Hey everyone, here is chapter 6 :) Hope you all enjoy it :)
"Why is this door locked, Sebastian?" I heard Ciel ask through the heavy mahogany door.
"Elena is getting fitted for her costume," Sebastian replied, "she made the request that it be a secret until then."
"Why?" Ciel asked.
"She wants to surprise us," Sebastian replied.
"You'll definitely do that, my dear," the elderly woman, Mrs Edgar, who was measuring me said, "you picked a bride's colour though."
"I think it will bring out a form of innocence," I said as I twirled in my dress, "all you have to do is take it in?"
"Around your waist and the floor. You asked my husband to make you bridal shoes…is this for a wedding?" the woman asked.
"No," I said as I pulled at my hair, "I want to draw attention away from someone."
I wanted to take away Ciel's spotlight and put it firmly on myself. Alois Trancy wanted people to look at him…how would he cope if all of his visitors looked at me? He would send Claude after me…and Ciel would stay safe. The woman lifted a lace choker from her pocket and wrapped it around my throat as I held up my hair.
"You said you had a design you wanted on it?" she said and I nodded.
I put down my wrist to show her the bracelet. She took the bracelet off and put the Phantomhive crest against my neck. The silver sparkled against the white lace, making sure I knew where I belonged. I would wear it at the costume ball. I was certain Alois wouldn't make the mistake on who I belonged to again. I was a Phantomhive employee, through and through.
"That should be all, my dear," Mrs Edgar said, "may I borrow this bracelet to get the design right?"
"Of course," I said as she helped me out of the dress and put me in my old one, "will it be ready in a week?"
"The alterations are simple; I'll have them done in two days."
"I will collect it in the week, but if you could do me one favour?" I asked her, "can you hide it in a garment bag or something so the boy outside doesn't see it?"
"Of course," she whispered as she put my dress in a laundry bag with everything else, "see you soon, my dear."
I walked her out before closing the door on her. I turned around to see Sebastian and Ciel were watching me as I waved to them…well, that was what it appeared.
"Finny," I called out and the pair turned to see Finny was indeed there, "do you need help with your costume?"
"I can't get the stitching right," he mumbled and I laughed.
"I'll stitch it for you," I said as I walked past Ciel, "young master, do you need help with your costume?"
"No thank you," Ciel said, "what about yours?"
"It will be ready in two days," I replied.
"You requested a seamstress," Ciel said, obviously curious about my costume.
"Finny's costume, it requires repair work. My costume…it requires so much more. It had to be designed and then made. No one has worn that costume before me…so I requested a seamstress to make it perfect."
I walked on into the kitchen where Bard was pulling at something. When I reached the table I saw it was a beak with elastic. I looked over his shoulder and sighed.
"Do you need help?" I asked him and he jumped.
"Sorry Elena, I didn't realise you were there. Yeah…the elastic got twisted," he said as he held up the beak to me. I pulled at the elastic to free it and then reshape it. I handed it back to him fixed before Finny handed me his costume. There was some stitching around the edges he needed fixed so I threaded a needle to sew it.
It took an hour before it fit Finny comfortably and by then, I was grabbing a coat.
"Where are you going?" MeyRin asked.
"I'm going to a friend of my aunt's," I replied as I fixed a hat to my head, "she's fixing my hair."
"Is she styling it for the costume ball?" Finny asked and I nodded.
"I'll be back in a few hours," I said as I kissed them all the cheeks, "please behave."
I walked out the back door and out the front gates. A carriage my uncle had organised was waiting for me so I got in, closed the door and looked across at my Aunt Alexandra. Her hair was a dirty blonde and her eyes were a glossy green. She smiled at me as the carriage started moving.
"Elena," she said as she moved to sit beside me and hug me, "it has been far too long."
"Thank you for organising this," I said as I pulled at the short hair, "do you think the wig will fit?"
"This woman I'm bringing you to does the best wigs. They look and feel real. It will be a more…natural blonde than what you have now."
"This was a desperate act," I said as I showed her the pale blonde, "it was to hide in a crowd."
"What did you get yourself into, Elena?" she asked as the carriage came to a stop, "It doesn't matter. Don't worry because we will have this fixed soon. I'll bring you back to the manor as well."
"Thank you," I said as the door was opened and I was helped down. The shop door was open with the smell of roses wafting out. I took a deep breath and figured; this is the beginning of the metamorphosis….
"Hello?" I called out as I opened the back door, "is anyone here?"
"Elena?" someone asked and I turned on the lights. Bard stood at the kitchen stove, looking confused.
"What is it?" I asked him as I closed the door, "did something happen?"
"There was an attack," MeyRin said as she came around the cover, "one of the members of the Underworld was angry…"
"Ciel?" I asked.
"Sebastian watched him," MeyRin replied, "but he was asking for you."
I ran past her, not undoing my coat as I charged up the stairs towards the office. I knocked on the door and entered just as Ciel finished, "come in."
"Master," I said as I closed the door behind me.
"Elena?" he asked and I nodded, "where were you?"
"I was with my aunt. I had requested the time last week…but I should have stayed. I apologise for not being here."
"It doesn't matter, it has been dealt with," Ciel said as he looked me over, "your hair looks like sand."
"My aunt requested a more natural blonde," I replied as I pulled at the ends of my waist long hair, "she said the old colour made my face look paler, unhealthy."
"Is this for your costume?" Ciel asked and I nodded, "Is this a hint?"
"No," I said with a smile, "has Sebastian gone down for tea?"
"No," Ciel answered, "I sent him to speak with Lau."
"Do you want a cup of tea?"
"Earl Grey," he said as an answer.
"Yes, young master," I replied as I put my hand over my heart, "I will be back soon with it."
I walked down to the kitchen and picked out the pale white teapot before taking down a blue china cup. I put three cups of tea leaves into the kettle and followed it with boiling water to allow it to seep. I spotted an hourglass but shook my head. I had never made tea perfect with an hourglass. I just looked to a clock and counted down the seconds as I grabbed some biscuits. I put them on a small tray before I picked up everything and started walking up the stairs. Finny followed behind me, chatting about nothing in particular. I had asked Finny to open the door for me which he did as I walked in.
I put the tray down on a small table and poured the tea out and brought the cup over to the earl. I bowed away before watching him drink it. He looked down at it carefully before looking to me.
"This seems familiar," he said as he sipped it again, "almost as if I have drunk tea you made before."
"You did," I answered, "in Houndsworth."
I stayed with him, looking him over. My heart hurt when I thought about what could have happened. He could have been hurt…he could have died. It had been the Underworld today…what if it was Claude tomorrow? What if Sebastian was killed and Ciel was alone? I dropped my head and sighed. If I had anymore appointments, they could be put on hold until Claude left us alone. I knew though…Alois Trancy would never stop until he had what he wanted…
I looked out from the carriage, not seeing the greenery or the flowers. I just saw my version of hell.
I had requested that we go to the hairdressers on the morning of the ball and that meant Ciel had to be there. I kept an eye on him as Sebastian did. I had then collected my costume which the woman had put into a luggage case. Sebastian had loaded it but the locks had been tied. The woman had handed me a key and told me that the costume was there along with the shoes, a new corset, new stockings and the lace choker. She had tied the bracelet around my wrist and told me I would be the star attraction.
"I hope so," I said as she looked me over, "I want to draw attention from someone."
"You'll do that in your costume," the elderly woman had said calmly, "but be careful. You may not want the attention."
"I don't want this person to have it…and it is my job to make sure he is safe," and then I had kissed her on the cheek before getting into the carriage.
I took off my locket and looked down at the blue diamond. Sebastian had given it back to me. I had to protect it…but with what I was about to do, I could lose it.
"Sebastian," I said as I looked down at the necklace, "will you mind this for me?"
"Are you not wearing it tonight?" he asked as he took it from me.
"I might lose it," I said as I looked back out the window, "and as you told before, it holds something precious."
He nodded and stuck it into his coat. I wasn't sure what was so precious but if Sebastian was willing to mind it for me, I had no doubt that it was safe. He had looked after Ciel's soul, what was a locket to him? I pulled on one of the curls in my hair before running my hand along the braid.
"What are you supposed to be?" Ciel asked and I smiled at him.
"You will see tonight, young master," I said simply, "it will be a surprise."
He looked out the window as I looked to Sebastian. He nodded to me and I nodded back. I had told him what my plan was. The demon had thought it was stupid but I had explained I couldn't go back as Claude wanted. Demons could promise someone the world, but that didn't mean they could deliver it. Sebastian had been about to jump in when I told him that, but I put my hand to his lips to silence him.
"Claude threatened Ciel, that he would hurt him if I didn't return. I know you wouldn't allow that to happen…while you were alive. But, I can't trust Claude that if I do return, he won't go after you both. So I will go to this costume ball…and I will protect Ciel. That is my job," I had said simply before I took my hand.
"I would expect nothing less from you, Elena," he had said as he put a hand over his heart.
"A ball! A ball! We're going to a ball! A costume ball tonight, we're going to a ball!" Finny sang out and I smiled.
"I'm so excited," MeyRin said from her seat with Bard.
"Yeah, and even us servants are allowed come to so long as we wear costumes. Now that's a nice fellow…now what was that bloke's name again? Trumpet or something?" Bard asked.
"No it was Lord Trancy," MeyRin said as I rolled up the window of the carriage.
"Alois Trancy," I said with a sigh, "I vowed I would never return and here I am…ironic."
"Alois Trancy eh?" Ciel asked, "and the previous Earl Trancy? You said he died questionably three years ago. Is that right?"
"Yes, Elena confirmed this for me," Sebastian replied.
"Three years ago…" Ciel said as he had what could only be classed as a flashback, "Alois's mother committed suicide. He was kidnapped when he was very young but then, he returned home shortly before his father passed away. Along with a mysterious new butler, Claude Faustus…is that the whole of it?"
"Yes, his story seems familiar somehow," Sebastian said in a monotone.
"Indeed, it's a common one," Ciel replied as he looked out the window.
"It's going to be a long night," I said on a sigh.
"What do you mean?" Sebastian asked and I looked to him.
"You'll understand when you meet Alois Trancy," I replied as I looked out the window, "we've arrived."
The carriage drove to the front door, as it had many months ago when I had left my uncle to start my employment with Alois Trancy. My uncle had been worried for me and I had told that this would help me forget. If anything, it had made me wish for the impossible. When I looked to Ciel, I knew my wish had been a foolish one. At the time, there was no chance Ciel was still alive…
The carriage door opened and Finny stood there. He was smiling at us but he looked at me; with a grin that was only getting bigger. Ciel went down by himself with Sebastian following. Finny put his hand out to me and I held up the skirts to my thin green dress. It was only to my knees…so I had easier access to my baton. Finny went back up to the driver's seat.
"Right. We servants have to come in through the back entrance," Bard explained.
"See you this evening, master," MeyRin said with a smile.
"We've got some brilliant costumes! Wait till you see them, sir!" Finny exclaimed as Bard started the carriage moving again.
I looked up at the mansion as I had the first time; only then the sun had blinded me. I could barely see anything….but now. It looked as it had two months ago…was that all I had been away for? I counted it off on my fingers and sighed.
"I'm useless," I muttered as Ciel looked over to me.
"Useless?" he asked and I nodded.
"I've been away two months," I said with a sigh, "I thought I'd make it longer than that."
"Come my lord, we should announce our arrival," Sebastian said and Ciel nodded.
Our party moved towards the front door and Sebastian raised his hand to knock on the door. But the moment his hand had contact, the door was opening to reveal the head butler.
"The right honourable Earl, Ciel Phantomhive," Claude said as way of welcome, "we've been expecting you. Claude Faustus, the butler of this estate."
"My butler, Sebastian Michaelis and my bodyguard, Elena Hamilton," Ciel said as our introduction, though Claude didn't need it. He glared at me for a moment before putting his back against the door, opening it wider.
"Please come in," Claude said calmly…in his monotone. Could the man not show emotion?
Ciel led the way with Sebastian following. Sebastian stopped however to look up at the arch at the doorway.
"What's that?" Ciel asked as I watched the spider fix its web carefully.
"Ah yes," Claude said as he looked at me, "the Trancy coat of arms bares a spider so out of respect, we preserve their lives."
"But of course," Sebastian replied, "when it comes to spiders, the harder you try to kill them, the faster they cling."
"Do come in," Claude said to stop the conversation.
It was only when we were all in that I stood to Ciel's left, a spot I considered easy to defend from. Ciel looked around, his face frozen in shock. He glanced at everything in the entry hall, before he stepped back. He held onto Sebastian and caught one of my hands. I glared at Claude before looking at Ciel. He didn't normally act like this.
"Are you alright, master?" Sebastian asked, "what is it?"
"Ciel?" I asked him calmly. In the last month, he had told me he didn't mind being called with the lack of a title when it came to my position. I had to be able to call his attention immediately if something was the matter.
"It's nothing," Ciel replied as he let go of Sebastian before he let go of me, "might my butler and bodyguard come with me?"
"Certainly sir," Claude replied.
"Let's go," Ciel ordered.
"Yes quite," Sebastian replied.
"Do forgive me though," Claude said and we turned to look at him, "I'm afraid my master is currently away on business. He shall return in time for the ball."
"Very well," Ciel replied.
"I've laid out tea and refreshments for you in the drawing room. Everyone else has already arrived, sir," Claude stated in that horrid monotone.
"Who is everyone?" Ciel asked.
"The other guests my master invited to the ball," Claude replied, "now if you will excuse me, I have some preparations to make. I'm certain Elena can bring you to the room."
He left us in the hall, my hand on the baton through my skirts. I didn't think I was ready to take on a demon, but I didn't like this side of Claude. It reminded me of my time in Houndsworth when I used to inspect the dogs. If there were two in a cage, and one was barking…you knew it was not as dangerous as the other one. The silent dog was calculating, and that meant its bite was far worse than any bark. When I looked at Claude, and then to Sebastian, I knew they were the silent dogs. I only hoped Ciel wasn't caught in the middle.
"This way," I said as I walked to the stairs.
"You worked here," Ciel said, "why did you leave?"
"A better opportunity arose," I replied with a practised lie.
I led the way, seeing visions of myself for the past. Days when I had been growled at, hurt, cursed to hell. The day I brought Sebastian up to the room, I could see myself holding the candle to light the way. Now I knew; Sebastian wouldn't have needed it. He would have been able to navigate the way like I could have. I walked past Alois's bedroom and I was certain I heard someone say, "That's shit…and so is that!" as we passed and I pointed to the drawing room door. Sebastian took the lead then and opened it wide for Ciel to go first and then me.
"Oh Ciel!" I heard a squeaky voice cry out before I saw Lady Elizabeth.
"Elizabeth," Ciel replied as the young girl hugged him tight.
"Ciel, it's just Lizzy!" Elizabeth moaned.
"We'd expected you sooner, my lord," Lau commented with RanMao straddling his leg.
"Lau," Ciel muttered as he walked over to the man, "so you two were invited to the ball as well? Then surely she's here."
"Who do you mean?" Elizabeth asked as we all looked to Ciel. This was probably one of those blurred memories of his.
"Madam Red, I wouldn't think she would miss it for the world," Ciel replied. Elizabeth looked ready to cry as she leaned on my shoulder and Lau opened his eyes to look at Ciel. What was wrong with Madam Red? Better question, who was Madam Red?
"But I don't see her. It's quite odd for her to miss a costume ball," Ciel continued as I rubbed Elizabeth's back, "this is precisely the sort of thing she enjoys."
"Yes about that-" Lau started as Elizabeth jumped from me to stand in front of Ciel and waved her hands.
"Please Lady Elizabeth, do try to calm yourself," Sebastian said simply as Paula touched Elizabeth's arms.
"Ciel!" a familiar voice called out and I turned in time to see Prince Soma Asman Kadar hug Ciel tight and cry.
"My," Lau said simply. Elizabeth looked anxious and I was confused by their reactions. It was just Prince Soma…
"It is so good to see you, Ciel," Soma said as I stepped forward to touch his shoulder, "and Elena!"
"What the blazes are you doing?" Ciel demanded, "who are you?"
Soma let go of Ciel to look at him, the way a child would if you told them they could have a toy and then taking it away. It was like his world was crashing around him…
"Who am I?" Soma asked himself, "so it is true. Poor Ciel!"
Soma held Ciel tighter as tears ran faster down his face. Had this seventeen-year-old matured at all in the months since we saw him last? From the way he was reacting, the answer was a no.
"Are you mad? Unhand me!" Ciel ordered.
"Oh dear, is that who I think it is?" Elizabeth asked and I nodded.
"Yes Lady, it is Prince Soma," Sebastian whispered to her.
"He'll ruin everything," Elizabeth insisted.
"Oh there's no need to worry. The prince has a very capable butler to help him," Sebastian said as Agni walked in.
"Highness, you mustn't," Agni said as he pulled Soma away from Ciel.
"No, don't let me be away from Ciel!" Soma sobbed like a five year old.
"Who is this lunatic?" Ciel asked no one particular.
"Apologies my lord. Please meet my master, the twenty-sixth child of the King of Bengal. This is Prince Soma Asman Kadar," Agni introduced calmly.
"Why did this prince start blubbering the moment he saw me?" Ciel demanded.
"Oh Ciel!" Soma sobbed and Agni held him, "it is most overwhelming."
"His Highness is deeply moved to meet the founder of the Funtom Company. Where we come from, the toys your company produces are considered precious," Agni supplied.
"No matter what, I will always have my memories," Soma jumped in.
"As my prince said, those toys are very deeply tied to fond memories-"
"The world may change but our friendship will never fade!" Soma sobbed.
"Memories regarding a certain friend who was dear to the prince in his childhood. But this friend…it is too awful. I'm sorry, my prince!" Agni sobbed.
They both held onto each other and cried for the Ciel they once knew. It had been a good act, up until Agni had lost control. But you could tell Agni cared deeply for Soma….
"I fear there is nothing we can do for them now," Sebastian said simply, "young master. I suggest we retire; we need to prepare ourselves for the ball. Come along now."
"Ciel! Ciel!" Soma sobbed.
"Elena? Are you coming?" Ciel asked and I smiled.
"I will stay here a moment longer," I said and Ciel nodded before leaving.
"Soma," I said as I dropped down to his level and put my hand on his, "this is not a time for sorrow."
"But he lost his memories!" Soma sobbed.
"They are blurred," I replied as I got him standing and brought him over to a sofa opposite Lau, "they will come back with time."
I sat down with him and he dropped his head into my lap. I ran my gloved hand through his hair as I hummed. Children often cried over small things, and Soma was no different. He would cry himself out in a few minutes and then I would leave to get changed. Elizabeth watched as Agni joined us on the sofa. Soma took twenty minutes to change the tears to sniffles…and then he sat up to look at me.
"Why are you so nice?" he asked, "the last time we spoke…you were annoyed."
"Everyone in this room has been in the same boat as you," I said, "we all miss the old Ciel and all the happy memories. But they will return in time, and until then, we must pretend everything is normal."
"What about you?" he asked.
"I'm the girl he hired from Houndsworth," I responded, "and now I'm his bodyguard. So if you will excuse me, I have to get ready for the ball."
"What are you going as? I want to keep an eye out for you," Soma said and I smiled.
"I doubt you'll miss me," I said as Elizabeth picked up my hand, "are you getting ready now?"
"Yes," she said, "we can help each other."
"That's perfect," I replied, "I had better make sure the others brought up my luggage."
"They probably put it with Ciel," Elizabeth said, "I'll be in the room beside his. Go get your luggage."
She walked off with Paula and I smiled. I curtsied to Soma and touched Agni's shoulder before I left the drawing room. I left as Alois and Claude were rounding the corner away from me. Alois hadn't seen me in two months…what would he think? He was possessive, and that was a very…simple description of him. Tell him I was his and Ciel couldn't have me.
"Silly thoughts," I whispered as I walked down the hall, "he'll know what side I'm on after tonight."
I came to a stop outside Ciel's room and knocked on the door. A simple, "come in" was announced and I opened the door to step inside. The curtains were open in the plum room and Ciel was sipping tea as Sebastian laid out his costume. It was some sort of pirate, that would be my guess.
"Elena," Ciel said as he put down the cup, "has that prince stopped blubbering?"
"He has," I replied as I walked further into the room towards my luggage, "he informed me that this friend of his suffered a horrible head injury. He only found out recently and cannot comprehend it."
"I don't see why that involves me," Ciel said as he stood, "no matter. Bard brought up your luggage. I assume you have the key."
"Ms Edgar gave it to me before we left London," I replied as I picked up the case, "Lady Elizabeth will help me dress."
"You're next door then," Ciel muttered as he walked across the room towards a chair, "this room seems oddly familiar."
"It does?" I asked him, "this is the one Lord Trancy put guests in. It was two doors down from his own."
"Is that so," Sebastian asked, "you were the maid here."
"Regrettably," I said as I walked back to the door, "if you require anything, ask Elizabeth."
"Why would I ask her?" Ciel asked as he lifted up the hat.
"My costume is a secret," I said with a finger to my lips, "I want it to cause a stir this evening. I'm certain Elizabeth can ask me the questions and I'll pass my answers to her."
I smiled at them before leaving the room. I walked into Elizabeth's room and saw Paula was helping her with her corset.
"What are you dressing as?" I asked her and she laughed.
"I'm going to be an Indian!" Elizabeth enthused, "and Paula is an Egyptian."
"That sounds lovely," I said and she looked at me.
"What are you dressing as?" Elizabeth asked as I put the luggage down on the bed, opened the lock and looked down at the dress.
"A nightmare of Lord Trancy's," I replied, "the one where no one pays him any attention…"
"It looks like a princess's gown," Elizabeth said as I pulled it out and put it on the bed's post.
"It's a nightmare for someone who craves attention," I said simply as I pulled on the skirts, "and it is my job this evening to take it."
Elizabeth helped me out of my green dress and out of my underskirt. Paula put me in a clean underclothing set before putting a corset around me. Elizabeth took one string as Paula took another and they pulled it tight. I asked them to stop when my ribs were protesting.
"Your hair will need to be re-curled…" Elizabeth said as she went to her luggage.
The dress was put over my head and I put my arms through the arms. They were two white straps that hung off my shoulders which I fixed to my forearms as Paula tied the buttons and the ribbon. Elizabeth fixed my hair so the braid was straight, my fringe was tied off and my hair was brought up into a fancy ponytail with curls. It went over one shoulder while the rest went down my back.
"What do you think?" I asked them when I stood.
"You look so cute!" Elizabeth said.
The dress bodice was level with my corset with the two straps around my forearms. There was no diamonds or sparkle as the bodice went down into the skirt that flared. There were at least four layers, and that included the underskirt. Elizabeth pulled at the luggage to pick up white heeled shoes and she giggled.
"You aren't wearing boots?" she asked as I put them on.
"No, can you please pass me the choker?" and she held out the lace.
I wrapped it around my throat and turned. Elizabeth leaned closer to look at it, her hand running along the symbol.
"You got the Phantomhive crest on your choker?" she asked and I nodded, "why?"
"I need to inform someone of what side I'm on," I whispered to her, "now, shall we go down to the ballroom?"
She nodded and we walked together. I held onto my skirts, showing the shoes to advantage as the bracelet sparkled on my wrist. There was no going back after this; I had to stay till the very end. I was Ciel's bodyguard, now until he had completed his revenge. I was nobody's punching bag.
The music that played was soft and inviting as the doors opened. Elizabeth walked down first with Paula. When she reached the bottom, she turned to beckon me forward. I took a deep breath and walked into the light. People turned to look at me, some gasped as I walked down the stairs slowly. I looked at Elizabeth who had clapped her hands together, Paula was smiling. I looked over at Soma to see his mouth was wide open, Agni was crying, Sebastian wasn't there and Ciel looked shocked. The others all looked amazed as I made it to the bottom of the stairs and turned to walk to our party.
"Young master," I said with a hand over my heart, "are you surprised?"
"I didn't expect you to dress like this," he said as he looked at Elizabeth.
"Where is Sebastian?" I asked and he waved his hand.
"I asked him to look around the manor for clues," Ciel replied.
"He won't find anything," I said as I joined him at the wall, "Claude will follow him."
"Ciel! You wear one of these too!" Elizabeth said as she held out a feather like that in her own hair.
"Fine," Ciel said as he was handed a cup of lemonade and began sipping it.
"Now we match!" Elizabeth exclaimed.
I looked over at everyone before Soma came closer, his mouth still open as he took my hand. I looked down at it as Elizabeth watched us.
"You aren't wearing a costume, Highness," Elizabeth said, clearly confused.
"Of course I am. Sherlock Holmes at your service," he replied, "Elena, may I have this dance?"
"Ciel?" I asked and he motioned for me to go ahead.
"Master!" and I was turned in time to see the servants had dressed up as creatures from the west. From the look of it, Finny was the magic monkey. Soma held my waist as he took one of my hands. We waltzed slowly and he turned me so everyone could see me to advantage. It was only then that I spotted Claude.
"Soma, stay with Ciel."
"Why?" he asked clearly confused as the butler made his way towards me.
"Go," I snapped, "stay with Agni and Ciel now."
I pushed him away as Claude took my hand and my waist. He turned me to the music and from every angle except where Ciel stood, everyone looked happy.
"You wear that choker like a badge of honour," Claude said as he ran his thumb along my bracelet, "how disrespectful."
"You stole this dance, what kind of butler are you?!" I snapped in return as he brought me away from Ciel.
"You've chosen your side, it appears," Claude said as he turned me again, "how disappointing. How will you protect Ciel?"
"I will protect him with everything I have until my final breath," I replied as he held my hand tighter, "and don't you dare threaten my young master again!"
"So you didn't tell him?"
"Why would I?" I asked him as the grip on my hand turned painful, "he already knows the score."
"Lord Trancy will be very disappointed in you," Claude replied.
"I couldn't trust you, Claude Faustus," I said, pronouncing his name like a curse, "your word means nothing."
"My word is my contract," he replied as he looked down at me, "and you are nothing but a maid."
"Not anymore," I snapped at him, "I'm the bodyguard of Ciel Phantomhive."
"And where is your charge?" Claude asked as he turned me to show Ciel was missing, "you've failed him."
"Let me go," I snapped and he pulled me closer.
"You will not leave this manor without Lord Trancy's permission," Claude said calmly, "and any attempt to escape like before will be met with the triplets. Do you understand?"
"I repeat, let me go, Claude!" and he released me.
He walked away and I went to Elizabeth who looked slightly worried. She was holding Ciel's cup and I reached her.
"Where is Ciel, Elizabeth?" I asked her and she sighed.
"A maid dropped a glass of red wine on his coat," she said.
"Describe her," I said calmly, well, I tried to be calm. I think I sounded annoyed…
"Pale blonde hair, baby blue eyes…" and she was trying to put together an image in her head.
I picked up my skirts and walked out of the ballroom. That had been no maid. Hannah was the only one on the payroll and in the house after I had left. Elizabeth had described Alois Trancy. I passed the orchestra and walked into the dark hall. I was alone, without a weapon. I had left my baton at the Phantomhive manor, and now…now I had to find Ciel before Alois did something stupid.
I walked slowly, not sure where to start. This estate was rather large, so I tried to think. Alois had dropped red wine on Ciel's coat. That means there was probably a stain. How would you make Ciel leave with you if you were the maid?
"He's offer to clean the stain," I said as I picked up my skirts and ran down the hall, "and he would bring Ciel to one of the bedrooms."
I ran up the stairs towards the spare rooms. Alois wouldn't use his own room; that would be far too telling. But if he was dressed as a maid, he was using Hannah's clothes. I had thrown mine into a stream so he wouldn't have access to them. He might have used Hannah's room, under the pretence of cleaning the coat. I ran back down the stairs to the servants' quarters and took a left. Hannah, as well as Claude and the others were given rooms for their clothes. Demons viewed sleep as a luxury…and not one that was often used.
I walked past my old bedroom and looked in…seeing the coat. I walked in and picked it up. My hands traced the red stain and wondered what had happened next. What would Alois do to Ciel?
"He might have heard us," I whispered as I held onto the coat before putting it down, "that Ciel has no memory. Sebastian had him in his luggage…if Alois knew that, he could force Ciel to remember…"
I looked around the room, knowing Sebastian had never been in here. Where else could the earl go?
"The basement," I said as I turned and started running, "I saw Alois bring Sebastian down to the basement."
I turned around and ran back out to the hall. The manor had been designed to separate the kitchen from the servants, but make it easy to move to without disturbing the household. Hannah had mentioned that on my second day, as I had asked her. I reached the bottom of the hall and the kitchen door was open. I stepped into the frame to look around. Ciel wasn't there as I walked in, but the basement door was open.
"Oh no," I said as I moved to it, picked up my skirts and went down to the basement.
I had no idea what had happened down here with Sebastian, but obviously something traumatising for Ciel. The lights were on, and the first thing I spotted was the small boxes on the floor. They held bread, which I remembered from stacking them. I walked closer and spotted a broken jar of stock. And near it…
"Ciel was sick," I said as I looked at the rest of the floor.
On the floor, near the spilled stock…was a new box of New Moon Drop. The box I had gotten rid of, the one that held Ciel's ring. Ciel must have remembered something and knocked the shelf down…before he got sick. Which meant he had (a) been given something that had made him ill or (b) he was remembering something about this estate.
"It's most likely the latter," I said as I turned to face a chest.
"Elena…" a voice said and a cloth went over my mouth. I tried to scream…but my mind told me, it's chloroform. Not again…I thought as my body went limp…
(Ciel POV)
I threw the doors open wide, feeling nothing but the breeze around my too clammy skin. What had I just seen? What had I heard? I could determine one thing; Sebastian had been here…with me. I had heard Elena at a few moments as well. Her voice had sounded sweet, but broken. Almost as if she was too weak to show enthusiasm at seeing Sebastian.
"Elena will show you to your room. It's all she's good for."
"Would you like help with your suitcase?...very well sir. If you will follow me…"
"Give him the plum room, two doors from my room…"
"I had heard her voice here, with Alois," I said as I put my hand through my hair, "she was here when Sebastian was with me. I can't remember seeing her…"
I braced myself against a tree to catch my breath. There was a time in my life…that I couldn't remember. It seemed however, that Elena and Sebastian were more than aware.
"What's wrong?" the maid asked as I looked up, the one I had come to realise was Alois Trancy.
"Trouble breathing?" Alois asked as he walked closer, "does it hurt? If you like, I could lick it all better for you. Let me lick your-"
"I've had enough. Stop this farce, Alois Trancy!" I snapped as he came to a stop.
"So you figured it out," Alois mumbled as he removed his wig, "what a bore!"
"I figured if you got me alone, you'd find the courage to make a move," I stated.
"That's why you followed me?" Alois asked, "really?"
Claude rounded a tree to stand beside the fool Alois as three servants, the ones from the ball, dropped down to look menacing. Was this the best he could do? Though if Elena was anything to go by, scare tactics was only the start.
"Well, I can't allow you to underestimate me," I said simply.
"My young master is quite right," Sebastian said as he came to stand beside me, "Claude I do believe I gave you a warning earlier. Do you recall?"
"Now now, we only wanted to chat someplace quieter," Alois said as he faced Claude.
"It must be important to do all this," I pointed out, "you're dressed up like a woman. What could you want so badly?"
"Simple, I want you," Alois answered.
"What's that mean, you want me?" I asked, receiving a smug look from Trancy.
"It means precisely what I said. I want you. You are mine, Ciel Phantomhive and if you refuse, everyone in there will be killed. Not only that, but I'll kill your precious bodyguard," Alois said as he pointed to the manor and then he snapped his fingers, "and she isn't even in there."
"Who isn't?" I asked.
Claude reached behind the tree to pull Elena up to her feet. Her shoes were missing, and her hair was askew. Her eyes were opening slowly and her lipstick was smudged. Her hands were tied up with bandages to hold them together as Claude put her against his chest. What had they done to her?
"She was running around the manor looking for you," Alois said as he touched her cheek, "and she was close to finding you. Claude told me you missed her by a hare's breath."
A golden knife was put to her throat as she woke up slowly, a groan escaping her lips as she looked around for a moment before her eyes looked to me. The brown had always seemed like chocolate and now…now they looked worried.
"I'm glad you're safe," Elena whispered as Claude put the knife closer to her throat, "I was worried about you."
"Worried about me?" I asked, wondering if she had lost her mind. She was going to be killed, and she was worried about me.
"Young master," Sebastian said from my right, "she made a vow. She will protect you until her final breath. It is her job to worry about you."
"Anyway," Alois said, clearly trying to bring us back onto the topic, "I've arranged for a small performance. If that performance begins, then they will die. Every last one of them…and when that performance ends, Claude will kill your bodyguard. So what will it be?"
I looked at Alois, knowing the response he wanted me to give. Sebastian was watching me, and I didn't need to look at him to know that. But I focused on Elena, who was watching me. She looked tired, but not hurt.
"Don't give in," she said softly, "I didn't."
I didn't understand her comment but I was certain I would ask her after this whole evening was over. But from her comment, I knew what to do…what to say…
"You may do as you wish," I said as I watched Elena smile; clearly happy with my decision.
"You're sure about that?" Alois asked for clarification.
"Yes, you can try of course," I said, "now there is something I would like to ask of you."
"Is there? I will be happy to oblige, that is after you bend down and kiss my ass that is."
"I don't think it will be your ass that will be kissed," I replied.
"Very confident, aren't we?" Alois said with a smirk, "getting cocky because your butler has a little talent, that's a mistake. I have my Claude here, you're not alone."
Claude held Elena tighter as Alois clasped his tie. Alois stuck his tongue out to reveal his Faustian contract mark…but it was limited. The more visible the mark, the more power you had over the demon. His tongue was hardly visible…so Claude had the ability to walk away as he chose.
"Yes, I expected as much," I replied as a breeze pulled at my hair, "you will abide by our contract, Sebastian. You will serve me, you will protect me. You will see that I stay alive until I have achieved my ultimate goal."
"Of course, I have been your loyal servant since the day our pact was made, master. I will do anything you ask, grant any wish you make until the day our contract is fulfilled and I take your soul," Sebastian replied.
"An excellent answer," I said calmly.
"Hoheo Taralna, Rondero Tarel, now Claude. You will get Ciel for me," Alois ordered his butler.
"Sebastian, this is an order. You must do whatever it takes to protect me. Do not fail!" I ordered.
"Yes, Your Highness," Claude replied.
"Yes, my lord," Sebastian replied.
I watched as Elena smiled at me, raising her hands to hold onto Claude's arm. She winked…which only served to confuse me. What was she planning to do?
So, I know I left it kind of on a cliff-hanger, but you won't have long to wait for the next chapter :) Please remember to review and let me know what you think. Also...I wrote another story, (a short one) on Alois's opinion on seeing Elena for the first time named 'The Cerulean Butterfly' :)