It's been three weeks since Charles Grey shot Claire, and she somehow managed to survive after being taken to the hospital. But now, she is paralyzed from the small of her back and down. Ciel had managed to persuade the Queen not to have her or him murdered, saying it was all a misunderstanding and they both had done nothing wrong. The Queen agreed; though Claire's duties as the Queen's Raven had been revoked, since Claire was now in a wheelchair. Today was the day The Queen would announce that Claire would no longer be the Queen's Raven, or that anyone else will. The reign of the Raven was over.

Ciel walked down the hallway of the palace calmly, wearing his most formal attire. He was on his way to Claire's room, where the girl was waiting to be escorted to the grand ballroom. Sebastian was right behind him, and they soon came upon the door to Claire's guest room. They could hear nothing on the other side, and for a second Ciel was worried she wasn't in there. That girl was always making some kind of noise.

When he opened the door, Claire was thankfully there. She sat quietly in her wheelchair looking out the window, her eyes seeming far away, and for once, she was completely silent.

Claire had been put into a pale green dress, with sleeves that went from her shoulders to her elbow, then fell into delicate tulle layers to her hands. The skirt was laced with intricate clear and silver beading, along with the bodice. In Claire's black hair was a green flower, and pearls that wrapped around it, and her hair was tied in an intricate bun. For once, Claire was wearing something that wasn't black. Or any other dark color. She looked.. happier. The innocence that Sebastian had described as once buried underneath layers of darkness was finally showing itself.

Claire didn't turn around when Ciel and Sebastian entered, but she said, "It feels odd.. not being able to walk. It's like a large part of what makes you human is missing." Ciel said nothing, but walked slowly over to her. Claire looked up at him from where she was sitting, and gave him a half-grin. "You should be grateful you can still walk." Ciel stared at her for a moment, before closing his eyes, "And you should be grateful you had that privilege most of your life." Claire laughed softly, wheeling herself to face Ciel. "I guess, after the ceremony... this is goodbye." Ciel opened his eyes again to look at her. "I'm sure we'll see each other again, someday."

Claire paused, before reaching up and taking his hand. "Thank you.."

"For what?"

"For everything."

Ciel paused, before saying, "And thank you."

"For what?"

"For not killing me."

Claire laughed, and Ciel managed a small smile. They stayed in a comfortable silence for a few minutes, before Claire slowly began to reach up. Ciel was perfectly still as Claire carefully took off his eyepatch. She looked curiously into his contracted eye, her own eyes gleaming with what seemed to be sadness. Ciel continued to stare back at her, a little uncomfortable with the eyepatch off. "So beautiful… yet it will only bring pain," Claire whispered. She reached up again and tied the eyepatch back, and she gave Ciel a warm smile. "Enjoy your life. Live while you still have the chance."

Sebastian stepped quietly into the room. "It's time to go, my lord." Ciel moved behind her and carefully wheeled her around, before leading her out the hall. "C'mon, You've still got one last mission." Claire glanced up at him. "One last mission… yes.."

"I have gathered you all today to discuss an important matter." The Queen stated to the nobles gathered in the great hall. Claire and Ciel were standing behind her, and people kept glancing at Claire. "I believe that all of you have heard of the infamous Queen's Raven." Any eyes that weren't on the girl were on her now. Claire sat a little taller. "The girl next to me was the Queen's Raven. She has been revoked of her position as the Raven, due to her new… disability. There shall also be no more Ravens for the rest of my reign." The two nobles could hear many audible sighs of relief, and could see the thankful expressions - some still angry though - on everyone's faces. "Now, I know some of you have lost loved ones to the Raven, and you most likely will want revenge." Queen Victoria motioned to Claire. "But anyone who harms this girl will be arrested for treason against the Crown by my Guard Dog, and will be executed. If I find out any of you try to murder my Raven, you will have to answer to me." A few whispers traveled around the room, but most people remained silent. The Queen looked over the crowd, before lowering her hand. "That is all. You may go."

Claire and Ciel watched as the people processed out of the hall, some giving them a few last glances. One young girl walked up to Claire as her mother was talking with another noble. "When I grow up, I wanna be just like you!" she said, before running back to her mother. Claire opened her mouth as if to reply, but she shut it as the girl ran away. "I think she wants to be brave like you.. not a murderer." Ciel commented. Claire sighed. "I suppose you are right."

Claire wheeled herself so she could face Ciel. "I have something to tell you. But don't tell anyone else." She motioned for him to bend over. When he did, she leaned up and whispered in his ear. Ciel's eyes widened slightly, before he smirked. "Yes, that is quite true."

Rosalinde and Joyce walked up so they were standing next to Claire. Joyce grabbed the handles of the wheelchair and looked over at Ciel. "Thank you… for saving her." Ciel nodded to her politely, and Rosalinde whispered, "Mr. Sebastian….?" "Yes, Rosa?" he answered. The girl smiled when she heard his voice. "You're a very brave butler."

Claire looked at Ciel for the last time and smiled. It wasn't like one of her small ones, or the kind of smirk she used at her stay at the mansion. No, this was a genuine smile, warm and beautiful. "Goodbye, Ciel," she said as Joyce slowly wheeled her away. Ciel watched her go. "Goodbye… Claire."