Alois' POV

Evening rolls around and before I know it it's time for the ball to begin. I calmly walk down the hallway to the ballroom. Walking into the party, the room is full of guests, but no one I have an interest in talking to. I look for Ciel, but don't see him anywhere. Getting slightly nervous, I approach a blonde girl in a red dress.

"Excuse me miss," I ask politely, "Have you seen Cie- I mean, Lord Phantomhive?"

The blonde turns to look at me with glowing green eyes and smiles.

"Not yet," she says, "But Ciel is probably around here somewhere. We'll see him soon enough. I don't believe we've met."

"My apologies, I am Lord Alois Trancy."

"So you're Lord Trancy!" the girl squeals, god she's getting annoying, "My name's Elizabeth."

Elizabeth? That name sounds familiar, but why? I don't know anyone named Elizabeth.

"It's a pleasure, milady," I tell her smoothly. No sooner than I finish my sentence does Ciel emerge from the crowd to come greet us. He looks amazing tonight. I mean he always looks amazing, but tonight, he's just glowing with positive energy.

"Hello Lord Trancy," says to me, careful to use formality, "What a lovely party you've thrown. I must say you've outdone yourself."

"Thank you Lord Phantomhive," I say resisting the urge to stare at him like a fool.

"CIEL!" Elizabeth screams before glomping herself onto him. Who does this girl think she is?! I grit my teeth, trying not to let my jealousy show. It could be problematic for both of us if anyone noticed.

"Lizzie," Ciel says softly, "Please get off of me."

Lizzie complies and smiles at him, "Sorry, it's just been awhile since we last saw each other and I missed you."

That's when it hits me. I remember Ciel mentioning his engagement to an Elizabeth, this must be her. She's cute, I'll give her that, but Ciel doesn't seem to think too highly of her. It's as if she annoys but hey, she annoys me too. I'm sure Elizabeth could try the patience of a saint.

"I missed you too," Ciel says halfheartedly, "Why don't you go socialize with some of the other guests? I'd like to speak to Lord Trancy alone."
"But Ciel," Elizabeth whines, "I want to dance."

"Later, Elizabeth. I'll find you when I'm done."

Elizabeth plants a kiss on Ciel's cheek and runs off into the crowd. Ciel sighs and looks at me.

"God, she's annoying," he tells me.

"Isn't she your fiance?" I ask and he nods.

"Unfortunately for me. Alois, I need to talk to you."

"About what?"

"Just, things."

"What kind of things?"

"Is there anywhere we can talk in private?"

"Our best bet would be the bedrooms."

"We'll go to yours, It's closer than mine."

Ciel goes to walk out of the room, but is stopped by a tan man with shaggy white hair.

"Excuse me Lord Phantomhive," the man says, "But Prince Soma would like to greet you."

"Agni,' Ciel says, acknowledging the man, "Can this wait a moment? I'm in the middle of a conversation with Lord Trancy."

"I understand your displeasure, but Prince Soma refuses to wait."

Ciel turns to face me, "Why don't you go on ahead? I'll handle this matter quickly and be there in a minute."

"Ok," I say shyly before leaving the room to go to my bedroom. What does Ciel want to talk about that he can't say it in the ballroom?

Ciel's POV

I follow Agni to where Prince Soma is waiting. The second he catches sight of me, he smiles.

"Greetings Lord Phantomhive," Prince Soma says.

"Greetings Prince Soma," I say, trying to hide my annoyance of being pulled away from Alois. Couldn't this fool wait?! "What is it you wish to speak to me about?'

"I just wanted to have a friendly chat with you," the Prince says.

"With all due respect your Highness, could we maybe do so at a later time? You see I was about to tell someone something very special."

I'm not lying either, tonight I plan on telling Alois that my feelings for him run deeper than friendship. I want to be more than his friend. But between Elizabeth and Prince Soma, at this rate I'm not gonna get the chance.

"Oh? Who would this someone be? Is it perhaps Lady Elizabeth?" Prince Soma asks, god does he need to know everything?!

"That's none of your business," I say coldly, "Now may I go?"

I don't wait around for Soma's response, I walk away and find Sebastian not far.

"You seem more irritable than usual young master," he says quietly.

"Shut up," I tell him, "I'm stepping out for a bit. If anyone asks, tell them I'm indisposed."

"And if Lord Trancy should be the one seeking you?" he asks, remembering my order from the previous day.

"I get the feeling he won't be looking," I tell him. Sebastian looks a little confused for a minute but then smiles as if he finally understood the punchline to a confusing joke.

"I'll insure you won't be bothered," Sebastian finally says before disappearing. I leave the ball and start for Alois' room. Here goes nothing.