In late September, a light gray drawn Phaeton carriage made its way along the dirt stretch road, approaches a stop where a finely dressed, mid-aged gentleman with combed graying hair and thinning goatee stood. His eyes lite up welcoming and walks over to the carriage once it stops. Opening the door, holding out a helping hand. A delicately laced gloved-hand reaches out and accepts the assistance.

"Good afternoon, M'Lady. Oh, please watch your step."

The woman dressed all in a satin-white silk dress and cream white, her deep orange hair was nicely swept back into a bun with heavy side-swept bangs and curly fringes caressing her ears. A cream-colored wide brim hat rest upon her head, her bright blue eyes gazed across the land. It was so private and quiet out here, also lovely, considering the kind of season. The air was crisp and sweet. Autumn surely was all around, there was no denying it. Yes, it was out here. This spot...was perfect.

Caught up in wonder, she failed to pay attention to whom came by her side."I can tell by the luminous light in your eyes, my dear, you fancy it." A strong and fruitful voice speaks.

Turning her head to them, a small smile parting on their lips. Nods. "Yes, I do." She spoke with such air and softness and subtle accent, wraps her arm around his sturdy one. Holding it close.

A deep pleased chuckle was heard from him. He places a gentle hand on the one around him. "Then we shall tour it? Or shall I already agree?"

The most silvery laugh escaped her lips, she smiles. "Oh, though it does look absolutely lovely from outside, we should check inside. One cannot judge a book by its cover., Though," her voice drops."I wonder if the children will love it?"

Her concern was acumen and tender. Like a true mother and wife. The realitor stood back behind watching the lovely and if not beautiful spouses, that carried such an air of humble, it was sweet. Watching the two talk, it would seem like a crime to interrupt them. What was more, was the fact her husband took off his long dark coat and draped it over her slim shoulders. To protect her from the chill.

"Mr. Simmons," the husband calls.

Quickly Mr. Simmons hurries over."Yes, sir?"

"My wife and I would like to look around, first if that is alright?"

"Oh, yes, of course. Right, this way." He steps forward politely. The couple follows not far behind, listening to the history given to them about the place.

As he does, the wife's mind drifted off to the ideas she had, that she couldn't wait. But, the thought that shone the most, the grand party she would be hosting soon, once everything became settled. Her smile grew, whispering. "It will be splendid."


The sky was moist and gray. There was no rain, no, it just had the mask of the weather. A day like this, if it rained that one would have a nice cup apple cider to warm the body. Drink it by the fire, cuddled together, with warm soup to follow. To knock the chill off the toes. Read or tell stories. Play games. Watch the droplets of trickle off the flowers from inside. Light candles just for fun. Sing merry songs. And maybe...just maybe if the rain was not too heavy and was light, go out and frolic in it. Splash in puddles, dance under the stretching shower. Then go inside for a nice warm bubble bath. Together.

Laughter and silly echoed all throughout the cottage. It washed away any chill that tried to settle in and if Madame Red happen to stay because of the weather, it was even merrier. She'd take comfort in the company of pleasant life with the two of you. Her smile seem brighter and her laughter much jovial, she seemed more relaxed. Even with her extra company, her shy and timid butler.

Yes, weather like this always had warm memories, you would make with Harmony. Because the two of you would be together. Though right now, she was spending this time with another. With Lizzie. You just hoped she was drinking cider. Because she loved it.

A light knock disturbed your thoughts, moving your gaze from the window look behind finding Mey-Rin. "Yes? What is it?" You noticed her flustered face.

"Um..Baroness, Miss Nina.." she gulps hard. "She just dropped off yours and Lady Harmony's outfits for the Queen. Your cousin would like for you to try it on."

Rising from your seat silently exhale."Alright," you walk to her, still noticing her flustered look had not gone away."Mey-Rin sure everything is alright?"

She quickly nods her head. Sweating now. Not sure what it was, didn't bother to press it, as it seem she was uncomfortable about something. So you made your way to your room. On the way there, the phone rang as you made your way upstairs.

"Hello? Phatomhive residence." Sebastian answers and holds off his response until he heard the door to your room close."I am dreadfully sorry, but, the Baroness is currently busy at the moment..."


An hour later at the Miford Manor a delivery was made, Paula kindly took and made her way to Lizzie's room. On her way she passed Edward's and stops. Hearing the young man grunting in frustration about something. For a second she was concerned but remembered what she needed to do and continues.

Reaching Lizzie's room, she begins to smile to herself, hearing the giddy and cheerful laughs behind the door from the cousins. A moment Paula treasured and wished to not disrupt. Until she looked down and remembered, knocking on the door lightly annouces herself.

"Lady Elizabeth and Lady Harmony, please excuse my interruption," she speaks."but, I have something that has recently been dropped off for you Lady Harmony. And with instructions that you are to be fitted in it, by your cousin. Lord Phantomhive."

The laughter suddenly stopped and the swung right open. Nearly scaring Paula. "Oh! Your dress is here," Lizzie squeals clapping her hands, Harmony does the same thing. Though bounces lightly on the balls of her feet."you get to try it on." Lizzie takes hold of her hand and the two spin around.

"I am so happy!"Harmony smiles. Her hands to Paula."I want to try it on now. Please."

Paula smiles at her."Yes, of course."Walking into the room shuts the door. When she remembered something."Oh, Lady Harmony, Lord Phantomhive would like for you to return by dinner time today."

Hearing that the joyful mood became dull. Harmony's eyes became wet, looking to Lizzie who shared the heartbreak. Paula's heart broke seeing them both like this, especially Lizzie.

"I'm sorry, Lady Harmony and Lady Elizabeth."She said, trying hard not cry herself. "I wish..I wish I could do something about it."

Sniffing, Lizzie begins to dry her own eyes and put a smile on, squeezing Harmony's hand tenderly. The little girl looks up at her. Getting down her level, Lizzie gently with her thumb wipes away her tears."A lady should not cry, it isn't cute or pretty."

Harmony heard her words and nods, trying to stop her own tears, but they kept coming. Lizzie chuckles softly and places a light kiss on her forehead. Which worked.

"There. It'll be alright." She continues, "We had the most wonderful time together last three days. I enjoyed it all. With my lovely and cute cousin," she giggles touching noses. With a smile."We'll have many more, I promise. Tomorrow you will get to meet the Queen, and you must look adorable when you do. Alright?"

Paula looks at the sight before, to tender and loving. Lizzie managed to calm down the young girl, who latches onto every word. Nodding slowly and wiping her eyes. Produces a smile, a smile that took Paula's breath away.

"My ladies," she whispers to herself.


Just as Paula said, Harmony returned back to the townhouse. She greeted by warmly by Sebastian outside and by Agni and the others inside. She was given the biggest hug from Soma and the tightest from Finnian. Whom she ran straight to once out of the arms of the Prince. Then throws herself on Snake, receiving kisses from the snakes, especially from Wilde who missed her the most. Baldroy gave her a hand on the head with a cheeky smile. Mey-Rin hugged her well and gushed when Harmony commented on her hair. Everyone smiled at her return, the biggest came from you.

The second Harmony saw you, she sprinted over with her arms out, you get down and hold her tight. Happy she was home, that you picked her up and hold her more. Planting a deep kiss on her cheek. Which lite her up.

"Oh," you sigh with a smile."I missed you." Giving her one more kiss.

Her laughter filled the void warmed you. "Alright," Ciel enters ending the moment. "enough of this blanket of emotions, it's time for dinne-"

"Ciel!" Harmony jumps from your arms onto Ciel, knocking him down. Hugging him."Hello, Ciel!" As he tried to wrestle her off. But her grip was like iron shackles. "I missed you, oh, Lizzie told me to hug you." She squeezes him more, to his annoyance.

The others stand back and watch, everyone smiling. You couldn't help but turn your head and laugh. Stopping when you felt Ciel's burning eyes on you. "Get her off!"

You just laugh more. Shaking your head. He knew you were enjoying this, so you'd be no help. At least someone was. "Lady Harmony, I am glad you are thrilled to be back and happy with your cousin," Sebastian comes back from putting her dress away and walks over. "Which I am sure the Lord is overjoyed to see you, but, we must get dinner started."

He carefully manages to pry her from Ciel and sets her up straight, while helping up Ciel. Who catches his breath. "What is she a python?!"

Harmony smiles standing next to Sebastian. "I'm not a snake." She laughs. Earning look from Ciel. Which only made her laugh more. Though she eventually settled and went to be seated for dinner. You followed with Soma and Ciel.

And like as always Harmony brighten the table with her chatter, telling everyone about her time she had with Lizzie. How much she enjoyed it. The fun things she and Lizzie did. Playing with anything cute, Lizzie took her shopping again. The tea parties and dancing they did. You smiled enjoying dinner, hearing her voice, though stop suddenly when Harmony said that Francis and Lizzie begun instructing her in the art of the sword.

"And Auntie would like for you to learn too," she tells you with the biggest smile." she'd like it very much. It was so much fun. Both Auntie and Lizzie are very good. I want to be good."

Your hand trembled slightly, images flashed in your mind of Harmony as Karai, from her deadly kounichi ways. "..." Your mouth and throat went dry.

"Baroness, are you alright?" Agni noticed your whiten face. Ciel stops and looks over.

All eyes fall on you, Soma gets out his seat and hurries over to you. Taking your hand."May? What is wrong?"

Though you heard them, they just faded out and all you saw where the horrors Harmony had gone through in her old life, as Karai. The tournament and suffering. Then came the flames and...Ten Shen's horrific screams. The sound of her flesh being stabbed, the blood...the pool she laid in before being buried by the collapsing burning beams of the room. Her lifeless eyes stared at you. And the cold touch upon your shoulder.

That made you nearly screamed if you didn't feel a touch that brought you back. Your vision returned and find yourself still here, sitting at the table. All eyes on you, especially Harmony's and...Soma holding your trembling hand. Standing close over you, looking down at you, his gaze remained locked and attentive.

Your head began to pound just a little, touching your brow shake it off lightly. "May...a-are you okay?" Harmony whimpers. You give her and everyone a light smile and nod.

"Yes, I am. Sorry, I just..just have a small headache." You tell them, feeling Soma squeeze your hand more. You look up at him. His eyes search yours, but it was hard as you kept them closed smiling at him."Prince Soma, I am fine...thank you." You pat his and release it. "I am glad you had a wonderful with Lizzie, it makes me happy to hear." Turning the feeling in the room back. It remained still for a few seconds. "Was Uncle Alexis happy to have you over?"

Harmony nods. "Yes, and his hugs tickle. Though, Auntie Francis had to pull him away a lot. But, it was all really fun. I want to go again!" A huge smile spreads across her face. "Ciel, can I go? Huh? Can I go again?" Turning to him, with begging eyes.

He takes a bite before answering, rather board."Sure. Why not." Harmony squeals causing him to nearly choke. Sebastian comes over patting him on the back. "Is trying to kill me?"

"I highly doubt that," Sebastian said with a light smile. "she is, just happy from your kindness. Ah, a child's simple bliss."

Tapping his finger with an off-setting scowl and eye roll. "Oh," Harmony pipes, looking to Ciel again. Setting her fork down and in the best confident voice she could muster. "Ciel, I promise not to cry tomorrow and be the extra cute and ladylike for the Queen."

"Well, you sound rather sure."

"I am." She pushes up from her chair. "A lady shouldn't cry. They have to look pretty and cute. Also, as a Lady, I have to put on the best smile for Phantomhive."

That surprised Ciel, his mouth nearly fell open, to curl into a smirk and leans back slightly in his chair. Invested and amused. "Well, is that not interesting. And where did this sudden change come from?"

Harmony looks down at her plate thinking about it, her cheeks blushing. Remembering Lizzie's words and seeing her sister in her mind gracefully. Along with Madame Red. Lifting her head with a strong smile, that even Ciel gave praise too. He understood and sits up, crossing his fingers together resting his chin on top.

"Alright then."

He looks across at you, you both exchange proud looks. "Oh, I forgot one more thing," Harmony looks at you this time. "Cousin Edward wanted to know if you received his message?"

Mey-Rin, Agni, and Sebastian come to clear off the table and present dessert. Crème brûlée, with raspberry sauce drizzled on it. "No, I did not." Taking a teaspoon of it. "When was this?"

"I don't know. But, he said that he did."

You look to Mey-Rin to see if she might know. She thinks about it. "No, I can't remember. No, I can't."

"Well, I will have to send an apology to cousin Edward about it." You said taking another spoon. "Mey-Rin could you set up my stationary so that I may do so."

"Ah, right away." She bows and leaves.

Finishing up dessert, with light conversation, Ciel going over the steps for tomorrow for a bit, once done. Everyone leaves the table, normally he wouldn't mind Harmony to be up, but he instructed her to go to bed. Which she agreed to without a fight. While she went to go and get ready, you made your way to your room. Mey-Rin had everything set up for you and left to tend to Harmony. To help her bathe. Shutting your door, take a seat at your desk and pick up the pen, begin to write.

Delicate penmanship, it had to be. All loops and curves, light and airy. Words sweet and modest, what you thought went on paper. Doting your I's and cross your T's. You finish and set the pen down. Give it one quick look, satisfied fold and seal it. Raising from your seat go to get Mey-Rin.

Opening the door. Holding the letter out."Mey-Rin, could you pleas-oh...Prince Soma, this is a surprise." You look down the hall both ways. "Is there something I can help you with?"

"May, are you sure...that you alright?"

"Yes, why would I not be."

Soma's eyes look pass your smile, the horrific shock he saw you hold. The shaking of your hand, there was something that scared you. He saw it play in your eyes. And it still seem to be there, faintly. He steps closer to see it. Realizing he was close slightly step back, to give distance. His eyes never left yours. Your eyes shifted to avoid his. Holding your breath and your resistance, saw his deep concern upon his face. The way his eyes concentrated on trying to get through. Your smile remained just as resistance. Pushing it back on him, but, he would not waver, so you did the only thing you could think of.

And place a gentle hand on his cheek, for a second then moved it quickly to his shoulder. His body tensed and trembled. In the most soothing voice, look him in the eyes.

"Prince Soma, thank you for caring, but I am fine." You step closer and pull him lightly, stopping before hugging him. "I promise." You whisper in his ear, breaking away. "If you excuse me, I must go and fine Mey-Rin." Walking around him leave him standing there.

Making it downstairs after not finding her in the bathroom or with Harmony, go and search elsewhere. Looking into the different room. Which was strange, you should have found her by now. "Snake," you notice him just ahead. He stops as you walk over. "could you please give this to Mey-Rin." Handing him the letter, he takes it. "If she could please send this off to cousin Edward tomorrow morning. While I am. I would appreciate very much."

He nods and walks off, with that done you go back upstairs to get ready for bed yourself. Finding the water already done and everything you needed there. Shutting the door and stripping, get in, a relaxed sigh escapes your lips. Closing your eyes rest your head back just sit there. Everything melted away for this very moment. And you found yourself back...back in the cottage. You could hear yourself...telling a stort out loud..to Harmony as she sat next to you in the tub.

"The woman was kind as she was beautiful. Her eyes shone with love and devotion, yet also strength. She loved all. Her name was Ten-Shen..."

"Ten-Shen..." you whisper opening your eyes slightly, to see a strange blur your eyes shot open and you sprung up. Looking around alert, there was something in here. Your eyes carefully look around through the bit of steam, carefully you step out and take light steps on the tile, feel around finding the wall. Move along with.

The window was shut, still moving along feel for the door. It too was closed and...locked. Senses up, you remain still hear nothing but your heartbeat and low breathing. Sensing no one or anything manage to find the towels and wrap it around. Drying yourself off change into your nightwear, leave to your room and lay down.


Weather seem rather good the next day, a dark gloved laid open. "Hmm...I honestly thought it was going to rain, oh well." They shrug their shoulders. Yawning a bit. As they stood outside at the bottom of the stairs. Looking down the long road leading to them. The chilled wind blew a little. "Wonder if he's even going to bring them?"

Turning to their partner, who remained silent and focused eyes straight. "The Earl still has time."

"Honestly, I hope he doesn't come. I won't have to see his face."

"You're just bothered by not being invited to the revealing of his cousins."

Their body slants a bit away, resting a hand on their hip. "I wouldn't have gone either way. Still, it is considered rather rude. Don't see why the Queen needs to meet them, which begs another question how Phantomhive suddenly inherits two additions?"

Getting no answer from their partner continues talking. "First off, it would be a shame to have ties in that family. Kind of glad I missed that revealing. Would have been a waste of my time, those cousins of his already irk me. Having Phantomhive as a relative." When a delighted smile slithers across their lips. "Those sudden cousins of his no doubt came from the slums. I wouldn't be surprised if they retain their grimy and foul smell and ways." Snickering a bit.

"He's here. Be ready Charles."

Silver eyes look down the road noticing the carriage coming. With a rooted sigh, Charles straightens himself, though was in no hurry to open the door. Once it stopped. So Sebastian does so while greeting the two men.

"Good morning, gentlemen." He smiles opening the door, holding out a hand. Helping Ciel out first, he was dressed in a deep rich burgundy velvet fitting tailcoat with white regency shirt, burgundy vest over, fitting black trousers, removable jobet, black gloves and cane with a silver top.

He looks to the two men, locking eyes briefly with the shortest and leanest one. Who puts on a smile. "Welcome Earl Phantomhive, I thought you wouldn't make it."

Ignoring his unnecessary words. Responds politely. "Good morning Earl Gray and you as well Phipps."

The solemn taller man. Who nods respectfully. "Good morning, Lord Phantomhive." Hearing a little gasp looks behind Ciel who steps aside holding out his hand, as a smaller light-blue laced glove rest in his. Following the gloved hand sees its owner.

A little girl, dressed in a delicate light-blue dress, with a sky blue ribbon gentle tied around her waist and accent on the edges. Her silky black hair was done in soft ringlets, with some of pulled back in a light-blue bow. Her amber eyes look cast behind him and subtle widen at the building.

"May I introduce my youngest cousin, Harmony Dalles-Burnett," Ciel said. That was Harmony's cue, she does a little curtsy to them. "Harmony, this here is the Earl Charles Gray and Charles Phipps, her Majesty's personal guards."

Harmony looks up at the two men, who stare down. The leanest with the boyish charms was a mix of surprised and humor. Squatting down to her level. She kept her eyes on him and presents a cute smile. With a nod.

"Hello, Lord Gray and Mr. Phipps," she looks to the taller man. "it is a pleasure."

Gray stands back up not at all hiding his amusement. "Well, aren't you well trained." His words made Harmony winch just a bit, though it wasn't noticeable except by those eyes who saw it. "I thought you had two cousins, were's the other one?" Gray looks back to Ciel.

Who did in his power to not lash out, holds out his hand again passing Harmony to Sebastian, the girl waste no time and holds his hand. Another hand comes out, gloved in light lilac, this one was older and mature. Soft and smooth, delicate as well. Each step was like a feather. Even they touched the ground, there was no sound.

Dressed in a soft lavender A-line off shoulder sweep train satin taffeta fitted off-shoulder dress, with lace embellishment light beaded stones woven in, half sleeves and one crescent deep purple in the center craved like a flower. A satin choker with a matching pendant. Light lipstick upon their lips, their lashes curled carefully. And their unusual pink hair tied loosely with a butterfly clip on the side. Resting softly on their back and over their shoulder. Their golden-yellow eyes meet each man with kindness and grace. And a smile properly and charming across their lips.

"Lord Gray and Phipps, may I introduce my eldest cousin, the current Baroness, May Dallas-Burnett."

You nod to each. "Good morning, gentlemen. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Phipps steps forward and bows respectfully to Harmony and you. Extending a hand behind him. "Good morning Baroness and Lady Harmony, welcome to the Buckingham Palace, her Majesty is waiting for you."