Ciel's POV

The beginning of the week flies by, and Thursday morning rolls around. I walk out the front door of the manor to where the carriage is waiting. Sebastian is standing nearby, giving orders to the rest of my staff. I approach them and Sebastian turns to smile at me.

"Are you ready to depart sir?" he asks.

"Yes," I tell him, "We should get going."

"Indeed, we have a long trip ahead of us."

With final goodbyes and instructions to the others, we climb into the carriage and depart. As the carriage moves I can't help but think about this invitation. Isn't it a bit unusual to have someone you've never met be a guest of honor at your party? Something's off about this whole thing, I can feel it.

"Is something bothering you my lord?" Sebastian asks me and I dismiss the thoughts with a wave of my hand.

"It's nothing important," I tell him, "Don't worry about it."

"If you say so sir."

I look out the window and watch the scenery fly by us. What do you have in store for me, Alois Trancy?

Alois' POV

I run around the manor, excitement emanating from my body. Today's the day I finally meet the famed Ciel Phantomhive. The manor's alive with energy, Claude has Hannah and the Triplets cleaning the place while he works on lunch for everyone. I find myself in the main hallway, Hannah is nearby putting fresh flowers in the nearby vases. God I hate that woman.

"Hannah!" I yell, "Has the garden been tended to?"

"N-no, your highness," Hannah replies weakly, "I-its supposed to rain, so I assumed-"

"You assumed?!" I shout, "What? That the garden wouldn't be included in the tour of the manor!? God you're so dense!"

I approach her and slap her in the face, she falls to her knees.

"I'm sorry to have upset you," she says softly, "I'll get right on that."

"See to it that you do," I order, "And never assume anything again. That's just like a woman to assume things. If you ask me, the world would be better off without them."

Hannah gets up and walks away, probably headed to the garden like I told her.

"Your highness, I understand you're looking forward to meeting Lord Phantomhive, but things would go a lot faster if you found a better way to occupy your time than harassing the staff."

I turn to find Claude standing in the doorway, watching me.

"Are you giving me an order, Claude?" I accuse him. Claude smiles and approaches me slowly.

"Of course not," he assures me, "I'm just stating a point."

"Well, what do you suggest I do instead?"

Claude places a hand under my chin and tilts my head up. HIs emerald gaze locks with mine and I see a flicker of emotion in his eyes. Is that lust?

"I have a few ideas in mind," he says softly. I feel his lips press against mine and shock seizes my body. What the fuck?! I push Claude away from me and jump back a few steps.

"Claude?! What the hell was that?!" I demand.

"Absolutely nothing Highness," he says with a coy smile, "Please excuse me, I must go check on lunch."

Claude leaves the room, and I just stand there with my head reeling, unsure of what just happened. God, Claude is creepy, and to be honest he terrifies me. I shake the thoughts away and resume my rampage through the manor. It's gonna take a lot more than a sketchy butler making a move to ruin my mood.