aelia could feel her temper flare. "I don't believe you."

"Oh?" Ciel watched her carefully knowing he had her exactly where he wanted her. Using that little fib about her father's blessing worked like a charm. "And why is that?"

The young girl stood up angrily. "My father and I have already discussed this, and my apologies young sir, but those details are entirely none of your business!"

"Oh but they are," Ciel glanced towards Sebastian, who had already made his way over to the doors to prevent Aelia from exiting the room. "Seeing as how you and I will be working closely from now on, I suggest cooperate and answer my questions but first I will have to ask you to calm down."

"Why is it so bad that I am mated to Claude Faustus?" Aelia demanded in rage. "If you have dealings with him than why must I be a part of it?"

"Simple. I want him dead, and in order to do that, I must take away what he treasures most."

The calm tone of voice Ciel used to answer her question startled her and made her entire body rigid.

He wanted Claude dead? Was it because of what transpired years ago when he was thought to be dead after fruitlessly chasing after a soul that was not his to take? Or was it because Alois Trancy had been an enemy of Ciel Phantomhive, and since the earl was gone, the grudge would be held against the butler?

"I need you alive in order to accomplish my new goal," Ciel stood up from his chair. "I also need your cooperation."

"What makes you think I will go along with this?" Aelia glared. "He is my mate! I will protect him should you try and harm him!"

Ciel was hoping she would say that and smirked in response. "Not to worry, that has already been taken care of as well."

Before Aelia could respond, Sebastian opened the double doors to reveal a very enraged Claude. Ciel's eyes narrowed slightly as he spotted a very bashful Mey-Rin standing off to the side. She must have let him in? Claude entered the room at a brisk pace and soon put himself between Ciel and Aelia, his golden eyes narrowed in a smoldering gaze.

"I believe that is enough visiting for today," Claude masked the anger in his voice as he faced Aelia. "Come my dear, the carriage outside is waiting."

Aelia looked up at him and nodded slowly, still not entirely sure how he figured out she was here or how he arrived so quickly. Claude offered his arm to her and soon she linked her own with his, not sparing Ciel a final glance as she allowed Claude to lead her out of the study. Her eyes met with Sebastian's briefly as the couple passed by and noted the sinister look deep down within his red orbs. The thought alone of what was yet to come made Aelia's stomach twist.

Welp, that was an interesting chapter. And UN-EDITED. Dun dun dunnnnn! Yeah... we all saw that coming, didn't we? It's that bloody wind, I'm tellin' ya! It's making it really difficult to write anything tonight, so I just decided to post this anyways. LOOL

Next time we'll see Sorben again, and trust me, I'm going to be putting a lot of effort into that chapter so please be kind!

What do you all think of Ciel's advances? What about Sebastian and that look he gave her before she left? What is Ciel and Sebastian's big plan that they have for our little miss Aelia? Will Claude actually die? Do you think Ciel was really lying when he mentioned to Aelia that Sorben had given him "a blessing" to become a candidate for her to marry?

So many questions, so little time! This story is coming to a close with only four or five chapters left, so now's the time to ask questions galore!

Oh, and I should mention that I'm not apposed to killing off main characters, so just because this is a Claude story, don't think I'm not capable of being heartless enough to kill him off. Or Aelia for that matter. Teehee teehee~ ;)

With that being said, I'd like to know how some of you think the story is going to end? Send me a PM or even write a review saying what you think will happen! I'll give y'all lots and lots of cookies if you can figure it out. ;)

Please let me know in the reviews what you think is going to happen!