Chapter 5: First, let the water boil


Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroshitsuji nor do I have any rights over it.


Alice noted that Benjamin Sarrow was a wonderful dancer. She had confidence in her skills but somehow, the man overwhelmed her at the elegance chapter which was rather embarrassing if she were to be truthful. His feet moved with ease gently pulling her along in his own rhythm, swaying and turning at perfect angles. He must have been quite the heart-breaker in his younger age, seducing naive ladies with his ravishing talent.

She shook away his charm and focused on her mission.

'I hope you will not think too harshly of Earl Phantomhive for pulling you into conversation despite how boring it is to converse with children,' Alice apologized in attempt to find out what they talked about on the terrace.

'No apologies needed, Lady Arrington,' Sarrow said, 'On the contrary, Earl Phantomhive is quite the delightful company. He may be a child yet but his mind is already up to the standards of an adult.'

'Is that so?' She asked innocently, having noticed that as well. In her case, it would have been better for her if he did behave like a child and listen to the grown-ups as one should.

'Why, yes! We were discussing trading opportunities from Africa, actually! A friend of mine went there recently and decided that while means of transport are an issue, there are plenty of products to be exported and the Earl agrees as well. We established the fact that progress it to be made at the cost of expeditions into the unknown.'

Alice listened carefully, trying to pick up anything that might give off a clue to what Sarrow was after, begrudgingly thanking Ciel for approaching that subject. Could it be a new and more approachable route into African territory the information he coveted? But if that were so, he would not really dive into this subject that unguarded, now would he? He swung her one more time, Alice coming face to face with him once again.

'I see. I'm afraid I am not very informed in that regard so I would not know what products would be beneficial to import.'

Her confession seemed to spark up even more enthusiasm in Sarrow.

'Plenty, Lady Arrington. For example, sugar, tobacco, wood and these are only a few. As you can imagine, discovering a new source for these products is particularly profitable and a good investment for the future.'

Even if that presupposes exploiting other people for their lands and goods, Alice added mentally. Visionaries did not like to be challenged with the consequences of their actions reason why Alice decided to keep quiet in the matter despite harbouring slightly different opinions.

'Quite so,' she went with the safer reply. 'I'm sure there are many gentlemen who happen to share your thoughts,' Alice threw in another bait.

'There are a few,' he tilted his head, as if thinking about which names to mention. Alice's ears became attentive, hopeful she could finally make some progress in her interrogation when she spotted the one person who could put an end to everything. That one person who always brought shivers down her spine. Her mother.

Alice's face became paler and paler as Vanessa Arrington advanced towards her and Mister Sarrow with a poised but determined step. Next to her, the traitor Ciel Phantomhive matched the woman's pace, satisfaction detectable all over his face. With a deceivingly sweet voice, Vanessa cut off the dance.

'You brash, indecent girl,' she told her daughter, showing a perfect row of pearly whites. 'Why is it that you are dancing with a man with whom you haven't been properly introduced to?'

Alice tried her best to stand her ground, realizing that her mother's addition to this scene could make her lose Sarrow forever, especially under the tremendous pressure she was putting them all under.

'You have been misinformed, Mother,' she replied, glaring viciously at Ciel and his accompanying butler. 'Lady Bernard has introduced us moments ago.'

'Is that so?' She asked, looking around the room for Lady Bernard, almost tempted to give her a good scolding as well.

'Yes. This here is Mister Benjamin Sarrow, a trader personally invited by Her Majesty to attend the party tonight,' Alice continued, hoping to smooth over the situation.

'Delighted,' Vanessa delivered, showing no interest in introducing herself nor any sign that she was actually pleased to make the man's acquaintance. 'If you, sir, wished to dance with my daughter then you should have asked permission from the husband first,' Vanessa informed a little bit too harshly. At a loss for excuses, Sarrow somehow managed to form a retort.

'I apologize, My Lady. I am not thoroughly versed in court etiquette,' the man offered, looking over to the husband apologetically, namely the Phantomhive earl whom he sensed was actually finding all of this amusing beyond reason.

'Well, clearly!' Vanessa agreed.

'Mother,' Alice tried to interfere once more, 'I am not married to the Earl yet, there's no need to ask for his permission.' Her mother exaggerated intentionally playing that scheming boy's game who had clearly found the best way to exclude her from his playtime.

'In that case, permission should have been granted by the father, namely Earl Arrington,' Vanessa changed her statement to suit her. 'My daughter is not someone whom you can address so lightly, unless you have marriage intentions of course!'

'Madam, I would never,' Sarrow hurried to add, flustered and helpless. This had started out as such a nice evening but ever since Lady Alice had approached him, matters reached complicated levels. That young woman was dangerous and her mother, even more so.

'Good,' Vanessa said only to immediately shoot a direct question at Sarrow. 'Yet what was it that you would never? Perhaps you would never consider marrying my daughter?' She questioned, coming to that realization all by herself. 'What is wrong with my daughter? Is she not worthy of your standards?' The countess raised her voice, her high pitch weakening Sarrow's tolerance by the second. There seemed to be no answer to satisfy that woman.

'Mother, please stop this. Mister Sarrow is absolutely innocent, it was I who invited him to dance,' Alice finally admitted, fed up with the excessive fuss.

And that was all it took for Vanessa Arrington to close her mouth. For the moment, at least. She ceased eyeing Sarrow, gracing her daughter instead. Alice gulped down the knot in her throat without any success. It was as if Vanessa was seeing her daughter for the first time. It was as if she was staring at a preposterous insect that dared climb her dress in ignorance.

'You did what?!' She cried out, gripping Alice's arm with painful intent. 'Are you out of your mind? A woman inviting a man to dance? My daughter...my own daughter...,' Vanessa's eyes teared up with what Alice knew all too well was nothing other than frustration, arms raised to the heavens. 'All these years I've invested in blessing you with the proper upbringing and you take just one second to tear it apart. Has anyone seen you?' Vanessa's head snapped back to face her daughter, hoping for a figment of redemption. Alice was given no chance to defend herself as Ciel took the pleasure of answering in her stead.

'I should think so,' he informed his future mother-in-law, 'She dragged poor Mr. Sarrow all the way to the dance floor.'

'Oh for Heaven's sake! I feel faint...' Vanessa said, losing both her breath and the hold on her knees as she dramatically yet gracefully took a fall backwards, Sebastian and Alice lunging to catch the woman.

'Countess Arrington,' Sebastian feigned his worry while Alice chose to be true to her character.

'Mother, please snap out of it! Mother!' The girl insisted, looking around the room in embarrassment. If no one paid attention to them till that point, they were surely watching them now. Some with interest, others with trouble yet all curious.

'My salts...I need my salts,' the Countess pleaded in theatrical illness. In annoyance, Alice hurried to fish out a small bottle of the magical medicine from her mother's pouch. She pulled out the lid and ceremoniously waved it in front of her mother's nose, waiting for the miracle of healing to happen. Without doubt, they were indulging her far too much.

'Please, Countess Arrington, you are being too harsh on yourself,' Mister Sarrow helped the Countess up, gently patting her hand in the process. 'There was just one dance and I absolutely enjoyed my talk with Lady Alice, she is wonderful company and a very educated young woman.'

'No, Mister Sarrow,' Vanessa denied finally back on her two feet, her salts securely placed in her pouch once more. 'My daughter is a savage and rest assured, she will be thoroughly punished for it.'

'I wouldn't go that far, Countess...' Sarrow advised, sensing another storm rising and genuinely feeling sorry for the young lady in cause.

'It must be done, Mr. Sarrow,' Vanessa solemnly declared, finally turning her attention to Ciel. 'Earl Phantomhive, I hope you will pardon my daughter's indiscretion and you will ensure Mr. Sarrow spends an agreeable rest of the evening.'

'It will be my pleasure, Countess,' Ciel agreed, extremely pleased to conclude this charade in his favour. At his side, Sebastian could not help but smirk in complicity as Alice was suddenly dragged away by her mother.

'You're coming with me, girl!' Vanessa announced, forcefully pulling at the girl's arm, Alice having no choice but to follow.

'Mother, please, you don't understand,' Alice begged.

'Silence! Or I'm locking you inside the house till your wedding day!'

At the sound of that, Alice instinctively resumed her pleas, knowing all too well how perfectly capable of that action her mother was. In defeat, she looked back at her previous company, Ciel's triumphant expression coming into view.

You devil! I'll get you for this, Alice promised internally, realizing that perhaps, she should not be underestimating Ciel Phantomhive after all.


'I trust the ball is unfolding nicely,' Queen Victoria said instead of a greeting to her two butlers as they stepped into her private quarters. Charles Grey and Charles Phipps had taken a break from observing the events having switched with their mate, John Brown.

'Yes, Your Majesty. The food is plenty, the wine appreciated and the orchestra has been commissioned to play till late in the night,' Phipps responded, taking a short bow.

'There is nothing to worry, Your Highness. Everyone is enjoying themselves to their heart's content,' Grey added.

'I am glad to hear that,' the monarch delivered, hands busy knitting a long blanket. She used to like spending her evenings near the fireplace, surrounded by a few of her ladies-in-waiting and either crochet or knit for her and for her grandchildren. Those were the moments when she was at her most gratified, away from all the agitation others habitually hungered after. 'And my boy and girl?' She asked.

'They are fulfilling their duties,' Grey informed, knowing precisely who the Queen was referring to. 'Or at least trying to. They are like cat and mouse, it's downright comical looking at them.'

The Queen chuckled under her breath, slightly disappointed she could not be there to witness it. Those two were similar; both Ciel Phantomhive and Alice Arrington were proud and ambitious which meant their characters were to clash rather sooner than later and even though she sensed they would not get along at all at the beginning, their relationship had plenty of potential. Both for them and for her kingdom.

'And Benjamin Sarrow?'

'He is behaving. Nothing out of the ordinary,' Phipp's reply came.

'He has no room for mistakes, Alice is keeping him under close watch,' Grey added.

'I should expect so,' Victoria agreed, taking a break from her knitting. She placed her work away and gestured for one of her servants to serve her and her court ladies some sweets. Her plan had been put in motion and now all she had to do was to wait for the results. Either way, she would have her reward.


'And as I was saying, she only served custard tarts and a plateau of grapes for desert,' a long-nosed lady commented in the circle of women Alice was being held prisoner.

'How scandalous!' Another replied, gasping in tune with the rest.

Alice only rolled her eyes as subtly as possible hurrying to think of a way to escape her human confinement. Her mother, however, was keeping her under observation just four meters away in the company of other distinguished ladies. She paused from time to time to deliver a laugh or a short comment, head turning often in the direction of her daughter. For now, there was no opportunity for Alice to subtract herself. The girl tried to focus on the conversation but her thoughts flew to Sarrow. She saw him in another part of the room with Ciel and his butler ardently discussing who knew what while she had to remain there, surrounded by a group of old and single maids. At least the widows provided some entertainment.

'But enough about food, I have to monitor my portions. Let's talk about husbands instead,' one of the women suggested.

'Well, mine is dead.' Another declared.

'Good riddance, that old crook was horrible company. And the way he breathed, you needed to plug your ears with clay.'

'Now I've completely lost my appetite.'

'Do be grateful! You need to lose a few pounds.'

'What for? I already had three husbands. I'm not eager to settle with a fourth.'

All burst into laughter, some hiding their face behind their decorated fans. Alice mustered a smirk, actually appreciating the dark humour. That until their attention turned exclusively to her.

'Now, little miss,' Lady Fairr addressed Alice, 'Let's dissect that future husband of yours. Ciel Phantomhive was it?'

'Ah, yes,' Alice replied, unsure of what to expect. When ladies like those got together to gossip, all hell could break loose.

'Well? How many servants did he promise you?' Another lady whom Alice identified as Lady Tressing asked.

'Servants?' Alice asked briefly confused. Another female voice cut in on the conversation.

'Well yes! A husband has to provide attending servants to a lady as soon as she marries into his household.'

Alice raised her eyebrows momentarily considering it for the sake of it. Maybe he could promise her one? That red-headed maid perhaps. Apart from her, Alice did not see any other female servants. In fact, Alice did not see many servants in general. If she were to count, she could only amount to five of them including Sebastian which made it rather strange. A household that large needed at least double the number Ciel currently had and it was not as if he could not afford it.

'We did not discuss it yet,' Alice admitted at which the ladies hummed disapprovingly.

'Not yet?! Then what did you two talk about?' Lady Fairr questioned.

'Not much, my ladies. You see, there were not many chances for us to meet.'

'Well, I would say so!' Lady Fairr spoke out what others thought as well. 'If that mother of yours persists in keeping you with widows and old spinsters like us, you might as well say goodbye to that fiancé of yours! Communication is key my dear and you are not making any progress.'

Progress was not precisely what Alice wished for, at least not in the regard the ladies considered it but she had to play along by respectable lady standards.

'You are absolutely right Lady Fairr but you see, I am at a loss. I haven't the courage nor inspiration to approach him,' Alice said, after careful deliberation.

They all remained in silence, admiring the girl's sincerity. They exchanged glances and put down their fans.

'He is a child, after all,' One began.

'A child that was able to rebuild his home to his former glory. A child who has experienced the horror of losing one's kind and acquiring the strength to get back to his feet,' Lady Tressing reminded them all and Alice found herself agreeing with her. Ciel had displayed impressive mental vigour in his choices.

'Strength which is beyond even that of a human, if you ask me,' Lady Fairr pointed out.

'Oh Lady Fairr, please, you can't possibly lend an ear to those sinister rumours!'

'You're one to speak! I clearly recall you discussing this issue yesterday at breakfast.'

'Oh be quiet, you're troubling Alice,' the lady caught red-handed tried to divert the blame. 'Is she troubling you dear?' She turned towards Alice along with the rest of the female flock. Alice kept her composure, already accustomed by now with that type of gossip-like interrogation and lowered her eyes in pristine modesty.

'Not at all, ladies. I am deeply touched by the concern you show toward me,' she confessed, earning herself a concomitant smile from everyone. Still, Alice had heard those rumours too. They had been circulating ever since Ciel Phantomhive had reappeared to claim his title and everyone whispered there were evil forces at play that helped him restore everything to how it used to be, as if the attack on his family had not shook him up at all. Upon realizing that, she instinctively glanced at the young boy. When her sister died, Alice fell into depression and it had been the love and care of her parents that had brought her back to the surface yet for Ciel...who had been there to support him? From what she knew, no one. And yet, there he was, stronger and more capable than ever. Perhaps he was the real demon.

'With that being said, I suggest we focus on more important things. Your future is at stake here dear, so pay close attention to what I tell you. Beginnings in relationships are crucial,' The oldest of the bunch shared.

'I agree,' Another lady uttered.

'You must take matters into your own hands and show your husband you have an opinion,' the words continued to cascade.

'I disagree!' A momentary halt was put to the stream.

'And whatever do you mean by that, Lady Tressing? Should the girl be a dim-witted creature whose wants are placed under those of her husbands'?!'

'I wouldn't go that far, but she absolutely must display sweetness! We wouldn't want her husband thinking of her as crude and looking for comfort elsewhere!'

'As if a man would dare do something that senseless to our lady Alice!'

'There you go again, underestimating men! This is precisely why that husband of yours spends his time collecting locks!'

'And what's wrong with that? It's a noble passion, King Louis XVII of France had the same leisure pursuits,' the defence came.

'Yes!' the other lady replied in sarcasm, 'To avoid bedding his wife! Do you want Lady Alice to go down the same tragic path?!'

'Oh stop being dramatic, the queen had offspring, didn't she?'

'What's truly tragic is that...she's marrying a child,' an old spinster declared with exaggerated affliction, patting her handkerchief at the corner of her eyelids.

The chatter finally subsided as the statement sank in. 'I mean to say,' the same lady added, 'what does a child know of a woman's suffering? How ever could he be of comfort to our lady?'

Lady Fairr, who had presided over the gathering from the very start shifted in her chair and wiggled her nose displeased, as if a foul smell had made its way to her delicate nostrils. She looked at each woman there, head raised high and hands placed gracefully in her lap prepared to salvage the situation.

'Ladies. The Earl is thirteen years old. I ask of you, at what age do our male children learn to shoot a pistol?'

The women exchanged glances, coming up with the unanimous reply: 'At ten years old.'

'Correct,' she replied. 'Are we safe to assume then that Count Phantomhive is apt to defend Lady Alice if the unspeakable should happen?'

Everyone murmured in approval, nodding their heads.

'Very well. And at what age are our sons allowed to handle finances?'

'At twelve,' even more female voices acquired confidence to reply.

'Then perhaps the Count is able to fully provide for his wife?'

'Why yes, of course!' The replies were delivered.

'And when is it exactly that we women start educating our men?'

'Since the moment they are born,' one hurried to answer.

'Exactly!' Lady Fairr declared victoriously. 'And it continues until later in life. We always educate our men to be generous and powerful therefore, the Earl has infinite potential to become the most reliable pillar in Lady Alice's life, does he not? The boy is no longer a child, he is a man!'

The ladies gasped in realization, sounds of relief and exaltation defining their entire soiree.

'He is a man!' They repeated, voicing the statement as if it was divine justice, turning to one another with expressions of joy plastered to their faces. Alice put down her beverage glass, half-shocked at the outcome of what was supposed to be a boring conversation and looker over to Ciel, wishing he could hear some of the embarrassing things they were saying about him. Her amusement was cut short though as she assessed the situation: Sarrow was leaving and with him, her hopes of finding out his secret. On cue, Alice searched for her mother in the crowd and as luck would have it, she was nowhere to be seen and hopefully, that meant she could not see her daughter escaping either.

Alice excused herself from their presence without too much fuss seeing as the women were so deep into their conversation about her, they barely even noticed she got up to leave and without further delay she headed towards Sarrow. She saw him say his goodbyes to Ciel and leave through the main hallway and was about to catch up to him when a young girl's voice stopped her in her tracks:

'Lady Alice Arrington.'

She considered ignoring the voice for a second, she truly did but the voice had been loud and shaken and some of the guests had heard it too. Alice's heels discontinued her route on the marble floor, eventually betraying her by making her turn and face her interlocutor.

'Lady Elizabeth Midford,' Alice addressed, staring at the blonde young girl. She knew that girl very well. Due to work circumstances, Marquis Alexis Midford was an acquaintance of her father's and while she never did speak to her on many occasions apart from greetings, she was aware of the girl's existence. She was also Ciel's former fiancé and something told Alice that whatever that girl had in mind, it most certainly concerned the Phantomhive Earl and her recent addition to his family. That, and also the fact that Alice saw her stalking her the entire evening, accusations smouldering beneath her gazes.

'I would like to congratulate you on your engagement, Lady Arrington,' Lizzy began in a strangled voice.

'How very nice of you, Lady Midford,' Alice replied distractedly, trying to cut the congratulatory moment short.

'...but I cannot.' Lizzy finished her statement, eyes raised to lock with the ones of Alice. Lady Arrington finally complied and graced her with her attention, her declaration momentarily causing her to forget about her prey. 'It is quite regretful however, I cannot wish you happiness nor can I accept this union.'

Alice blinked at the girl in front of her, a bit taken aback by her courage. Not only was she defying her through innocent sincerity, she was also performing such act in front of an audience. People around them sensed the tension and lowered their voices as they opened their ears to listen in, whispers having already taken supremacy over the closed space. It was true what they said about Midford's daughter; she was a brave little girl who knew exactly what she wanted and Alice could see why she had been considered the ideal candidate as Ciel's wife. She was also very pretty with those green eyes of hers and luscious blonde curls, a true Victorian beauty, and there was an inner strength in Elizabeth which radiated through her entire frame. Alice wondered if she ever appeared like that to someone when she was younger too. Did Charles Grey ever look at her and feel intimated or was she only just a poor imitation? Alice exhaled slowly, shaking off the brief effect Lizzy had had on her, remembering that there was something else she should have been focusing on that evening.

'I see,' Alice replied shortly, hoping to bring the conversation to a close however, Lizzy seemed to have other plans.

'From all my heart, I hope you will not be too bruised by my words however, you must understand, this news has been quite a shock to me. I have been promised to Ciel Phantomhive since as long as I can remember and I was not expecting this turn of events,' Lizzy explained, holding a very impressive stance.

'Understandably so,' Alice agreed, wishing this could be over sooner than later.

'I have known Ciel far longer than you and I have genuine affection for him.'

'Of that, I have no doubt,' Alice replied to the girl, careful to be in accordance with everything she said, somewhat certain this could urge her to finish quicker. In opposition, though, Elizabeth saw this as a sign of indifference; the manner of treatment an adult would apply to a child when they were not to be taken seriously and that brought tears of exasperation to her eyes and she could no longer hold on to her exquisitely polite speech.

'I cannot possibly see you as a suitable wife for Earl Phantomhive, Lady Arrington. You are just too...too...old!' Lizzy finished, in lack of a better word. Despite realizing her mistake, the words had been uttered and most people around them had hear them all. Lizzy panicked all of a sudden, realizing that she had insulted the daughter of a Count and the Queen's current favourite and her father's social standing could register substantial damage because of her big mouth. Fearfully, she looked around her at the shocked aristocratic faces and then back at Alice, dreading what could have come her way. Instead, Alice burst into a fit of laughter.

'You are absolutely right! I keep repeating the same truth to myself over and over. I wake up everyday to the thought of my marriage and my younger husband-to-be and I realize...' Alice paused in her laughter, her face saddening, her lips quivering, 'that there is absolutely nothing I can do about it.' Her tone became a whisper and her hands were brought to her face in order to shield herself at the precise moment when her eyes began tearing up. 'Her Majesty's will is absolute and I must marry the person who has been decided for me. I have not been asked about my preferences, I have only been informed and yet I, as an exemplary Lady, I have chosen to abide by my duty. Is that my sin, Lady Midford? Is that why I am so hated by you? Will you ever forgive me, I wonder?'

Elizabeth paled and out of preservation took a step back as the people around them ceased to be simple spectators and opted to kneel down besides Alice, offering words of comfort. Even the female group Alice had joined earlier had made its way over to the girl, pushing past Lizzy to reach their lady.

'Lady Alice, please don't cry!'

'Yes, Lady Arrington, pull yourself together! No one cares if your husband is younger than you.'

'We were only teasing you! Oh, the things I wouldn't give just to be in your shoes,' one of the ladies reassured.

'Pardon me, Madam?!' Her approaching husband exclaimed, a look of pure astonishment visible in his eyes.

'Oh hush, darling! Can't you see you're upsetting Lady Arrington?' His wife silenced him off immediately.

'Everyone...please,' Alice finally revealed her grieved face once more, 'perhaps it's best I am alone for now,' she suggested as she was helped up by the gentlemen next to her.

'Are you sure, my dear?' Lady Fairr inquired, sincerely worried about the girl.

'Yes, please don't let me ruin your evening. You have all been most kind to me,' Count Arrington's daughter said, her feet bringing her closer to the hallways; slowly but surely. As she advanced towards her way out, she could not help but look back at the helpless Elizabeth Midford, revelling in how speechless she had been rendered.

You have yet to grow my dear, Alice told her internally, and eventually you too will realize that a woman's best offense is her defence. As Mother would say, 'When a lady is attacked, she should not reply in the same manner but better yet, she should turn the tables around on her opponent'.

Grateful to her mother's rare but useful teachings, Alice was now free to run after Benjamin Sarrow and hopefully bring that mission to a close.

Lizzy on the other hand felt imprisoned. By her words, by her actions, by the consequences. She should have known a direct confrontation with Alice Arrington would not end well; in fact, she was smarter than that. She understood that such discussions were to be unveiled in private not during a royal ball where so many witnesses would be present and would unmistakably protect the one with a higher rank. The blonde girl glanced to her right to her own mother who looked furious, every fibre of her being disagreeing with what she had done. And even so, she could not help herself from addressing Alice. She used to admire her, she used to aspire to be someone as graceful and accomplished as her and yet after the news of Ciel's engagement to her reached her ears, Lizzy could not help but regard Alice as nothing other than a thief. Her mind told her Alice was not to blame but her heart pounded with thoughts of vile jealousy, repeating that the older woman had taken everything she ever knew and loved.

At the beginning of the soiree Lizzy promised herself to exercise supreme control although, when she saw those two together, Ciel walking over to Alice willingly and the woman leaning in to whisper who knows what nonsense in his ear, she childishly saw red before her eyes. Questions started to pop out, her breath becoming irregular. Was this going for longer than she had suspected? Was he actually in love with Alice Arrington? Was she the reason he broke off their engagement? And so, when Alice passed by her, Lizzy's lips had started moving without proper consent and her punishment came immediately. Lizzy had lost that battle.

'Lizzy,' a familiar voice rang next to her.

The little girl summoned what was left of her courage and twirled around to greet, head lowered in embarrassment.

'Ciel,' she answered miserably. 'Did you receive my letters?' Lizzy hurried to ask, afraid to hear reprimands from his part.

'Yes,' he said simply.

'Why didn't you write back to me?' She inquired, now looking at him. As always, he was radiant with a type of cold darkness, his butler inevitably next to him like a shadow. She was supposed to grow closer to him but each day brought them even farther away. As much as it pained her, this was not the boy she used to adore but neither was he completely gone to give up on that easily.

'There was nothing to write, that is all,' he spoke. 'The Queen had ordered this marriage and I am accepting it as part of my duty towards the Crown.'

'But you had broken off the engagement before that, Ciel. You told my father it's best we do so in order to keep me safe.'

'That is right,' he nodded, remembering the taxing conversation he had with Midford. 'Giving who I am, my life will be filled with perils and dangers you cannot even begin to imagine and I could never forgive myself for willing putting you in so much danger.'

Lizzy frowned, clearly not satisfied with that explanation. 'That should not matter, I was always aware of your position,' she stubbornly counteracted, biting on her lower lip, curling her toes inside her flat shoes. That was mainly the reason why she chose to become good at sword fighting, why she never wore high-heels, why she acted sweet and innocent. Everything had been for him, to protect him and he never knew. And now he was so ready and eager to marry another.

'Maybe there is something else?' Lizzy pressed on, as if expecting another type of answer from him. 'Perhaps she has captured your heart?'

It took Ciel a few good moments to snap out of his astonishment. He was always amazed at how women could take something perfectly rational and turn it into an emotional mess. He wondered what part of his sane explanation could have directed Lizzy towards the ridiculous conclusion that he could actually have some sort of romantic affinity towards Alice. He barely knew the woman and he could safely admit that he did not like her nor would he ever learn to love her. The earl was seconds away from bursting into laughter however, the butler at his side had cleared his throat demanding he displayed caution. Understanding Sebastian's message, Ciel took off his glove and touching Lizzy's gentle cheek, he gave into what he should have done in the first place.

'Lizzy, you shall not speak of such absurdities. My relationship with Lady Arrington is purely business and duty, you should know by now how arranged marriages function. Rest assured, apart from yourself, there will never be another I hold dearest,' Ciel declared, himself believing the weight of those words. Fortunately, he was not the only one since Lizzy's expression mellowed, eyes lit at his rare moment of speaking so openly and truthfully to her. She had never heard him tell her of his emotions and while that was a step forward for them, it was taken at the wrong time.

'I will treasure what you said tonight for as long as I live, Ciel,' Lizzy said, a smile creeping at the corners of her mouth. 'But I can't forgive the circumstances that easily. I believed we would be together forever.'

'So have I,' Ciel responded, having once believed in the truth of that statement. Currently, matters were different and forever was a foreign concept to him, especially with his soul already lost to the demon at his side. 'But we grow up and society teaches us there are responsibilities we must adopt. You too have a responsibility, Lizzy. You're part of aristocracy and your behaviour tonight was unworthy of your breeding. I hope you will take a few moments to reflect on it,' he added to Lizzy's fear. She had not escaped his scolding after all. And she deserved it, her decisions that evening were poorly executed.

'Try to forgive me, Lizzy,' Ciel advised as he retracted his hand and slid on his black glove once more. 'You and I have a special relationship. We're cousins and we will always remain close. Nothing changed,' he finished, taking a short bow in front of Lizzy. 'I'll excuse myself for tonight and I'll wait for you to come talk to me when you're prepared.'

Following his example, Sebastian too bowed in front of Elizabeth and trailed after his master as he headed towards the main hallway. Neither of them looked back and perhaps it was for the best, for they could not see Lizzy's blurry eyes nor the tears that had uncontrollably started rolling off the girl's cheeks. Having witnessed the entire scene, Elizabeth's mother walked over to her daughter and forgetting her previous fury, drew her into a tight embrace among the clueless guests. Within the warmth of her mother's torso, Lizzy unleashed her cries, her trembling voice muffling her sorrow:

'Stupid Ciel. Everything changed.'


If he were to be frank, Ciel was content that evening was finally going to be over. Seeing Lizzy once more had reminded him that his decision to call off the engagement had been right. Lizzy was important to him and in order to achieve his goal and avoid having people close to him getting hurt, he had to cut off those ties himself. He half-expected Sebastian to comment the situation but apparently, he was wisely waiting for his turn at home. But Ciel wouldn't know for sure, there were moments when he could not read him very well and that made him feel helpless and yet when he was with him, he had the courage to move mountains. Unfortunately, his plan did not go that well that night and he still did not find out much about Sarrow's intentions. He did uncover a lead though but that business would remain for the following morning.

Forgetting that thought, Ciel spotted Alice looming over the palace exit, not aware that she too was after Sarrow. Alice caught sight of them as well, eyebrows raised in curiosity.

'Earl Phantomhive. Have you come to comfort me, perhaps?' She asked, still bitter for having just missed Sarrow. The guards had informed her that the man got into a carriage and rode away, destination unknown. If only she hadn't wasted time with Elizabeth Midford, she could have caught him at the gates.

'My sympathy won't be lost on your fake tears, My Lady,' Ciel snorted. 'I've seen enough of you to understand you're not that sensible.'

'Well done,' Alice said as she clapped in mockery and walked over to them.

'Not to mention that what you did tonight was in poor taste.'

Alice's smile turned upside-down, not appreciating his tone, nor the implication.

'I trusted you'd be more understanding giving the fact that you persist in keeping me as your future wife. Lady Elizabeth attacked me and I retaliated in the most socially acceptable manner. Mind you, I have no regrets.'

Ciel listened, walking over to her too and as soon as she finished her words, his gloved hand reached out to grasp her arm. A bit brutally, he pulled her until her face was at his level and his eyes were fixing hers with utmost severity.

'I believe you should. You see, Lady Elizabeth may not be my fiancé anymore however, she continues to remain my cousin and I would like you to keep in mind that members of my family should be treated with respect. Do something like this again and I promise you Alice, you will see me very angry.'

Her mouth opened in stupefaction, barely understanding what had happened. She had never been reprimanded by anyone, especially not by a young boy and to be threatened to that extent had been almost traumatic. For a moment there, she had forgotten she had a will and she did not even know how to respond. Eventually, Alice released her arm from his grip and pulled herself back to her full height, her quickening breathing betraying her surging emotions.

'Well, it seems you have feelings for her after all!' She threw in his face, unable to find better means to protect herself.

'Of course I do,' Ciel agreed, placing his hat on top of his head and securing his night cape. 'Lady Elizabeth and I are related by blood which means that all I do for her comes from the goodness of my own heart whereas what I have to do for you, will come from the goodness of the Queen's heart. Make sure you remember it well.'

Having lost interest in her, Ciel tipped his hat and headed to the exit.

'Have a lovely evening, Lady Arrington,' Sebastian wished Alice and left along with his master, his head shaking in disapproval. While lecturing others for their behaviour, Ciel's own behaviour had been taboo, especially in front of a lady of noble descent. Sebastian's approach would have been different but his master had displayed enough kindness for the night in the presence of Lady Elizabeth and apparently, Lady Alice was not worthy of such a feat. While understanding his master's vanity, the butler considered it wise to stir his master in a better direction; all in all, the Arrington name was a powerful one and demon as he was, Sebastian himself could not help Ciel if he were to lose his social standing or even the favour of the girl's father. But he had to admit, it was rather amusing watching those two. Instinctively, Sebastian looked back just in time to see Lady Alice stomping her feet on the ground repeatedly in what could only be exasperation at what his master had said.

'Fufu,' Sebastian tried to stifle a laugh.

'What is it?' Ciel questioned, unaware of his butler's newly found entertainment.

'Nothing, Young Master,' Sebastian responded, a bit disappointed by how his master's human hearing could not discern the profanities Alice voiced out after their leave.


A/N: Another chapter done! It came a bit late because I was on vacation for a few days and I wanted to disconnect from everything. Needless to say, this chapter was lots of fun to write and imagine, so I hope it lightens up your day/evening a bit. Thank you to everyone who commented and added this to their favourites, much appreciated!

FleurSuoh: Hello and so happy to talk to you again. Your comment really made my day, it described the evolution of their relationship accurately! It makes me happy to know that someone else can look at Ciel and envision the same type of relationship for him :D. Relationships of any kind don't come that easily to Ciel anymore so it was important for me to create an 'antagonist' who would turn his world upside-down. Since he is the possessive type, he will very slowly start admitting to his growing affection towards Alice but when he does, it might be too much even for Alice. He is a child and children don't understand the concept of individual freedom that well so I'm looking forward to writing about those moments too. Hopefully, this chapter catered to your expectations, please let me know ;)

lizyeh2000: Thank you, my dear! This chapter is even longer so please do enjoy. I needed it to be a bit longer because I did not want to divide the narrative at the wrong part. Hope you like it!

Black Dragon Mistress: Thank you so much, I actually chuckled while reading your comment, I am really flattered XD! I know what you mean about CielxOC fanfictions, I wanted to read a fun and adventurous story too but since I could not find it, I decided to do it myself. I'm not that sure if it's turning as well as it should since I don't have much feedback from people but that just makes you guys even more special because you take the time to appreciate something different and deliver me a sincere review. Thank you again and I hope to hear from you again, every thought counts! Love.

Diamond-Grl45: Hey again and so much love! Don't worry, this won't be the only ball/party they will be attending but it is an important one because we could see the two of them in society and like you said, chaos is more likely to ensue when there are more people gathered, hehe. I was worried about introducing the Charles but they play such a big role both in the manga and the anime that I could not resist. Also, this was a royal ball so they simply had to be present and as for Grey, he does seem to me like the type who would have an 'unrequited love'. He is also very strong and stubborn and it makes it more appealing to me to portray him in this manner so it's gratifying for me to know you enjoyed their addition to the story. And you're absolutely right, Alice does look like the lady in the OVA, I finally saw pictures of her. The only difference is that she wears her hair in more voluminous hairstyles and she is not as shy as the OVA lady. Until next time, take care!

Arces: Call for Alice's mother, of course! That's a gentleman's main weapon in Victorian society XD. And no daughter can argue with that. Thank you for commenting!^^

BornABurra: Thank you for the review, you have no idea how happy they make me! I figured Alice knows everyone. In fact, she HAS to know everyone giving her position in society and her father's influence and since her family is so closely tied to the Queen, knowing the Charles came with the job, as they say. I needed a bit of drama around that trio though because Grey does not seem the type who gets along with anyone, especially with women. When I look at his character, I kind of think the only woman in his life is the Queen and that's what makes him special. It makes sense to me he would fall in love with Jane (who is now dead) and as the story progresses, I will explain the reasons why she was so loved as a person. I'm happy to see you picked up on the small details and that you noticed how deductive Alice is, it takes a fine eye, well done! In the spirit of more entertaining chapters, I wish this chapter was enjoyable and hope to see your comments again. Take care ;)