Determination held strong in Prince Soma's golden eyes, flickering with unyielding passion. Upon Ciel's cousin, the Baroness. Who stood so flawlessly and graciously across the other side of the room. Remaining close to the Earl. Mingingly with those who came to introduce themselves. A heavenly smile softly spread across her face. He watched her eyes fill with joy and modest gratitude. Her eyes dazzled when she laughed lightly and with interest. While chastity flattered from the praises and comments given to her.

A perfect picture.

Not a single thing out of place. Even as she danced with the guest, of course after her partner was given permission by Ciel. She allowed them to lead her to the floor. Dancing like a swan upon the lake. Not a single step out of place. She was the center of the evening, dazzling others with her mannerism. It was a complete jump from the times he had seen her practice before. Her feet painted a master piece from each piece of music played and each dance.

Like fine china she was a delicate butterfly in the gentle wind. He desperately wanted to enjoy a dance with her. Just, every time he made his way over, she would turn and cast a glance his way. Causing him to freeze. And hide behind Angi. No, that was not the real reason, he was much bolder than this. The real reason, he noticed Lizzie's brother had become her main partner. In fact, it seems he did not really leave her side much. The two of them, Soma saw keep the other company with talking. Eye contact and smiles exchanging. They seem engaged with each other. To only break away if she was to entertain those coming to make her presence. Or to dance. Harmony coming over, who stood stuck to Lizzie and her father. Who went around to be introduced by the two of them, instead of Ciel. Who did not object at all.

A plan stirring in the prince's eyes. Soma would figure this out before the end of the event. Nothing would stand in his way to share a moment, an intimate moment with May. As the Gods as his witness. "It will be perfect."

So many people here, so many names to remember and that you did not care much about. None made an impression on you, though you played the part as instructed and tutored by Ciel and Sebastian. You felt worst than a mannequin, who had more freedom and movement than you right now.

Smiles and smiling. That was all you did. Letting out a small laugh if needed. Talking about topics that were rather mundane and uninteresting. Though most importantly, lower intellectual. A part of you faded out. Only coming back, whenever your eyes caught a glimpse of Harmony. She was having a good time, so you needed to do the same. Gluing the smile on, for her sake.

Even all the dancing.

You wanted to leave and go to the library or your room. Shut the door, lock yourself inside. Better, you'd rather go the garden, outside to the courtyard to escape all this. To be free.

The thought was liberating and calming. You could fly with the winds. Caught in such a blissful thought, did not realize Edward, who for some strange reason stood by you. This entire time, his mother had left for a bit. It was just odd, but, it provided you with the company. Still, you believed he should be enjoying himself.

"Lord Edward, I mean, cousin Edward would it not be ashamed for your miss out on the sight before?" you asked. Glancing at him. Concerned."Surely standing here all evening would not be entertaining."

He returns with a smile."Oh. I had not noticed."Scratching his cheek rather cheeky. Quickly looking away to the floor, doing his best to hide his rising blush. "I do not mind. I have been to many different events and quite frankly I would prefer just to watch this time than participate. I hope I am not intruding upon you any sort of way."

"Oh, no you are not. Please forgive me for being rather rude and pushy."

"No. No. I mean, no, not at all."

You smile relieved to hear that. "That is good. I was rather worried. Since you are standing here, it would be ashamed if we did not at least enjoy exchanging words. Would you not agree?"

So forward and considerate. He thought. That smile you had tensed him less."Yes. I would agree. Would you like to go first? I am sure your words would be more interesting than myself."

You think for a bit, your old life crossed your mind for a second. The fights and battles that during this time were not at all lady like."Well, I have raised my sister since I was in early teens. Ever since the loss of our parents."

"Oh, how terrible."

"Yes."You softly and sadly agree. Looking out across the floor to Harmony, smiling softly with some joy. Your words came out with sincerity and love. "It has been the two of us since then, of course with the help of Mrs. Dalles. She helped us, took us in for a bit, provided us with a place to live. Just me and my sister. We lived in a little town. I was the Apothecary of the town. I do so much enjoy nature and gardening. Many say I have natural healing."Joking lightly. He caught on and laughs with you.

Ciel gives you a quick glance, rolling his eye more so at Edward.

"So you are a healer? Like Aunt Angelina?" He inquires."How wonderful, the two of you in such a field. I see why she had treated you as her own. Both of you have such caring hearts."

What a nice thing for him to say."Why thank you. You flatter me. I am sure there is no need for me to explain the rest."Looking to Ciel. "But, I will. My dear little cousin found me and my sister. And from there we are here."

Though Ciel's back was to you, it was clear he did not take subtle teasing you did on him. Sebastian who tending to the guest and keeping a close eye on Harmony heard it. The jab you took was rather hilarious. Made him smirk. What was more, Ciel could not do anything about it.

"How kind it was of our dear cousin." He praises the young earl. When in truth the two of you were patronizing him. Much to his annoyance. Both you and Edward share a laugh.

"Indeed it was. Now, please tell me about yourself? Cousin Edward."

"Y-Yes of course. Well, I am next in line to be head of my family. As you know," He looks out onto the floor to Lizzie who was dancing with Harmony. His father standing by with their mother. Watching closely. "I have a younger sister such as yourself. I adore her just as you do yours. I attend Weston College."

That was a surprise. "College?" You accidentally interrupt. "Oh, forgive me. Please continue."

"That's alright. Yes, I do. Have you heard of Weston College?" You shake your head.

"No, I have not."

"Well, it is a wonderful place. Regarded as the best public school in London. Perhaps you should come and visit. I would- I mean it would kind of you to do so. If you so please?" He said the last part hastily. With a smile, inviting you.

"Your school does sound wonderful." You give it a thought. While unknowingly ignoring Edward's anticipation for your answer. "It would be a nice way to get out of this manor."

"I'll show you a nice way," Ciel mumbles under his breath.

"So is that a yes?"Edward asked slightly impatience.

Across the room, with his parents. His mother glanced over at her son. Having noticed he had not left that side of the room nor the side of his cousin in quite some time. Spending majority of the evening there. Her keen eyes saw it. Even her husband who looks away from his daughter and niece for a second. Noticing his wife's occupied look. He smiles, placing a hand upon her hand.

"I know that look." He tells her. "You fancy her, as Edward does. I will talk with Ciel."

"It is too early." She says. "She does have strength behind those warm eyes, but it's restrained. A strength worthy of our family. Let the evening play out and I will decide."

Alexis nods understanding."Alright." He turns back to the two girls. Francis looks as well, her eyes fall upon Harmony. Her husband could read the thoughts in her eyes.

"Lizzie? I'm thirsty." Harmony stops dancing to tell her.

Understanding she takes the little girl's hand and leads her off the dance floor to get a drink. "Here you are lady Harmony." Sebastian appears suddenly with her drink. Hands it to her. "Apple Cider? Correct?"

She nods her head taking the drink carefully and drinks it. "Yum." Gushing from its taste. That she did not notice the foam around her mouth. Sebastian quickly took care of that. Wiping it away.

"Now, now we must remember to remain tidy. Lady Harmony." He reminds her. Taking her cup back once she had her fill. "Are you refreshed now?" She nods her head. "Very good. I will leave you with Lady Elizabeth. Stay close to her." He gives her a pat on the head lightly and sends her back.

"Thank you, Mr. Sebastian." She thanks him, waving. He waves back with a smile. "I wonder if Mr. Sebastian would like to dance?"

"I am sure he would."Lizzie answers."But right now he has to tend to everyone else."

Harmony looks back finding the man gone."That is sad. I want him and everyone else to have fun too."

Looking at the young girl, Lizzie saw she truly meant it and was upset about it. Taking her hand gives it a little squeeze.

Soma was still making his way over to you, building up courage with each step. Agni stayed behind, he had to do this on his own. No other assistance. Feeling his heart pounding with each inch closer he became. Pumping himself up."Come on Soma. You can do this. You a prince. This should be easy. You've come across so much. Thi-This is nothing."

Swallowing hard he counts the distance in his mind he was from you and it was not very far. Quickly he ducks behind a pair, to hide from Ciel who looked his way. He almost forgot, he had to go through Ciel to ask for a dance. He shouldn't be this afraid, the two of them were friends. Why was he suddenly nervous now? Peering around the pair glares at Edward, another blockade.

"What are you doing?"

Ciel appears behind him, scaring the Prince. Who nearly jumps out of his skin.

"Ah! Ciel!"He shrieks, quickly calming down and regaining his composure."You should not sneak up someone. It is very rude."

Ciel rolls his eye. Ignoring the idiot."Care to explain to me why you are creeping around during my cousins' event? I find rather distracting and absurd. Your also making my guest rather unsettled."

Thinking quickly Soma did not know how to respond."...Well...I was umm.."Scratching his cheek. Feeling the pressure of Ciel's eye on him. ""

"Prince Soma. Hello."Your presence saved him. He quickly forgot about Ciel when you arrived over with Edward by your side. A smile on your face."It is so wonderful to see you. I am quite pleased you made it."

"Of course!"He exclaims loudly, nearly drawing attention as it startled you and Edward. Seeing this, Soma covers his mouth embarrassed. Looking around at the eyes staring, surprised and annoyed. They no doubt thought he yelled at you.

Which was deemed rude and a disgraceful. Deeply ashamed, when you start to lightly chuckle. "Prince Soma, you are quite the character. Thank you. You always know how to amuse me."You say between laughs.

The guest seeing you take a lighter approach leave it be. Edward was surprised how you changed it around. Not all bothered by Soma's action, it was rather adoring. Agni across the room about to go and save his prince. Saw you had.

"What a kind soul."He said smiling.

Soma returns back to himself and joins you in laughter. Embarrassment vanished and he felt at ease. While you kept laughing he just smiled. When finally did it. Looking to Ciel, "Ciel, may I please have the honor to dance with your lovely cousin?"Looking back at you saying the last part.

Thinking about it Ciel nods approving. Holding out a hand to you, Soma formal asks you to dance. Which you agree, taking his hand and lets him lead you to the floor. Edward stands next to Ciel watching the two dance. Ciel was rather surprised Soma was this good, even Sebastian who saw it. Not a single step out of place. Soma kept his attention solely on you. His eyes did not wonder at all.

You had to admit, he was a good dancer. It felt like you were gliding with him than dancing, it was enchanting. Agni did his best not to cry, but the tears. "I must say, I am quite surprised, Prince Soma."You speak."I had no idea you were this good. I should have traded you out for Ciel."You jest with him, which he got and share a laugh.

"I have been practicing."He boastful says in a modest way."But, I am glad you enjoy my dancing."Inside he was screaming with joy and pride. "You have improved too."He realized what he said."Ah! I am sorry, I did not mean to say something like that."

You just laugh it off. "No, you are right. I am actually glad you came. It is good to see a face I enjoy company with. Everyone else...well..."

He seem to understand."It is like when I came here for the first time. Of course, I was different back then when I learned the customs here. It was all new and I was rather scared, like you. But, I stuck with it and made many wonderful friends. And look at me now."

"So, are you saying I need to make friends?"You tease lightly. Sounding serious, which he took so."I am just teasing. But, thank you for your words. I do believe I have it down just a bit, I have made friends in a way. You."

He stops for a second stunned by what you said.

"Right? Prince Soma?"

Before he could answer a bell chimed getting everyone attention. Sebastian claps his hand."Ladies and gentlemen. Esteem guest, please this way. Dinner is ready."

The dance ended, thanking Soma you go back to Ciel who came to get you. Taking his arm Harmony comes over to whisper something in Ciel's ear which he nods approving and she hurries back to Lizzie. The guest allows you and Ciel to walk first with Harmony and Lizzie after. Everyone follows but Soma and Agni who comes to over to the prince.

"My prince? Are you alright?" he asked.

Looking at his hand Soma stares at it for some time. He seems your smile in his mind. Causing his heart to flutter. "Agni...I must..I must marry... No."He clenches his fist with determination."I will marry May. I have too. So I can spend every day with her smile."