Redemption: Chapter Four
Sebastian Michaelis had always prided himself on his capabilities as a butler, and today was no exception. But unlike most who boasted unlimited skills- the lithe figure that always carried himself with the utmost decorum and elegance- had every reason to be self-proclaimed the best.
His feats of juggling the manor's affairs were legendary, and his way of knowing what his Master and Mistress wanted was most uncanny. Most times Sebastian would bring the Gray siblings something before they themselves were aware that they wanted it.
It was this skill, as well as his ability to handle any situation that was thrown his way, that made him invaluable to the House of Gray. And it was because of this that the man currently ceased his preparations for the evening's dinner, and took up a silver tray in his gloved hand.
This wasn't an irregular occurrence by any means, but what he carried on the tray was a most unusual trinket to display.
Sebastian walked with a lengthy stride and perfect posture, so it was no surprise that he reached his destination within a mere matter of minutes. The man stopped directly in front of the first doorway on the second floor's corridor and rapped his knuckles against the wood once to announce himself.
"Mistress," he called, opening the door and letting himself in.
The Butler already knew that his Mistress was present and waiting for him within the chamber, but he continued with the façade, acting his part with a flare that no actor could replicate. He was the humble servant; the diligent right-hand man to rely upon and to order about.
Sebastian smiled at the thought, for he was amused by it. Perhaps he was enjoying himself too much, but then again that was half the fun.
"In here, Sebastian," came the almost immediate reply. "The door is open."
Sebastian passed through the chamber's front room- which was a miniature copy of the crimson parlor on the first floor- and entered the bedroom without preamble. And it was there, sitting at the massive vanity that the Butler found his Mistress.
Alexandra Gray was, as always, a sight to behold. With ivory skin that was free of all blemishes, eyes the color of frozen chocolate, and hair darker than a raven's wings, the petite woman was the definition of feminine beauty. And yet, Sebastian was unaffected, and had been so since their first meeting some years prior.
Some might have argued that something was wrong with the man, or that he might have been interested in his own sex, but both arguments held no truth. He was normal, at least normal for who and what he was. And in his defense, very few things had the power to move him, and even fewer things could impress him, which included his rather vain Mistress.
Alexandra gazed at Sebastian through the surface of her incredibly sized mirror, as he bowed his head in a respectful greeting, and gave him a reserved smile.
"Mistress, I have completed my task."
The woman's eyes twinkled eerily in the lamp's light, and she leaned forward; anxious and unforgiving.
"You have searched Jamie's private chambers? Good. What did your search uncover?"
The Butler gave her a tightlipped smile as he lifted his hand that currently carried the tray. "I almost came back empty handed. Mr. Smee is a very clever individual when it comes to Master James' personal affairs."
Alexandra huffed in response to the comment, but Sebastian continued as if he hadn't heard her.
"You were right to suspect your brother, Madame. Though from the evidence I found, I am uncertain as to what his motives might be."
Alexandra frowned, and motioned for the Butler to move closer. "Show me."
At the simple command, Sebastian lifted the lace cloth he had draped over the tray, and lowered the silver platter down so that the woman could see what resided there, his grace never failing him for a moment. Alexandra's reaction was instant- and to her servant's silent pleasure- most entertaining to watch. At the sight that met her, the woman's face twisted up in disgust, clouding her already dark eyes in a most sinister way.
"This- This was in Jamie's room?"
"Yes Mistress; placed among Master James' most precious of belongings."
Alexandra wordlessly studied the thing before she raised her eyes to the Butler's, momentarily changing the subject of their conversation.
"Has the little strumpet graced us with her presence yet?"
"The Master's ward arrived less than an hour ago, Madame. She's in the parlor with your brother as we speak."
The woman grimaced, but said no more on the matter, for she didn't see the need to linger on unwanted topics. Besides, Alexandra already had plans to take care of Miss Darling. So what need did she have to worry?
"What is your command," Sebastian asked, humor making his lips upturn into a smirk.
"Take it back," Alexandra ordered, gesturing to the tray after a moment of thought. "And make sure the area you found it in, looks undisturbed when Jamie or his valet come to check on it."
"Of course, Madame," the Butler replied bowing deeply. "And what of the Master's ward?"
"Observe her," was the simple reply. "Discover of her weaknesses and blind spots, and report back to me everything you learn. When the time is right, I'll get rid of her."
"Very good, Madame."
Sebastian without further ado turned on his heel and was halfway to the door when his Mistress stopped him.
"Is it the same one Jamie dealt with in Neverland," the woman asked, once more referring to the figure on the tray.
The Butler glanced down indifferently at the small figure that currently lay unconscious on the silver surface. He studied its small features and delicate details, before answering.
"She is one in the same, Madame."
Alexandra smiled then, which was quite off-putting. Because it made her face draw up in a horrific imitation of what most people knew to be joy.
"What an odd souvenir for Jamie to take . . . Surely he could have found something better to remind him of his adventures than that."
Sebastian watched as Alexandra picked the little figure and shook it, waiting for something to happen. But it did not stir.
"She," the Butler once more corrected, "Is much more than a mere souvenir, Mistress. She is a final taunt to his enemy; a trophy for Master James to be reminded of when he begins to forget. She is his lifeline."
Alexandra shook her head absently. "Jamie must have been possessed to have even considered taking her."
"He took her to fulfill his revenge," Sebastian said knowingly. "Your brother knows that the boy will come for her, eventually. . . He knows that the child will do anything to get Tinkerbell back."
Author's Note:
Hey guys, it's been a while. ^^; I want to give a shout out to everyone who has reviewed, faved, followed, or supported this story. I honestly am blown away by all the positive attention this fanfic has gotten so far. ^^ You're all amazing folks, so thank you!
I've been under a bad spell of writer's block for this story but I'm trying to break it by forcing myself to write. We'll see how well the method works in the next few chapters.
Anyway, I know this chapter had no Hook or Wendy, but it was a vey important chapter. Sebastian and Alexandra will both be playing big roles in this story, so I had to properly introduce them before I could continue with the main plot line. I hope you guys are bored stiff by my characterizations. *le sigh*
Please drop me a review and let me know how the chapter came out. I was unsatisfied, but thought I owed you guys something after such a long time. . . .
Tatty bye, guys!
~Lyn Harkeran
