You stood clad in a silken black gown, from head to toe. Watching absently as everything faded by, the crowds, Mey-Rin and the others, Ciel, the Milfords, everyone...everything. Only stopping hearing a cheerful whisper laugh, it faded like ashes in the wind. It all faded behind you, closing your eyes for a moment open them finding yourself before bodies on the table slab.
Ciel and Harmony.
Still. Waxy. Lifeless.
There was a third.. behind you...Madam Red.
Not a single gasp left your lips, not a single expression rose, not even when you reached out to touch them find your hand being held by another. A hand with black fingernail. Extensive black finger nails that wrapped and held your hand, it was cold. Very cold. Still, you remained unresponsive, even as you stood before them, vacantly staring in their illuminating eyes that smiled back. The only time your eyes moved was it trailed along the scar across their face, it hadn't changed. They hold up the hand they held of yours and with the other hold up something, caused your eyes to wide and yank away.
Ripping your hand away hold it close. They remain standing there, smile dropped and hand out demanding. They step towards you, you move back each time. You would not do it, they tired to lunge and snatch you back, you smack their hand away, turn heel and run back. Run through the dark garden, across the shadowy path, through the silenced woods. You kept running, refusing to look back, your heart beat like a drum against your chest, your mind on fire of thoughts of Harmony. Of Ciel. Of everyone. But, defiantly the two.
Unsure how far or fast your feet were taking you, it just mattered the distance, it just mattered that you reached...reached them. They were just laying there...cold. Lifeless. Waxy. And you did nothing, but stand let it happen. You couldn't, couldn't allow such a thing. Tripping over suddenly over your distracted thoughts, fall in liquid..inky liquid...red liquid.
Blood.
It soaked through crevice of you, splattered and splashed itself on your face, in your hair...everywhere. It became your tears as you struggled to get out, this damn dress..it held you down. Grabbing it ripe and tear it off, claw your way out. Reach out to the other side of the bank to the ones standing there...Harmony, Ciel...Madam Red and another...others. Those two. Those two again. That beautiful yet fragile woman and that handsome man. Reaching out towards them get swept by the current and dragged under, panic. Try as you did fight against it, you would not be drowned in blood...you would not...you wouldn't.
Not anymore.
It stung, the blood. Filling your eyes, shut them...the knife it was buried plunge deep in them...you pushed it more hearing their lungs puncture and their last breath leave. Each one...each body fell. Stained the floors...stained...thrashing around in the current kept trying to fight against it. All of it, only coming up for air for a moment. Come up again this time throw your body on the boulder coming up. Cling tightly to it, refusing to be swept away again, pull yourself out.
Crawl onto the bank, spit out the salty and inky taste, it was horrible. So horrible. Stare at your blood stained hands, move your eyes down finding red all on you, your dress no longer black. It was...was...
Red.
Everything was red. From head to toe, from your hair to your feet, your hair no longer pink. It was bright crimson the same as...Madam Red's. Horrified, stumble back and fall. Lift yourself up find Madam Red's reflection in place of your own. Her eyes lock with yours. Smiling kindly as her eyes weep, no, you weren't...no! Reaching out tentatively touch it lightly send a ripple and next thing she was engulfed in flames. Jolting back hit something firm, looking up find...them standing over you.
No!
They weren't...you were sure that..springing up flee, their hand snatches you back possessively. You try to get out, their other slips around your throat and squeezes the life out of you. You try to break free, but their hold on your was absolute, it would no give. Like iron clamps it was firm, the more you tired the tighter their grip on you became.
This wasn't what you wanted...this wasn't...Harmony...her life...her life was to be...what about Harmony? What about her? What about Ciel...Ciel. You had to get out, struggling was futile. Their nails dig into your skin, breaking skin trickling blood from it, feel the warmth of their tongue lick it pleasingly. Purring softly in your neck nuzzling it, a chill ran down your spine, froze your body. Watch everything fade away...everyone fade pass you, as you whimpered their arms wrap around you welcoming you into their cold cage.
Everything...faded away. Everything burn. Their voice becoming nothing but echoes you could not reach. Extending a hand, a dark hand watch it disintegrate like ashes.
Shutting your eyes find nothing but the abyss. "May." Your eyes shoot open at the voice, it calls again. Blinking a few times, shut them again tightly flutter them open to the voice calling you. Find Ciel in vision, across from you. Blinking once more everything comes into focus, the inside of the carriage...Ciel sitting across from you with Harmony by his side and...Sebastian next to you.
All eyes you felt on you. "May." Ciel calls again.
Mummering a bit shaking your head lightly answer back. "Y-Yes? What is it?" You quickly glance around trying to process the situation right now. So far...inside the carriage. But, to where?
Holding up his hand Sebastian snaps his fingers before you, startling you. "What?" you nearly gasp hand over heart, clench it there. Shake your head a bit.
"May, are you alright?" Ciel asked, studying you closely. You just nod. Setting your fist back on your lap cover it with your other hold. "Are you sure?"
Your eyes remained away from his, to the scene out the window. Watch the people on the streets of London. Going about their time.
Time, you sigh. The ticking sound gripped your heart, each passing second...each...stung. Closing your eyes rest your head, silence. That was you needed, but, didn't want. Ciel, Harmony, Sebastian weren't sure what to make of your strange behavior. Where you tired? If you were, you needed to snap out of it quick, they would be approaching the palace soon, not mention if you slept you would not look presentable. Harmony wore a new shimmering gold dress with flared ruffled sleeves, with a medium size bow attached to the back, matching bows for hair on either side. That was done in a cute updo with soft curls framing her face. The color itself brighten her eyes, made them pop. Nina did a wonderful job. She even had matching silk gloves to match and knew shoes.
She truly looked like a porcelain doll, as Nina said. Wanted for her.
As for her sister, she was given scarlet dress with light golden lining to make her eyes pop and attention to them. Her dress was hung off her shoulders like most of them, but it seem to be a bit lower than normal, but still sort of modest. Nina felt to do as the Roman's did, the body was beautiful and the most lovely part should be shown. But teased. The dress was done with long sleeves tight sleeves stopping 3/4th of the way down. The bottom part wasn't flared out like most, it was smooth and fitting, it hugged well around sister. She didn't have gloves, so she chose to wear her silver necklace, her favorite gift. That Nina managed to fashion into a choker for the event. Her sister's hair was rested smoothly in half up and half down, with a red rose brooch in the middle of her hair. She looked lovely, especially with that scarlet lipstick. Harmony just wondered why she had to wear red.
Ciel was dressed elaborately too. Nina fashioned him a deep rich indigo suit, with hints of black, Harmony thought he looked like a prince. It was hard not to be in awe, her cheeks warmed lightly with a small smile. That transferred down to her legs that began to swing slowly.
"Harmony," Ciel looks to her. "stop swinging your legs. You will ruin your attire."
Quickly she does. "Sorry." She mutters softly. Her eyes flicker to her sister who eyes still remained closed. Her sister looked or seemed tired. Unsure why, Harmony rest a hand on her bracelet giving it a small squeeze.
The rest of the ride there was quiet, May remained still and eyes closed. Ciel and Sebastian talked discertly about matters Harmony paid no attention to, the young girl kept herself busy through humming and ideas and thoughts of her own. That produced laughter for no reason, she shared a few of them with the two. Though every so often her eyes fell to her sister, who slept peacefully yet the light creases of grimmer could be seen by the fluttering of her eyes beneath the lids of her eyes . A notice Ciel saw as well Sebastian. Normally, if her sister was up she'd talk with Harmony or tell her story to pass the time. Stories, her sister always had the best ones, especially about that beautiful woman.
The beautiful woman with long black as beautiful as night, eyes as kind as stars. Her name was lovely too, Ten Shan. She loved hearing about her, the way she was so benevolent to all around her, her strong spirit that seem to mirror May's. A heart that loved unconditional. The woman from what Harmony could recall, lived in a small village. She was simple woman who's beauty knew no bounds. She had a love who was her equal, together their love made their child. A child that was their whole world, just as Harmony was to May. The story was like fantasy, May often told her. Either a bit in the carriage or in the sanctum of her room. It was the story that put Harmony to sleep back when they lived in the cottage, in the village.
The same as the woman, the only difference was that there was no Ten Shen. Yet, her sister seem like her in Harmony's mind. Just, her sister had no one. No love of her own to make a child. If only that could have happened back in the village. Back in their old home, she wondered how it was doing. She longed to see old man Knopfler. He was funny with his stories. Or the woman who owned the simple bakery, of course her sister's tasted better and Mr. Sebastian. She longed to go and walk through the trees to the river. Put a leaf and chase after it, her sister following of course as she looked for herbs and other gifts from earth. She wondered if their cottage still...was still there.
Did Auntie Red stop by still?
Clenching her bracelet, she wondered. Glancing at Ciel, moved to her sister then Sebastian. Then down to herself, down to her dress. From a simple wool skirt to a elaborated silk dress of the finest quality. Shoes that matched every outfit, that shinned not faded. Of course Auntie Red did bring new clothes, but they weren't anything like the ones she wore now. May never wanted anything too classy, simple and honest. Quiet too. That was it, that was she always her heard her sister say. Now, she hadn't heard her sister say those words, not once. Guess it was alright now.
Staring at her hands counting on her fingers, how long had they'd been living with Ciel? And his home, it was more than her ten fingers could count. Her toes wouldn't be help, she only had ten. It was more than ten days since living with Ciel, and now the new year was coming. It was exciting for some reason, she always loved them she wasn't sure why. But, she did. Maybe it was because it was new or that yummy treat her sister would make. Or the fact Auntie Red came. Now, it was at the palace.
I wonder what yummy treats they will have? she wondered. Imagine mounts and mounts of cakes and all things sweet. Just for her, her little hands grabbing everything. Every single one of them.
Stuffing her face left and right. Cookies! There had to be cookies. Of course there would be, why wouldn't there. A lady must not fill herself up with sweets. She must be sweet herself. Lizzie's voice rings.
That was right, Harmony nearly forgot. Lizzie had reminded her, calling a day before they left to lecture her on the proper way to be a lady and to remember to be as pure as a flower and happy as a canary. A smile comes, the second they arrive. Her sister's eyes also opened, it took a moment for her to focus but they did once the carriage stopped.
The door opens and Sebastian steps out first to help everyone, Ciel allows Harmony first but tells her to stay close to Sebastian. He follows after and last you. There was not a step you missed when you exited, to Ciel's surprise.
"Thank you, Sebastian." you give him a light nod. He returns it.
Hand out Ciel takes Harmony, who for a moment went blank, her attention held by the lavishing palace before her decorated and lite up for the coming year. The last time she was here, was how long ago...it still made her heart skip a beat. Her little hand trembled.
"Calm yourself." Ciel whispers to her, straighten out one of her bows. He provides a soft smile, resting a hand on her lightly squeezing it.
He knew she wanted to cry, she always did when she became nervous. Behind those wide misted amber eyes, he saw rising mistakes she believed she might make. The different scenarios, she kept apologizing to her him with her eyes. Holding her hand tightly, not to tight he takes the first step she follows. He made sure to keep the pace to her liking. May and Sebastian followed after, with Sebastian escorting in his eldest cousin.
They reach the doors quickly, enter, soon directed to east where in one of the large ballrooms were, the palace was lite in each hall. Stopping for a moment so the guest before them could be announced, waiting rose Harmony's nerves. She wanted to let go and hide. Behind Sebastian's leg was always best. She didn't get that chance it was their turn. Ciel again stepped for them, she followed.
Right away they were announced. "Presenting his Lord, the Earl of Phantomhive. His esteem cousins, daughters of the late Angeline Dallas-Burnett-"
Harmony wondered they always said late, did that mean Auntie Red would show up late?
"The Baroness May Dallas-Burnett and the Lady Harmony Dallas-Burnett."
You didn't really like introduction, but, it was needed. Following Ciel, arm linked with Sebastian carefully walk down the stairs, picking up the corner of your dress lightly. Each step as delicate as a rose petal. Feeling watching on you, kept your head up and eyes straight, projecting grace and modesty. A feathered smile smoothly and gentle on your lips. Cringe inside from the eyes all around. Why did you have to wear this color? Why did Nina have to pick it? As you descend downward your ears catch the fan-hidden and gloved whispers from others. Though your hearing good, Sebastian heard all. He saw your eyes remain strong despite their desire to fall and scream.
He softly clasps hand over the you used to hold his arm. The gesture fine, it was just a butler helping his Baroness. A gentleman mannerism, snarling at those with their unneeded comments. He steps first of the last one and guides you down the last one well. Hears you sigh softly. Flash him a smile of thanks.
"Lord Phantomhive," Queen Victoria comes over, with her bodyguard and of course two Greys, quickly Ciel bows respectfully to her. All of you follow. "Baroness Burnett and Lady Harmony, I am most pleased to see you have made it."
"Your majesty, good evening." Ciel speaks. Slowly raising his head up. Harmony curtsy following you. "It is an honor to be here, thank you for your gracious invitation."
Harmony look to Philips and gives a small wave with a light smile, happy to see him. He returns the gesture. Victoria chuckles softly behind her hand. "My Lady Harmony as sweet as ever. Philips has been looking most in seeing you."
Her eyes jump with joy hearing that. She released herself from Ciel who allowed and took hold of Philips, who didn't mind. She tugs on his hand, he bends down to her level and she whispers innocent and child secrets to him. You couldn't help but smile softly to yourself. Anyone Harmony grew adoration to melted your heart and told you much. Harmony finishes telling her secrets and walks off with the man, the queen didn't seem to mind.
Ciel wanted to call her back, but Victoria insisted to let them be. "Oh, May my dear what a lovely décor you have around your neck." Victoria compliments your jewelary.
You glance down at it fondly. "Yes, thank you. I received as gift for Christmas. I am unsure who delivered such a lovely gift," Yeah, Ciel wondered about that. "but I do treasure it. I do enjoy flowers quite a lot."
She smiles pleased and for some reason her eyes look briefly at Grey. Who had on this smile you could not make out. Yet, he steps to you a hand out. Your eyes scowl at him hard, if not sharply. Making his smile happier. "Baroness, I hope it is alright with you," he said, there was something behind his voice you could not make out that gripped at your breath and made your stomach knot, hard. "if I could be your escort this fine evening. During this event."
Your words came out like ice, yet covered by the gentleness of your voice it didn't seem so. "How kind, but I am sure you are to by her majesty's side. I shall be quite fine. Thank you." Decline.
He thought as much, steps back for the queen to speak. "Oh, I do not mind, in fact," what she said next surprised you and caused Ciel to unable to meet your eyes. When they turned to him for his assistance. "I believe it would wonderful. I quite encourage it. The companion of the two of you together this evening."
What? You nearly chocked, did she just...Ciel! Turning to him find him away. He could not meet your eyes. The queen kept going. "It pleases me to hear how much you enjoy your gift, Charles took quite thoughtful process in making sure the gift was to your liking. My heart fills hearing you say such."
Your heart froze, while another something else inside dropped that produced a darken look on their face. Charles put his hand back out for you. "Well?"
That taunting smile, you wanted to smack it, raising a hand feel the itch. Al you need do is just clench it or swat it clean across the air at him. All you needed to do was...resting your hand in his, his hand and fingers curl around it. Sickened you. Releasing your hold on Sebastian step away to Charles.
"Of course, Lord Grey. I would be delighted."
