Summary: Just a one shot. As one of Lizzie's visits go by, Ciel realizes something that may or may not have been quite essential…

The day started out as usual. Sebastian awakened Ciel with Earl Grey tea and scones. It was always scones. Then he proceeded to inform the boy of his schedule which was rather free and for once Lizzie had actually called before coming. Probably at Catherine's insistence. Only slightly shocked, Ciel went about his day, his mind a bit of a fuzz. Something about today was off for him. Nevertheless, he greeted Lizzie at the entrance along with Sebastian.

'Ciel!' she chimed cheerily, wrapping her arms around him briefly before releasing him. It was unusual and she giggled at his expression. 'Mother says I'm usually better behaved on days where I have my lessons on etiquette and manners!'

Ciel nodded, his brain feeling rather slow. Or actually, everything else seemed slow. It was almost as if he had more space than usual to think. He exchanged a polite nod with Catherine before he turned his attention to his butler. 'Hello, Lady Elizabeth. I hope you have been well.' Sebastian said with a smile.

Ciel furrowed his brows slightly. What was that in Sebastian's voice? 'Hello, Sebastian. I've been fine as I hope you have been!' She beamed.

'Perfectly so. Thank you for inquiring of a servant like me.' He said politely and Catherine broke out in a devious grin, her maid's attitude slipping in the presence of her brother.

Ciel was suspicious now. His butler… always did this. Why didn't he notice it before? It must've been this strange state of mind he was in. He had tea with Lizzie in his study whilst playing some chess. Sebastian had opened the curtains to let in the light as it was to her liking. Another suspicion… He turned back to the game. He did not realize how good she was of a player until he got her to stop pretending a while back.

And now he could see the way she analysed the board as a whole, never flickering her eyes to a certain piece lest her opponent catch a hint of her next move. All the while she still managed a conversation. 'It's going to be the In Season soon. Nina was hoping to dress you up.' She smiled like her usual bubbly self.

He moved his bishop to devour her rook. 'What is it you find so interesting about the In Season?'

'Dancing, of course, the entertainment and meeting new friends!' She giggled happily as she answered his question though she realized she had lost a major piece on the board.

'I haven't the time for pointless socializing.' He said haughtily. Lizzie was used to that attitude of his. She glanced at Catherine who nodded swiftly before fishing out her brother's pocket watch to disturb him. The change was subtle but Ciel noticed it.

'I'll speak in a language you understand then.' She said with a hint of a smirk. And he noticed now, the Lizzie who spoke was a cunning spy of the Queen's. 'Information circle.'

'Excuse me?' He asked as a means to elaborate. He caught Sebastian smirk almost approvingly and Catherine leaned against him, looking rather prideful.

'The socializing isn't as pointless as you think. Many of my acquaintances have opened doors for me during the Queen's missions… whether they know it or not.' She explained fluidly and he understood perfectly. Two sides of Lizzie went to social events. One to dance and another to reconnoitre. 'On another note, I'd love for you to escort me.' She admitted, a genuine smile coming in.

'Then I shall.' He answered as he observed her capture his knight and put his king into check. He was aware if he sacrificed his Queen, he could win the game. Instead, he gently knocked over his own king, conceding the game and shocking her.

PART TWO

When she left the Manor with Catherine, Ciel went back to his study, his mind almost painfully sharp. He seated at his desk and resolutely pushed away his paperwork, staring at Sebastian who stood to the left at the front of his desk. 'Why have you always been so courteous to Elizabeth? Friendly at times even.' He asked straightforward. Sebastian smirked.

'There are many reasons, young master.' Sebastian said truthfully.

'Tell me all of them.' Ciel demanded calmly.

'The first is her soul, I suppose.' He said, smiling to reveal his canines. Ciel stiffened. 'Not as… delectable as yours, my lord. But certainly one of the more fragrant ones. And hers is rather… mouth-watering. So much in fact that she would've had demons flocking to her if she had not been contracted to my sister.'

'Elaborate.' Ciel quipped, tense.

Sebastian smiled even wider. His young master was certainly sharp and curious today. 'Her soul is pure but also… not. Nothing less to be expected of a creature that lives solely for the sake of another. To put it simply, her intentions for you are so strikingly pure, they contrast perfectly, the methods in which she uses.'

'And you have another reason for your behaviour towards her?' the earl questioned, staying on the topic.

'Ah, yes, the second was a certain event. You see, she threatened me once.'

'What?!' The Phantomhive spluttered. Lizzie had… threatened Sebastian?

'She picked up a few things. She was well aware I was inhuman. She claimed that at times I looked upon you with hunger.' Sebastian chuckled humorously. 'Lady Elizabeth calmly reminded me that she had no qualms going up against the supernatural and any that opposed her were destined to fail.'

'Honestly…' Ciel muttered, resisting the urge to run his fingers through his hair. 'Continue.'

'The only reason left is simply respect, my lord. Since the first time I met her, I could smell traces of poison on her rings, see the blades in her sleeves not even our servants could spot and of course… there was always a delicious scent of blood on her person.' Sebastian spoke, watching his young master's face for any trace of emotion.

'And all that captured your respect?' He inquired dubiously. The man was a demon, surely he was not so easily impressed.

'It is uncommon for a human. Such traits are… highly desirable in mates, my lord.' Sebastian said honestly and Ciel blinked in surprise. Did Sebastian just say…? 'I merely thought that there was no better Queen for you.'

'No, there isn't.' Ciel agreed. 'She is the perfect Queen.'