Isabelle heaved a sigh, setting the bucket down with a rattle.
She shut her eyes. So heavy…
When she did open up her eyes, she gazed up at the star lit sky and breathed a peaceful sigh before lifting the bucket once more.
It was only then that she noticed a large dog barreling down the alley toward her. But, before she could even scream or dive out of the way, a hand pulled her from her place onto the streets. She stumbled right into the person who had saved her and they both toppled over with pained grunts.
For a moment or two, Isabelle rested upon her savior carelessly until she opened her eyes. She only moved off when she realized just who it was.
"E-Earl Phantomhive!" she cried, standing before stumbling. His hand shot up again and supported her as he panted, sitting where he had tumbled over.
"Y-you.. need to be more careful… Lady Isabelle." he breathed, standing as he held her arm before moving his grip to her hand. Then his eye widened. He yanked the noblewoman into his chest.
He wrapped his arms tight around her torso and spun them around 180 and held her close as vicious pants became closer and closer. The dog had noticed them and was nearing them. Ciel and Isabelle shut their eyes, expecting the impact as Ciel used his back to shield them both.
But the collision never came.
They both hesitantly turned to see Sebastian pinning the dog by its throat with his foot, Enobria securing its back with her heels. The earls blinked in surprise before both of them sighed, dropping their heads in relief.
"Took you long enough." they both grumbled in unison.
… … … … … … … … … … … …. Two Days Later … … … … … … … … … … … ….
Isabelle narrowed her eyes at the guard dressed in white as he escorted her through the royal halls, Ciel at her side.
She dropped her gaze behind the black netting of her head piece, holding her hair up in a tight, curled updo. A black winter gown of silk with a split skirt of dark teal with black vinyl details adorned her small body.
She looked stunning. It was nothing short of acceptable for an audience with the Queen of England herself.
Isabelle lifted her gaze once more as the Queen's butlers opened the doors for the two of them. Guard Dog and Raven alike both entered to the room before bowing and curtsying respectively. Her hoarse yet sweet greeting lifted their heads and Ciel and Isabelle both gazed on at the Queen, seated in the parlor with tea set and ready for them.
"Sit down now, my dear boy and Raven," she called with a smile, "I'm eager to hear what you've discovered in person."
Ciel approached first, Sebastian following as his shadow as Isabelle waited a moment. However, Ciel had noticed her sudden hesitation and waited.
He stood his ground, watching Isabelle, waiting for her to approach as well. Her breathing hitched in surprise as he offered his hand. She could sense the Queen's gaze harden as she took his waiting his hand.
She was not nearly as welcome as Earl Phantomhive.
When they sat on the couch opposite Her Majesty , she dropped her gaze. She was not welcome, not like this.
"So what is this about you closing that restaurant down- The Edison if I'm not mistaken." Victoria chimed, tilting her head toward Ciel.
A soft chuckle escaped him as he welcomed himself to a cup of tea, taking a brief sip before answering, "well, it was discovered that the restaurant was using the meat of stray cats and dogs in substitute for livestock they said to be providing. That and they were recruiting children to carry out the dangerous task of luring the hungry creatures out of hiding- usually single handedly."
Victoria let out a gasp and hid her mouth behind a wrinkled hand, "I cannot believe I was not aware of such a thing… My apologies for forcing you to take the initiative but I'm very proud my boy." she rasped with a smile.
Ciel returned the exchange with a warm smile, "Twas nothing Your Majesty." he responded, sipping his tea. Then he narrowed his eyes at the quiet.
The warm atmosphere that had embraced Ciel had simply dismissed Isabelle.
"... however... in all actually, it was Lady Isabelle who first noticed the problem at hand."
Isabelle froze in surprise before glancing up abruptly, only to catch Ciel's gaze, soft and welcoming as he praised her.
He continued upon seeing the Queen's confusion, "she was the one who knew something wasn't quite right from the very beginning- she even put the whole plan together. Everything proceeded so smoothly because of Lady Isabelle." he praised, giving Isabelle a sweet, fleeting glance.
Her cheeks flushed and the soft murmur of his name passed her pink lips. He tensed some at the sound and eyed her, sporting his own blush. Upon seeing the exchange, the Queen smiled.
"You two work well together I see…" she cooed.
Both Earls tensed and turned to her in utter surprise as their cheeks continued to burn. She gave a hearty laugh at their reaction and they both gave each other quick glances as they calmed, leaning back against the sofa.
The warm atmosphere had now openly embraced Ciel and Isabelle.
For the remainder of the time, Victoria informed the two that The Edison would be officially closed after a mandatory health inspection to act as the final push for proof against them. She praised the two without end.
Isabelle had never felt so accepted by the Queen prior to that day. She softened her expression and enjoyed Victoria's company until they were alerted their time was short.
The Queen gave an almost childish pout, "oh those pesky meetings. I would much rather laugh with the likes of you two than discuss politics- especially so close to the holidays as well. Oh the holidays- OH ALBERT!" she cried, falling over in tears.
"Y-Your Majesty!" her servants called, urging her to collect herself in front of them. She did so shortly and, with a sniff and teary eyes, she saw off Isabelle, Ciel, Sebastian, and Enobria.
"S-Stay safe my boy! Enjoy your Christmas- you as well my girl!" she called with a hitch in her voice.
Isabelle glanced back in surprise before giving Victoria a small nod, accompanied with a smile, before turning. She narrowed her eyes in thought. Christmas… she thought that is coming soon isn't it-
Ciel's voice interrupted her thought.
"Shall we be off then?" he asked, stopping at the end of the grand hall.
"Off?" Isabelle repeated in confusion.
Ciel stuttered before glancing away shyly, "i-it was an invitation…. I don't have anything to attend to for the afternoon so I…" he took a quick breath before facing her, tone almost demanding, "you should accompany me to my manor."
Her cheeks flushed. She knew she could easily turn down the direct offer but, at the same time, she could just as easily accept. And she did.
The carriage ride home was long, but not unbearable as Isabelle and Ciel had words all to themselves in the back, their butler and maid on coach. They congratulated themselves on a second case solved.
Together. Yet another case had been solved with them working together.
It was past noon when they did finally arrive back at the Phantomhive manor. Sweetly, Ciel extended his hand toward Isabelle and assisted her out of the carriage when Sebastian had opened the door.
He gave a soft chuckle and they stared at each other warmly as if in their own little world, far apart from the manor. That was until the manor doors opened and a world of frilly decorations, sparkles, and colors drowned them.
"M-my manor…" Ciel breathed in disbelief, stumbling inside. He looked around at all the bright colors adorning the furniture, chandeliers, railways. His entire front foyer was an explosion of rainbow.
Both earls' jaws hung low as they peered around in shock. Bardroy, Mey Rin, Finnian, and Snake took no time at all to rush them at the door.
They all exclaimed in unison, with the exception of Snake, "YOUNG MASTER THANK GOODNESS YOU'RE FINALLY HOME!"
"W-what in the world is this?!" Ciel seethed, Sebastian holding them at bay as they all threatened to tackle the young master. But he was suddenly cut off.
"CIEEEEL! IS THAT YOUUU~?!"
The servants and masters all turned toward the owner of the voice as they hurried down the stairs, promptly tackling Ciel in a tight hug. Ciel held his hands away from the petite back as his stomach dropped, meeting the waiting green gaze below.
"E-Elizabeth?!"
DID I DETECT A HINT OF FLIRTING?! Ciel you dog. Haha it's funny cause he's the Guard Dog... I'll shut up now. BUT now Elizabeth has been thrown into the mix! Trouble is definitely brewing. And maybe a little jealousy to boot. Anyways I hope ya guys enjoyed this chapter!
Stay creative my friends~