This palace was glorious as it was exquisite, it stood both bold and strong. It truly was a jewel, you could hardly believe being here, it looked so much different in a textbook than in real life. History before your very eyes it was hard not be overwhelmed by its presence. Feeling your eyes light up with every step you took following Ciel who followed Phipps with Harmony by your side and Sebastian trailing close. Gray was just about two feet behind him. Still, you could feel his eyes upon you and Harmony. Burrowing hard and deep. It nearly made the hairs on your neck flare, ignoring it the best you could remind yourself to keep focus on the matter at hand. Though it was a little hard as your eyes wanted to wonder and look at everything inch of the palace. Swiftly looking up at the exterior, it had at least five stories with windows upon windows etched all across each level.
If the exterior was this nice inside nearly took your breath away. It was adorned with such finery and taste your mind thought it was something out of a fairy tale. The ceilings high and grand, the windows let in such natural light it just illuminated the halls. Adding more radiant color to everything it touched. The finest of anything you could imagine resided here. There were paintings of old and current upon the walls. Drapes of rich color pulled and tied back, you managed to get a glimpse a bit outside at the greenery. It felt so warm and kind here, all of it. You wondered if...Harmony had noticed if her eyes wondered as they did in new environments. To ease her own bottled nerves.
Looking to her, to your astonishment her eyes remained straight and focused. Not at all derailing, filled you up inside. It was hard to keep your smile at bay. Even so, her eyes seem to enlarge just a little with jitters. But, she held it in considering how close she was staying to Ciel subtly. Assuming she might cling to him, get ready to step in, to see the opposite. So far, so good. Nothing really seem to happen, just the feeling of walking down this hall seem to take a lot longer than it appeared to be. With your mind racing on meeting her Majesty, that you did not realize you arrived until about a second after both Charles open the double doors to a grander room. It was either your eyes or something else, the light shining in seem to brighter and heavenly. It felt safe. It felt peaceful.
The presence in this room was strong and kind elderly eyes lite with ambering warmth once they saw the two lovely young ladies following Ciel. With an equal delighted smile spread upon their lips. They sat on their noble throne in the center of the room, raised above the floor from the stairs. Dressed in an elegant black dress that made the color itself appropriate and beautiful. Waited with regal patience to be eagerly introduced to the two newest additions to the Phantomhive family. The young Earl stepped forward first and respectfully bowed to her Majesty. To the elderly lady in her 70's.
"Your Majesty," he speaks with such esteem in his words, you nearly gasped, but held your tongue. "thank you for an audience and interest upon meeting my newest family members. My dearest cousins." He steps slightly to the side holding out a hand towards Harmony.
Who know right away and lightly put her hand in his. He guides her properly to stand before him, but not too far. Harmony's eyes nearly widen looking at the woman. Feeling she had froze, Ciel gets ready to squeeze her hand when it left his palm. Stepping forward just a little bit more, counting the steps lightly in her mind. She stops and lightly picks up her dress, curtsies like a submerged cloud. It was...so pristine. Her head wasn't heavy, it did not sway too deep. Her eyes remained on the floor and her voice and words came out like satin and sweets.
"Good morning, your Majesty, my name is Harmony Dallas-Burnett. Daughter of the absent Angelina Dallas-Burnett. Cousin to the Earl of Phantomhive, Ciel. It is a pleasure and honor to meet you," she pauses for a split second, covering it up with a pleasing smile. Lifting her head. "thank you for such an audience."
Your heart fluttered hearing her words, she did so well. Swelling up inside glowing. When you noticed something out the corner of your eye, Sebastian slightly moving, matching the words Harmony said. Was he making sure she said everything right? Was he concerned?
"My, what a lovely and precious child," Victoria spoke tenderly back. Nodding her head with a light amicable smile. "you are most welcome. Lady Harmony."
Coming back up Harmony takes Ciel's hand and he leads her back, switching places with you. "Your Majesty, may I introduce my eldest cousin," he lets you finish the rest.
Standing next to Sebastian, Harmony watches in such awe as her sister curtsy perfectly to the queen. Like a gentle feather on a pillow. Her dress flawlessly remained free from any indent. So poised and prim. Delicate and fluid her words came out, to the queen. There was nothing out of place, not a single pause or bumped. It flowed out as smooth as silk and as beautiful as a rose.
Glad to see, a knot formed in the little girl looking and listening to her sister. This sudden weight came upon her shoulders. Pressing down. Feeling her shoulders fall, did everything she could to keep them up.
"Good morning, your Majesty," you address the queen. "I am May Dallas-Burnett, current Baroness and elder cousin to the Earl of Phantomhive, Ciel. I am graciously honored by this formal audience. How kind of her Majesty. God, had blessed you and your esteem country with such beauty and radiance. There are nearly not enough words to describe this wonderful moment. Thank you, your Majesty."
You lift your eyes to meet her's. She was taken for a second looking at you, assuming some form of disrespect, held your breath for what seem like forever...her eyes moved briefly to Ciel, then back to you. A delighted smile warmed upon her lips.
"Good morning to you as well, Baroness," she dips her head lightly to you." my what a beautiful and gracious young lady. I am pleased to finally meet the young Earl's newest additions to his family. Ciel," she looks to him. He gives her his full attention after helping you up. "You have darling and lovely cousins, they quite a breath of fresh Spring. In such remind me of so. Colors to match. Welcome, dear young ladies to Buckingham Palace. Please," she stands with the help of her assistants who stood behind her closely. "I insist you join me for a late breakfast."
"We would be honored," Ciel speaks for everyone and follows her, you follow telling Harmony to do as well. Sebastian trails after her with the two Charles just a couple of inches behind.
With small legs, Harmony had to work harder than the others to keep up. Her mind pressuring to remember how to walk not to rush. To keep her distance and remain happy. Her little eyes did they best to focus and keep close to Ciel. Blocking out the queen's voice as she took interest in a light talk. This walk felt so long or was it her feet crossing in front of the other? She wasn't sure. The pressure started to weigh. Looking to May and Ciel, saw their poise...remembering Lizzie's words calmed her and she managed to get her feet to work and flare to settle.
Quickly shutting her eyes, seeing Lizzie and hearing her voice reminding her with a smile. Behind Lizzie appeared Madam Red doing the same thing. With a bright smile. Steps became bolder and quicker. Noticing her sudden change, a pleased smile spread across someone's face.
After a few minutes, the queen led everyone outside. "I do hope you do not mind having breakfast out here on the terrace." She said walking over to the clean cloth table. That was adorned elegantly with the finest china, silverware, and porcelain. Food of vibrant colors and variety.
It was beyond anything you expected, while you were captivated by the scene before you, Harmony's attention was grabbed by another. Caused her to stop in her tracks and stare out across the flourishing garden. It was a like a beautiful sea of flowers and colors that lite up her eyes. So many flower crowns she could make. She'd be swimming in flower crowns. She wanted to go right now and jump into that sea, everything else just vanished, gripping her dress lightly gets ready to run when dark gray clouds cast over.
"And is that has your attention? Hmm?" She looks up finding Gray standing over her with a smiling while his eyes pierced her's. Her whole body just froze and tongue swelled. He was able to see what it was, looking quickly in the direction she was, then back to her. His smile seem to grow more. "Do you like the garden? Hmm?" He leans in a bit more. "Well?"
She was shrinking, she could feel her legs begin to buckle, under him. The corner of her eyes slowly began to produce tears, fearing she was in trouble tries to find the right words. "Well, come on..answer." He spoke reaching a hand out, shutting her mouth she holds in a scream. Inches from her shut her eyes quickly, just as another shadow looms above the earl. "Hmmm?"
He looks up finding Sebastian there glaring down at him, politely with a smile. "I do hope I am not interrupting anything," he spoke, holding out a hand to Harmony. "but the queen insists lady Harmony join her for breakfast. If you do not mind." He takes hold of Harmony's hand. Leading her away before Gray could say anything. "Come now, it is not polite for a lady to keep the company of others waiting."
Standing up Gray watches the Butler lead her over and help into the chair in-between Ciel and May. Pushes her and lays the cloth napkin across her lap. "...My apologies, my queen." He said to the queen walking over and helps the others to serve breakfast. Shooting a glance at Sebastian who took to serving Ciel and Harmony.
Once the food was given, the queen indulged in light talk and laugher. Wanting to get to know you and Harmony a bit more. "We I had heard of the young Earl earning two new addition, I was quite curious. Having heard from Charles, Gray who was quite unpleasant for not receiving an invitation to your ball."
Ciel nearly spat up his tea, catching himself at the last minute and looks to you for an explanation. "Oh, well, please forgive me I was not aware the Earl was a person," you choose your words carefully. A small flush crept across your cheeks."I had assumed it was put upon the list by accident."
Accident? Gray snides. Waiting for you to finish your answer.
"By accident?" Victoria seem surprised and interested. "How so?"
Now, you felt rather horrible about it. Tucking a bit of hair behind your ear, with a light laugh to cut through the stall mood. "I do hope this does come off as an insult, Earl Gray," turning to him for a second with a smile. Then back to the queen. "I assumed there was a mix-up. That the name was to be on the grocery list, instead."
If Ciel could just...just...all eyes fell on you. Keeping this smile up was starting to weaver, especially Ciel's heated glare. Gray was taken back by this, which Sebastian found joyous. The man's eyes fall on you coldly.
"That litt-"
Victoria began to chuckle gently at what you said. To the shock of the others. "Well, that explains it well. It was a simple misunderstanding." Her words turn it around, to your relief. "See Charles? I was certain the Baroness had a reasoning why, are your feelings mended?"
He nods. "Yes. Thank you, Baroness, for your explanation."
"You are quite welcome, I do apologize again Earl Gray for any discrepancy and hurt I caused."
Against his actual words, accepts. "That is alright."
"Well, now that is in the past," Victoria shifts the talk. "It seems you two bring some life to the Earl, do they, Ciel?"
Setting his fork down finishes what he was chewing and dabs his lips. "You could say in more ways than one."
"How delightful."
Yes, how delightful. You read his words, screaming at him inside. The same could be said about him.
"And I am sure, Ciel presents you with joy just as equally." Victoria turns to you. Quickly you smile and nod. "Wonderful, is the food to your liking?"
Picking up your glass filled with juice lightly humbly answer back. "Yes, it is absolutely wonderful. Thank you, your Majesty. Every bite taken is one of heaven, one would think God himself made it. I have never had such a wonderful taste."
Your eyes quickly look at the scowling reflection of another who clearly saw through your masked words. Shooting subtle insult to them. "I am delighted to hear such," Victoria took gratification in your words. "Lady Harmony, how do you fare?"
It Harmony a second to hear the queen address her, with a fork partially in her mouth, her eyes quickly advert from the garden. Blinking a few times before answering. Lost for words for a second, Victoria could see her thoughts were elsewhere. Looking behind her saw the reason.
"Do you like gardens? Lady Harmony?"
Her cheeks flared and a soft pep escapes her lips, she nearly bit down on the fork, if not for Ciel. "Come now, lady Harmony, tell her Majesty." He said it as if giving her permission, though the small he had could say otherwise.
Looking to the queen, Harmony takes her fork out and sets it aside. "I love gardens...I love flowers." Pausing for a minute. "I..I did not mean to stare. You..you have a really pretty garden. Your Majesty." Her eyes slowly drop. Looking away.
"Why, thank you. Would you like to visit it?"
Harmony's head and eyes sprung back up with such speed, you and Ciel nearly choked. Nearly. Her eyes sparkled like stars with a smile just as equal, her cheeks turned rosy. "Really? I can?"
Victoria nods with a light chuckle. "I would be honored, though if it is alright with your cousin." Harmony looks to Ciel about to burst, that she had to grip on her dress to contain it, waiting for his answer.
"Harmony," you reach out to calm her down. "sweetheart relax-"
"You may go." He agrees, to your surprise and Harmony's glee. She nearly jumped out of her seat if Sebastian didn't help her quick enough. Twirling around before running over and squeezing Ciel by the arm.
He nearly spilled his juice. "Thank you! Thank you, Ciel. I promise to make you a flower crown." she expresses.
The site before the queen was tender and adoring. The way Harmony lite up from Ciel showed more than any sun. Such a joyful child she was and Ciel...there seem to be something different. There was something warm behind his eye that looked at her with a bit of irritation.
"Alright, alright." He wriggles his arm back. "You're welcome, though you must take May with you."
Right away Harmony lets go of him and goes onto you. Holding your arm. "Sister. Sister come we can and see the garden."
Dabbing your mouth get up with the assistance of Phipps. Take Harmony by the hand softly. "Yes, we shall. But, first, you must remember to thank her Majesty." Whispering softly to her.
Nearly forgetting, she turns around to the queen and gives the cutest curtsy with a smile. "Thank you, very much, your Majesty." With that, she hurries away with you. Victoria told both Charles to accompany you both. Which they do. Waiting until the ladies were out of sight, Victoria speaks.
"The youngest is truly a breath of fresh air, is she not? She brings with her sweet innocence and bliss." She speaks fondly of Harmony. "I can see she has with you. I can only imagine one might want to keep her virtue safe and close at home when the time comes for courtship."
Teasing lightly. Which Ciel heard."Yes, well Harmony has some time for that. Thank you for such compliments for my dear cousin. She is enjoyable and at times more than one can handle. But, soulful through."
"I thought as much, she will grow to be lovely. One will have to meet your careful eyes well."
He couldn't help but smirk just a little. "A challenge is always good for one."
"And challenges are what you excel at, now, I am quite sure your eldest cousin has received many who are interested in courtship. With her. Since her revealing. A young lady such as herself."
"No. None." He tells her, to her surprise. "There have been none." Sebastian smiles to himself at the misdirection Ciel gave the queen. Those letters he received and tossed away. Burning a few in the fire.
"Are you quite sure? The Baroness is one of radiance that is comes around so often. Her eyes are like the sunrise and sunset, seeing and bringing beauty. You can find warmth and strength. She is a gentle and kind soul. It is hard to believe no one has sought to court her yet. Or," she notices. "one does not wish to allow anyone to their fair maiden. Tell me, you are familiar with Rapunzel, correct?"
"Yes. Harmony insists it be read to her."
"Wonderful, then you are aware of what happens, the maiden is kept away and protected. Hidden if you may, by the outside world, because out of fear no one is deemed worthy. To only have the protection fable and eventually, the fair maiden was discovered. You cannot keep your flower hidden forever Ciel. To deprive them of the sunlight, unless, you wish to have darkness come and collect. It would be wise to allow just a bit of light in and only those worthy to take the flower. Who you know will tend to them more than you. Would you not agree?"
Tempted to say something else. He pushes it down. "I do agree. With your Majesty."
The garden was open and enchanting, Harmony became lost in all its beauty even if it was just a bit of it. Having been informed by Phipps there was more. She went through rows and rows of flowers, sniffing and awing those she'd never seen before. Collecting some to make flower crowns as she said. Phipps walked close to her, while you were in the company of Gray. It was quiet, which was fine by you.
His eyes kept pecking towards you. Which made you rather...uncomfortable. To elevate, it kept your attention on Harmony. Who now resided on Phipps's shoulders reaching up into a tree to pluck some of the flowers.
"Harmony, do be careful." You tell her taking a few steps forward. To be stopped by Gray grabbing you by the wrist. "Yes, Lord Gray?"
His eyes harden with a gleam question. "Tell me something, how in the world did the earl even obtain you and your...sister?" He shoots a glance to Harmony. "Hmmm? Cousins suddenly out of the blue."
Taking your wrist back address him respectfully. "As you are aware and heard we are the children of the absent Angelina Dallas-Burnett."
"Yes, I heard that what I mean is why in the world? I mean," he scoffs with a jesting smirk. "It seems rather odd. He is not one with the best reputation with family."
Your eyes narrow at him, seeing his words that though laced in silk was soiled. "Please, sir, what is that you are trying to deliver?"
He saw the sharp look in your eyes, locked his with yours. "Ah, are we going to dual with the blades of our words?" He steps closer smirking. "I enjoy a play." About to say something, something quick squeezed your cheeks together, halting you. It was Gray. Pulling you closer. "Hmm..." he observes."well, well it seems there is something hidden behind those beautiful curtains. My, what a rather nasty look for a delicate one."
You try to speak to have pressure added more. But your eyes spoke volume. He pulled you closer pegging you on. "You know, I am rather glad I did not attend such an occasion. I would not be in the Earl's presence unless needed or," he shrugs his shoulders. "for fun." He releases you. Turning his back slightly. "Though I did miss out on such food."
"What a pity," you jeer.
He turns back to you with a smirk that made you want to engage in a slap, he was waiting. "What is wrong? Baroness? Did I say something discomforting?"
Keeping yourself calm step lightly to him. "I am just not a fan of those who prefer to use words for weapons upon others. Who are not here to defend themselves. And, who mask their own pitiful wound." His eyes flare from your words. "And for the Earl to know, it is a blessing given upon me and my sister to my cousin, the Earl of Phantomhive."
Crossing his arms over his chest he opens his mouth. "Sister! Sister, I have made you a flower crown!" Harmony comes running over presenting it. Your eyes remained locked with the Earl's for a few seconds before turning your attention to Harmony.
"So you have. Oh! How lovely it is." you tell her. Noticing Phipps wearing one."It seems you have made one for Mr. Phipps as well. And..for many others I see." Seeing the man holding a few.
Harmony looks back at her craft. "Yes. I have, even for the queen. May I put it on you?"
You kneel down for her. "Yes, you may, Princess of the Garden."
She couldn't help to giggle from the title you gave her. "There," she puts it on. "it fits. I'm so happy!"
"So it does." you look up at it. "Thank you. I promise to cheri-"
"Did you make one for me?" Gray steps in standing over her, Harmony froze again. "Well? Did you?"
Gripped with by his presence, remained rooted in her spot the more he lingered over her. To move the second she saw his hand and runs behind you. Clinging to your dress with her face buried. "Harmony?" You look at her puzzled for a bit, then place a gentle hand upon her back. "It's alright, there, there. Come now."
She still didn't lift her head up. And Gray didn't stop his pursuit, squatting down to her level. She moved to the other side. "Hey, where's my crown? Come now? Don't be shy."
He reaches for her, her voice about to burst when something fast comes and grabs him the wrist. Stepping in-between them. "Why, Lord Gray you have a crown already."
Looking up Gray sees it, to his surprise. "Sebastian!" Harmony releases you and clings to the man's leg. He pats her lightly on the head. "I made you a crown too!" Her smile returns. "Can I put it on? Please?"
"Why, of course." he kneels down and she gets one from Phipps putting it on him. "What a lovely gift, thank you. Lady Harmony." He smiles at her.
She gives him a curtsy. "You are most welcome."
He stands up straightening himself out. "I do hope I was not intruding upon anything, but, the young master told me to come and inform that it is time to go. Please, this way." He held his arm out. To feel extra weight fill his other hand, finding Harmony holding it. "Alright, Baroness."
Picking up your dress a bit walk back to the palace Sebastian and Harmony followed with both Charles. Gray pointing to his crown. "At least I have it."
It didn't take long to reach the terrace, where the queen and Ciel were waiting. The second Harmony comes up she could not wait to give Ciel his crown, which he takes, she even presents one to the queen. Even one of her bodyguard. Once given she thrilling expresses the adventure in the garden she had. Thanking the queen.
"You are most welcome, I am glad to know you enjoyed it," Victoria said with a warm smile. "I did enjoy our time together and hope to see more you ladies soon."
"You as well, your Majesty." You formally respond. "Thank you again for your gracing presence."
Victoria just marveled at you and Harmony, looking to Ciel who stood waiting. Once goodbyes were given and done. Phipps and Gray escort you and the others back to the front. Finding the carriage waiting. Sebastian helps everyone in. Harmony waves bye to the palace and Phipps. Brings her head back in once Ciel told her too.
She does with a yawn. Rubbing her eyes. She was tired, you could see. "So," you look to Ciel. "How was your talk with the queen?"
"...Fine..." he yawns a bit himself, resting a cheek on his hand. To quickly awake feeling extra weight on him. He finds Harmony snuggled up close holding his arm and fast asleep. With a smile. "...Great...," he mumbles. Leaving it be.
You sat looking at them both with a small smile. Watching and waiting for Ciel's eye to close which it did. His head nearly dropped from his hand if you didn't catch it. Lifting it up sit in the center of them both.
The carriage arrived to the townhouse and Sebastian gets down, opens the door shocked at what he found. Just as the others come bursting out happy everyone returned and wanted to know how it went to be quickly hushed by Sebastian. Unsure why they peer inside and their eyes just melt at the sight before them. Sitting on one side all together cozied up.
Harmony resting her head on your lap with Ciel on the other side with his head on your shoulder. You in the center with an arm around each.