Hey Hey y'all,

So sorry it has been so long, I have been really busy and tired. But I have managed to write these mini-chapters. This is part 1 and the continuation of it is already written but I may make some adjustments because I'm being really picky when it comes to Sebastian and Rina. Anyway, I might post part 2 tonight, but we shall see.

Thanks for the new follows! I can't believe we are at 400 followers, like holy shit guys. I really want to get a commission art piece done for this story, let me know if you know any good artists, yeah?

I hope this chapter suffices for my absence.

0o0o0o0o

Numerous teachers have come over to teach me how to dance, act like a lady, the normality's after the coming out balls ends, and various other things. I may know some of this stuff already, but Elizabeth's mother thought it would be good to reintroduce these topics. Meanwhile, during these times of endless practices and etiquette, I wanted to bang my head against a wall. It is all so boring and a pain in the ass. They all slowly leave the quicker the date comes for me to attend the ball. The only good news about it is the fact I'm not the only lady attending.

Many women are joining in who are also deemed worthy of finally coming out. This is great information, which means I can hide behind all the overly dressed women. I figure I will dance will some men to make my aunt happy. Nothing more exciting than being forced to do something. I feel bad for the man who wants to pair up with me. My brother will be attending as the queen wishes for his presence by her side. The ball is being held at Buckingham Palace and I am expected to show my respect for the queen. As we are nobles, I must do so as it is tradition. That part I am a bit excited about.

The ball is only a couple of days from now. I have been continuously practicing in the ballroom at the mansion. I might be incredibly nervous to be presented in front of so many people. I have been receiving various letters from men ever since my aunt has sent out those invitations to meet me there. I have three bags full of them. My brother is very annoyed by the fact we have so much mail. Not to mention, I think he is put off by the idea of me marrying a man out of the blue. I don't plan on succumbing to the male hypocrisy of this era though.

I grab the glass of water sitting nearby, dying of thirst. I don't know how many times I have practiced all these different dances. It's like doing Just Dance on the Wii for five hours straight. I rather do that because music is way better. At this thought, a bop in my head appears and I start to do some futuristic dance moves. The Cha-Cha slide thrums in my mind and I sing it out loud.

"Slide to the left, slide to the right," I chant and do the moves. "Crisscross!"

I laugh at myself and continue to do the steps. Oh god, how I wish this existed, I would get a kick out of Ciel doing it. If I do end up having children in this era, they are going to have the coolest mother ever. My children would be considered very odd most likely. I snicker that thought and do the reverse part of the song. "Reverse! Reverse!" I shout.

Before I could continue, the song pulls to a halt in my head. The figure Sebastian standing in the doorway to the ballroom, makes me freeze with my hands out and my knees bent. He stares at me, appearing concerned and puzzled while holding a pitch in one hand. I cough awkwardly, feeling a blush heat up my neck. I stand straight and look away, scratching my neck in the process.

"My lady...are you feeling alright?" he asks.

I clear my throat and try to calm down, "I am perfectly fine."

He raises an eyebrow and strolls into the ballroom. He sets the pitcher down next to my cup. "I sincerely doubt that from what I just saw."

I feel a bit offended and cross my arms, "I was...dancing." I claim lamely. He turns toward me, "You call that...dancing?"

Warmth spreads across my face, "I-It can be, yes! Don't judge me!"

He is silent for a moment before he raises his hand to cover a small 'pft' that leaves his mouth. I glare at him, not liking the look of amusement danced in his eyes. "Your dance is very...peculiar."

"Stop making fun of me!" I cry. He removes his hand and walks closer to me, "I cannot help it. It was very entertaining to watch."

I huff and purse my lips, "Whatever. I was just having some fun. I'm tired of doing boring Waltz."

He taps his chin in thought, "You do not like the dance?"

"Yes and no. I like to dance my way, not the old—I mean—the societal way."

"Is that so? Do you find it dull?"

I nod, "It's sooo boring. There's no expression in the moves. All you do is rock back and forth on your feet. Maybe do a twirl or two."

"Perhaps, you have not found an adequate dance partner yet?" he smirks. I blink at the thought, thinking of all my instructors so far. They were boring to dance with. All they did is correct my moves. "Now that you point it out, I do agree. Everyone I have danced within my life didn't bring any fun to the dance."

His hand stretches out toward me and I stare at it confused. "Maybe I could change that?" he suggests.

"You? Dance with me? Whatever for?"

"The Phantomhive reputation rests upon your shoulders at the debutante ball. It is only right I help my lady out."

I debate internally for a few seconds until I settle my hand in his larger one. There isn't any harm in accepting help from him. We get into the correct positions and Sebastian leads first. I follow and we continue this dance. I don't even have to look at my feet anymore to know where they need to be placed. Sebastian sweeps me across the ballroom, and I suppress another blush from arising. The dance is not as boring with him here...I will admit. Perhaps, that is because I feel something more than I did with the other dance partners/instructors.

"Ease your shoulders back, you are slouching." Sebastian notifies. I pop out of my thoughts and blink; I straighten myself out as he suggests. "Better." He glides us across the room as an imaginary classic soundtrack thrums in the back of my mind.

"Are you attending the ball with my brother?" I ask randomly.

"Yes."

I nod to myself, "I feel bad for you two, it's going to be a lot more boring standing around."

He shrugs slightly, "Perhaps. A demon's life is nothing more than dull."

"Really? I would think it would be entertaining."

"Time moves slowly, it drags onward. Hell, and humans help relieve it most of the time."

He twirls me around briefly and I fall back into sync. "I would love to see the world change throughout time. I guess it's because I'm human, but watching the world turn to a new century...it would be a wonder." I detach myself from him and spin backward abruptly with my arms spread out like a bird. I smile and stare at the spinning ceiling. "What will happen to the buildings? What will be torn down? Who will die? How true is the history taught to us in the future? Am I really a part of that family? So many questions come from learning and living."

I stop mid-spin and drop my arms; I peer out the large window nearby. The outside world is slowly turning greener; the dead Winter finally leaving its depressing colors. I feel a bit greedy for knowledge knowing the fact I am experiencing what many dreams of. I want to study until my head explodes. Learn about people, objects, buildings, events, etc. What is this world going to experience that mine never did? Everything is so exciting and new; the Victorian times is an experimental period dare I say. Especially here, in London and this world, everything evolves and so do human brains.

I turn back toward Sebastian with a giddy smile. I find him staring at me intensely, but I don't care for the reason why. "Sebastian, make sure you don't eat important people. You don't know who might change the human race for the better." I inform.

He scoffs and glances away, "The human race will never change." he states.

I bounce up to him with a bright smile. He notices and narrows his eyes at me. I slap both of my hands over his cheeks, surprising him slightly. "Don't be silly! Everything changes eventually." I remind him. "You should know this better than anyone."

He appears stunned until he lifts his hands up to my own. He grabs my wrists and brings them away from my face. He leans down slightly, staring down at me with a dominating gaze. "A human's behavior does not change. It never will. It's deeply integrated into your foolhardy instincts."

"I object!" I announce. "If you don't give people the chance to change, when will they ever?" I ask, not agreeing with him. He smirks darkly and slides a finger down my nose in a teasing way. I hold my breath until he takes it away. "Indecisive creatures," he says randomly.

"Huh?" I voice in confusion. He turns away from me, his smirk deepening. I watch his back as he takes a couple of steps forward toward the door. "What is it you truly want, Rina?" he asks with an amused lilt in his voice. I stiffen, not sure about the question. What did he mean? I also know from the past that my name being said from him is always good.

I remain silent as I search for an answer. I could not understand his question in the first place though. "Want to be clearer?" I ask him. He turns his head slightly and glances at me with his true eyes. "What do you really want? Right now." he repeats.

I flounder for an answer in my thoughts. What did I want? There are many things I want; I can't even think of one until it's directed toward another want of mine. I want Fenian to live, I want to go home, I want to stay, I want to scream about how much this world hates me, I want to stop lying, I want to tell them about my true origins...I want the Phantomhive family back. I stare at my feet as I debate, and I feel myself chew on my lower lip.

"Can't decide?" I hear Sebastian say. I look up and break out of my flooding thoughts. He is staring at me with a side smirk, appearing entertained. "Most humans cannot figure out what they truly want. There is too long of a list. No true desire, but a list of small ones is there." he states as his lips curl up further. "Humans will forever be greedy, indecisive, lustful beings. This has not changed throughout my time living among them."

His words leave a hollow, numb feeling in my mind. As I cannot deny, what he says either. His words kept repeating in my mind and he stands in silence, watching me soak in his speech. He decides to walk away, "Do be careful during the ball, so your indecisiveness does not distract you. We can't have the Phantomhive's reputation go down, now can we?" he mentions.

My lip wobbles slightly, as I want to say something...anything. My hand moves toward his back, but it quickly leaves my sight when he leaves the ballroom. The stale air suffocates me, and I crouch down onto my feet. I hold my knees and my hair falls in front of my eyes. "The thing I want most right now..." I trail off in thought and my heart throbs painfully when one want of mine burns brightly in the forefront of my thoughts. "I just want you, no matter how much I know it's impossible and wrong." I mutter to myself, feeling utterly exhausted suddenly.

0o0o0o0o

"The dress is here, lady Rina!" Mey-Rin shouts outside my bedroom door. I jump up from my bed and Mey-Rin practically slams the door open. She holds a large box in her hands with a jittery look. I glance at the eloquently designed box with a large red bow sitting at the top of it. It took around two weeks to make my dress. I step aside so Mey-Rin can enter with it.

"Is Nina here too?" I ask her as she walks inside. Mey-Rin shakes her head 'no' and sets the box on my bed. "She said she's too busy making other gowns for other ladies who plan to attend. But if something is wrong with it, she said to let her know immediately."

I nod and smile slightly at the box. I felt dread mixed in with excitement swirl within me. This dress took a lot of planning and designing. Let's say, Nina let me add a slightly modern touch to it. But not too much that it is noticeable. Mey-Rin fidgets in her spot, appearing impatient. "Are you going to try it on?" she asks curiously.

"I suppose so." I purse my lips and begin to undo the bow. "I hope it fits," I say. Once the bow loses its form, I grab the lid and take it off. A pair of heels sit on top of some white fabric paper with a notecard next to them. I take the card and read it, "'I had to get these shoes for you when I saw them at the shop. Aren't they beautiful? If they don't fit let me know, but your foot size was on my notes for you. Good luck at the ball, let me know if you need anything, dear. Thank you for choosing me!'" I read it aloud.

I pick up the heels and stare at them in awe. Nina really did have great taste, holy cow! The heels will look great with my dress. I smile happily, reminding myself mentally to thank her next time I see her. "Those are sooo pretty!" Mey-Rin squeals next to me. I take them out and hold the pair out to her. "Wanna hold 'em for me?" I ask.

Mey-Rin takes them happily and marvels at their design. I know those aren't cheap shoes. They were dark ivory colored and lacey. The heels here are more like heeled boots, not that I mind. They can be easier to wear than some six-inch heels meant for a runway in the future. I reach for the white fabric paper and peel that away slowly. I choose to go with a lilac and ivory color pattern for the dress because I think traditional white is meant for weddings only. That's my opinion however, I'm sure I won't be the only woman wearing a combo of colors.

When my dress comes into view, I pick it up by the top with a grin. Oh my...it is gorgeous! I feel like I'm going to prom or something. Maybe the ball won't be so bad after all. I get to look pretty and chat with random people. That means half of the people in there won't be dark and depressing! How did I not think of this before? This will be like a breath of fresh air. As I pull the dress out fully, I notice the design appearing way better than what it looked like on paper drawn out. Nina really outdid herself this time.

The sleeves are poufy at the shoulders which are lilac-colored down to the sleeves. The collar that stretches down to my waist, creating a jacket look to it is ivory in design. At my waist is where things get unique and Nina practically raved about. She created lilac flaps with fall down my dress and my skirt underneath is the same ivory color. The flaps hang in the air with a wave slightly. I bite my lip in excitement, this may be my favorite Victorian gown yet.

"I'VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT." Mey-Rin squeals loudly next to me. "Is it made out of silk?!" she cries and touches it delicately.

I chuckle at her reaction, "It is, isn't it just beautiful?"

Mey-Rin nods repeatedly, wholeheartedly agreeing with me. She pushes my back abruptly, shoving me towards my changing stand. "Put it on. Put it on!" she cheers excitedly. My smile turns dreamlike and I let her direct me. Once I stand behind it, she leaves my side and I begin to take off my current gown. I toss it over the stand and work on my corset next. Mey-Rin comes back with a corset that matches my new gown. She holds it patiently as I take off my current one. After a few minutes, I have it off and I toss it to the ground.

She comes up behind me and places the front of the corset in front of me. She moves my long hair to the side but pauses halfway through. I wait patiently, not sure why she stopped midway. "Uh, lady Rina?" she questions in confusion. I roll my shoulders back in wonder, "What is it?" I ask curiously.

Mey-Rin drops my corset delicately and moves my hair aside all the way. It falls over my shoulder and I stand lamely. Suddenly, I feel her fingers on the base of my neck and I flinch slightly. Her touch feels odd; like it didn't belong there. My fingers twitch the longer she brushes over it. I feel her grasp the back of my chemise and pull it down slowly. "Mey-Rin, what are you doing back there?"

She jumps in her spot behind me and I twist my head to stare at her. She appears concerned while looking at me. "My lady, I did not know you had tattoos..." she mutters as if it were a secret. "Hah?" I voice, very lost right now. "I don't have tattoos."

Mey-Rin's eyebrows raise above her large glasses, "You have a marking on your neck though. Are you sure?"

I stare at her in disbelief and turn around to look in the mirror behind me. I peer over my shoulder and try to pull the back of my gown down. "Some help please," I tell her. She snakes around me and pulls it down slightly. I gasp when I do find black tattoos on my neck. It goes all the way down until I can't drag my chemise any further. "What the hell!" I shriek. The tattoos were so weird. I can't even tell what it is really. Some shadowy smeared symbol dare I say it looks like a pentagram stained the lower base of my neck. But I can't really tell, there are swirling lines that go down further with strange letters going down my back. It's all smeared! What are these patterns exactly?

"You don't remember getting them?" Mey-Rin asks, appearing a bit frightful. I stand, frozen at the realization of what this may look like. I try to think of an excuse. "Um, I may...have sneaked out of the townhouse once. Did I come back drunk? I don't remember what happened that night. But my neck hurt badly in the morning though..." I lie through my teeth.

She stands let's go of my chemise with a small gasp, "You may have accidently got a tattoo that night! That's so bad, my lady. No man will want you if he were to find out."

I sweatdrop; happy she bought my story. "It's a shame, really. Hopefully, he will understand if he truly loves me." I reason with a depleted look, trying to appear in distraught.

She grabs me by the shoulders with a fierce look, "That is true, if he loves you, he will look past it!"

I nod and lay my hands on hers with a small smile, "Promise you won't tell anyone, please." I beg. "I won't tell, I promise you!" she responds with a serious gaze. All the tension in my body leaves me when she promises. She abruptly turns me back around and grabs the corset again. She ties it behind me and talks about random things. I block her out though, as I stare in the mirror in confusion. How on Earth did I get tattoos? I do not understand.

Something doesn't feel right. Now that I think about it, weird things have been happening lately. It started out with my abnormal strength which slowly grew into something incredible. My senses feel a bit sharper since I arrived here. When Ciel came back with Sebastian, I became more aware of things I didn't notice before. I can hear better more than ever. My reflexes were slightly quicker. Not to mention, my eyes have been strange. I can see in the dark suddenly. Despite the pain, I went through before. Just what is going on with me? This isn't humanly possible; I deduce while staring back at myself with an intense gaze.

My sight is consumed by darkness abruptly and the brightness of my room comes back just as fast. I blink, realizing Mey-Rin put the dress over me. I could feel the tightness of the corset strangling my lungs, and the waist part of the dress doing so as well. Mey-Rin grabs my arms and puts them through the sleeves; she pulls the sleeve up so the poufy part rests on my shoulders. I sway in the mirror, now distracted by my new dress. I find her smiling behind me as she straightens out any wrinkles she finds. "It looks so beautiful on you, lady Rina! You will have all the men's attention at the ball for sure."

I bite my lip, feeling incredibly anxious at the thought. Will men want me? I hope not, I don't like a lot of attention to myself. Maybe I shouldn't have picked such a unique dress. I pull at my fingers nervously, "You think so?"

"I know so," Mey-Rin says with a grin. "How does it feel?" she asks afterward.

"Fine, I guess. Tight as usual." I hum as I examine my appearance. I really do look pretty; I think with a small blush. I fight it off though and Mey-Rin leaves my side. I turn around once more and glance at my neck again from behind. The dress covers most of the tattoo beside the tippy top. I need to cover it up with makeup probably. I sigh softly, not understanding my own mystery. What is happening to me and why?

0o0o0o0o

The tearing of warm sheets from my body wakes me up immediately. I shiver and open my eyes which form into a glare when they land on Sebastian's smirking face. I scowl at him, this routine not making it any easier to make me spite him all morning. I sit up and increase my glare on his person. "Good morning, my lady." he greets sweetly.

"Must you wake me up so early? The sun isn't even showing through the curtains yet!"

He smirks at my complaint and turns toward the cart. I can smell tea filtering into the air and notice it is green tea. "Have you forgotten what today is?" he asks abruptly as he pours the beverage into a teacup. I think for a moment, shifting through my groggy thoughts. I feel my eyes widen in realization and grab the sides of my head, "Fuck! Today's the ball!" I cry and spring out of bed.

I rush past him just as he offered the tea out to me. I dash toward my changing stand and grab an outfit I set out for the morning. I planned to dance all morning and study the proper lady notes I made when the instructors came over. I change into a new chemise and toss the old one over the stand. I begin to dress into a standard outfit for a Victorian noblewoman. Something fancy but not overly outgoing. "Are you...nervous?" I hear Sebastian ask quietly nearby.

I poke my head out the side of the changing stand curiously. I find him staring across the room with squinted eyes, appearing irritated. "Yeah, I'm nervous alright. I plan to be a wallflower for most of the night though." I mention with pursed lips. I shrink back into the stand and move my hair aside. My fingers brush against my neck but I don't feel anything odd. I don't think about it much and walk quickly over to my makeup stand.

"Wallflower?" he asks and comes behind me. "What do you mean?"

I smile awkwardly in the mirror and grab my hairbrush. "I don't want to interact with a lot of people. So, I will stand by the wall if I can." I explain. The brush drags through my ratty bedhead and I growl as it pulls at my scalp. My wavy hair likes to knot up on me when I sleep. It's annoying. Where's some de-tangling spray when you need it? "My lady, if I may say, that sounds as if you are as shy as the young master is when it comes to social events."

I pause mid-brush with a thoughtful look, "I guess you aren't wrong. I'm not a fan of talking to people I barely know." I agree. "Not to mention, men who are looking for more than a mutual understanding." I gag slightly.

He frowns and grabs the brush out of my hand. He glides it through my hair, doing a better job at getting rid of the tangles without making it hurt. I sit happily and close my eyes, enjoying how his hands feel in my hair. A weird thought, but it feels so nice. I couldn't stop a smile stretching across my lips. "Mutual understanding?"

I nod, "You know, the type of men who are all about the money rather than the woman." I offer as an example and gesture around me. "Or the type who just wants to have sex. Or the kind who are just plain perverted." I recall. I wince abruptly when the brush is yanked down harshly in my hair. "Ow! Sebastian, what the hell?" I howl.

"Ah...my apologies," he says after a short pause, his voice holding a darker tone. I sit straight again as he continues to brush my hair out; not thinking much about it. The air feels a bit heavy though. It fluctuates around me, making it feel like a blanket is wrapped around me. It's thick. The brush leaves my hair for a few seconds and I open my eyes. Sebastian sets the object down on the makeup stand. I get up from my chair and brush my fingers through my smooth hair. "Thanks!" I cheer and make my way toward my bathroom.

I walk inside but peek back outside to find Sebastian about to leave with the tea cart. I notice the scowl settled on his face but dismiss it; he must be cranky with all the things to do today. "Sebastian?" I call out. He stops mid-step and glances at me with a raised eyebrow. "Can you make some French toast for breakfast?" I ask with a pout. I wanted my day to start out with one of my favorite breakfast items.

He simply stares at me until he sighs, "We shall see." he comments and walks out with the cart. I watch him go, feeling hopeful he listened to my request. I go back into the bathroom and take care of my personal hygiene.

0o0o0o0o

My feet are going to fall off. They hurt so much, but the minute eleven o'clock hit; I am greeted with Mey-Rin who kidnaps me with an evil grin. She forces me into my bedroom, and I know what is to come. Time to get ready for the ball, I think with an outward groan. She forces me to sit down at my makeup stand after I change into only my chemise and I scowl at my reflection. To say I'm not tired and nervous would be an understatement. "Mey-Rin, I can get myself ready, you know?"

"I want to help, yes!" she cheers and pulls my hair back with a thoughtful look. I smile at her generosity but feel a bit concerned. "No offense, but do you know how to put make up on and do hair?"

She frowns then, her hand letting go of some of my hair. "I read about it, but never really tried it before. I'm too scared to do it on myself, but I am confident I can do it on you, my lady...if you let me that is."

I smile sadly, knowing her upbringing was not the womanliest or rather feminine I should say. She led a hard life on the streets before she arrived here. I lean back and fully relax. Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath. "Mey-Rin," I begin. "Yes?" she answers, her voice low with doubt. "Make me beautiful," I tell her with a grin.

I could practically see her smile despite my closed eyes. She starts to work on my hair, I can feel her twist and pull at its numerous times. She is very gentle but sometimes must pull to get it into shape. I almost fall asleep a couple of times. Time passes by so quickly, that when she is done, I don't even notice due to the light daze she put me in. "I'm done with your hair," she announces behind me. I am about to open my eyes when she slams her hand over them. I flinch back in shock, not expecting that. "No! Not yet, wait until I do the make-up!" she cries.

I chuckle at her and nod, "Alright, alright. Work your magic, girl." I say. She removes her hand cautiously and moves my chair back. I can hear her rummaging through all the makeup I own. I don't have a lot; I keep it light. I keep what I like, and I use it until it's gone. I can hear the powder brush being tapped and she dusts it on my cheeks with a steady and light hand. I can feel her warm puffs of breath on my face. I wrinkle my nose at the smell, it wasn't bad though. My back aches halfway through and I massage it, but it does not help much.

"This feels nice, we should do this again, Mey-Rin," I tell her with a small smile. It feels like a girl's night out or something. Sadly, she cannot go because of her status. It is too low to attend as a participant. "That'd be nice, yes." she responds.

It took her a lot longer on my makeup surprisingly. She said something about a lot of colors looking great on me. I hear her set down the makeup, "Okay, you can open your eyes now!"

I slowly open them and look at the mirror in front of me. I feel my eyes widen in surprise and I sit up in my chair. Oh my God. I bring my fingers up to my face and poke at my cheeks. They aren't overly rosy, but I can see the added color. She made me look so freakin' good. She put a pale pink color on my lips and light brown eyeshadow on my eyes. She lined them with a light black crayon I kept on the stand. It reminds me of the Western makeup style from the future.

Next, I find my attention to my hair. She scooped my hair back and pinned it to my head. My shorter layers in front of my face sit there, sculpting my features. I haven't had my hair like this in a while and I ponder why I don't put it up anymore. I find myself more pretty than I ever thought before. All thanks to Mey-Rin, that I am able to look like this in the first place. I turn to look at her slowly as she fidgets nervously, waiting for my thoughts.

"Mey-Rin," I say seriously, and she stiffens. "You should run a hair and makeup salon," I tell her. She seems confused and tilts her head in question. I jump from my spot in the chair and grab her shoulders intensely. "YOU ARE SO AMAZING, PLEASE DO MY HAIR AND MAKEUP FROM NOW ON WHEN I NEED IT!" I beam.

A wide grin spreads across her lips and she adjusts her glasses. "You like it, then?" she asks. "Like it? Like it! I love it!"

I pull her into a brief hug and pull back with a matching grin. She appears to be in bliss from joy as a small blush is on her cheeks. "S-Shall we put the dress on, lady Rina?!" Mey-Rin stutters and adjusts her glasses. I nod, feeling determination fill within me. "We shall."

We walk over to my changing screen and she grabs the corset immediately. I watch her silently as she puts on it on me. Suddenly, I hear footsteps coming down the hall and stop at my door. I know who it is, and I hear him knock. "Come in!" I holler.

I hear the door creak open and shuffling steps walk inside my bedroom. "My lady?" Sebastian calls out. Mey-Rin stops tying my corset and pops out from behind the screen. "She is changing into her gown," she informs Sebastian for me.

"Ah, I see, I have come to let you know we will be leaving in thirty minutes precisely. Please do be ready by then."

"Got it, thanks, Sebastian," I tell him and I hear him exit the bedroom without another word. Mey-Rin resumes working on my corset and finishes quickly. She adds on a petticoat which will make my dress flourish more. Next came my actual gown and I raise my arms above me. She slides it down my body and I put my arms through the armholes last. She starts to straighten my gown out as I do the same whenever I saw it crinkle oddly. I mess around with the shoulder poufs until I am content with where they sit. Mey-Rin steps back with a final glance, "I've never seen such a beautiful gown in my life, miss!"

I smile at her comment, fully agreeing with her. "My plan was to not stick out at the ball, but it seems it might be inevitable," I tell her.

Mey-Rin twirls me around and clasps my hands in her own. I blink in confusion, not sure what she is doing. "Miss Rina, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen!" she admits with a blush.

I feel my own arise, "Huh? I wouldn't say that..." I mutter and look away from her. "What do you mean?!" she cries in horror. "Have you looked at yourself properly?"

She twirls me back toward the mirror and stands awkwardly. I mean, I know I'm pretty but surely Mey-Rin must be overexaggerating. I let myself fully examine my complexion and figure; I don't understand what she is talking about though. I shrug slightly in her grasp, not sure what she is seeing. "I mean, I know I can be pretty—" I start off, but she cuts me off and shoves me closer to the mirror. I widen my eyes at the act, "NO! You are more than pretty, yes; do you not notice how women stare you down with jealousy?!"

I feel as if she might be dramatic now. I scoff and brush her off, "Okay, that's too much of a compliment but I appreciate it, hun. Well, I find that more alarming than anything."

I hear her sigh, sigh for once. "Lord, you are blind, miss Rina."

I give myself a doubletake in the mirror and decide to not dig deeper into what she thought. I don't believe her for a second. I feel pretty and that's all I need to boost my confidence. I find myself looking at my neck suddenly. "Mey-Rin," I start with a frown, "Can you cover my tattoos quickly?" I ask her.

She gasps and rushes to my makeup stand, "It would be best to cover those, yes!"

I hear her scramble around outside my screen and I wait patiently. I stare at my neck, even though I could not see it at this angle. Truly, what is it, and what is the reason behind it? I reach behind me and push down on it. It didn't hurt, it just feels like my skin. Mey-Rin comes back with a brush and makeup pad. I remove my hand from my neck as she starts to place powder over the exposed part. "Make sure not to get it on my dress." I remind her.

She nods in the mirror as she concentrates on covering it up. It does not take long, and I turn to find it gone. How it should look in the first place. We walk out of the screen and I sit on my bed next. I play with my fingers nervously as Mey-Rin grabs the last thing for my assemble. The shoes being the thing that completes my outfit. She comes in front of me and kneels onto the ground. I can't bend over much because of how tight this new corset is. So, she puts my shoes over my gartered socks. By the time she is finished, the thirty minutes are almost up.

I walk toward my bedroom door and we head out together. "Oh!" she shouts next to me, making us stop together. "Let me go grab your purse and coat." she informs me and dashes back to my bedroom. I continue without her and find my way to the main stairway which leads down to the front doorway. I take a deep breath, feeling the jitters encompass my limbs. I notice Ciel and Sebastian waiting by the door, appearing to be chatting about something. Probably work, I think with an eye roll.

I begin to walk down the stairway and Ciel turns to glance at me. His eye widens and I smile in embarrassment. His mouth drops open soon after and a blush reddens his face. He appears to try and form words, but he fails every time. By the time I approach him and Sebastian, he clears his throat and tugs at his collared shirt. He wore a fancy suit as well for the queen, something very respectful. "I'm not the only cutie tonight." I jest while smirking at him.

I receive a light glare, "I'm not cute!" he objects. "However," he coughs, "you are very beautiful tonight." he admits as his face burns redder.

I chuckle at his bashfulness and rub his head affectionately, "Thanks, kiddo." I smile. I peer at Sebastian curiously to find him staring at me with an emotionless expression. I pout slightly, hoping he would be gawking at me. Stupid wishful thinking, I bet he's seen more beautiful humans in his long life. That thought did nothing but make me poutier. "Shall we go now?" Sebastian's voice cuts through my thoughts abruptly.

"Miss Rina!" Mey-Rin shouts from the top of the staircase. She runs down it and almost trips in falls. "Slow down," I tell her with a panicky look. She runs up to me, puffing heavily. She hands me my coat and handheld purse with a smile. "Have fun!"

"I will try, I promise." I wink and Sebastian opens the door for us. Ciel walks ahead of me and I follow along. Sebastian closes the door behind us, and I stare at the carriage briefly. This is going to be a long nerve-wracking ride to Buckingham Palace.