"After your Morning Tea, you will have some negotiations with Lord Adentider and with Prince Soma. Apparently, they both want to expand with the help of the company. This should take about an hour each. After this I'll give you your afternoon tea. Shortly after your Tutor Abby should be here to help teach you how to cook and sew. Lady Elizabeth also wants you to give another try at fencing, so she won't be the only girl around her age who knows how to fence. After all, you will be the wife of the youngest Nightengale. Also, you have paperwork to fill out shortly after your fencing lesson with Lady Elizabeth, who will arrive around 2 o' clock," Sebastian said, pouring the tea while Meylene was brushing my hair.
"Thank you, Sebastian," I said. He bowed slightly and left the room. He was probably heading over to Ciel's room, or his office, depending if he woke up by himself for once.
I'm not going to ever be able to be the perfect house wife. I sighed, looking at myself in the mirror. I almost look like mother, except I had father's raven black hair. I cook no better than Bard and every time I try to sew; I keep pricking my fingers with the needles. Even with those wooden sticks my whole project falls apart. I can semi-what handle a gun, only I close my eyes every time I shoot it. I can understand why Ciel wants me to learn, so I can protect myself when Peter isn't home, but it just scares me, holding a gun. When I first fenced with Elizabeth, err, Lizzy, my sword came flinging out of my hand and almost stabbed Ciel in the stomach. Luckily, Sebastian caught it, but if he wasn't there in time Ciel would have had a serious injury.
Then, of course, came to Sebastian. I know that he's a demon, but how did Ciel and Sebastian find each other? Ciel contracted with him 5 years ago, when he was 13. He never really went into detail about it, but he made it pretty clear on what he wanted. Returning back to reality, I saw that Meylene was looking at me through the mirror. I gave her a small smile and she continued on what she was doing. Looking back at last night, the dream slowly came back into my mind; dancing with Sebastian, the Dance Macabre, and the feelings through his words and steps. But what really stuck with me is what he said before I slipped into a dream within a dream. What did he exactly mean by dream pleasant dreams while I still can? It was a question that obviously can't be answered until it's too late. Pondering on about it would only bring stress, which is something I would not need for the day, which is only just beginning.
"Young Mistress, Lord Adentider is here, are you ready to speak with him?" Sebastian said through the shut door. I got up from my seat, when I noticed that Meylene was already gone from my room. I'm really out of it today. I shook my head as I opened my door to a perfect posture Sebastian, "He is waiting in the lounge. He's ready to get to the point, so it should take less time then what I thought it would."
I nodded at his response and continued walking. As I opened the door there was a man who was looking at a book that I placed there last night. He was probably in his mid to late twenties. He had curly dark brow with a mutual hazel eyes. When he noticed a presence in the room, he looked over and smiled. He stood up and bowed, "My name is Derek Adentider, and it's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Phantomhive. Shall we begin?"
He explained how it would help greatly if we helped him with his first expansion of his small town company. He said he needed a loan, of about 12,000 pounds in order to do so. He promised that he would pay us back as soon as he was able to make a continuous of money. I looked at him suspiciously as he slowly faded out of his sentence, and then remained quiet, waiting for me to speak.
"What is this company exactly, Lord Adentider?" I looked at him, playing with a lock of my hair.
"It's called Adentider Cotton Socks. Basically, they are more of a cheaper type of cotton sent from America, so where the lower class people of England could buy socks," He said looking for me to see if the answer was approved, which I thought it was.
I thought long and hard about his request. If we give him the money, he may be able to spread the word about the Futom Company. However, if he doesn't, then there will be issues. It would also sound like….. I looked at Lord Adentider again, who was waiting for an answer patiently. But what if it would be easier for him not to pay in full, but to pay in parts, so he doesn't have long to forget about his loan. My eyes shot up at the thought and knew exactly what I was going to do.
"Lord Adentider, I'm going to give you the loan," His eyes widened and a huge grin appeared on his face. He was about to show his gratitude, but I raised my hand up and stopped him, "However, I will not ask you to pay it in full a couple years from now. In fact, you will pay it in parts. In six months from now…." I started telling him the situation that he was going to be in. I explained in very fine detail, and asked him to sign a document, showing that he was agreeing to the terms I gave him. Signing it quite faster than expected, I was handed back a document with Lord Adentider's signature on it. As he got up out of his chair, he bowed and kissed my hand. Giving me a small but very nice smile, he left the lounge, and was led to the door by Sebastian himself.
I layed there knowing that was only the first client of the day. Looking at the giant grandfather clock in the far corner of the room, it showed it was 8:30, and I woke up at 7:45 this morning, meaning that the first meeting only went for forty-five minutes, which means there will be more time for other things, besides my next meeting. I sighed at that thought, watching as the clock was slowly ticking seconds away until I see Abby and Elizabeth. I don't know which I dreaded most, either learning how to cook and sew, or learn how to fence with Elizabeth. Just the thought sent shivers down my spine. Deciding that there was no use in just laying on this couch all day, I sat up and walked over to the window, opening it so that a soft breeze could blow in. I leaned toward it, having it sweep over my body.
"Young Mistress, are you ready?" I turn around to see Sebastian with the door slightly open, only enough so he could see in here. I nodded, turning around so my back was facing the window, "Here is Prince Soma, from India and his servant Agani," He opens the door fully having two people walk in. I looked at them and sighed, not liking what I'm seeing.
Obviously, it was easy to tell which one was the prince, and which one was the servant. The Prince had that childish look on his face, and he obviously thought he could get what he wanted whenever he wanted it. It seems like he was just given everything. His eyes were a hazel brown while his har was a dark purple color. I wonder if he fell into something purple. I smiled at the thought and continued looking down at him. His robes were threaded with gold. And he had golden earrings. I honestly don't see how this guy needs the loan. I mean seriously, he could just sell some of his stuff.
"Hello Phantomhive, my name is Prince Soma, and I'm hoping you have the money that you can give to me so we can be on our way," Soma smiled cockily and held out his hand, as though I was just going to give it to him. I smiled and laughed at his stupidity.
"Do you really think I'm just going to hand over money to a spoiled brat like you? Honestly, I'm not that stupid. Besides, what do you want the money for anyways?"
He looked at me and I saw his servant look at me apologetically. Obviously, Prince Soma has no use for the money anyways. It also wouldn't help the company with expansion, especially when there was no way to negotiate with the foolish boy at all. Even though I wanted this to go as slowly as possible, I would rather be with Abby or Elizabeth any day. I stood up, knowing I was being watched by both of them in the room, "This won't work, your selfish, that's why you don't have any money for your country. Sebastian, please escort them out, there is no further need for them to be here," With that, I walked out of the lounge, not wanting to hear anything further from them. Sebastian started walking them out to the front door, but I heard footsteps running as fast as they could behind me. I turned around just in time to see the prince hugging me on his knees. I was trying to push him off, as nicely as I could, but that just made him cling on even more. I sighed giving up and crossed my arms to my chest. He looked at me with pleading eyes, obviously wanting me to help him. Just then, Ciel came out of his office looking at both me and the Prince.
"I have no idea who you are, but would you please get off my sister? It's odd seeing that sort of thing in my manor," Ciel said calmly, and walked passed me, reading something. I tried to see what it was, but he was keeping it from my view. Probably some note from the Queen. He's probably going somewhere today or tomorrow.
"I'm so sorry for my rudeness, Lady Phantomhive. Please, could we discuss this? I didn't mean to," Prince Soma looked at me, pleading, and I was going to say something when Abby walked in through the door. Well that's new, she's early. I looked at the time to see it was 10:00 in the morning. Time passes that fast? Well, looks like we'll continue this tomorrow.
"I'm sorry, Prince Soma, but the Young Mistress has some studies she needs to attend to," Sebastian stated, leading them to the door, "I will get your tea ready shortly Young Mistress. I'm sorry I didn't get it done sooner," He bowed slightly, and walked the two men to the door.
Walking down the stairs, I saw Abby taking out books and fabric. I looked at it all, noticing that some of them were my failed products, and others were unfinished ones. Some of the books were recipe books, while others were sewing books. There were all types of fabric inside her bag. Maybe I lied; I honestly want to continue the meeting. Abby looked up, pushing up her small framed glasses higher on the bridge of her nose. She gave me a small smile and I had to smile back, as both politeness and kindness.
She ushered me to the kitchen, where I dreaded stepping foot in. The whole room was spotless, and I knew I was going to ruin it. Looking behind me, I saw her nodding, shooing me inside. She flipped open a page in the recipe book and layed it down on the counter, pointing to a honey-glazed pot roast. I sighed, looking it over and over again, hoping to burn some time. She gave me a look which meant that I had to start soon; otherwise we would never get it done. I grabbed some of this and some of that to begin.
It started out good, I swear it did. It's just that some soapy water was on the ground, which made me slip, ruining the whole pot roast that I had created. Trying to cook it again turned into an utter failure. All the dishes were dirty, so I had to wash them. Also we were out of honey, so then Abby had to take me to the market about 10 miles from the estate in order to continue. Also, the oven was too hot, so it burnt the pot roast. It made Sebastian have to figure out how to get a new oven here by dinner, which was most likely impossible, even with his incredible talents.
Having Abby scold me all the way into the sewing room made my mood only get worse. I was trying my hardest, but I'm not exactly wife material. Or at least house wife material. Maybe I could be side by side with Peter! But that includes learning how to handle a sword properly. Or maybe I could be a long distance type of protector! Then again, I would have to be able to shoot a gun with my eyes open in order not to hit Peter or his family. What would be worse is that I would shoot the queen. There goes the Phantomhive reputation. Staying in thought to long, I pricked my fingers at least seven or eight times before I really noticed any pain. Also the thread was not staying in the fabric itself was not helping anything either. Honestly, I didn't know who was more frustrated, Abby or me.
"Lady Phantomhive! I have no idea how you will be any use to Lord Nightengale! You can't cook or sew, and you can't handle a sword or a gun! You need to put your head back on straight, My Lady. Stop putting your head so far into the clouds!"
My fists clenched the wooden sticks that I was holding. After giving up on the needle and thread, I thought that maybe trying to finish one of my other various projects. I heard someone opening the door, and it was no other then Elizabeth, with a bright smile on her face. Sometimes, I think she is purely lucky to be in the type of family that she's in. Not learning how to cook or sew, that would be the life for me. Maybe I would be able to fence as well. But then again, with my clumsiness and skill, I truly don't think that's possible. Forgetting that Abby was there, she started moving my hands for me, knowing that the project needed to be done sooner or later. I guess she wanted them done sooner, which I really didn't understand.
As soon as Abby let go, I threw everything to the ground. I was looked at with utter shock, but I honestly didn't care. I wasn't going anywhere in life. I can't cook or sew, like a good wife should. I can't handle a sword or shoot a gun without my eyes closed. I might not even be able to take care of my future children. That thought only made my anger rise as I got up out of the chair. I curtsied, making my leave. I was done for the day, at least with Abby. Now I had to deal with Elizabeth. As I looked at the clock, it read 12:30. Strange, shouldn't Sebastian be here with tea by now? I took my eyes off the clock and headed out the door, to the doom I was going to face. I started walking down the stairs, seeing that Elizabeth was almost in tears. Meylene was still talking when I fully made it downstairs. Elizabeth finally noticed me, and ran over to give me a hug. I hugged her back, but not with the same feeling that she had.
"Young Mistress, did Ciel say any form of goodbye to you?" Meylene looked at me as I shook my head, and she sighed. Utterly confused, I looked back and forth at Meylene and Elizabeth, hoping one of them would give me an answer, any answer.
"Oh Naomi, it's horrible! Ciel left early this morning with Sebastian for his little case. Sebastian came home and asked to see if Ciel was home. Naomi, Ciel's missing. No one has seen him," With that, Elizabeth started to cry more. I looked at her shock, not honestly believing anything she said.
Out of all people, Sebastian should know where Ciel is. I looked out the window to see the sun at its prime, which was a good thing. That means there's still plenty of time to look for Ciel. I ran over to the coat rack and grabbed mine, slipping it on. Meylene ran over to me, helping me, even though she wanted me to stay. I ran out the door, with only a few steps I ran into no other then Sebastian, who helped me steady myself. I knew he was about to say something, but I went around him into the carriage. Elizabeth followed shortly behind, and with that we left, leaving behind a confused Sebastian.
Watching through the windows, Elizabeth and I looked through the trees, hoping to see some sort of sign for Ciel. With no luck, we waited until we were in London, where we could search a lot better, since we didn't have to be inside looking out. Looking through alleys and into the smaller parts of London, there was no sign of him. We even started asking people, but to no prevail, there was no one who saw him. The sun was starting to lower to the west side, and I was almost ready to call it a day. Elizabeth took off her fencing shoes and put on more comfortable ones already. I never knew there were shoes for fencing. I guess I'll learn something new. Walking around, tired and frustrated, we saw a few members of the Scott Yard, and that's what gave me hope. We started running to them, but had to stop due to a slow carriage. As soon as they passed, we saw them starting to walk away. Running even faster, we caught up to them, panting, one stopped and turned around. It was Aberline, with a big smile on his face, and also a concerned one.
"Aberline…..h-have you seen Ciel anywhere? I mean, he was working with you earlier today, wasn't he?" I looked at him, hoping for some kind of information. He started thinking, but shook his head no. I sighed, knowing that that was our last hope.
Turning around we started walking away, but turned back around and waved him goodbye. It was obvious he wanted to help, but he had no information, "I'll file a report. If we have any information, I'll let you know, ok?" I nodded and Elizabeth smiled happily, and we just continued walking.
The sun was setting, and I knew it was time to call it a night. Elizabeth yawned and had a sleepy smile on her face. It was no shock, we had a long day and there was no sign of him. That thought just made it even worse. At least Aberline is going to file a report. A carriage pulled up beside us. Elizabeth and I started backing away, and we're ready to make a break for it. As the door opened, a tall Phantomhive butler appeared with a relieved smile on his face. Opening the door wide, he helped both of us in, and told Finni to head back to the estate. Closing the door, we all sat quietly. Elizabeth was all but asleep on my lap, Sebastian was sitting in his perfect posture, and I was staring out the window. Sebastian was giving me a look, but I was pretending I didn't notice.
"Running out like that while your brother is missing isn't the best idea, My Lady. We are already missing one Phantomhive. We don't need another one, not to mention Lady Elizabeth as well."
I continued to ignore him, but I couldn't stop thinking about both Ciel and the dream from last night. Could Ciel and my dream have a connection somehow? The thought was to out there, with no proof and no observation to go with it. It was just an empty thought that would soon fade away as the night continued on, or so I thought so. Ciel was out there though, this much I knew was true, and he was defenseless without Sebastian at his side. But Sebastian could always find Ciel, how is this time any different? Thinking on, I tried to make some clues, some facts, anything to create the whole puzzle. But there were only pieces, and those pieces were minor. Pawns, is what Ciel would called them. Ciel would be able to figure this out, so all I have to do is think like Ciel. Even though that could be impossible, I still tried anyways. The first time I saw Ciel this morning was before my first client, which means, it had to be before 8:45, because that's when the first meeting ended. Also, Ciel had to have the letter he was holding when he walked passed me either slightly before or during my meeting with Prince Soma and Agani. It was most likely towards the end, since he walked by me reading it, and it was just after it ended, which was around…..
The gears started turning in my head. I wanted to continue the meeting tomorrow. I said that around 10:00. Also, it took at least two or three minutes in order for Ciel to pass me. Most likely, Ciel left during my studies with Abby, since Sebastian didn't bring up the tea even though he said he would. So that means, Ciel was already gone for a few hours. But what doesn't make since is why was Sebastian not with Ciel? He was his shadow, and your shadows always stay with you, even in there not seen. Something there caught me, and it wasn't right. Even when there not seen, so does that mean Sebastian…. I looked up at him but then another thought struck. But wait, Sebastian just came back from SEARCHING for Ciel, so that means that Ciel didn't go with Sebastian! So therefore, he already sensed something was wrong, but could never find him! So the question is; why did Ciel go without Sebastian?
Slowly all the pieces started coming into place. We arrived at the Phantomhive Estate around 10:00. At least 5 to 6 hours have passed for Ciel's disappearance. Aunt Frances was here, waiting for our arrival. Edward was already beside the carriage, before it was at a complete stop. Sebastian opened the door, and picked up Elizabeth and handed her to Edward. He looked at me sadly, and said a quiet goodnight. Aunt Frances came up to give me a hug and looked me in the eyes, "Ciel will come home safe and sound, and he's a strong boy. If he wasn't I wouldn't allow him to marry Elizabeth," she kissed me on the forehead and said goodnights then left.
I was already tired, and it was not hard to try to get me to go to bed. Sebastian helped me out of my clothes, taking off my corset and underskirt. He slipped my nightgown on. Taking out my hair, he helped me into bed and tucked me in. Even though I was ready to jump off the cliff and fall into the Land of Dreams, I couldn't stop myself.
"Sebastian," He stopped and turned towards me. I saw the candles flickering, making shadows on his face, "Why didn't you go with Ciel? Even if you didn't, how don't you know where he is?" Sebastian's face turned dark. Somehow, I knew the answer he was going to give me was not the one I was going to like.
"I didn't know he was going. Or rather, I knew he was going, but he ordered me to stay with you and Lady Elizabeth. Why I can't find him is a mystery to myself as well," Coming back, he kissed me on the forehead and whispered, "Now, sleep my little Phantomhive. Dream pleasant dreams while you still can," I looked at him as he gave me a smirk and left the room.
I closed my eyes and breathe deeply. Somehow, I had a feeling those words were going to impact my life. And when they do, they're going to hit like the Black Plague did years ago. Closing my eyes, I slept, not knowing I was going to have terrible new in the hours to come.
~An Hour Later~
A pounding on the door started making me come back to reality. I looked at the clock and saw that it read 11:00. Sighing and rubbing my eyes I answered sleepily, "Come in."
A crying Meylene came in holding a crumpled paper in her hand. I looked at her, terrified and confused. Oh please Ciel, please be ok, "Young Mistress, we got a call from the Scott Yard. They…..they found Ciel's….body. Sebastian already has a carriage ready…" I ran out the door and never looked back.
I ran passed a sobbing Finni and a depressed Bard. Tanaka had my coat ready to slide into and both the front and the carriage door were open. I sprinted into the carriage, closing the door behind me. Sebastian was making the carriage go as fast as it could. The trees were passing in a blur and the manor was already a ways behind us. Breathing quickly and rasp, I watched the scenery, hoping to calm my anxious mind. As we started reaching the outskirts of London, all my memories played in my mind. The time where Ciel, Elizabeth and I would play games in the backyard, the mansion burned down, the day Sebastian saved us, all the wonderful times with our servants. I started to think that my last memory was going to be Ciel lying on the ground dying.
The carriage came to a halt and I saw a crowd of people gathering around something. Elizabeth's and Peter's family were already here. The sister of the Earl himself and I'm the last one to arrive. Sebastian opened the door and helped me out. I ran through the group of people, hearing whispers and small cries from women, children and men. As I reached the opening, I saw Elizabeth crying and a body lying on the cold ground. Blood was spilling in the cracks and his eyes were closed. His chest was moving shallowly, and I thought it was the happiest moment in my life. My brother was still alive.
I ran over to his injured body and knelled beside him, "Ciel, your alive. What the hell were you doing?" I saw him smirking and I started clearing blood away from his face, "You idiot," I leaned in just enough so only he could hear me, "How can you accomplish your goal, not to mention Sebastian eating your soul, you idiot."
Ciel's shaking hand came over to hold mine, "I was trying to put the Queen's heart," Ciel smiled and started coughing out blood, "But I failed, didn't I? I guess I do need Sebastian's power after all," He started coughing even more, which was making his lungs fill up with blood. My heart was being squeezed, knowing that he was dying.
My eyes started watering as I saw him trying to stay with me, "Sebastian, this shall be your final order from me," I shook my head back and forth and tried to tell him that it wasn't true. That he was still going to live, just like we did the first time. Sebastian walked over and put his ear near Ciel's mouth. Sebastian's eyes widened, but then fell into the emotionless cave. As Ciel looked at me, he smiled, "You better live. I want you to live, and I want you to be happy. Let time heal you, unlike what I didn't let it do to me," He looked over to see Elizabeth, who was crying in Edward's arms, "Elizabeth, I…..love you. I want you to be….happy without me in your life. And I guess Edward…..you won't be…handing her over…..to me…as….my…bride…." Ciel struggled for his last final breaths. His breathing stopped, and the clock struck midnight.
Tears started rolling down my face. My brother's grip on my hand was long gone, and he layed there lifeless. His soul was gone, and there was no way it was going to return. I layed down by him, watching his lifeless body remained still, yet the blood continued to flow out of his body, "Ciel, my Ciel," I whispered over and over. People were starting to leave, including Peter and Elizabeth's family. Finally, Sebastian picked up my numb and cold body. The Undertaker gave me a sad smile, then picked up Ciel's body and took it back to his place. Even though his body wasn't there, I knew where it layed. I knew where his blood traveled off to, and I knew what became of him.
Heading home, I just layed there on the seat, and I knew that it didn't matter that I wasn't being a proper lady. There was no use in being a proper lady this late at night. My hair was matted, my eyes were dark, and there was blood that stained my white nightgown. I looked out into the dark sky, seeing that it was a New Moon. There was no light, just like there was no light within Ciel's body. Ciel took the moon with him I guess. That only made matters worse as we entered the gates of the estate. Sebastian made the carriage's door head right up to the front steps. He took me out and carried me in. He placed me down, and I was greeted by Finni, Tanaka, Bard, and Meylene, who's eyes looked blood shot. I climbed the stairs, and instead of heading towards my room, I entered Ciel's. His room was spotless, and it was empty. There was no Ciel in this room, and there was going to never be a Ciel that enters this room again.
I crawled into his bed just the way I was. The cool sheets and the warm blankets were pressed against my body. I could smell his scent against the blankets and pillows. There was also a faint smell of Earl Grey tea. I cried myself to sleep, knowing that he would never be back. That being in his room in his bed would be the closest thing that I would get to an embrace. I knew it was foolish for the daughter of the Phantomhive to be crying. It was also worse to be engaged to the youngest son of the Nightengales, however, I really didn't seem to care. Everything I had, everything that I had left, was ripped out of my hands. The only thing that I had through my whole life was taken away from me. Ciel was gone forever, and he left me in charge of the Futom Company. The name of the Phantomhive died with him, and there was no way to change that. Father left the name with Ciel, and now it died with Ciel. I curled tighter into his bed, knowing that the next morning I had to be completely calm to deal with the rest of my days in this mansion. Before I fell asleep, and even though it's too late to do anything, the dream and Ciel defiantly had a connection. And there were many more connections to come.