"A warning from the Queen? How foolish," Isabelle muttered before sneezing.

"R-reckless? I did only the best of my ability. Sorry if some dastardly people perished in the process- A-ACHOO!"

Isabelle snorted before blowing her red nose, snuggled away in a mountain of blankets as she coughed. It was only common sense that her escapades in the cold would result in her coming down with a cold.

The Queen, as a result of accidentally sinking an entire fishing vessel along with it's crew, had strongly urged her Raven to take a "well needed and well deserved break" due to her "reckless and rash actions in Renan."

Isabelle hated it. "Reckless," she scowled, tossing the letter away.

With a grunt, she rolled out of bed and stumbled on the cold wooden floor, tightening the robe around her slender body. It'd been a very long since she'd last been sick and according to Enobria it called for a well needed break. And a well needed break called for her to return home.

The House of Tonnerre.

She cringed at the very name. She hated her family as much as they despised her very existence. But she was trapped there for the time being.

She groaned from the congestion enveloping her ability to breath and almost drunkenly went to the door, slamming it into the person waiting on the other side.

"... Oops." she said, peering out as a maid juggled a few things in her arms only for Enobria to stabilize her with hands gripping the clumsy girl's forearms as she nodded over and over again in thanks. The servants here are so helpless. With the exception of Enobria, they all act like imbeciles and treat me all the same.

With a soft scoff, Isabelle scooted past the maid who hesitantly called out to her, only to be ignored in return. Enobria sighed softly and followed Isabelle. There was no doubt that trouble was a afoot.

Isabelle scooted along the halls barefooted. She groaned as waves of shivers shook her body and, in turn, caused her to continuously sneeze. She was miserable. It had already been 2 weeks since she left Scotland, so why was she still so ill? Ridiculous she thought this is absolutely ridiculous.

As she approached the parlor she could make out voices. There was no mistaking the rasping breaths and softer voice. Her aunt and mother lay inside. Chatting casually as usual.

When Isabelle entered with Enobria as her shadow, both women glanced over and stood but both acted very differently.

"Belle…!" her mother called out, smiling softly before concern washed over her. Her aunt simply scoffed. She watched her mother approach before the women latched onto her. She'd always been clinging but Isabelle being ill gave her an excuse to act more motherly; protective almost.

"Mother." Isabelle said into her mother's chest, suffocating on her breasts as they nearly toppled her over.

"A-ah my darling- I apologize!" she cried, pulling away as Isabelle rubbed her face, flushed with fever. She gave her mother a soft and reassuring smile, calming her before panic could strike. She's much too kind Isabelle thought, glancing past her as her aunt shot a glare at her.

Her on the other hand…

Her aunt, her beloved aunt, approached her and crowed, arms crossed over her chest as she spoke though Isabelle paid her little attention if anything. That women was probably just going on and on about how I am fine and mother needn't worry. Isabelle muttered. Pain in my-

"Why have you gotten out of bed Belle darling?" her mother asked, taking her hands carefully.

Isabelle had to blink a few times as she registered the question before answering, "a-ah, I was feeling a bit stiff being trapped up in bed."

Her mother nodded as a smile crossed her lips, soft and plumped pink. A truly stunning woman she was with long, chestnut brown hair tinted red in the sun with striking green eyes. Isabelle however, resembled her in no way, though that was to be expected.

Besides, Isabelle was not her child after all. But she cared for her all the same.

It was the only thing that brought true happiness to Isabelle's life. And it was the only thing that could destroy her as well. Especially when her aunt pulled her mother aside and began scolding her.

I hate her.

Isabelle simply left, Enobria following her as her mother called for her. She strode from the room before sneezing, earning a snicker from her maid. However, before she could scold her maid, another girl hurried into the room.

"Milady! S-someone has come for you- a boy yes!"she shouted, adjusting her skirt and her step as she nearly fell over in her haste.

"... Boy?" Isabelle repeated, blinking in surprise, "who in the world would visit me?" she asked, heading to the main foyer of the manor. The maid stuttered as she followed, Enobria, of course, behind her per usual.

Isabelle burst into the foyer, adjusting her robe on her tired form, "what do you want?" she ordered with a sniff.

Then she froze.

"That's quite a way to greet guests," Ciel said, hand on his hip with his butler at his side, Sebastian bowing respectfully with a smirk, "I do how we haven't disturbed you here, Lady Isabelle."

"A-ah.. oh…" Isabelle breathed, rubbing her red nose before approaching. She was well aware that she looked just as bad as she felt, bedhead of matted hair, features red from fever, and robe half hanging off her bare shoulder. The sight took Ciel's breath away.

"G-god…. you look…. horrible."

"Thanks." Isabelle sneered, rubbing her nose as it ran with mucus. Ciel cleared his throat before offering his handkerchief with a light blush, pulling her robe's sleeve up some. He, however, kept his gaze averted bashfully.

"I wanted to see how you were doing but I can see its…. not favorable," he said, setting his hands on her shoulders as he spun her around, "you should get to bed at once."

Isabelle's cheeks flushed red as he ushered her forward. He seemed so sure of himself but at the same time he also had no idea where he was going in the massive manor.

"E-Earl Phantomhive," Isabelle spoke up, "you don't know where you're going."

Then he stopped.

"... Oh."

Isabelle snorted softly before laughing, but shortly her laughs turned to coughs as she leaned against him for support. Ciel muttered hastily as he put his hands up, hesitant to touch Isabelle as she retched against him. That's when Enobria took her instead.

She carried her mistress princess style through the halls as Ciel and Sebastian both followed, Ciel more closely as he watched Isabelle in her maid's arms. They finally made it to her room where Isabelle was tucked back in bed by her maid, Ciel sitting at a chair beside her bed. They both exchanged glances and Ciel sighed, rubbing his head with Sebastian behind him.

"So I see you've been ill since the Arista sunk…" Ciel breathed, adjusting his ring over his black gloves.

"I-Is it that obvious really?" Isabelle coughed, groaning in discomfort.

"Well… I'm somewhat glad it's nothing more serious."

Isabelle tensed, blushing lightly, however her flush was concealed by the feverous red already dusting her features.

"And I… well I'm aware you weren't busy so I… I ah… I wanted to be… acquainted with you," Ciel mumbled, blushing lightly as he averted his gaze, "and I wanted to do so through… spending time… with… you."

"... eh?"

Ciel sighed, glancing over before standing, "Her Majesty has informed me that a newly popular restaurant in London has just opened and I was curious as to whether or not you'd accompany me."

Isabelle blushed furiously, struggling to find her words. She had no idea what to say to his request, but she timidly blushed brighter as Ciel approached her bedside, setting a hand on the very edge beside her body.

"Of course, after you're all well… Lady Isabelle." Ciel mumbled, looking down at her as she sniffled, causing him to crack the tiniest smile, "I'd be honored if you'd come."

She couldn't believe her ears or eyes. She sat up as Sebastian alerted him of their dwindling time. Ciel nodded slowly before leaving her side, Sebastian looking over his pocket watch before slipping it back into his tailcoats pocket.

"... Enobria… please show them out could you?" Isabelle breathed, finally speaking up. Her maid simply nodded before escorting the men from her bedroom.

I didn't give him an answer…

Isabelle silently waited for her maid to return to which she did shortly. Enobria glanced at Isabelle, who had her head hanging down against her chest. Then she mumbled.

"My Lady?" she asked, stepping closer.

Isabelle's head lifted slowly as she sniffled, rubbing her nose with an annoyed huff.

"I'll accept his offer," Isabelle said, eyes narrowed, "please. Alert Earl Phantomhive as soon as I have recovered."

A small smirk stretched across Enobria's face as she bowed, "Yes, my Lady."

What's this!? Ciel just asked Isabelle on a date?! Ok now I swear the romance is coming ok? But it's definitely not going to go as smoothly as anyone may think- especially with all the messed up sh*t going on~ Anyways I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!

Stay creative my friends~