Chapter Six - Hunger, Part II

Despite the chill of the first days of autumn, Elizabeth was radiant. Her smile seemed able to lighten the coldest heart. The blond-haired girl wore an elegant pink dress, under a white coat and white gloves. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail.

Paula, her lady-in-waiting, came a few steps behind, balancing some boxes.

"Slow down, milady." She asked.

Elizabeth smiled, twirling around like a happy child on Christmas Eve.

"I can't, I haven't found gloves yet. Everything has to be perfect for tonight!"

"I know, but at this rate I can't keep up."

"The carriage is around the corner and…"

She couldn't finish as she slammed into a wall of muscle. Amused as she was, she didn't notice the boy heading toward her. Before she could fall, the stranger grabbed her arms.

The two stared at each other for a few seconds as they recovered from their initial shock. The boy released his arms, giving an awkward smile.

"Sorry." Elizabeth said.

"I apologize, miss. I shouldn't be rude to a lady."

Elizabeth returned the boy's smile. He had brown hair and expressive eyes. He didn't look more than twenty years old. He carried a large brown bag and wore a gray suit. He took the girl's hand and kissed it.

"I'm Daniel."

Quickly the blonde pulled her hand away, walking as fast as she could. Paula followed behind her.

"Wait, milady."

Daniel went after her.

"Did I offend you? If I did, I apologize for my rude attitude."

"Tonight will be my birthday, and also the night my fiance will ask me in marriage." She responded without slowing down. "I mustn't talk to strange men."

They finally reached the carriage. Paula opened the door and deposited the boxes. Elizabeth was about to enter when Daniel took her hand.

"I still beg your pardon, but I would like to know the name of such a sweet lady."

"Does this gentleman bother you, Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth smiled broadly at the familiar voice. They both turned toward the sound, only to find Ciel and his butler close behind. The Earl had barely arrived in London when he saw his bride being followed by another man. Even if he didn't feel anything for her, it was his duty to know what was going on.

The girl more than quickly jumped into her groom's arms. Giving him a tight hug he couldn't breathe. Even older, Elizabeth didn't change her ways.

"This is Ciel, my fiance." She said, proud.

The Earl looked him up and down, imposing. Daniel looked at the couple for a moment and decided to leave.

"I'm sorry I was misunderstood. If it's fate, we'll see each other again." With a smile, he left without looking back.

"It's so good to see you, Ciel! I can't wait for tonight!"

The boy blinked.

"Tonight?"

"Don't tell me you forgot." He pouted. "It's my birthday. Didn't you get the invitation?"

"Of course, I remember. I can't wait."

"Well, I still have to finish my shopping. See you tonight."

The girl got into the carriage and it left. With a nod, Ciel saw the carriage vanish up ahead. When it wasn't possible to see her, his expression changed.

"Oh dammit, I completely forgot."

"What do you mean, master?"

"Today Lizzie turns 19. It was agreed that I should ask for her hand tonight. But I forgot and I don't have any clothes, nor a proper wedding ring."

"I understand." Sebastian put a hand to his chin. "The investigation will be for later. The priority right now is to prepare for the evening's event."

Though he didn't like the idea of getting married, as Earl Phantomhive it was his duty. By taking his brother's place, his engagement to Elizabeth Midford was also his commitment.

Finding a suitable outfit was easy, after all Nina Hopkins had dressed his family for years and so far never disappointed. However, finding jewelry that would please his bride was more complicated. Since the late Prince Albert presented Queen Victoria with a wedding ring at the time of his betrothal, it has become the custom to give brides a ring.

"Doesn't seem to me like Lady Elizabeth." Sebastian gave his opinion of Ciel's chosen ring. It was simple, with a square solitaire diamond on a chain made of platinum. They were at the third jewelry store, and the earl didn't like the task at all. For him, it was a great waste of time.

"What do you understand about alliances?" He snapped.

The butler put a hand to his chin, looking at the options. One of them caught his attention. It had a large round diamond in the center, surrounded by smaller diamonds. Fine arabesques have been engraved on both sides, with small glittering crystals. Sebastian took it between his fingers.

"I think Elizabeth will like this one a lot better."

"Excellent choice." Smiled the jeweler.

"Whatever." muttered Ciel. "The quicker we get this over with, the quicker I can take care of what really matters."

Ciel didn't like it when something else interfered with his missions for the queen. Especially when it comes to something as frivolous as shopping. But soon he paid and left with the jewelry in hand.

"You should at least pretend to care." Sebastian said as they left the jewelry store.

"Why? I hope to get my revenge before I actually need to marry. I see no point in such an act."

"But the lady…"

"Sir…" A young woman with long red hair interrupted them. She was dressed in tattered clothes, bare feet. She shouldn't be more than 15 years old. "Would you like to buy a perfume? Or flowers for your wife or girlfriend?"

She led them to a makeshift tent. A straw basket was filled with colorful flowers, with a few small vials of red liquid beside them. She continued.

"I sell them to pay for my grandmother's treatment."

"No thank you." Sebastian took the floor. He raised his hand to push the girl away, but she took one of the vials.

"Please, I need money. Smell them, they're good."

She sprayed the perfume in the air. By instinct, Sebastian placed himself between the girl and his master. The smell penetrated his nostrils. He took a deep breath, absorbing as much as he could. The girl looked confused.

"Oh I'm sorry."

Ciel blinked, the scene happening in a blur. When he regained his composure, he straightened his clothes and started walking again.

"Come on, Sebastian."

More than quickly the demon followed him. The smell lingered in his nostrils. It was familiar, strong and something else he couldn't identify. But very good.

He saw his master meters ahead. His charming back, his coat moving with the boy's smooth walk. His hair glowed. His heart was beating. He took another breath. The scent had clung to Ciel, and Sebastian needed it.

He hurried to pick it up. When he was close enough, he brought his face close to the boy's hair. He took a deep breath, an unconscious growl escaping his throat.

Ciel stopped, his heart freezing as his eyes widened. He sensed the demon behind him, the strangeness present as he felt Sebastian sniffing at him, not to mention the sound that came out of his throat. And worse, they were in public.

"H-how dare you?"

"Sorry, master. I don't know what got into me."

"Just…don't do it again." He kept walking, trying to ignore his heartbeat. "Stupid demon."

Sebastian remained still for a moment. He felt his master's blood rushing through his veins, his heart racing. He licked his lips. Almost eight years of servitude. Few contracts lasted that long. But only Ciel had that precious soul. Its darkness and light forming something incredible and unique.

And the smell…

The beating heart.

It was hypnotic. Only now did Sebastian realize how hungry he was. He licked his lips again. His eyes blinked red.

"Sebastian!" The annoyed voice brought him back, even if in part.

Like a butterfly drawn to the flames, Sebastian followed, not even thinking.