Echoing Melodies (Black Butler x OC Fanfic)

Chapter 12: Promises

It was late into the night, the crescent moon shining down on the house. It shone through the guest bedroom, where Valeria slept peacefully. The curtains were open, the window slightly cracked to let out the heat of late spring, and to let in the cool of the night air. 

Valeria's sleep was interrupted when she hears a soft knock on her door, gently waking up before telling the person to come in. She heard the creak of the door, looking through her bleary eyes at who was at the door. She rubbed them, slowly getting a clearer picture at who came to her door this late at night.

She recognized Ciel's blue hair and black eyepatch, noticing that he was still wearing the same clothes he had worn earlier. It was apparent that he had never went to bed, instead opting to stay and work during the night. He was hiding halfway behind the door, the moonlight illuminating his face.

"I apologize for walking you up this late at night," he began. "But I must speak to you about something important."

Valeria was unwilling to get out of bed. The soft mattress was more comfortable than the one she had at her own home, and the pillow was fluffed to perfection. But even so, she reluctantly sat up and threw the sheets to the side, standing up and walking to the door.

She could see Ciel's face go red in the low light, due to the fact that she was still in her nightwear. He didn't dare say a word, afraid he would accidentally say what was on his mind. Instead, he walked down the hallway in the direction of his office. 

Valeria could barely stay awake as she walked down the hallway, but she kept going. Even through bleary eyes and strained muscles she continued, following behind Ciel as he entered his office. He motioned to the chair in front of his desk, while sitting behind his desk.

"I have some very important business to speak to you about, and I must speak with you about it now, while we are alone." Ciel pushed away the papers on his desk, allowing Valeria to see the wood top of the desk.

"Speaking of alone, where is Sebastian and Lilith? As demons, I would expect them to be somewhere." Valeria muttered.

"I have no idea where in the devil they are. However that's not important." he continued.

"You see, as of about a year ago, I cancelled my engagement with my arranged fiancée, Elizabeth Midford. Things were just not working out with us at the time, and I loved her more as a friend than I did as a lover.

"Because of this, my reputation has taken a hit, as people are accusing me of just abandoning her. I know she will most likely be at the ball soon, so I have something to ask you."

Ciel looked nervous as he sighed and continued his little speech. "I need you to become my fiancée, to try and repair my reputation. I completely understand if you do not agree, but-"

"I'll do it."

Ciel, looked at Valeria with shock. She smiled back. Valeria felt terrible that his past relationship didn't work out, as she knew that sometimes arranged marriages didn't work out. And besides that, being a noble and breaking up with your fiancée can completely destroy your reputation. It wasn't just about reputation now, it was about Ciel's feelings as well.

"You will, my lady?"

"Please, call me Valeria. I am your fiancée now, so you should call me by my name, Ciel."

"O-of course, Valeria. So, you agree to being my fiancée?"   

"Yes, I do. If it means to help you, then I will do it."

Ciel could feel his face becoming hot with embarrassment. How could he have possibly thought that this kind woman would ever reject his proposal? Maybe he was just loosing sleep from the night of working.

Yes. That must be the issue. Definitely not his growing feelings.