Chapter Thirty-One: Beacon Butler, Bedarken Friend
The day of the ball was upon them. Frances awoke with excitement and the feeling that something was going to happen tonight. Malphas tilted her chin towards him, kissing her gently. After a few minutes, they pulled away only to lean against each other's forehead.
"Not to worry, my love, I'll take care of it. You know what to do."
She nodded.
"Yes."
He smirked at her.
"Good. I have already given the servants their orders."
"All right. (A smile spread upon her lips. She leaned down to kiss the corner of his mouth, trailing to his ear.) I can't wait to show you my costume."
Malphas warbled/purred. A smirk grew upon his lips. He flipped them over so he was above her. His lips at her ear.
"Then show me now, if you cannot wait."
She shook her head.
"I'm not going to show you until tonight."
He grumbled, biting her ear.
"Cheeky brat."
"You love me."
He moved his face above her. He moved a stray piece of hair that got in her face behind her ear.
"I do." He admitted.
Her beautiful eyes sparkled as they always did when they said such things. Their song, flames, and souls soared. He pressed another tender kiss upon her lips. She kissed him back. Their songs, flames, and souls danced even faster and louder. They pulled away with her gasping for breath.
"Temptress." He muttered. He pulled her close, causing her to gasp, "If we don't stop now, we'll miss what we must do."
She nodded.
"Yes, Malphas."
He nodded. He rolled them both to the edge. They stood and got ready for traveling to the Trancy estate.
At two in the afternoon, they took off to the Trancy estate. Mey-rin, Baldroy, and Finny sat in the front with Bard driving the carriage while Sebastian and Frances sat on one side of the carriage, holding the other's hand with Sebastian's arm around her waist and the Young Master on the other side. Frances felt it was better for Little Man Tanaka to stay home. He remained home under her order with the Young Master agreeing, seeing the urgent look upon her face when she looked at him.
They were about halfway there when Mey-rin and Bard began to converse over Finny's song about the ball.
"I'm looking forward to it, yes!"
"Yeah, he's even letting us servants come as long as we wear costumes! Must be from Frances' influence."
"Yes, yes!"
Inside the carriage, Frances smiled as she traced Sebastian's insignia on his hand. She could feel the underline caution of both Mey-rin and Baldroy. Sebastian gave a sly smirk. His hand lightly squeezed hers. The Young Master looked at the two of them with a calculating look.
Another hour came to pass when they arrived at the estate. They pulled to a stop at the front entrance. Sebastian stepped out first. He turned to assist Frances then the Young Master. Once they were on the ground, Sebastian closed the carriage door. The three servants watched them exit the carriage.
"Right, then. We'll be coming in the back way." Baldroy stated.
"See you later, Young Master, Mistress!" Mey-rin waved.
"Look forward to seeing our costumes!" Finny exclaimed, excitedly.
"We will." Frances agreed with a smile.
They walked forward. The Young Master stared at the grand estate in awe. Frances smiled at him. They moved forward. Sebastian lifted his hand to knock on the door, however, it opened revealing Claude. The Young Master raised an eyebrow. Frances suppressed the giggle that threatened to escape. This demon was good. He hid his annoyance so well, no one would suspect he was annoyed. Sebastian growled lowly in her mind. She sent him calmness and love.
"Earl Ciel Phantomhive, Lady Frances Harkness (He inclined his head in a slight bow.) We've been expecting you. Please, come in."
He pulled the door open further and bowed slightly deeper. Frances and Ciel began to walk in with Sebastian following them. Suddenly, he stopped. He glanced up to the corner of the doorframe. The three of them noticed he stopped.
"Sebastian?" Frances asked.
"What is it?" The Young Master inquired.
They looked up spotting a light tan and black spider with a fleshy pink head sitting in the middle of its web.
"Ah, yes." Claude said, "The Trancy coat of arms bears a spider so it's our tradition not to kill them."
"That makes sense. If you try to force it away, it will cling to you for life." Sebastian said, a smirk pulling onto his lips as he looked at the butler.
Claude didn't take the bait. Instead, he bowed slightly.
"This way, please."
They walked into the manor. Though they only just crossed the threshold when Ciel suddenly stopped as he looked around the room. His eye began to shake as did his mind. His breaths coming heavier and faster, sweat began to bead on his forehead. Frances looked at him concerned as she could feel his disorientation.
"Ciel?" She asked.
He stumbled towards her, clinging to her arm and waist. Frances quickly wrapped her arm around him with wide eyes.
"Ciel?!" She asked, slightly more alarmed.
"Young Master, what's the matter?" Sebastian asked, calmly.
He pulled away from Frances, who immediately released her hold.
"It's nothing!" He snapped, "Might our butler come along?" He asked Claude, looking straight ahead.
"Of course." Claude said.
"Come on." Ciel ordered.
"Certainly." Sebastian agreed.
They started to walk when they were stopped yet again by Claude this time.
"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid my Master is currently away on business (Sebastian and Frances turned towards him as he closed the door.) He'll return in time for the ball."
The Young Master turned towards Claude.
"I see."
"I've laid out tea in the drawing room. Everyone else is already there."
"Thank you, Claude. I hope Alois doesn't take too long with his business. I know he was extremely excited to have this ball." Frances said.
"Yes, indeed." Claude said.
He began to lead the way.
"This way, please."
He led them to the drawing room. They had just gotten to the drawing room when a knock was heard.
"Excuse me. I must see to the door."
"Thank you, Claude."
Claude inclined his head. He turned and left for the door. Sebastian opened the door of the drawing room for them.
"Ciel! Frances!" Lizzie exclaimed, wrapping the both of them in a tight hug.
Frances laughed while Ciel grunted.
"Lizzie…"
"Hello, Lizzie." Frances greeted.
"You're late, my lord, my lady." A familiar voice said.
Frances stiffened as they pulled away. They all turned to Lau who was wearing his green Chinese garments with gold and white lining. Ran-Mao (Who was sitting on his lap with her hands on his shoulders.) was wearing her light purple Chinese dress with the blue long sleeve jacket with black lining, a pink flower in her hair with a golden tassel falling from it.
"Lau!" Ciel exclaimed, surprised. Ciel and Lizzie made their way over to the green with gold lining couch they were sitting on. Paula trailing after Lizzie, "So you two were invited as well?"
Frances remained by the door, fighting against the darkness that came over her that yearned to rip out his spine. She glanced at the ground and gritted her teeth when she heard the subtle distaste in Ciel's tone. She sang hers and Sebastian's song within her mind to calm herself down, taking deep even breaths and letting them out slowly. She could feel Sebastian's eyes on her. She felt his hand subtly brushing against hers. The warmth of the flames and touch fluttered and spread through her, helping her to remain calm. She looked up to meet his calm red eyes, a smile spreading upon her lips. A smile spread on his own lips. She squeezed his hand slightly. He tilted his head. She nodded in understanding. She moved closer to the group with Sebastian following behind her.
"I cannot wait to see your costume, Ciel! I know it's going to be perfect!" Lizzie exclaimed.
Suddenly, the door burst open as the two had reached the group. They all looked to the door.
"Ciel! Frances!" Prince Soma shouted.
He tackled them into a hug. Ciel let out a sigh. Frances laughed again, feeling his annoyance as she returned Prince Soma's hug.
"Hello, Prince Soma." She greeted.
He squeezed them tighter making Ciel yelp.
"Let go of me!" He shouted.
Prince Soma released Frances and moved to the back of Ciel, holding him like a teddy bear, placing his chin on his head, ignoring the grumbles of his friend.
"Did you two have a nice Christmas? How was your trip, Frances?"
"I did, thank you. My trip was fun, despite working. The workers worked very hard."
Ciel scoffed at that as he tried to shove Prince Soma's arm off his person.
"Release me, Soma!" Ciel snapped.
Prince Soma finally did with another laugh. Agni stepped forward and bowed.
"Namaste ji, Lady Frances, Lord Ciel."
Frances turned to him.
"Hello, Agni."
Everyone conversed with one another until it was time to ready themselves for the ball. Sebastian stepped beside her and Ciel as they talked with Prince Soma and Lizzie respectively. He bowed low.
"Excuse me, my lord, ladies, your highness. It is time to retire to our rooms. We must prepare for the ball."
"Of course, Sebastian. Excuse us." Frances said, excusing herself and Ciel.
The two nodded with, "Of course." as Sebastian turned and walked towards the door. Frances and Ciel turned to follow him. Sebastian opened the door revealing Timber, Thompson, and Canterbury. Timber stepped forward.
"We have come to escort you to your rooms." He stated.
"Thank you, Timber."
The three of them gave a bow. They straightened after a moment. The three of them began to follow the servants down the hall.
"He is such an annoyance." Ciel grumbled.
Frances looked at him with a smile.
"Some people just have a happy disposition."
"Hm." He said.
His gaze shifted to the wall and ceiling. Frances could feel his distortion again. She looked at him with concern and could feel Sebastian's concern as well as he looked at the boy, though his face betrayed nothing. When Ciel returned his gaze to the trio of servants, he was back to normal. He glanced up at Sebastian.
"Sebastian, search this mansion from top to bottom, understand?"
Sebastian inclined his head slightly as he closed his eyes.
"Very good."
Alois was not away on business. Instead, he was in his room trying to choose a costume. It was not going too well. He thought they were all lame and… He picked up the black jacket with golden buttons on either side with a line of gold connecting them and a grey uniform. He tossed the black jacket onto the floor.
"Shit! (He threw the grey uniform onto the floor.) And this is shit. (He threw a tan shirt with a dark green collar with a red cross onto the floor.) This one too! (He threw another costume on the floor.) And this! (Hannah stood in the room, silently watching him. He walked over to a round table with a chair. On the table sat a red crown with white fur lining and black spots, gold designs surrounded it as well as the top of it. He picked it up.) This is shit of the highest grade!"
He moved it back, aiming to hit Hannah. He faltered for a moment.
*Frances would get mad at me.*
He growled. He turned to the wall where his headboard was and threw it as hard as he could. It hit the wall above his headboard making a loud sound then fell to the bed. Alois smirked when he noticed a crack in the wall. Suddenly, the door opened. Claude stepped through.
"Are they here?" He asked, turning to him.
He bowed.
"Yes, they have arrived."
He straightened from his bow. Alois walked over to the dresses laid out on another table. He went to the pink one, knowing that would be the funniest one for Claude to wear.
"I was choosing a costume." He explained, picking up the pink one, "You wear one too, Claude. How about something like this? (He walked over to Claude and placed it on his shoulder. He clapped his hands then lifted his left and pointed his right foot out.) Ole!"
Claude stared at him with that unreadable expression with his golden eyes looking at him from the corners of them.
"Hmph. Frances would have laughed." Alois stated.
A slight narrow of his eyes caused a smirk to appear on Alois' face. It returned to the unreadable expression in an instant. Alois sighed. He yanked the dress down, throwing it on the floor. He turned to Hannah.
"All the costumes you brought me are bloody useless! I require your uniform, Hannah! Bring me your spare one!" Alois ordered.
She bowed.
"Yes, your Highness."
She made her way out of the room. Claude barely moved so she could get by, leaving the two of them alone. Alois turned his gaze to Claude.
"I assume you're ready, Claude?"
"Certainly. I transform day into night, pleasure into pain, and waltzes into requiems. That's what makes a Trancy butler."
"I'll show you a good time, Ciel Phantomhive, Frances Harkness."
Frances looked away from the ceiling to continue getting ready for the ball. Timber, Thompson, and Canterbury placed her and Ciel into guest rooms that were next to each other about ten minutes ago. She wondered what Alois was planning. Knowing him, it was probably something crazy. She shook her head and continued getting ready.
An hour later, she placed the last rose into her hair. She looked herself over in the floor length mirror. She couldn't help, but feel… sexy and beautiful. A smile spread upon her face. It was time to show Malphas. She walked out the door, only to stop when she saw Malphas directly in front of her. His eyes widened as he looked her over. Her dress was strapless and black. It hugged her tightly from her bust to her waist where the fabric began to flare out in a train of his feathers behind her, there were also feathers attached to the front of the skirt of the dress, on her hips to the top of her leg were his feathers as well, the ends curled towards her buttocks. Upon her feet were black ballet flats with the ribbons ending at the top of her calf. Her hair was done up in an oval braid similar to a crown with four black roses in a line at the front of the braid. Malphas' eyes flashed fuchsia with wide eyes. His tendrils of darkness shot out to caress her skin. He took her hand and slowly twirled her. His eyes trailed from the bottom of her dress to the top. He loved the use of his feathers. He paused when her back came into view. Four of her scars disappeared behind her dress. His hand trailed down her back. She shivered. He leaned his head towards the scar on her left shoulder, pressing a tender kiss upon it. She shivered and mewled, tilting her head back slightly.
"You aren't afraid someone's going to question your scars?" He asked against her skin.
She shook her head.
"No. (She looked over her shoulder at him.) People will always gossip for they are never brave enough to ask the questions. However, if anyone says anything about Ciel, I will defend him. You know this."
His hands grabbed her hips and rotated his hips with hers. She whimpered.
"Malphas."
He turned her quickly. He grabbed her wrists, pulling them above her, his other hand hitched her leg up to his hip. His head lowered to her ear.
"The black swan is perfect for you, my mate. (His grip tightened causing her to whimper) Do not allow any males to touch you."
A wide amused grin spread upon her lips. She leaned towards his ear.
"Yes, my Master."
He growled low in his throat. He moved his face in front of her, inches from her face.
"The things I would do to you, right now." He stated, kissing her long and deep.
She returned the kiss as a moan slipped out.
*Malphas.*
They pulled away after a few minutes with her gasping for breath.
"But, you can't."
"But, I can't."
They both stated at the same time as he pulled away from her, lowering her leg and wrists. His hand trailed to her right hand. He lifted it to his lips, placing a gentle kiss. His eyes lifted to hers under his lashes. Their fuchsia eyes met.
"Be safe." They whispered at the same time.
The next second, he was gone. She made her way to the ballroom, humming "Swan Lake: The Black Swan".
When she approached the doors, Thompson and Timber were standing by the doorframe. She could feel their eyes on her, looking her over. She could feel their approval. Malphas growled in her mind. She mentally shook her head. She sent him calmness. He did indeed calm down. The two demons opened the door for her. She thanked them. The music became louder, bright lights blinded her for a moment. Once it cleared, she could see lots of many different colorful costumes. Reds, blues, greens, purples, blacks, and whites. The chandeliers gleamed. It was beautiful! Frances walked into the ballroom. The people who were standing around conversing, looked at her. Their jaws dropped.
"She's beautiful." She heard someone say.
"Stunning." Another complimented.
"The black swan. How fitting for a Phantomhive." A gentleman commented.
Frances' smirk matched the one on her demon's lips. She inclined her head several times as the people made eye contact with her. They inclined their heads as well. She continued her way over to her friends, smiling as she watched Lizzie clap her hands.
"Now we match!" She exclaimed.
Ciel's glare softened just a tad. He was wearing black boots, grey pants with a blue jacket with golden and red accents, a red sash was around his waist, a brown belt hung from his shoulder to holster his silver sword, a white layered kerchief with a skull at the center, and a brown tricorn hat with a long white feather floating down the back and Lizzie's dark brown, tan, and white feather in the front. He held a mug in his right hand. He looked like a pirate. Frances smiled.
*It suits him.*
Her eyes wandered to Lizzie's who's sparkling happiness, love, and devotion was glowing brightly. It was so beautiful to feel as it reminded her of her feelings of love towards Malphas. She was wearing a tan dress with a red cloth around her hips, a light brown shawl with tannish-yellow strings hanging from it, a red and golden border wrapped in a v around her neck, and brown sandals upon her feet. Her hair was in their usually curly pigtails with a blue and red band around her head with two pieces of hair framing her face, another feather stuck out of the back of her head. She watched as Paula turned towards the couple. Her costume was of an Egyptian royal slave with golden sandals, golden jewels around her ankles, light warm skirt that had a slit open, revealing her legs slightly with a golden outline with blue in between the border and golden dots down the middle to cover the slit, a blue band with golden outline wrapped under her bust with the same cream cover as her skirt covering her bust with golden outlines that led to a blue collar with squares and a red almost diamond shape with gold outlining as well sat in the middle, golden wristlets wrapped her wrists as she held the two bells she always carried in her hands, a golden band around her head with a serpent that was also gold and blue upon her head.
"You're not wearing a costume, Your Highness?" Lizzie questioned.
Frances' eyebrows drew together as she looked Prince Soma over. He was wearing brown pants with white and black lines with a matching shawl jacket with a matching cap, and a brown pipe. Her eyebrows relaxed as she deduced who the character he was portraying as was.
"This is my Sherlock Holmes costume."
She smiled as she watched Agni in a lime green tuxedo with black shoulders, a crisp white shirt, and forest green tie walked towards the Prince wearing a white mustache under his nose.
"And you must be Watson." Frances said as she approached them.
Their eyes turned to her. They widened while Lizzie's mouth dropped open. She could feel their stunned appreciation of her costume. Agni snapped out of his shock to place his hands together and bow towards her.
"Indeed, my Lady. (He straightened.) You look stunning. The black swan truly suits you." He complimented.
"Thank you, Agni." She said with a smile.
"It's so dark, but I love it!" Lizzie exclaimed running up to her and hugging her tight.
Frances laughed. She returned the hug.
"Thank you, Lizzie."
Lizzie pulled away still looking at her dress.
"The feathers look so real. Like from a crow." She said.
Frances and Sebastian nearly stiffened. Sebastian paused in sifting through a closet when he heard that.
"That's because they are. Don't worry though, none of them were harmed, I promise." She said quickly when she saw Lizzie's face become sad.
Her face brightened.
"Good." She said, clapping her hands.
"Young Master! Mistress!" Bard, Finny, and Mey-rin called.
They turned to see the servants. Finny was wearing red pants with a red skirt with grey boots, brown with gold lining that looked like a body armor with a blue cloth around the middle with a red ribbon to hold it in place. He also held a red stick in his hands. Baldroy was wearing dark grey pants and shirt with grey string straps that led to a light blue robe with white lining, a dark grey sash wrapped around his waist, purplish-black ball necklace around his throat with a darker blue with matching gold around the boarder. He was also wearing a yellow beak with a blue seven pointed star with a silver circle within hat on his head. He was also holding a light grey stick with a half moon attached. Mey-rin was wearing brown ankle boots with dark turquoise pants, a white short skirt with a rope tied in a bow around her waist, a light green-blue covered her breasts to her neck with a dark turquoise along the edge with a design at the edge of her throat, a light turquoise wrapped her sleeves with gold accents, the same light green-blue covered to her wrists. She also had a brown and dark grey band with pink pig ears attached and on her nose a pink snout. In her hands, she held a rake.
"We're the Three Musketeers of Chinese monsters!" Bard explained.
"Magic monkey!" Finny cried.
"Let's go, Gandhara, yes!" Mey-rin shouted.
"We had a costume made for you too, Young Master!" Baldroy exclaimed.
They each had an article of clothing in their hands suddenly. Mey-rin held an off-white rope with a tan wrap with two rows of dark brown beads. Bard held a yellowish-gold with a brownish gold with a light yellow gold inside headpiece. Finny held a bald cap.
"Ta da!"
Suddenly, an image of the Young Master wearing this… this costume sitting on a beautiful white horse with the servants walking beside him. Ciel's eye zeroed in on the bald cap.
"Rejected."
They made noises of disapproval.
"At least wear this part!" Finny pleaded as he moved the bald cap up and down.
Ciel just stood there, taking a sip of his drink, ignoring them. Frances' smile grew wider.
"Come on, Young Master!" Finny begged.
Frances placed a hand on his shoulder. Finny looked at her.
"The Young Master said no thank you, Finny. Besides, doesn't he make a very fancy pirate?" She asked.
Finny looked him over. A bright smile grew upon his face.
"He does, indeed." He agreed.
Ciel's cheeks turned a bit pink, Frances mentally giggled at the Young Earl's embarrassment.
"Put these away then come have fun."
"Yes, Mistress!" The three of them saluted.
They made their way out of the ballroom to return the clothes. Frances shook her head with amusement.
Sebastian was doing as he was ordered to, looking in every inch of the manor. He had been unsuccessful so far. He was currently looking in a desk drawer of some guest room. He closed it as the door opened. He turned towards the intruder.
"This is a marvelous room. (He moved so he was completely facing Claude.) Everything is perfect, from the precision of the bedclothes to the cleaning and even the desk drawers. I sense the special care for your guests that you must have taken. It's been very educational for me."
"How nice. I'm more impressed by the passion that prompts you to stoop to attempt petty thievery in service to your duty."
"You flatter me. (He walked towards Claude, stopping at his left, suppressing his urge to growl. Frances sent him calmness which flooded his heart.) I won't let you have my Young Master, nor my mate. You see, I am his butler come hell or high water. As for her, I would bring Heaven, Hell, and the Earth to her feet (He felt the pleasurable yet wariness of his mate, finding it hard to not form a smirk.)."
"The Master's orders are absolute. (Sebastian's red eyes narrowed as they slid to Claude' head.) I'm one hell of a butler too, you know."
"Pardon me." Sebastian excused himself.
He walked out the door. He could feel Claude's eyes upon him as he walked down the hallway feeling Frances' calmness that she continued to send.
*Thank you, my darling.*
*You're welcome, my love.*
Frances wondered when Alois would get here. She knew he was there. It had to be because of what she felt earlier. That something was going to happen. He still wants Ciel after all. She jolted. It was soon.
"Maybe we should help out, too?" She heard Finny ask.
"I agree, yes!"
"That isn't necessary, you three." Frances said, placing her glass on the table.
They looked at her with confusion that she could feel.
"You aren't dressed in your servants' outfits so that makes you guests. So, go and dance! I'm going to get some food."
"Would you like one of us to accompany you?" Baldroy asked.
"No, thank you."
She began walking to the buffet tables. On the way, she stopped by Ciel who was leaning against the wall.
"Ciel, would you like something to eat?"
He shook his head.
"No, thank you."
"Very well."
She waited for a second when…
"Do you think he'll be arriving soon?"
"Yes."
He nodded.
"Good. Go get your food, starving half demon." He said with a small smirk.
"I will, Mr. Grumpy Pirate."
He scowled at that, though a light blush appeared on his face. She smirked. She made her way to the table. As she did so, a maid with blonde hair and light blue eyes passed her. Their eyes met. She saw the familiar mischievousness inside them and a subtle tug of their lips. She inhaled slightly and could smell the familiar sweet and sour smell of his soul. It made her mouth water as usual. She swallowed it back as she continued walking. She heard the splash of liquid and clinking glass.
"I'm so sorry."
"It's nothing. Don't worry about it."
"No, it would be horrible if your costume stained. (She could feel Ciel's surprise and suspicion.) Come, this way."
She made it to the food table. She began filling the plate with a bit of food. She made her way back to her friends. She began eating. She was a quarter way done with her food when she felt Ciel's annoyance followed by surprise. A short while later, his disgust. Suddenly, she felt his distortion for a second before determination. Suddenly, she felt Lizzie's strong wave of concern and confusion.
"I wonder where Ciel went…" Lizzie said.
Frances looked up to see she was next to Lau and Ran-Mao with their friends watching the servants dance. Frances smiled as she watched Finny spin Mey-rin and Bard around while spinning himself. Frances approached Lizzie and placed a gentle hand upon her shoulder.
"Not to worry, Lizzie, he'll be back soon. He went to the bathroom." She said.
She smiled and nodded. Suddenly, she felt his distortion again and then his confusion. A few seconds later, she felt his pain. She needed to go find him.
"Excuse me, Lizzie. I'll be right back."
"All right."
She made her way through the manor, following Ciel's increasing pain. It led her to the servants' kitchen then the little cellar where they stored wine and teas to retrieve for guests. She saw him knock over several boxes and a barrel before bending over and throwing up. She used her demonic speed to quickly appear next to him. She ran her hand up and down his back soothingly, her other hand reached for his forehead, brushing back his bangs to get a read of his temperature. He pushed her hand away.
"I'm fine." He muttered, wiping away the vomit from his chin with his sleeve.
"That's a lie and we both know it." She stated pointedly.
She moved back to allow him to stand. He swayed slightly, but recovered. He wasn't looking at her. She sighed, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Please, tell me what's wrong, Ciel. I know you've been feeling distorted and it's been increasing to the point of pain…" She paused for a moment, waiting for him to answer. She glared at him when she realized he wasn't going to answer, "Ciel, I can't help you until you tell me what's wrong."
He sighed. He looked up at her.
"I feel like this manor is familiar. Then I hear Sebastian, Claude, and Alois saying things that I've heard before, but know I wasn't present for." He explained.
Frances thought that over. She knew Sebastian placed him in a force sleep for a long time. Perhaps his subconscious could still hear things? That was the only explanation that made sense, especially hearing a conversation he wasn't physically present for and finding the inside of the mansion familiar. She looked into his eye.
"Perhaps you did hear this conversation without physically standing here. Sebastian…" She paused.
*Tell him. He needs to know, my mate.* He gently gave his consent to tell him.
She did so.
"Sebastian put you in a trunk to retrieve the part of your soul that's missing. He also put you into a deep sleep where it appears that while your physical body was asleep, your mind was awake, hearing this conversation." She explained.
He looked to the side.
"I see…" He muttered.
She could sense the conflicting emotions. She understood how he felt as she felt the same when Sebastian explained what happened at the Trancy estate that night.
"Come on. Let's get out of here." She said, gesturing up the stairs.
He obeyed, walking up the stairs with Frances behind him. When they reached to top of the stairs, Ciel shuddered.
"I hear him. His voice again." He told her.
"Then go after him." She stated. His head snapped to look at her. She smirked as she lowered her voice, "You're the king on this chess board. Find out why he truly wants you."
He stared at her in awe for a moment. His eyes then narrowed with determination.
"You stay here with the others. I don't want Alois getting distracted."
She smirked as she deeply curtsied.
"Yes, my lord."
He smirked. He turned from her and began to run, following the annoying voice of Alois Trancy.
Frances' smirk widened as she watched him go.
*He's coming, my love.*
*I feel him, my darling.*
*Keep me in the conversation, please.*
*Yes, my mate.*
Ciel had run out into the forest. When he could go on no further, he stopped to catch his breath behind the safety of a tree. Suddenly he heard,
"What's wrong? (Ciel's head snapped up to look for the source, however, the darkness was making it difficult to see. Suddenly, he saw a figure appear. It was that maid. No… It is…) Can't you breathe? Does it hurt? If it hurts, I'll lick it all better for you. (The person licked their corner top lip.) I'll lick your wounds."
"Enough." Ciel said with a bowed head. He snapped it up, glaring at the person, "Enough of this farce, Alois Trancy!" Ciel demanded.
The person stayed quiet for a few moments. A wide smirk on their face. He hmphed, pulling off the blonde wig, tossing it to the side while his other hand brushed through his hair.
"So, you were onto me. What a drag."
"I thought if I let you get me alone, you'd make a move."
"So, you followed me on purpose? But…"
Alois smirked. Claude appeared behind one tree on his right. Alois glanced to the left. Timber, Thompson, and Canterbury jumped down. He looked back at Ciel. Ciel smirked.
"I can't have you underestimating me."
"My Young Master is quite right." Sebastian's voice filled the air. He walked out from behind the tree Ciel was leaning on. His eyes narrowed at Claude, "I believe I warned you earlier, Claude."
Alois turned towards Claude, glancing at Ciel with mischief in his eyes.
"We just wanted to chat somewhere quiet."
Inside the kitchen, Frances was listening as Sebastian opened their link so she could hear if Alois would give them more information. Suddenly, she heard screaming. The screaming of people losing their lives! She spun towards the awful sound. It was coming from the cellar.
"Don't hurt her!" A gruff voice shouted.
She made her way down the stairs. The screaming became louder as well as a roar of a fire. There were similar phrases such as, "Don't hurt my family!", "I'm a lord!", "I protected her.", but two phrases caught her attention as she slowly descended the staircase.
"I won't let you hurt my family! Sebastian!" A familiar voice said.
There was a growl. It sounded like a dog.
She walked across the floor, avoiding the pile of sick and spilt wine. She felt compelled to look at the shelf that Ciel had messed up. There were boxes of New Moon Drop in the back. One of the boxes was glowing. A strange pulsing light white glow.
"I won't let go of this hatred!" The Young Master shouted.
It was calling her. The white pulsing light grew faster. Her hands slowly reached for it.
While this was happening, the conversation outside continued.
"What could you possibly want from me enough to hold a costume ball and dress yourself up that way?" Ciel demanded.
Alois turned his head to look at Ciel in the eye.
"I want you."
"Yes, we've already established you want me. For what purpose?"
"That I want you. That's all, Ciel Phantomhive. And Frances too. Though, I pretty much have her. (He tilted his head with a wide smirk.) Good thing she already approves you. (He winked.) If you refuse me… (He looked towards his mansion. Ciel followed his line of vision.) I'll have everyone in there killed. (Alois turned to face Ciel straight forward.) I've arranged for a little performance. And if it begins, everyone dies. Including the people you care about."
Inside the ballroom, Finny and Mey-rin were dancing while Bard went to get some water. Lizzie and Prince Soma also joined the dance while Paula and Agni stood near where Lau and Ran-Mao sat on a couch.
Inside the basement, Frances continued to hear the screaming of the damn with a few familiar phrases, screams, and yells. Her hands continued to reach for the low white pulsing glowing tin box.
Back outside, Ciel let out a scoff as he looked at Alois with a smirk. Sebastian's lips were also curled into a smirk.
"You would never hurt Frances."
Alois' grin grew wider. Ciel's eyebrow raised.
"Can you be certain of that?" Alois asked.
Ciel knew Alois would never hurt her. He only wanted a reaction. The brat wouldn't get one. This is his game after all.
"…Well?"
Ciel and Sebastian's lips curved into dark smirks.
"Do as you like."
Alois gasped slightly. Claude tilted his head down slightly in surprise.
"Are you sure about that?"
"Of course. If you can. I have something I'd like to ask you, too."
"What is it? I'll tell you… (He turned around to stick his buttocks out, looking over his shoulder.) if you bow down and kiss my ass."
"I wonder which of us will kiss ass in the end?"
"Well, aren't you confident."
Ciel didn't respond. He merely glared at Alois.
*How can Frances like him? He is incredibly irritating.*
Alois straightened up after a moment. His back faced Ciel.
"Don't get cocky just because your butler has a little talent. (He walked over to Claude, placing his hands on him for a moment. He turned back around, grabbing Claude by his crossed tie.) My Claude here is even more amazing!"
Alois stuck out his tongue, showcasing his mark.
"Hoheo taralna, rondero tarel. (He turned to Claude.) Claude! Get me Ciel!"
"This is an order, Sebastian. Do whatever it takes to protect me. Do not fail."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Yes, my lord."
*"Swan Lake: The Black Swan" belongs to Pyotr llyich Tchaikovsky