A robbed figure ran down the light corridors in a hurry. Reaching the double doors enter unannounced and call for them.
"Master!"They save gravely. Only to find the room empty, to their surprise and shock. There was no sign of them at all, it was empty. Did they know already? About the information, they had obtained?
Their thoughts interrupted by a cackling-gleeful chuckle, that sent a chill up their spine. The room suddenly became dark and cold, as the chuckling kept going nearing closer and closer, holding their breath long-thin fingers crept around their neck. "You're master isn't here, care to tell me the urgency? Hmm?"
The voice purred with poison. Waiting for them to answer. All they managed was a shutter at best. Heartbeat racing and chest tightening, as their minds, contemplated on what to say next. What to do next. Trembling now, this information was for their master and their master only. Though there was a question that did cross their mind. How did they get in here? And why did they speak in such formality of their master?
A question clearly this visitor picked up. "Oh, you seem to be curious, well allow me to be the first to explain." They move closer to their ear. Gently breathing in their ear."Hickory Dickory dock, the mouse ran up the clock, the clock struck two and the mouse said...boo."
"Soma! Soma! Agni!"Harmony screams on the top of her lungs with a smile spread across her face launches herself from the carriage the second it stopped and its door opens. Into the arms of the prince.
Who caught her perfectly. Twirling her around."Ah! Harmony, it is so wonderful to see you again."He gushes."I am so happy to see you, again."
"Me too!"She squeals. With pure delight. Laughing with giggles rising as he spun her around and around. Mey-Rin nearly grabbed her heart seeing this, trying not to fret.
Rushing out after her. Shrieking."M'Lady! Please be careful!"
Finnian, Balrody, and Snake follow. Ciel steps out first sighing heavily at the sight before him, taking Sebastion's hand. "Does not the treasured laughs of a child not bring in a warm and light mood?"He comments. Helping Ciel down.
"All I know is that it will be a long stay," Ciel mutters rolling his eye and claps his hands."Harmony, enough of this." But she didn't stop with Soma, the rest of his help soon joined in. Spinning around with her. Ciel tries again but it was clear it wasn't going to work. "Why do I even bother?"
"You did want her to have friends my, Lord."Sebastian brings up with a smile. One for his own humor. "I think it is quite lovely, the Lady Harmony and Prince Soma. Why if I am so bold in saying a good fit."
Reading his words, Ciel shoots him a sharp look. "Here let me, Baroness." Agni holds out his hand, helping you out the carriage. You take it with a smile while your eyes remained adverted to Harmony, your smile grew and soften at the sight. That you didn't pay attention and your footing nearly slipped if Angi hadn't prevented it.
"Are you alright?"
Gripping him tightly, open your eyes finding him holding you just as tight. His gaze looked you over for anything. While waiting for your answer. Believing you in shock still, he asked you again. This time looking directly into your eyes. Your throat suddenly tightens and chest. Your eyes didn't look away, only grew. You didn't realize he transferred you into Sebastian's arms.
"I have her."He begins to lead you to the house."Come Baroness."
Hearing his voice brought you back, made you cringe. A part of you was ready to get out his grasp, to find an iron hold on you. Looking see and feel him applying pressure and resistance to your thought. With no choice, you follow him inside. Harmony and the others had stopped, Soma put her down and in a panic. Races after you and Sebastion to stop and turn back to Agni.
"What happened?"
Harmony goes over to Ciel taking his hand to calm herself. "Your sister will be fine."He assures her leading her to the house."Come and let's go inside."
Once inside you quickly snatch yourself away from the butler snarling at him. "I did not require your assistance." Coldly turning a shoulder to him, the feeling was, all the same, his eyes slit and low growl rises from this throat.
To keep his composure and temperament from flaring grinds his teeth while clenching his fist. Oh, the words that circled in his mind opens his mouth to deliver them. "May!" Harmony comes in and throws herself on you. Clinging to you. "May!"
Sebastion steps aside while still glaring at you subtly. Which you return back quickly before attending to Harmony, wrapping your arms around her. Pulling her in before stroking her cheek. It calmed her. "Now, what is all this fuss about?" Tapping her nose lightly. With a light smile.
"You fell. Mr. Sebastian took you inside, i-is it my fault?"Tears begin to form.
Taking her hands in yours lightly squeeze them."Now, why would you ever say such a thing?" Kissing away her tears with a blissful laugh."It never was. And it never is. Are you happy to be back?" You change the topic, just as the others come in. "I know Prince Soma is."
The mention of his name Soma flusters nearly squealing at the mention of his name from you and forsakes everything springing over to you and Harmony. His arms open wide. "It is true! I have missed you very much, Harmony."He expresses, his sudden presence nearly startled you. But you laugh it off. Always humorous he was. Your laughter brought his attention to you. He freezes up for a second. Watching you laugh.
"Oh, Prince Soma it truly is a pleasure to be in your presence." You said in-between laughter. Standing back up a smile on. "Forgive me, I did not properly address you, hello Prince Soma. How are you?"
He just stares at you, calming down now. When he remembered something. Suddenly he grabs your hands, to everyone's surprise, and your own. "W-what the devil!" Ciel stunned. With a low growl. Especially the way he deeply looked into your eyes.
"Baroness, I mean May a-are you alright?"Soma asked softly. You weren't sure what he meant, assuming he was being comical. Lightly laugh. He then realized you didn't understand or forgot."When you tripped outside, are you alright?"
"Oh, that, why yes. Yes, I am fine. It was nothing. Thank you for consideration on the matter. I am fine."
Taking your hands back, rest them on your dress. Turn to Mey-Rin asking her to help you settle in, she quickly follows you with your bags as you ascend up the stairs. As you go your eyes slide back to Angi for a second, to quickly look away when he looked your way. Soma stood at the bottom watching you in awe, Harmony not sure what was going on tugs on Ciel's sleeve.
"What?"
He looks down at her. She had on the biggest and innocent smile, that made him shiver, he knew it was something she wanted and he also knew if he said anything against it she'd lose it. Crusing Lizzie's behavior for rubbing off on her. With a long and low sigh. "Fine, whatever."
Witha yelp of glee Harmony hugs him thanking him, turns around to Finnan and Snake. A big smile on her face runs outside grabbing Tanka and pulling him with her. They follow her, with Baldory running after warning Finnan to be careful.
Up in your room, it was kept clean and well. Mey-Rin was helping you unpack, to be startled by the ground suddenly shaking and a high-pitched scream of joy from Harmony. She looks out the window to see the girl fly up and come down waving at her.
"Lady Harmony!"
She shrieks and opens the window. Just as the girl gets thrown up again by Finnan to be caught by him. Sweating profusely watching the way Finnan was handling her, it only became worse when he threw her up with a few of Snake's snakes around her. Her heart fluttered, skipping a beat over and over again. With the girl screaming higher and higher, Mey-Rin clenched the area over her chest. Turning whiter than white.
"Mey-Rin, Ready to help me get Harmony's roo-?"You turn around to her asking, she quickly shuts the window curtains so you wouldn't see. You look at her oddly. "Are you alright?" Walking over putting a hand on her forehead. "You're burning up, in the middle of Fall?"
"I'm fine! Y-Yes I am."She fidgets with a nervous smile and laughter. "Yep, right as rain. I am. Yes."
Not sure what was going leave it. "Why don't you rest," Taking her hands and leading her to the chair in the corner. "You seem rather flustered. I will get you some tea and prepare Harmony's room." Patting her hands, take off her hat and set on the table stand near.
Your actions calmed and surprised her. The clamminess in her hands stops. "There, are you comfortable?" You ask adjusting the pillows, she didn't answer so you took that as a yes. "I'll be right back, just rest."
Before she could say anything you leave and downstairs. "...Baroness..."
Entering the kitchen humming softly to yourself, no one was in there. Which was good, even if they were it wouldn't hurt if you made some tea. Looking around find the pot and fill it with water, put it over the stove, as the water begins to heat up. You look for the tea and something for Mey-Rin to snack on. Thinking on what would go well, wish you could make some rosemary and honey tea cookies. You made them all the time when Madame Red came over. She loved them a lot.
Madame Red, you thought solemnly. Harmony.
"Oh my dear, these are absolutely delicious." Madame Red tastefully says taking another bite of the cookie. Nearly gushing from its taste. Harmony next to her tries to imitate the woman.
You smile pleased to hear that. "Thank you, I'm glad you enjoy them. It's actually my first time making them. I was just being creative really."
"Now, don't be so modest. Dearie." She flicks her wrist. "Honestly, have more pride in your work. As a woman, we have more talents in use and should be proud of them. Isn't that right? Harmony?"
Harmony stuffing her face with the cookies, cheeks like a chipmunk smiles nodding. You cover your face with your hand shaking your head. That girl, grumbling under your breath when Madame Red just starts to laugh at the sight. Harmony joins her. Peeking between your fingers seeing them both. You couldn't help but smile.
Climbing into Madame Red's lap, Harmony makes herself comfortable. And gets an adorable squeeze from the woman, who coddles her with affection and kisses.
"You truly do spoil her,"You said taking a seat next to them. Picking up a cookie yourself along with your tea. "she's going to expect it all the time."
Still nuzzling Harmony, Madame Red looks over at you deviously."Are you jealous?"
She was teasing, of course. Rolling your eyes shaking your head. "Not in the slightest really. Just making an observation." Taking a sip of tea. When you felt your cheek being pulled. By her.
"Aww, don't worry dear. There is no competition with my love." She pulls you over, letting go and lightly patting your cheek."Such smooth skin. And beautiful. It doesn't seem human. Ah," she sits back with a light sigh and looks at your garden peacefully. Holding Harmony close. "It's so lovely out here..."The wind blew gently.
Looking at her, you were sure you saw some tears forming. But, she pushes it aside with a smile. A smile that became bigger looking down tenderly at Harmony. Who was still stuffing her face with at least two cookies. Stopping to look up at Madame Red. To receive a light and gentle kiss on the forehead from her. Her red lipstick left a mark.
"May, my dear..."She looks to you. Her tone lowers. She begins to speak and her words touched you deeply. Your heart filled up with them as it cringed in pain and love all the same. "Alright?"
Understanding, nod. "Yes, I do."
Staring into the empty cup think about that day. Think about Madame Red and her words. Words you felt left a fading feeling. If she was here, you wouldn't be able to look her in the eyes. Tucking a strand of hair behind your ear, to be startled by the whistle of the teapot. Quickly you go and take it off before anyone heard. Pouring it in the cup, the steam pushed back on your face. It actually hurt a bit. Stepping back you cough a bit waving some it out of your face so you could breathe. That you hit something solid and firm.
"Now, what do we have here?" A firm grip grabs you by the wrist. You knew who it was already. And bare your teeth. As they in return give you a twisted smile. Tighten their hold on you. "Making tea? Tsk that is not the job of a noble." Sebastian berates.
"Release me."You demand, warning him with your words. As you try to get out his hold, but his grip wouldn't allow you. "Release me. Now."
He pulls you closer and tighter. You were sure you felt his nails nipping at your skin. In a low snarl, and purr he said."No."
Your blood turned cold and your heart skipped at least four beats. Like a snake, you felt his hand slowly slither up towards your neck. This aura of his...it was dark and murderous. There was hunger in there, a lingering and insatiable hunger driven by hidden madness. That strangled you, you couldn't breathe. As his grip became tighter and felt the tip of something sharp nip your neck, would have caused you sweat if you could. Still, you refused to cave. And stubbornly resisted. Thinking to yourself how to best handle this situation. Throwing him would work, then again you'd have to explain the hole in the wall. You could try to...when you remembered that you couldn't. Not...anymore at least.
Sebastian seemed to know what was going through your mind and tauntingly urged you. "Come now, Baroness, don't be shy."
"I am not."
He was taken back just a bit but smiles sly none the less. Presses his cheek against yours."But, of course, you are. Do not be so modest about your talents."
Those words, those words...Madame Red. Hitting a nerve he realized to his pleasure and saw it crack you. Clenching your fist, step back and wriggle yourself out of his grasp with strength that nearly caught him off guard. If he didn't react and catch your elbow before it hit him. He holds it still, looking at you stunned.
"Well," he smiles to himself. Intrigued. Holding you in place.
He assumed smile only angered you more. Just as you press harder before delivering a back kick, someone comes running in. "Mr. Sebastian!" Harmony giggling loudly runs in all wild looking and over to him, hugging his leg. While trying to hide behind it. Peeking out between them at the door. She squeals again hearing them coming. And clings to Sebastian just as Finnan and Snake come in.
She quickly lets go to be chased by the two around and around Sebastian who stands there minutely shaking his head. Like lighting, he snatches up Harmony and with the other hand stops Snake and Finnan.
"What is the meaning of this?"He demands trying hard to keep his voice from flaring. Looking to the two for an explanation. Before sliding his eyes to Harmony who couldn't help but giggle. To quickly cover her mouth from his glare. With a heavy sigh, he lets her down. And does his best to fix her wild hair. With one hand, while still holding onto the others by their collars. "Lady Harmony, this is not the proper way a young lady should be. Everything is out of place. Your hair is everywhere and your dress...now let's not talk about that. I can only assume..." he slides his eyes back to Snake and Finnan who freeze up. Under his baring gaze, they cower."Never mind," he mumbles under his breath. Turning back to Harmony, who was trying to sneak off he grabs quickly. "Lady Harmony, you will be introduced soon the Queen, which means you must be able to properly present yourself. I will not have you running around like such and disgrace the Phantomhive name."
"But, Pirate said I could."She said innocently.
Oh course he did, Sebastian shakes his head. He wasn't surprised. As Ciel would rather not endure her fits. He was spoiling her now. "Well, even so, you must still do your best to uphold yourself. When you meet the Queen you must present yourself formally and gracefully. Not untamed and uncoordinated." He quickly looks at the clock."I believe you have had enough today, why don't we go over some French lessons? Hmm?"
Harmony thinks about it, so he throws in an offer. "With any cookie of your choice."
"Okay!"
He smiles. "Splendid. Now, then you stay here and think of which cookie, while I handle some much-needed work." Turning her around turns his attention to the other two. With a dark and angered look frows at them. Opening the door he throws them out. "The Lady Harmony will be busy for the time being with her studies, do not interfere. I will not have her be presented in a crude manner to her majesty." Shuts the door hard on them.
Walking back to the kitchen his ears pick up Harmony singing something. A nursery rhyme. "Hickory, Dickory, dock, the mouse ran up the clock, the clock struck two and the mouse ran down."
He stops to listen to her. How odd, from his memory he was sure she hadn't learned such a song. Nothing thinking much of it assumes May taught her. Clasping his hands together walks in. "Come now, let us begin."
Upstairs, you set the tray down for Mey-Rin and serve her the tea. She jitters unsure whether to take the cup, but you insisted. And take a seat next to her pouring your own cup. With a deep sigh drink and enjoy it. It did taste delicious. Mey-Rin wasn't sure what to make of your sudden mannerism, you seem to calm. Calmer than usual. And your smile, she wasn't quite sure what to make of it. Though it was rosy, there was something behind it.
