Hello Dear Readers,
Whether you're a returning to the family or just joining us, thank you for stopping by. The Michaelis series spans a broad distance, and none of it would be possible without your support, so thank you. This particular tale comes after Sebastian has taken the throne from his father and mentions events in my stories "Ciel's Origin and Two Princes.
Please enjoy.
Ciel sighed as he stepped onto the crowded platform.
It was a chilly November morning.
The young demon gazed upon the humans, some bidding their loved ones goodbye while others welcomed them home.
To his left, Alois embraced Luca and Hannah tightly before turning to Naveen and their two small children.
"I'll be home before you know it." He promised, tears filling his eyes.
"Of course, and don't you worry Precious One, we'll be just fine until then." Naveen soothed, "I promise you, I'll make sure Luca and Miss Hannah have everything they need."
"I know you will, Naveen. It's just hard to leave you all for so long. I wish you were going too." Alois leaned into his mate's chest.
"So do I, Love," Naveen replied softly, "But I don't think they'll take kindly to my presence.
Naveen reached into his jacket, removing a brightly decorated box, and offered it to the blond.
"Since I won't see you on your birthday, I want you to have this. I'd like to make a request. Before you open it, please call home. I'd very much like to hear your reaction." Overcome with emotion, Alois found it difficult to reply, simply nodding.
The train hissed as steam spilled out onto the platform. Ciel knew the moment had come, The moment he dreaded.
He turned to face his own family.
"Now, children, we talked about this." The former butler said softly, "It's only for a little while, and then he'll be home again. In the meantime, I'll still be here, and the staff. I realize, they're no replacement, but it won't be long."
Ciel knelt in front of the children, holding out his arms. The children wasted no time in rushing forward.
"It's going to be all right, little ones," He comforted, "I'll be home as soon as I can."
"But Mama, we will miss you lots." Evian sniffled, leaning into Ciel.
"I know, and I'll miss all of you too." He replied softly, "But remember, you all have a job to do while I'm away. Your father has a lot in front of him now. He's going to need all the help he can get."
"Will you bring us lots of hugs?" Rachel choked out through tears.
"Rachel Ann, there will be plenty of hugs for all of you, just as there always has been. The staff are going to be here, I'm sure they wouldn't mind, and your grandparents.
Now that your father's taken over, they have more time on their hands."
"Can't we go too, Mum?" Rowan pleaded, "Uncle Michael likes us, and we can be very good."
"I know you can, but this meeting is no place for little ones. There's going to be a lot of arguing at first, and you know how you are when your father and I disagree. I'll let him know you miss him and maybe he'll visit when we've reached an agreement. I need you to help with your sisters." Rowan nodded, bowing his head.
"Mommy?" Vincent tugged on Ciel's shirt, staring up at his mother, "Night time will be sad without your stories and goodnight hugs. Dad is good but he does not know how to give hugs like you. Can you say goodnight to us at bedtime?"
I'll call, yes. But until then, I need you all to listen to your father, and remember that I love you."
"We love you too!" The reply came in unison. Ciel gave each child a tight squeeze before standing and facing Sebastian.
"You're sure you'll be okay until I get back?" He asked. Sebastian offered a soft smile.
"I'm quite sure, you've provided me with enough of a meal, and I'll make sure the children are fed. You needn't worry about us. Thank you for taking on this task. I know it's a sacrifice on your part to leave our children. We can handle things at home." The newly crowned king assured. He pulled his mate into a tight embrace.
"Promise me you'll find time for them, Sebastian. They'll need you." Ciel requested.
"I swear it. Are you sure you won't take at least one of the staff?"The former butler asked.
"I'm sure we can handle it. There shouldn't be many there, and I don't want to give them a reason to think we're trying to intimidate them unless we have to. The purpose is to avoid conflict, not start it."
"Fair enough," Sebastian sighed, "Your first act to be carried out on your own though, it's...difficult to let go." Ciel pulled away just enough to meet his former butler's gaze.
"Don't worry, I learned from the best. I'll be fine. It's you I'm worried about, six children, the staff, and running the place, if they all haven't driven you mad by the time I get back, I'll be surprised." Ciel replied.
"I'm convinced your staff has given it their best effort over the years, but as they so often do, they've thus far fallen short of their goal."Sebastian said.
"I'll miss you."Ciel replied sincerely.
Sebastian gently stroked his mate's cheek.
"All the more reason to make it a quick trip. I'll be waiting here when you return, and of course, I'd encourage you to keep in touch with not just the children. I love you, and I'm proud of you."
"I love you too. I suppose I should-" Ciel was interrupted by the deafening whistle, signaling the train's imminent departure. The former earl sighed.
"I'll be off then," He said as Sebastian handed him the suitcase.
"You're certain I can't carry-"
"You've got enough to do. I've got this." He assured.
"Of course you do, " Sebastian said confidently. "Safe travels my love. Let me know when you've arrived, won't you?"
"It'll be the first thing I do after I get settled." Ciel turned back to his children.
"No more tears, my little ones," He said softly, "I need you to be very brave while I'm gone."
"B-but we cannot be brave without-"
"Rachel Ann Michaelis, what do we always say?"
"W-we a-are M'chaelis babies and M'chaelis babies are brave and brilliant, and we can do everything!" Ciel nodded.
"That's right. Now, and yes Rowan, that means you too." Ciel replied as Rowan opened his mouth to speak. The demonling gave a short nod.
"We are proud of you Mama, please be okay." Evian cried out as his mother took the first step toward the waiting train.
"I'll be fine, Evian. Be good." Ciel called over his shoulder.
Alois picked up his own suitcase and met Ciel at the door. The pair quickly made their way through the crowd, taking their seats at the window. They set their luggage down and began waving from the window until their families were out of sight.
Both demons leaned back in their seats facing each other. Alois sighed heavily.
"Do you know this is the first time since Naveen and I got married that I've been away from him like this, and I've never left Cayden and Lenora for more than a night. How long do these peace talks go on?" The blond asked.
"It's hard to say," Ciel replied, "But given the history I have with Michael and some of the others, I think we can reach an arrangement fairly quickly. I'll try to have you back before the month's out. I know it was hard for you to leave everyone and you should know that I appreciate you coming along. I'd originally planned to go alone, but Sebastian wouldn't hear of it."
"It's part of my job as a member of the guard. I suppose it's not all bad. I don't travel much unless it's to see you, Ann, or the old dragon. Naveen thinks it'll be good for me to get out for a while. Sebastian is a bit overprotective though.
Not that I can say much about it, Naveen's the same way. Since I had that trouble with Cayden, he's insisted on being right there. I won't complain. I know he does it out of love." A long silence passed between them as they watched the scenery go by.
"This feels...off," Ciel said, breaking the silence.
"What does?"Alois questioned, pulling the box from his pocket.
"Traveling without Sebastian. I've had him with me for so long, I suppose I just got used to him being here. This is going to be the new normal for my family."
"Sorry. It must be an adjustment for all of you, having the throne now. How are they settling into retirement?"
"Ann loves it, she has more time to spend with my children and Beth. Sebastian's father is more of a backseat ruler I suppose you could say. He doesn't know what to do with it." Alois smirked.
"Well, take notes, it could be you one day. You'll know what to expect." Ciel shook his head.
"No. It's all Sebastian up there. I'm the moral support. I made it clear years ago that I don't want the job, never did, and I never will. I took the title so the children could have theirs."
"Fair enough I suppose. So, how long is the ride there?"
"It's a journey," Ciel replied. "But I've got a few things to lighten the mood a bit if you're interested. Alois sat up in his chair.
"What've you got?" He asked, watching Ciel reach for his suitcase curiously. Ciel removed a wooden box, securing the luggage once more.
"Sebastian gave this to me not long again," He explained. "I saved it, thinking we might need it along the way." He handed the box to Alois, who opened it and nodded.
"I think it'll do nicely, Seems Sebastian's thought of everything." Alois agreed, he was looking forward to forgetting the sadness in his heart.
"That's just what I expect from him. After all, he wouldn't be my Sebastian if he didn't."
A/N Hello every one, here's chapter one. I'm hoping there's been some improvement in my writing. I've got chapter 2 started and shouldn't be long. Thanks for reading.