So much work to do! I have two tests next week and a paper due! They are working us like dogs! I can't wait for Thanksgiving break because then I won't have to do anything but eat turkey and put up with my grand parents. Althought that last thought kinda just ruined my thoughts...
Anyway, here's the next chapter! I love you all for reviewing this story, It makes me very happy!
Elizabeth sat solemnly next to Nicholas. The voice of the minister drifted slowly around the grand church. It was Ciel's funeral. Elizabeth made a promise to herself that she would not, under any circumstances, cry. But she had so many things on her mind. What with the accusations of witchery, and Ciel's demon mark. Elizabeth couldn't believe it. She refused to believe that Ciel had contracted with a demon. But the mark was there for everyone to see. How could she deny it?
Maybe it was the devil trying to cause their deaths? Maybe he had placed the mark on Ciel after he'd killed him? Maybe the devil knew that someone would find the mark and that it would cause Nicholas and her deaths? There was nothing wrong with Ciel the night before, he was in perfect health even. There was no way he'd died of natural causes. And to anyone who was looking in at them it would seem that Elizabeth poisoned him! Whether Elizabeth could get out of this scandal alive, socially or physically, she knew not.
And what had happened to Sebastian? Had he tried to protect Ciel as he always did, and ended up killed along with him? If he had, where was his body? Had the devil stolen Sebastian's body? And if so, what for? Elizabeth had thought the world of Sebastian. He could do anything! It was so hard for Elizabeth to believe he'd let Ciel die. He was like an angel that had rescued Ciel from the depths of Hell! How could he let Ciel succumb to the devil so easily, and now of all times?
Elizabeth's thoughts drifted to Soma and Agni. She felt her chest heave as she thought of the two. The yard didn't dare lock up a noble woman without looking into the scandal even a little, but they held no reserves for locking up two Indians, even if one was a prince. How were Elizabeth's two dearest friends? What were they doing to them in jail? She swallowed a sob, blinking away the tears she dared not let escape.
A hand was placed on Elizabeth's. A small, childish hand that reminded her of Ciel when he was young. She held that had and brought it to her lips. She kissed it and rubbed it against her cheek, looking into Nicholas's green eyes. They held little feeling, no remorse, no pain, just determination. Elizabeth knew that Nicholas would be a great man, if he got out of this scandal alive.
"This too shall pass," Nicholas whispered into his mother's ear. She looked at him alarmed. What did he mean by that? This too shall pass? Did he mean that the scandal would blow over, and she would keep her life, and be able to live happily with him? Did he mean her life, was he certain she would die? Or perhaps he meant that the pain of Ciel's death would leave with her life? As her thoughts flitted by her eyes, she realized that what she was thinking was preposterous, Nicholas was just spouting nonsense. There was no way she could get anything of substance from that old cliché line. Or could she?
After Ciel's burial, the investigation began. The Yard reviewed the evidence, little as it was, and took the testimony of the people who worked closely with Ciel. They all testified that Ciel was a great man, and that he could never contract with a demon. But they had little nice to say about Elizabeth or Nicholas. They all claimed that Elizabeth was an odd girl who everyone suspected dabbled in the dark arts. Druitt even said that he had seen her and her son at some of his occult meetings. The Yard didn't dare put a child on trail, so Nicholas was pardoned, but Elizabeth was not.
There was no trail for Elizabeth. Her sentence was already decided by the Queen. It mattered not whether she was guilty, the Queen had to set an example for anyone who dared go against the religion of England or step out of line. Making an example of the nobles was what the Queen liked to do best. If the commoners knew that not even those of noble birth could get away with witch craft, it was more likely that they would not even think of crossing into the forbidden craft.
There was little that could save Elizabeth. There was little evidence in most witch trials, only testimony of those who were wronged. This case didn't even need testimony, the accusers had Ciel's eye, the proof that Ciel had been bewitched and ample proof that Elizabeth could be a witch. Just the fact that heathen Indians were involved darkened the situation for her. Her dear friends were going to die, just as she would, no doubt.
No, there was no way Elizabeth could be saved from the certain death that awaited her at the stake. Except one thing, one miracle that could save her from the stake, even for a mere six more months. Ciel's parting gift. The second sinful night Elizabeth had little chance to revel in gave her life until her child was born. She had her suspicions when she missed her ministration the first time, and by the time they had given her the sentence she was certain. They would dare not murder an unborn child. Her life was saved for now.
She sat in the jail cell, her hand against her womb. She knew this child would have a horrendous life when it was born. It would grow, knowing no parental warmth, nor any motherly love. She thought on how her two children would ever survive in the world without her or Ciel. What would happen to them? How could they live? They would hopefully have the servants Maylene, Bard and Finny, they were useless yes, but dedicated. Nicholas and Elizabeth's unborn child would have their inheritance, a fortune, and the Funtom company. Oh Elizabeth dreaded this end she would soon meet. Seeing her two children as her body would be engulfed in flames.