Chapter Seven: A Surprise for Friends
The week passed by rather quickly with accepted invitations for the party, love making between the demon and human, separating the workload between Ciel and Frances thus causing more free time for both so they took more time for their lessons (paying the tutors extra to keep silent.), helping Sebastian keep a better hold over the servants by telling/showing him how Frances did it so they wouldn't create too many mishaps, Frances and Sebastian also made time to help keep her fighting skills sharp, and prepare for the party. Before they knew it, the day of the party arrived.
Frances awoke lying next to Malphas. She smiled in content. They had been sleeping beside each other since his return. She snuggled deeper into his chest. Malphas started purring softly as he always did. She placed a gentle kiss upon his bare chest. She lifted her head with a smile to look into his red eyes that held love and happiness. Her smile widened as they leaned towards one another. They embraced in a sweet, long kiss. She gasped the moment they broke away.
"Good morning, Malphas." She whispered, breathlessly.
She moved her arms from his chest and waist to cross against his chest, resting her chin on them, staring at him contentedly.
"Good morning, Frances." He greeted back, his hand running through her hair.
She tilted her head closer to his hand, eyes closing, a sigh escaping her lips. She could feel Prince Soma's excitement and Lady Elizabeth's suppressed excitement. Malphas let out a quiet sigh. He rolled her over onto her back. His big hands ran up her sides. She let out a sigh as she arched her back. Malphas smirked. He kissed her lips quickly yet deeply.
"Such a beautiful human." He cooed once he pulled away.
She smiled as she watched his blur. He stopped and looked at her with a smile, dressed and ready for the day. He bowed to her with a hand on his chest.
"Please, excuse me, Frances. I must attend to my duties."
She nodded.
"Yes, Malphas."
He smiled as he made his way to the door. He gave her one last smile before walking out, closing it behind him. She laid on the bed lazily for a moment before getting up. She stretched with her arms above her head, a soft groan escaped her lips. She went to her closet to pick out her dress for the party. She picked out a dark purple dress with a light purple ribbon around her waist with a matching light purple triangle where the point started at her waist, flaring out to the bottom of her skirt. She pulled out a pair of matching light purple heels. She hummed an instrumental piece* from the future softly. She could feel Malphas relaxing further. She smiled, humming louder. She spun on her heel with an elegant ballerina twirl, thrusting her right foot out, toes pointed. She slowly walked with her toes pointed dragging against the floor towards her dresser where she spun once again with her left leg bent with her toe on her right leg, arms out. She stopped, standing in third position (A position where the heel of one foot is rested halfway against the other foot, each foot flat on the ground.). She opened her top drawer where her corsets were. A knock on the door sounded.
"Come in~~~~." She sing-sang as she moved to the bed.
She placed her clothes on the bed while her heels she placed on the floor as the door opened.
"Good morning, Frances, yes!" Mey-rin greeted.
"Morning, Mey-rin!" She sing-sang again, turning towards her with a bright smile.
Mey-rin's smile grew as she crossed the floor after closing the door.
"You seem excited, yes you do!" She commented.
Frances nodded as Mey-rin approached her.
"I am. I can finally tell our friends that Ciel has returned!"
"Yes, indeed. But, what about your Sunday visits with Lady Elizabeth?" Mey-rin asked.
She was about to answer when she felt a spike in Mey-rin's nervousness.
"I-I didn't mean to overstep my boundaries, my Lady! I-I was just…"
Frances smiled softly.
"Mey-rin." She called, taking Mey-rin's hands into her own, stopping her speech, causing her to lift her gaze to meet her own, "You're not overstepping with me, Mey-rin. The Young Master has agreed to a once a month visit from Lady Elizabeth. Of course, if she wishes to visit me or him more than that we won't decline. Sort of like when the Young Master was around before."
She nodded.
"I-I see."
Frances smiled. She turned and grabbed her corset then turned back to Mey-rin.
"Can you help me with my corset please, Mey-rin?"
"O-Oh! Yes! Of course, m'lady!" She said, taking the corset from her.
"Thank you."
As Mey-rin tied up the laces of the corset, Frances felt someone was coming to the manor.
*I've got it, my darling.* Malphas sent her.
*Thank you, Malphas.*
In no time, she was dressed, her hair placed in an elegant braided bun with a light purple ribbon intwined to match her dress with two pieces of hair to frame her face. Mey-rin led her to the stairs where they met up with Sebastian and Ciel. She smiled brightly as she looked over what Ciel was wearing. It was the blue outfit Lizzie had bought him last year during the ball. Both his and Sebastian's hair was slicked back. Frances had to cover her amusement with a wide smirk.
"Good morning, Ciel. You look handsome." She complimented.
"Good morning." He muttered, blushing as he averted his eyes.
Frances' smile widened as Mey-rin covered her laughter with her hand while a smirk spread on Sebastian's face. They continued down the stairs. The remaining servants stood in a line and greeted the both of them with bright smiles. They greeted them back before moving into the dining room with Mey-rin. Mey-rin stayed with the other servants as they moved off to do their own chores having eaten breakfast earlier. Sebastian went to the kitchen. A few moments later, he returned with the trolley of food and drinks. Before he served breakfast, he placed a rectangular tray with a letter on it, and a letter opener right beside it in front of the Young Master. The Queen's familiar seal facing him. The Young Master sliced it open with the letter opener. He pulled it out and read it quietly for a second until he finished reading the first sentence. Then he reread it out loud.
"My Dear Boy and Protective Lady, (Frances looked at him and paid closer attention.) I must ask for your help. Five women of various classes have been found murdered, only days apart from one another. Scotland Yard is having difficulties finding the culprit and clues. I am concerned with the rate of deaths occurring. The people must feel safe and they cannot be when there is a murderer walking about. Find them and deal with them as you must. Sincerely, Queen Elizabeth."
He folded the letter and placed it back into the envelope. He leaned back in his chair as Frances leaned back in hers.
"It appears we have to make a trip to London tomorrow." The Young Master said.
"Yes, indeed." Frances agreed.
He let out a sigh.
"I suppose it's a good thing that we are doing this party today then."
Frances let out a little laugh.
"Prince Soma will be ecstatic."
He let out a groan.
"Don't remind me."
Frances gave another laugh. Sebastian's lips curled into a smirk. They could feel the very slight happiness along with the annoyance yet resignation. Sebastian cleared his throat. He stepped forward, serving and announcing their breakfast.
Once breakfast was finished, Frances excused herself to work on her oils and potions. She worked on them only taking a break for lunch until about two in the afternoon when she felt their company would be arriving earlier than the invitation said. She paused. She shook her head.
*They're on their way.* She sent to Malphas, *They'll be here soon. Is everything ready? Do you need any help?*
*Thank you, my mate. We are indeed ready. I appreciate your offer, but we are all right. After all, I am one hell of a butler.*
She shook her head with a smile.
*Do you need any help cleaning up, my darling?* He asked with a playful smirk and seductive tone.
*No, thank you, Malphas. I'm all right. After all, I'm one strong human.* She replied, seductively.
Malphas' smirk widened into a smile and his tone softened.
*Yes, you are, my beautiful, strong mate.*
She smiled with a blush. She quickly cleaned up, taking off her apron. She went into a guest bedroom to wash her hands quickly and looked over her appearance to make sure she looked presentable. She was. She made her way quickly down the hallway. She saw Sebastian and Ciel already there by the stairs. Frances made her way past them while grazing her hand down Sebastian's back. He shuddered and growled through their mental connection. She smirked seductively at him, replacing the smirk with a smile as she went to the first landing of the stairs. She noticed Mey-rin, Finny, and Little Man Tanaka stood by the dining room door as Bard stood by the front door. They heard the carriages pull up. Frances took a cleansing breath to rid herself of her nerves. They waited a few minutes until a knock was heard, Baldroy opened the door. Prince Soma and Lady Elizabeth walked in. Prince Soma was wearing his usual garments of his blue robe with a golden outline, white pants, open-toe sandals, a red vest with white outlining and a red and white sash around his waist. His purple hair was done up in his usual ponytail. Lady Elizabeth wore a simple black dress. Her hair was done up in pigtails with black bands holding them up. They entered with Lady Elizabeth's family behind them. Marchioness Midford wore a red dress with a black ruffled sash around her waist. Marquess Midford wore a black tuxedo with a white shirt and a white bowtie. Lord Edward was wearing the same outfit as Marquess Midford. Agni and Paula followed after them. Bard closed the door behind them. He moved off to the side. Agni was wearing his green outfit while Paula was wearing her maroon dress with a white apron around her skirt and long white collar. Frances inclined her head.
"Welcome, honored guests. Good afternoon."
She raised her head up. The women inclined their heads as the gentlemen bowed.
"Good afternoon, Lady Frances."
They raised their heads.
"Before we start on today's festivities, I… have an announcement to make… Lord Ciel Phantomhive and his butler Sebastian Michaelis have returned."
She could feel their absolute shock. Frances turned to the right and made eye contact with Ciel and Sebastian. Her guests followed her gaze. Ciel and Sebastian began to walk down. Her guests all gasped. After Sebastian and Ciel joined her on the landing, they turned to the shocked faces. Lady Elizabeth was the first to break out of her shock, tears had gathered in her eyes. She ran up the stairs in a blur of black.
"Cieeeeelllllllll!" She cried.
She hugged him tightly, tears running down her face. Frances smiled with tears in her eyes. She looked to see Agni and Prince Soma with tears in their eyes as well.
"Thank Kali! You both have returned! Welcome home, Sebastian, Master Ciel!" Agni praised with his hands pressed together in prayer.
"You're back! Oh, Ciel! My friend!" Prince Soma cried, running up the stairs.
Frances and Sebastian backed away to give them space. Prince Soma clutched to his other side. Frances smiled at the sight before them. The relief and pure elation that radiated through them, even his aunt, uncle, and even Edward. A tear ran down her cheek. She glanced at Sebastian whose eyes were already on her. He smiled lovingly at her. She smiled back. Their gazes spoke louder than words, reminded of when they were reunited. They looked back at the teens who were still crying over Ciel.
After some time, they pulled away. Lizzie wiped her eyes. Ciel handed Lizzie a handkerchief. She took it with a quiet "thank you". After wiping her tears away and blowing her nose. She opened her eyes. They widened.
"C-Ciel! You're wearing…" Lizzie started.
Ciel smiled fondly.
"Yes, Lizzie, I am."
Lizzie smiled with a blush and tears in her eyes. She held her hands together in front of her.
"You finally call me that!" She exclaimed, happily.
Ciel smiled with a blush, looking away. He cleared his throat and forced himself to have a monotonous look. He offered his arm to her.
"Shall we head to the gardens? Frances has set up quite a lovely ball for us, starting with tea."
Lizzie took his arm.
"Of course!"
She turned to look at Frances as they began to walk down the stairs.
"Thank you." She mouthed.
Frances inclined her head.
"You're welcome, Lizzie." She mouthed back.
"Welcome back to you as well, Sebastian." Prince Soma said, slightly timidly.
Frances smiled. Sebastian bowed with a hand on his chest.
"Thank you, Prince Soma. It is a pleasure to see you as well."
He raised from his bow.
"Shall we head to the garden? As the Young Master said, Frances has a lovely ball planned." Sebastian insisted.
He nodded. As the three of them walked forward, they saw Ciel and Lizzie stop in front of the Marchioness and Marquess of Midford.
"Marchioness and Marquess, it's a pleasure to see you again."
The Marchioness smiled and inclined her head.
"I am grateful you are alive. Welcome home, Lord Phantomhive." She said in her usual conservative tone.
The Marquess however…
"My son-in-law is back home! We have missed you so much! And you are as cute as ever!" He exclaimed as he hugged the Young Earl into his chest and squeezed him tightly.
Frances hid her laughter behind a wide smile.
"Alexis." Marchioness Midford lightly reprimanded.
The Marquess released him with a warm smile. Ciel turned to Edward.
"Lord Edward." He greeted.
"Phantomhive." He greeted back, stoically, "Welcome home."
"Thank you, my lord." He said, inkling his head, "Lady Frances has a lovely ball planned, starting with tea in the garden. Shall we?"
The Marchioness gave a curt nod.
"Very well. Let's."
The Midford family followed after Ciel and Lizzie with Prince Soma following behind them. Agni approached Sebastian and Frances as the others made their way to the gardens. He placed a hand on Sebastian's shoulder, tears in his eyes.
"Sebastian, welcome home, my friend. You have been dearly missed." Agni said.
Sebastian gave him a warm smile.
"Thank you, my friend. I have missed being around here." Sebastian said, looking at Frances.
Agni followed his gaze with a brilliant smile.
"Yes. Now you can have peace, knowing he has returned to you, Lady Frances."
Frances smiled brightly as she looked at Sebastian. Love and overwhelming happiness coursed through her. Sebastian warbled in pleasure in her mind as he returned her feelings. He leaned down and kissed her deeply. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she returned the kiss. His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer. They released after a few minutes with her gasping. Their gazes held as she whispered,
"Yes, indeed."
Agni smiled warmly at the couple. Sebastian nuzzled her nose a moment causing her to close her eyes and sigh. He pulled away. She opened her eyes to see him turn to Agni and bow deeply with one hand on his chest, the other still holding her hand.
"Thank you for keeping my Frances company."
He straightened as Agni rubbed the back of his head, sheepishly.
"It was nothing. She is a good friend and a good person."
Frances smiled.
"You are as well, Agni." She said, "Come on. They're going to get irritated that we're not out there yet."
She and Sebastian held hands as they led the way to the garden with Agni following. They released one another's hands as they reached the doors for the gardens. They made it just as everyone was about to sit down at the table. Frances made her way to Ciel's left, seeing as Lady Elizabeth's seat was to Ciel's right. They all sat down after Ciel did.
Sebastian and Mey-rin served the tea, seeing as there was a lot of them. Sebastian had picked out a blue and white tea set. As they sat and made small talk with Lady Elizabeth doing most of the talking, telling Ciel about her lessons and what she had been up to during the time he was away. The Marquess asked Frances how her lessons were coming along to which she answered they were coming along well, though the languages were a bit harder for her to grasp. He had nodded and told her that with her patience, she'll get it in no time at all. Once teatime was finished and the dishes were being cleared by Sebastian and Mey-rin, the Marchioness cleared her throat. Everyone turned their attention to her.
"While I am glad you have returned, Lord Phantomhive, I must inquire about your business. Are you going to resume your duties as head of the company as you have of the household? What of Frances' role?"
"Her role will be my Vice President of the company while being President over her oils and potions as she had been before despite her not knowing about it. She will remain the new face of my company as I would rather not deal with reporters and such. Though, there will be decisions that I will overturn should I feel the need to. However (He looked at her with a prideful smirk.), I'm sure there isn't anything we'll disagree on. After all, we do respect each other. (She returned the smirk. He turned back to his aunt.) Does this satisfy your answer, Marchioness?" He asked, coyly.
The Marchioness stared him down. Ciel did not back down from the challenge. A tension filled the air with their looks. Frances could feel the pride they had for themselves until finally she felt the pride of herself turn to pride for her nephew. She saw the Marchioness smile and give him a curt nod.
"Good. For she is a strong young lady. It would be a shame to strip her of what she has accomplished in such a short time." The Marchioness said, looking at Frances with pride.
Frances could feel the pride for her from the Marchioness. She inclined her head, feeling extremely grateful and happy towards the Marchioness.
"Thank you, my Lady."
The Marchioness smile widened.
"What is next, my Lady?" The Marchioness inquired.
Frances smiled.
The day continued with dressing Lady Elizabeth up with a brand-new dress that Ciel had made by Nina Hopkins (Though, Frances was the one to actually put in the order since they all knew the woman was a gossiper.) while Ciel and the Marchioness had a sword fight as they waited for Frances and Lady Elizabeth. The second Frances and Lady Elizabeth were in Lady Elizabeth's guest bedroom, she pounced on Frances in a tight hug, spinning her around several times as tears filled her eyes again and she laughed. She stopped after a few dizzying circles. Frances felt her head still spinning as she opened her eyes.
"He's back! My love is back! Oh, Frances! This is so… so… exciting! I've missed him so much! And he got me a dress! And he's letting me visit once a month! Isn't that exciting?! He doesn't seem hurt like…" She trailed off, sadness entering her eyes.
Frances squeezed her hands gently, a look of understanding upon her face. Lizzie shook her head. A smile spread upon her face.
"Celebrate the here and now." She whispered to herself.
Frances smiled and nodded.
"That's right, Lizzie. Now, shall we get you dressed? Ciel had Nina make the dress." Frances said, gesturing to the dress on the bed.
Lizzie squealed and gasped in excitement when she saw the dress. It was rather lovely. A pink frilly dress with pink marguerites lining the neckline and her waist with matching pink lace peeking out the bottom. To match with it more, there was eight pink marguerites to put in her hair, four each to line her pigtails, a pink choker with a pink marguerite charm, and pink shoes with pink marguerites on the buckles to match the dress. Frances assisted Lizzie in getting dressed and helping her with her hair. They shared giggles and laughter and compliments.
Once she was dressed, Frances led her to the ballroom. She opened the door. An orchestra began to play the very song Lady Elizabeth and Lord Phantomhive first danced to during her visit that one day. Lady Elizabeth gasped in awe. There were colorful streamers in the middle of the ceiling that spread out and draped about halfway down the walls. A table filled with sweets, snacks, and drinks sat on the other side of where the orchestra played, lots of chairs and small round tables were scattered around the edge of the dance floor. Lady Elizabeth spotted the servants, Sebastian, her family, and the Prince, and…
"Ciel! Thank you for this lovely dress! You remembered!" She squealed as he approached her with his hand held out.
"Of course, my Lady. May I have this dance?" Ciel asked with a smirk.
"Yes!" Lizzie squealed.
Frances moved off to the side, watching Ciel and Lizzie dance with smiles on their faces and happiness in their beings, even if it was small from Ciel. It was there and that was all that mattered. Frances smiled as she swayed side to side. Her smile widened as she saw the Marquess and Marchioness join the dance. She could see the love they have for each other. She longed to join them with Sebastian, but knew she couldn't because it would hurt the Phantomhive image. Her eyes found his the second they landed on her and she felt his soothing feelings he sent her. His red eyes showed his own longing as well. Suddenly, green eyes met her brown ones before looking away. Edward Midford stood before her. A sigh escaped the young man. He met her eyes and held out his hand.
"Would you join me for a dance, my Lady?" He asked, reluctantly.
Frances heard Sebastian growl inside her mind. She sent him reassurance.
"It would be an honor." She said, placing her hand in his.
They joined the other couples on the dance floor. As he spun her around, she paused a moment.
*I've got it, my mate.* Sebastian sent her upon feeling and seeing her pause, knowing someonewas coming to the manor.
*I'm coming too.* She sent him.
He knew there was no stopping her. He placed the tray he held down as Frances curtsied.
"Please, excuse me, my lord. I must use the powder room. Thank you for the dance."
Edward bowed.
"You're welcome, my Lady."
Sebastian was already at the door waiting for her. He opened it once she neared it. She nodded her head in thanks. Sebastian followed her to the front door. He moved forward and opened the door.
The sunlight blinded her for a moment. Once it cleared, their eyes widened. A glare entered her eyes. She reached her hand into a pocket of her dress and summoned her sword. She pointed it at Lau's throat. Lau held up his hands in a placating manner, his green sleeves falling down just past his wrists. She noticed Ran-Mao's hand twitched, visibly resisting the urge to defend her brother. She returned her gaze to Lau.
"What are you doing here, Lau?" She demanded.
"My, my, not even a hello?" He asked with a sly smile.
She glared even harder and pushed the sword closer to his throat as Sebastian was suddenly behind him with a silver butter knife at his throat as well. Frances noticed Ran-Mao's body twitch this time. Frances glared at her, silently warning her not to do anything.
"I wouldn't antagonize her, Lau. Now please, state your business." Sebastian spoke smoothly, yet harshly.
"I wish to give my greetings to the Little Earl."
Frances scoffed.
"And why should we let you do such a thing after what you did to him, hm?"
"Because I want to make nice with him. I do like the Little Lord and I do feel bad for the game I forced him to play."
Frances and Sebastian looked at each other. They knew exactly what the other was thinking, even without words. They lowered their weapons slowly. Frances leaned close to the man.
"You get one chance, Lau. If you hurt him, I will not hesitate to take you out."
Lau actually gulped. He nodded once.
"Yes, Lady Frances." He said.
She nodded once. She moved to the side. Lau and Ran-Mao walked inside. Sebastian followed after them, closing the door behind them. His eyes met hers and flashed fuchsia with lust shining brightly within.
*The things I would do to you, if we didn't have guests.* He growled at her.
Her eyes closed as a shudder rushed through her. The demon chuckled. She reopened her eyes and smirked at him. He returned the smirk. She turned her expression neutral as she turned away from him. As she passed Lau, she sent a glare at him. Sebastian had a hint of a smirk on his face as he too passed him to remain behind Frances. They led the two to the ballroom.
"Wait here." Sebastian told them. He looked at Frances, "Please."
Sebastian went into the ballroom. After a few minutes, Frances could feel Ciel's shock and then anger.
"WHAT?! (She could feel Lizzie, Soma, Agni, and the four servants' confusion toward the outburst. She felt Ciel's force calm and could imagine him clearing his throat.) If you all will please excuse me, I will return momentarily. Please, continue to enjoy the party." Ciel's voice was heard from the ballroom.
The door opened. Ciel walked out, a furious expression on his face as he looked at Lau. Sebastian closed the ballroom door.
"What are you doing here, Lau?" Ciel demanded.
"Ah, my lord. I was hoping we could put the past behind us."
Ciel raised an eyebrow.
"And why on Earth would I do that?"
"I have a proposal for you."
Ciel turned away.
"I'm not interested. Get out, Lau."
"Ah, my lord. Don't be like that."
"Sebastian, get…" Ciel started.
Lau cut him off.
"I'll bring you information only when I wish to, as your friend."
Ciel paused. Frances could feel him calculating before coming to a conclusion. He shook his head.
"I was burned by you once. I will not make that mistake again. Good day, Lau."
Ciel turned away as Frances and Sebastian began to advance towards Lau.
"What if I told you, I have information regarding the women who have been killed from London lately?"
Ciel jerked his head back to Lau as Frances and Sebastian stopped in their tracks, staring wide-eyed at the man. They had just gotten the letter this morning. After a moment, Ciel nodded.
"Very well. (He turned to Sebastian.) Bring tea to my Office."
"Yes, my lord." Sebastian stated with a hand on his chest and bowed.
Ciel and Frances led Lau and Ran-Mao to Ciel's Office. Ciel sat in his chair with Frances standing on his left. Lau sat in the chair facing Ciel with Ran-Mao in his lap. A few seconds passed, until a knock was heard with Frances feeling his presence before the knock.
"Come in." Ciel called.
Sebastian entered the room with the tray of tea. He placed it on the trolley and began serving the tea. After Ciel and Frances took a sip of the tea, Ciel placed his cup down. He fixed his steely gaze to Lau.
"Tell me what you know." Ciel demanded.
"Now, now, my lord. No need to be hasty. Let us discuss my proposal."
There was silence for a moment. Ciel glared.
"Well, get on with it." He snapped.
Lau smiled.
"My proposal is that I come to you should I find anything of interest, more like a friend to visit and converse."
Ciel raised an eyebrow.
"So, like what we had before."
Lau smiled.
"Exactly, but not quite. You cannot come to me for information nor force me to give it. I have no need for your protection as I run my business at my own risk."
"Why would you give me such information even though you don't want me to come to you for it?"
"I find you entertaining, my lord. I always have."
Ciel stood from his desk and walked over to the window as he thought it over. Frances could feel him weighing the pros and cons. After a few minutes, he came to a decision.
"Very well. (He turned to Lau.) I accept this… friendship. However, know that should you backstab me again, Frances and Sebastian will dispose of you as they see fit."
Lau nodded, his face pale.
"As expected, my lord."
Ciel sat down in his chair.
"Now, tell me what it is you know." He ordered, placing his head on his intertwined hands.
"Very well. Each woman that was found loves to sing. They were often heard humming or singing a tune, not unlike someone we know. (Lau looked at Frances who stared impassively at him. The minutes passed in silence. Lau shifted slightly, looking uncomfortable. He returned his gaze to Ciel.) They were all murdered three blocks from low-profit theatres."
Ciel nodded.
"We'll look into this tomorrow. For now, we have guests we must entertain. Thank you, Lau for bringing this to our attention." Ciel said, standing up.
"My lord? (Ciel looked at him with a raised eyebrow.) May we join the celebration as well now that we are friends?"
Ciel stared silently for a few minutes.
"Very well."
He walked to the door with Frances and Sebastian who opened the door for them.
"Thank you, my lord." Lau said.
He and Ran-Mao followed after him.
They returned to the ballroom where they saw Lizzie looking over from talking with Prince Soma once the door opened.
"Ciel!" Lizzie exclaimed again, running over to him, "Is-Is everything all right?" She asked, worry clear on her face and in her voice.
"Yes, Lizzie. Everything is all right. I just needed to talk to Lau." He said, taking her hand.
Lizzie smiled brightly and nodded.
"Let us continue with the ball."
"Yes!" Lizzie exclaimed.
The ball continued with lots of dancing, laughter, talks, and food. Dinner consisted of curry buns which Agni insisted he help Sebastian make and Sebastian accepted his help. After dinner came dessert which consisted of a range of shortcakes with strawberries and cherries that Lizzie squealed over. The ball resumed after dinner with some games to play on the side. As the sky started to darken, Lady Francis declared that they should return home. Lady Elizabeth pouted.
"But, Mother! Can't we please stay a little longer?" She whined, despite being tired and obviously fighting sleep to continue the day with Ciel.
Lady Francis frowned. She opened her mouth to reprimand her daughter for whining when Lady Frances intervened.
"Lizzie, I believe Ciel has something for you."
Lizzie looked over at Ciel with wonder. Her eyes widened when she saw that he held a bouquet of pink marguerites tied in a pink bow, a blush on his cheeks as he averted his eyes.
"These are for you, my lady." He stated, still averting his eyes.
Lizzie's eyes filled with tears as she accepted the flowers.
"Ci-Ciel! These are beautiful! Thank you!" She cried as she wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug.
Ciel oomphed as Elizabeth tightened her arms around him.
"Oh, isn't that sweet, Ran-Mao?" Lau asked, running his hand down her torso.
Ran-Mao turned to him and nodded.
Ciel returned the hug, running his hand down Elizabeth's back.
"Of course, Lizzie."
Frances smiled at the beautiful scene. She unconsciously leaned towards Sebastian who wrapped an arm discreetly around her waist. Lizzie parted from Ciel and wiped her tears again.
"Shall we?" Ciel asked, gesturing to the front door.
Lizzie nodded. Frances stepped forward with Sebastian following. They escorted their guests out the front door. Ciel assisted Lizzie into the carriage. He stepped back allowing the rest of the Midford family to get in. The Marchioness stopped in front of him with a small smile.
"It is good to see you, Ciel. Thank you for taking care of Elizabeth today and helping host this party with Frances."
She looked up at Frances with a smile and a head inclined. Frances inclined her head as well. She smiled wider at her. She looked back at Ciel.
"It is good to see you as well, Aunt Francis." Ciel said.
Lady Francis gave one last smile before she climbed into the carriage with the assistance of her husband. Lord Alexis turned to him with a smile. He placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a slight squeeze.
"Welcome home, my cute nephew."
Ciel blushed again, looking away for a moment. He turned his gaze back.
"Thank you, Uncle Alexis."
He inclined his head. Lord Alexis nodded. He climbed into the carriage. After a moment, the driver snapped the reigns. Lady Elizabeth popped her head out.
"I'll see you soon, Ciel!" She cried, waving wildly.
Ciel returned the wave.
"See you soon, Lizzie."
"Ahhhhh, Ciel!" Prince Soma cried, clinging onto Ciel who cried out, "Can I spend the night, pleasssseeeeeee?!" He begged.
"I'm afraid… I must… decline…" Ciel wheezed in between choked breaths.
"Wahhhh! But—"
"But, I can visit tomorrow. I… We have a case from the Queen." Ciel interrupted quickly.
Prince Soma's eyes widened with excitement.
"Ciellll!" Prince Soma exclaimed, bouncing up and down with him in his arms.
Ciel let out another groan. Frances and Sebastian exchanged an amused smile.
"You will be very pleased with how the Townhouse looks, I'm sure of it!" Prince Soma boasted, excitedly.
Frances smiled and nodded in agreement when she saw Ciel roll his eyes and look over at her pleadingly.
"The sooner you head back to the Townhouse, the sooner tomorrow will come." Frances said.
Prince Soma bounded to her and engulfed her into a hug.
"Soooo true!"
He released her and turned to Agni who was standing beside them.
"Come, Agni! Let us head home."
"Jo ajna." Agni agreed with his hands clasped together. He turned to Sebastian with a warm smile, "It is good to see you, my friend." He bowed.
"Likewise." Sebastian said with his own bow.
They both straightened.
"We shall see you tomorrow." Agni said.
"Have a safe journey." Sebastian said.
Agni stepped forward and assisted his Prince into the carriage, climbing in after him. They drove off with Prince Soma waving excitedly from his seat. Ciel and Frances sent their own waves.
"We shall take our leave too." Lau stated once the carriage was down the drive.
Ciel nodded.
"Very well."
"Have fun with your case!" Lau cheered, entering the carriage with Ran-Mao.
They watched the carriage move down the drive. Ciel sighed in exhaustion.
"How bothersome." He muttered with a yawn.
Frances shook her head, feeling the love he felt for most of those people, even if it was small.
"We will be leaving at six in the morning to investigate. Sebastian, make me some tea then ready my bed." Ciel ordered, walking into the manor.
"Yes, my lord." Sebastian said, hand on his chest as he bowed.
"I'll help cl—"
She squeaked when Sebastian wrapped his arms around her waist.
"You will do no such thing. (She turned her head towards him with surprise. He smirked at her.) You've done quite a lot today. The servants and I shall see to the clean up. Besides, you have to wake up early."
"But—"
He gave her a stern stare. She sighed in defeat.
"Fine." She muttered.
He kissed her forehead.
"Good woman."
Sebastian released her. She made her way into the manor fully with Sebastian following behind her. She made her way to the library as Sebastian made his way to the ballroom. She looked at the titles of the books on the shelves. After a few minutes of looking, she picked one. She moved over to the chair by the window, kicking off her heels, and looked out of it. A small smile spread upon her lips as she saw the beautiful pinks, blues, and whites of the sunset. She let out a contented sigh.
*Today was a lovely day.* She commented in happiness.
She could feel her siblings' happiness as well. She placed her hands on her heart, having put her book on the plush chair.
"It seems you all had a lovely day as well." She whispered, closing her eyes for a moment.
She turned her gaze back to the sunset. She leaned against the head of the chair, completely content with watching the sunset.
At around nine o'clock, Sebastian and the servants finished the cleaning up of the party. Sebastian sent the others to bed after telling them the Young Master, Frances, and himself would be leaving for a case early tomorrow. They nodded and saluted him. He went in search of his mate. He opened the library door. His eyes instantly finding her. A sigh escaped his lips as he shook his head, though a smile made its way upon his lips. She was curled up on the chair, sleeping. He crossed the room towards her. He leaned down and picked up her heels before gathering her into his arms. She groaned quietly as she snuggled deeper into his chest, quieting right after. He smiled softly at her. He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. A sigh escaped her.
"Malphas." She sighed against his lips.
Malphas' smile grew into a grin.
"Frances." He purred against her lips.
She let out another sigh. He pulled away, grinning at his beautiful mate. He turned and made his way to their room, undressed the both of them, redressed them in pajamas, then laid down with her in his arms.
"Good night, my precious mate." He said with one final kiss to her forehead.
On the dark London street, a young lady with curly brown hair and brown eyes hummed a tune quietly to calm her nerves. She knew she shouldn't be out this late, however, she had no choice, but to be. Suddenly, she heard a voice singing.
Voice: If I~~~~ am dream~~~ing (She turned towards the voice. The song was coming from a grey shabby building.) then let me never wake~~~~;
Unable to help herself, she too began to sing.
Voice/Young lady: nor let reality away from me~~ (She wandered into the building.) this sweet illusion take~~~ (She looked around the debris and frankly disgusting building. There were some stairs that she began to climb as the voice seemed to come from there.)! If I~~~~ am dream~~~ing (She made it to the top of the stairs. There was tattered furniture and the walls looked ready to cave in. She walked further into the room.), then let~~~~ me never wake~. (She turned around, still looking for the voice.) My heart is always thine,
A shadow appeared behind her.
"My heart is always thine."
Something sharp struck her in her back. She gasped as she fell to the floor, brown eyes unseeing. The body was pushed out of the window, landing on the ground with a crunch, bones snapping every which way. A figure in black stared indifferently at the body below.
*The instrumental piece she gets ready to is 'La Valse de L'Amour' from 'Cinderella' 2015 version belongs to Patrick Doyle.
*'If I am Dreaming…' from 'Doris' belongs to Alfred Cellier with a libretto by B.C. Stephenson.