"You boys may want to sit down." Ann said ,lowering herself slowly into her chair. Her family did as instructed.
"Rhiannon,explain this to me. Our son-" The former Queen drew in a breath.
"Is still bonded with his mate. I never finished the ritual required to end their union. Forgive me my dears. The day you came to me with the request, I saw in both of you the same love that had always been there,I sensed so much pain and something missing in Ciel,but I knew that if you went through with it, you would regret it. I was also a young mother,I understand. I had not been offered the chance to experience certain things. You,Sebastian were willing to give him this,in spite of our rules. Ciel, you love my son so dearly that you were not willing to allow him to be dishonored as the future king. Breaking your bond would reflect wholly on him. This is our way." Sebastian turned to Ciel.
"I couldn't let you go through all that,not when the problem was mine. I chose to have our children,but Evian was a surprise,a wonderful surprise,I just wasn't ready to give up all the freedom you were already giving me. The children needed me and I loved that,but then they grew up and you started your lessons,I needed to take the time for me. As your mate,there were strict-"Sebastian pulled him into his arms.
" You didn't want to -"
"No. But I couldn't let you jeopardize your future for me needing these things. I spoke to Ann before I decided to go. It was the only way according to your laws."
" Damn the laws. They will be dealt with. " Sebastian said. "My Ciel -"
" I always have been,from our beginning you've been good to me. Offering me choices instead of forcing me into things. Giving me extra time with Michael, opening the door for my family to visit, no chosen angel has been given so much. Michael told me told me what you did,the day I became human. " Sebastian released his mate, placing a clawed Ciel's cheek.
"No other angel has ever been so loved by our kind. I certainly didn't deserve the feelings you offered me. My heart belonged to you the very first time our eyes met. I could never harm you. I could never allow such a perfect being to suffer. The choice had to be yours." Ciel placed a hand on his mate's.
"Now I've put you in the same position I tried to keep you out of. I'm sorry."
" No, the fault lies with me. " Ann said. "I told no one, you would not need to explain yourselves, the devil's mate is rarely seen unless there are visitors to the castle or on rare occasions when they must appear together. As long as you have not drawn too much attention to it,you should be all right."
"Mother," Sebastian began, leaving Ciel's embrace Ann. His father say silently,not knowing what to say.
"Mother, truly you are amazing. Thank you..I know now what must be done."
"What is that?"
" You shall see, but first, I must speak with my mate and children. You can not imagine how grateful I am. "
"But Sebastian -" Ciel leaned forward in his chair.
"You will come upstairs,won't you,the staff miss you terribly as do the children."
" of course, but I don't want you to do anything that you'll regret later. "
"Darling, the only thing I regret is not knowing this sooner and not knowing how to fix this problem of ours." Sebastian lifted the younger demon into his arms. "Come with me,my dearest love. You and I must talk.I need you to tell me exactly what it is that you need from me and we shall move on from there. My plan will mean nothing without you."