Chapter Twenty-Six: A Birthday for a Bluebell Butterfly
Sebastian and Frances laid in bed together after she had woken up on the day of Alois' birthday, per her request. They greeted one another and embraced in a sweet kiss. They pulled away breathing heavily. She leaned on her hand as the other hand drew random designs upon his chest. Suddenly, she looked up at him, her hands moved to cup his cheeks and leaned her face close to his. His red eyes looked at her with lust and love. Her thumb traced his cheek bone.
"You're so handsome, my crow demon." She sighed.
He purred as a smirk graced his lips. His hands trailed up her back.
"I am one hell of a demon."
She shook her head with a smile of amusement. She leaned down and kissed his lips. Malphas kissed her back. They pulled away after a few minutes, breathing heavily. They smiled fondly at one another. They laid together, sharing a few kisses until it came time to get dressed for Alois' birthday. After getting ready, she and Malphas drove out to the Trancy household.
After about an hour and forty-five minutes, they pulled up to the Trancy house at seven forty in the morning. Malphas pulled to a stop. He stepped down from the driver's seat wearing his butler uniform. He opened the door to assist Frances out of the carriage. Her light blue gloved hand took his white gloved hand. She stepped out of the carriage and into the foggy morning. She was wearing a dark blue cloak over her light blue dress with the darker blue petticoat peeking out at the bottom with embroidered bluebells at the bottom of the dress with the dark blue ribbon around her waist. She wore blue boots with darker blue laces. Her hair was curled and half of it was up while the rest hung around her back. A few bluebells in the right corner of the part that was up.
Her head lifted when she heard the door open. Malphas released her hand once she was safely on the ground. They began making their way to the door with Malphas behind her. Claude's eyes widened. He met them when they were a quarter away from their carriage, his eyes narrowed. Sebastian stepped in front of her, a glare within his red eyes.
"Sebastian." Frances chastised gently.
Sebastian slowly moved off to her right, his red eyes still glaring at Claude who watched him stand beside her. Claude's golden eyes narrowed further at her as he looked deep into her eyes.
"You're a half demon." He stated.
Silence.
After a few minutes,
"I am." She stated.
His eyes flashed fuchsia. She stared back, nonplussed. A few seconds passed. His lips tilted down as he continued to stare at her.
"What is that?" He asked.
"None of your concern." Malphas stated with a small growl.
Claude's lips twitched up slightly. She could feel he was amused.
"You can't tell what it is either, Michaelis." Claude stated.
Malphas gave a small smirk.
"Actually, it extends her personality into powers."
Claude's eyebrow rose. Frances nodded in agreement.
"Yes. We may not know what it truly is, but these powers have been a part of me since I was five. I have learned how to use them, just as I have learned how to handle the half demon inside me. (She looked to her right and at the ground, regretfully.) I did kill one person in an… uncontrollable rage, (She looked up at Claude.) but have learned to control it. (Her gaze hardened.) I would never hurt Alois and will protect him and everyone else I love. No matter the cost."
There was silence as Claude looked her over with wide eyes and open mouth. Frances could feel the awe emitting from him.
"I can discuss my powers with you another time. May we continue with what we discussed for Alois' birthday, please?" She asked.
He jolted out of his dazed look. He pushed up his glasses by the bridge of his nose with his pointer and middle finger. A pang of sadness ran through her as she thought of…
*Will.*
A warmth of comfort spread through her from Malphas.
"Very well."
Frances smiled.
"Thank you. Excuse me, gentlemen. I am going to go wake the birthday boy."
She began to walk towards the door. She walked past Claude and into the manor. She smiled at Hannah and the triplets whose eyes widened. They instantly began whispering to one another as they usually did, though this time they were more animated.
"Good morning, Hannah. Good morning, Thompson, Timber, Canterbury." She greeted.
The triplets stopped whispering and bowed at the same time as Hannah who was smiling widely.
"Hello, my Lady." Hannah greeted her.
She made her way up the stairs. Malphas remained downstairs with the others. Frances politely knocked on Alois' bedroom door. She opened the door and walked into the room. She walked over to the sleeping Alois. She sat on the bed beside him, smiling at the newly turned fourteen year old. She clicked open her pocket watch to read that it was eight o'clock. She smiled as she closed her watch and placed it back into her pocket. She ran her motherly fingers through his blond hair.
"Good morning, your Highness. Happy birthday." She whispered, gently.
His eyes opened with a gasp as he sat up. His light blue eyes looked at her with surprised delight.
"Mother! You're here! You remembered it's my birthday?!" He asked her, excitedly.
She smiled.
"Of course I did, silly boy." She said, continuing to run her hand through his hair, "I hope you don't mind, but I have a few surprises for you."
He clapped his hands together in excitement. He hugged her tightly. She returned the hug with a small giggle when he giggled. She breathed in deeply and could smell something sweet and sour. It made her mouth water.
"Of course, I don't."
He pulled away from her to look up at her, smiling brightly. She swallowed the saliva in her mouth and ensured the barrier around her emotions was in place as she returned the smile.
"Wonderful. Claude will be in to dress you for the day. You'll need your travel clothes." She said, standing from his bed.
He looked at her, confused.
"Travel clothes?"
Frances turned back to face him.
"Yes." She said.
A smile lit up his features.
"All right."
She nodded.
"All right. I'll see you at breakfast.
"'Kay!"
Her smile widened. She made her way to the door. She opened it revealing Claude on the other side. She smiled at him as she passed him. Claude entered the room and went to retrieve the Highness' clothes.
"Do you know what she's planning Claude?" Alois asked him, curiously.
"I do, your Highness." Claude answered as he made his way over to the boy with his clothes.
"Will you tell me?" He asked.
Claude knelt down in front of his Master as he placed the clothing to the boy's left. Claude looked at him with bored eyes.
"If you wish me to, your Highness."
Alois tapped his finger on his chin in thought for a second.
"Nah." He said, shaking his head, putting his hand down.
Claude pushed up his glasses.
"Very well. There is something else I must speak to you about, regarding Frances."
Alois looked at Claude intrigued.
"Oh?" Alois asked.
"Yes. She has…"
Frances walked down the stairs to see the others. They all turned as she entered the room. Malphas smiling at her as she approached him. Hannah stepped forward with her hands out. Malphas frowned as her hands took Frances'.
"You radiate a different, stronger power as a half demon. It suits you." Hannah complimented, squeezing her hands.
Frances smiled, squeezing them back.
"Thank you, Hannah."
Hannah smiled at her. She leaned close to her ear.
"You hide all of it so well."
Frances hid her surprise and slight worry. It sounded like she was talking about more than just the half demon and power inside her. Hannah leaned back to meet her eye with a knowing smile. Sebastian's eyes narrowed slightly. Their demeanors returned to normal once they heard footsteps from upstairs. Hannah released her hands, folding them in front of her with eyes looking down. Frances went to stand by Sebastian. The second she was by his side, if felt like his had was soothingly running down her back despite him not moving his arm as he sent her calmness. She smiled as she looked up at the stairs to watch as Alois, followed by Claude, descended the steps. He was wearing his favorite outfit, but with black pants instead of shorts and ankle high black boots with purple laces. Alois skipped the last two steps with giggles. He ran into Frances' arms. She laughed with him, returning the hug. He pulled away, taking her hand and leading her to the dining room.
"Come, Mother!" He exclaimed, ignoring the "Good morning." greeting Sebastian and Hannah made as they and the triplets bowed.
They sat in their usual spots as Sebastian, Hannah, and the triplets stayed off to the side. Alois was trying to guess where they were going as they waited for breakfast. Alois sighed and laid his head upon his arm on the table after the seventh guess was a "No." once again. Frances giggled. Claude brought breakfast over, placing a silver covered plate in front of each of them.
"Today's breakfast consists of his Highness' favorite: Chicken and waffles. To accompany it, we have maple, blueberry, or strawberry syrup and whip crème."
He pulled off the lids. Frances' eyes widened. She had two huge golden waffles on her plate with an equally large golden brown chicken. It smelled amazing!
"Woah! Those are huge, Claude!" Alois exclaimed when he saw her plate, "Are you sure she needs that much?"
Frances stared at the boy with incredulousness as she heard Sebastian growl. Alois looked over at her and saw her expression.
"What?" He asked.
"What are you insinuating, Alois?"
His light blue eyes widened. She could feel his shock and fear.
"I-I didn't mean anything by it, Mother. I-I just…"
Frances laughed lightly.
"I know. I know. I was only joking."
He stuck his tongue out at her causing her to giggle.
"Yes, I do need this much." She answered for Claude. She turned to look at him, "Thank you for breakfast. It smells delicious."
She took up her utensils. Alois did the same. The dug into their breakfast as Claude spoke,
"You're welcome, my Lady. (He began to pour the tea.) For drink accompaniment, it's Her Majesty's blend from Ridgeways."
He placed the matching green designed teacups upon the table. Frances swallowed her food before thanking him again. Claude answered her with another, "You're welcome..". They ate their breakfast with a few guesses more from Alois. Once breakfast was finished, Frances wiped her mouth with her napkin.
"Shall we get going, Alois?" She asked.
"Yes!" He said, jumping from his chair.
He grabbed her hand and quickly led her to the door. Sebastian and Claude followed after Claude gave instructions to the other servants to maintain the property while they were gone. Sebastian opened the front door then the carriage door for them. Frances thanked him as usual. Sebastian climbed onto the driver's seat. Claude entered their carriage as well. Once he entered, he closed the door and the carriage began to move down the road with Claude not being able to sit down causing him to lurch slightly. Claude caught himself. He turned his icy golden glare to the demon driving the carriage as he sat down. Alois laughed.
"Sebastian sure is amusing! Isn't he, Claude?"
Claude's expression became monotone though Frances could feel the annoyance and hatred. Alois turned his gaze to France once again.
"Will you tell me now where we are going?"
"It's a place I hope you will like." She said.
He pouted slightly.
"That's not a hint at all!" He whined.
Frances smiled. She pulled him into a one armed hug.
"You'll find out soon, birthday boy."
He squirmed for a moment before succumbing to the hug with a sigh.
After a little while, they arrived at a…
"Train station?" Alois asked.
"Mm hm.," Frances said.
Sebastian pulled the horses to a stop. Claude was already out the door and holding his hand out for Frances and Alois to take. Frances accepted the hand with a, "Thank you.". As she placed her foot on the ground, she could feel the dark aura of anger, annoyance, hatred, and jealously from Sebastian. That song once again entered her mind pulling a small smile to her lips. She sent him calmness as she released Claude's hand. He instantly calmed, looking at her with a small smile. Alois appeared at her side with a bright smile. She looked up at him.
"Shall we go?"
He nodded.
"Yes, please."
She hid her surprise and began walking to the entrance of the train station with both butlers behind them.
Once inside, Frances led the way to the train they were to take. The butlers assisted their respected person inside. Frances thanked Sebastian. Once they found their care and were seated inside it, Sebastian and Claude bowed.
"We will see you both once the train gets underway." Sebastian said.
Frances smiled and nodded.
"Thank you, Sebastian."
They walked away to their third-class seats. Alois moved his legs back and forth as he looked out the window.
Soon enough, the train's whistle sounded and they took off. Frances reached into her purse and pulled out a few games as well as The Brother's Grim 'Fairy Tales' that she summoned. Alois' eyes widened.
"Would you like to play a game or so you want me to read to you? We have about an hour and a half train ride until we reach our destination."
Alois tapped his chin in thought as he looked over the games and book. She could feel that he was having a hard time choosing. It made her smile. After a few seconds, he pulled out the chess board.
"Let's play chess!"
She nodded.
"All right."
She put the other items into her purse, sending them away. Alois began to set up the pieces.
When Claude and Sebastian arrived, they had already made quite a few moves into their game. Sebastian opened the door, gaining their attention for a moment before returning to the game. They both sat down on the opposite side of the human and half-human/half-demon watching them play.
They played a few rounds with Alois winning three out of the five games they played. After the final game was finished, Frances began to clean it up, explaining they were almost there. Alois looked out the window.
"Next stop, Southampton. Next stop, Southampton." They heard a train worker say as he passed by their car.
Frances smiled. She turned to Alois.
"This is our stop."
His eyes brightened.
"I've never been to Southampton before. (He looked down. She felt his sadness and disgust.) I've never been anywhere except my mansion and London and that village."
"I know. That's why I wanted to take you on a little trip to some place you've never been." She explained, taking his hand and giving it a squeeze.
He squeezed her hand back. A smile upon his face as his happiness filled him once again.
"Why here?" He asked.
She smiled, secretively.
"You'll see." She sing-sang, mischievously.
He sighed in fake annoyance.
"Fine."
They both stood and made their way out of the train car with the butlers following after them. The train pulled into the Southampton station. The four beings disembarked. They made their way out of the building to where a carriage was waiting for them. Sebastian opened the door for them and assisted them inside, climbing in after they were seated. Once Sebastian was seated, Frances tapped the roof of the carriage to signal the driver. They took off down the road.
A few minutes passed by when the carriage pulled to a stop along a river. Just a few feet ahead of them was a fair with many rides and games. Alois gasped excitedly.
"Is that where we're going?" He asked, looking at Frances with sheer excitement.
Frances giggled as she felt his excitement and giddiness.
"Yes indeed, Alois." She said.
"It looks fun! Can we go now?! Can we?!"
Frances nodded.
"Of course. Let's go!"
Sebastian opened the door for them. Alois dragged Frances out of the carriage before either butler could assist them out. Frances and Alois laughed at the stunned look on both Claude and Sebastian's faces as they looked back. Both butlers quickly broke out of their stunned states and followed after them to the entrance booth.
After purchasing their tickets, they entered the fair grounds. Alois looked around in excitement. It was loud and bustling with people. There were even more games and rides than he initially saw from the carriage.
"Where to first, Alois?" Frances asked.
"This way!" Alois exclaimed, pulling her along.
They played many games and rode many rides. They ate sweets and won prizes. Alois was nearly buried with stuffed animals, though his favorite was a golden plastic ring. They had Alois' favorite fish and chips from one of the vendors for lunch.
After riding all the rides and playing the games, it was only two in the afternoon.
"Would you like to explore the city?" Frances asked as they exited out of the fair grounds.
Malphas and Claude followed behind them carrying the toys they won.
"That sounds like fun!" Alois agreed, swinging her hand to and fro as he looked at his rings.
They stopped at the carriage so Sebastian and Claude could put their prizes inside. Sebastian closed the door.
"All ready, gentlemen?" She asked once the door was closed.
Sebastian turned to her with a smile and polite small bow.
"Yes, my Lady."
They explored the city. They would enter stores and places they found interesting, including abandon places. They stopped and listened to a street musician and danced together. They continued looking around the city until they stopped for dinner at a popular place where they once again ate fish and chips. As they ate, Alois let out a sigh.
"This has been such a fun day! Thank you, Mother." He said, leaning on her shoulder.
She could feel he was getting tired. She kissed his forehead.
"You're welcome, sweet boy. (He smiled, closing his eyes.) It's not over yet though. (He lifted his head to look at her questioningly. She smiled.) I have one more surprise for you." She tapped his nose.
He smiled excitedly.
"What is it?"
"Let's finish eating then I'll take you to your surprise."
"Okay!"
They ate their meal and drank the not so good tea.
*Malphas' tea is much better.* She thought.
Malphas sent her a smug smirk with a mental warble.
*I will make you some "much better tea" when we get home.* He sent her.
She mentally shook her head.
*You don't have to.*
He purred softly.
*You are my mate. I will give you every comfort you desire.*
His darkness stroked her own causing her to shiver. Alois looked up at her with concern.
"Mother?" He asked, worriedly.
She smiled reassuringly at him.
"I'm all right, Alois."
He looked at her closely for a moment. He nodded, believing her words.
They finished their dinner. Sebastian halted their carriage that followed them. He assisted them inside it followed by Claude then himself. Once they were all seated, Frances tapped the roof to signal the driver. They took off to their next destination.
After traveling for about twenty minutes, the carriage pulled to a stop in front of a very fancy theatre. Alois' eyes widened as he saw it. Frances could feel his excitement. The building was rather small, but it's painted white walls around the huge glass windows made it seem bigger. There was a black plaque that read: Now Showing in white block letters on either side were golden candelabras that held lit candles. Alois turned to her with excitement.
"What are we going to see, Mother?" He asked.
"Let's find out, shall we?" She asked.
On cue, Sebastian opened the carriage door for them. Claude made his way to the theatre doors as Sebastian assisted them down from the carriage.
"Thank you, Sebastian." Frances said after he assisted her out of the carriage, smiling brightly at him.
He smiled back.
"You're welcome, my Lady." He said with a hand on his chest.
Her smile widened. She turned her head forward following Alois. Claude opened the door for them.
"Thank you, Claude."
"You're welcome, my Lady." He replied, stoically.
They entered the theatre. Alois' eyes widened as he looked around. The brown walls with a black curtain in front of a wall with stairs leading to the audience seats on the right and left of the wall. A black plaque sat in front of the black curtain on a stand. It read:
The Salsa Dancers
A man with black hair and hazel eyes approached Sebastian. He gave him the playbills after Sebastian showed him the tickets. He silently approached his mate, passing her two playbills. She looked at him with a bright smile and mouthed the words, "Thank you." to which he inclined his head to. Frances handed Alois a playbill. He looked at it excitedly. He looked up at her.
"Can we go inside, Mother?"
"Of course."
He smiled brightly. He grabbed her hand.
"Let's go. Ole!" He shouted, pulling her to the right to the audience seats which were red with golden outlines. He looked around to see that the seats were empty. He turned to look at her, "Where do we sit?"
She ran her hand through his hair.
"Wherever you like." She said.
His eyes lit up. He turned to look at the seats. She watched as he looked up and down the rows of the middle seats. He moved into the direct middle row and sat directly in the middle seat. He turned to look at her. He waved her towards him.
"Come on, Mother!"
She smiled. She began to walk towards him. Sebastian and Claude sat in the seats in the last row of the middle seats in the right corner. Sebastian sat on the inside row with Claude in the aisle seat keeping an eye on them. The stage matched the walls except it was a lighter brown and red curtains were covering the stage.
Shortly after, the lights dimmed.
The red curtain opened, revealing three men and three women dressed in black tuxedos and black dresses. The women had red flowers embroidered at the bottom of their dresses while the men had white flowers embroidered on their breast pocket. Beautiful Spanish music filled the theatre. The dancers began to dance, clap their hands, and stomp their feet. Alois and Frances' eyes were alit with happiness and excitement. When the dance was over, Frances and Alois applauded enthusiastically while Claude and Sebastian applauded politely. The man in the center began to speak with a bright smile.
"We now would like the Earl Trancy to come up to the stage!"
Alois looked at her with wide surprised eyes. She smiled and nodded. He jumped out of his seat and ran towards the stage. He ran up the stairs on the left. Frances smiled in amusement as they began to teach him to dance.
After a few minutes, Claude approached her and sat on her right with Sebastian sitting right next to him. Claude's golden eyes slid down to her watching the growing delight on her face, but still not feeling her emotions.
"Even as a half human, you show such happiness over something so trivial." He commented.
She turned her gaze to him.
"Demons may think things such as this are trivial, but it's not. We humans are only given one life and long to cherish even the smallest things."
Claude raised an eyebrow.
"But, you can live longer now with demon's blood in you. Life is repetitive for you humans. You all do the same things anyhow. Some are more annoying than others." He said with a hint of annoyance in his voice, his golden eyes flickered to Alois who shouted, "Ole!"
Frances shrugged her shoulders, turning her gaze to Alois.
"Life isn't guaranteed. I may be stronger with this half demon inside me, but I can still die (Malphas growled as his eyes narrowed at the thought.). I will still live the life I have as if it's my last for there is still beauty to cherish in this world. (Claude stared at her with awe.) And, as for Alois, surely there is a reason that you chose him to create a contract with (Claude stiffened.), otherwise you wouldn't have answered his summoning."
Claude stared at her with careful eyes. There was something in that sentence. She spoke causally, however…
"Frances!"
The three of them looked up at Alois who waved his arm at her.
"Come dance with me!"
Frances smiled.
"Excuse me, gentlemen." She said, standing and making her way up the stairs.
Claude and Sebastian watched as she made her way onto the stage. They watched her dance with the boy. Claude with a calculating look, Sebastian with a look of amusement though, Frances could feel the longing, desire, jealousy (Which ignited the song she's been hearing whenever she felt his jealousy.), and love for her as she and Alois danced.
After a few more dances and the singing of 'Happy Birthday', Alois and Frances left with their butlers. Alois surprising all of them by genuinely thanking the dancers for allowing him to participate. As they made their way to the carriage, Alois jumped up and kissed her cheek. He smiled brightly at her.
"Thank you, Mather. This has been the best day ever!"
She smiled. She ran her hand through his hair.
"You're welcome, your Highness."
He leaned into her side.
Once the carriage took off, Alois fell asleep, leaning against her shoulder. Frances hummed, "Happy birthday" to the boy as he slept. When she finished, he wrapped his arms around her waist. She smiled and sent the growling demon calmness.
When they arrived at the train station, Claude picked up the sleeping boy. Once Frances was safely on the ground, thanks to Sebastian who gently ran a hand discreetly down her back causing her to shiver, she led them to their compartment. Frances sat down. She gestured for Claude to put the boy down. He did so. He straightened. The two of them excused themselves. When she knew they were gone, Frances moved Alois' head into her lap, humming his song as she ran her hand through his hair. That is the scene the butlers returned to. Sebastian made her a cup of tea once the song ended.
"Thank you." She whispered, accepting the cup.
"You're welcome, my Lady." He said quietly, smiling at her.
The train ride passed in silence.
After the hour and a half train ride, Claude once again picked up the sleeping Alois and took him to the waiting carriage. Sebastian assisted Frances inside with his hand once again sliding down her back causing another shiver. She glanced at the demon who was giving her a smirk. She shook her head in amusement. Once she was seated, Sebastian climbed in behind her. She tapped the roof to signal the driver after Sebastian sat down. They drove off to the Trancy Mansor.
They arrived at the Trancy Manor at midnight. When the carriage came to a stop, Frances picked up Alois into her arms. She carefully got out with Sebastian's assistance. She thanked him quietly so as to not wake the boy. Claude opened the front door for her. She entered the dark mansion. Her eyes shut when the candles suddenly flickered on. She opened them to see Hannah and the triplets holding candelabras. She smiled at them and nodded mouthing a, "Good evening.". They bowed their head.
"Good evening, my Lady." Hannah whispered.
Claude led the way to Alois' room with a candelabra of his own. Once they reached the door, he opened it for her. She looked at him with a small smile.
"Thank you." She mouthed.
He inclined his head. She walked into the room. She carefully maneuvered him to lean against her chest and in one arm. She quickly moved the sheets and comforter out of the way before carefully placing Alois down. She covered him and tucked him in. He gave a soft groan, turning his head towards her. She smiled. She ran a hand through his hair. She leaned down and pressed a kiss to his forehead. She straightened, watching as a smile appeared upon his lips.
"Happy birthday, Alois Trancy." She whispered.
He made a quiet noise. She smiled. She placed a note upon his nightstand. She walked out of his room, quietly closing the door behind her. Claude stood beside her. He followed her down the hall and stairs. She walked to Sebastian's side. She looked at Claude as he stepped beside Hannah. She smiled and curtsied.
"Thank you for allowing me to do as we planned for his birthday. Have a good evening."
Claude and even the triplets looked surprised at her thankfulness. Hannah didn't though. She stood there, smiling at her. Claude flinched out of his surprise. He brought his fist to his mouth as he cleared his throat. He lowered it to his chest as he bowed.
"You're welcome, my Lady. Have a safe journey home."
They both straightened. Frances smiled and nodded.
"Thank you. Good night."
"Good night, Lady Frances." Claude and Hannah said.
Frances turned and walked out of the mansion with Sebastian right behind her after he gave a small bow to the servants. He assisted her into their carriage. Once he was sure she was in the carriage safely, he used his demon speed to appear on the driver's seat. He flicked the reigns, urging the horses onward. When they were far enough away from the Trancy household, he urged the horses faster.
They arrived home. Malphas quickly dealt with the… exhausted horses. He would procure some more tomorrow. He returned to the carriage seeing his beautiful mate carefully walking out of the carriage. A hand covered her yawn. He could feel her tiredness as well as her desire for him. He approached her. She looked up with her stunning brown eyes alit with longing, love, and desire just for him. He cupped her cheek with his gloveless hand. Her eyes fluttered close as she leaned into his touch, her heart skipping a beat as her feelings grew.
"Malphas." She sighed.
He began to warble/purr in delight. He quickly picked her up bridal style and raced to his room. He placed her on the bed. She began tugging at his clothes as he tugged on hers. He didn't want to rip it, knowing how much this dress meant to her. Once they were both naked, he reclaimed her as his yet again.