Nightshade Valet And His Nobel Mistress

Chapter 8: The Garden Party

As the first guests began to filter into the ballroom, Sebastian emerged from the shadows, his tailcoat impeccable and his white gloves spotless. With a slight bow, he greeted each arrival, his crimson eyes gleaming with a hint of mystery that seemed to captivate all who met his gaze. The young Earl Phantomhive stood at his side, his diminutive stature belying the authority he commanded. Despite his youth, Ciel carried himself with the poise of a seasoned nobleman, his single visible eye scanning the room with calculated interest.

Madeline descended the grand staircase, her gown shimmering like starlight with each step. Whispers rippled through the crowd as she entered, her beauty drawing admiring glances from both men and women alike. She felt a thrill of excitement course through her veins as she surveyed the scene before her, the ballroom

Madeline's emerald eyes locked with Sebastian's dark, brooding gaze for a brief moment. The air between them crackled with tension and unspoken words, but the fear that had lingered from their previous conversation was now gone. In the aftermath of what had transpired in town, Madeline finally understood the depth of Sebastian's feelings for her. She could see it in the way his eyes softened and his jaw relaxed, a vulnerable rawness that she had never seen before.

As Madeline gracefully made her way across the ballroom, Sebastian's eyes followed her every move. He longed to approach her, to sweep her into his arms and whisk her away from the prying eyes of the other guests. But duty bound him to his young master's side, and he remained rooted in place, his face a mask of polite indifference.

Ciel, ever observant, noticed the silent exchange between his butler and the captivating Madeline. A smirk played at the corner of his lips as he leaned in to whisper, "Sebastian, do try to keep your wits about you this evening. We have important matters to attend to."

Sebastian bowed his head slightly, acknowledging his master's words. "Of course, my lord. I assure you, I am fully focused on our mission."

As the night wore on, the ballroom filled with the gentle strains of a waltz, and couples began to take to the dance floor. Madeline found herself swept up in conversation with a group of ladies, their laughter tinkling like crystal as they exchanged gossip and pleasantries. Yet her attention remained divided, her gaze continuously drawn to Sebastian's tall, dark figure across the room.

The young Earl Phantomhive had begun to mingle with the other guests, his childhood friend Elizabeth clinging to his arm as they made their rounds. Sebastian shadowed them discreetly, ever vigilant in his role as protector and servant.

As the music swelled, Madeline felt a gentle tap on her shoulder. She turned to find Lord Ashton. The music stopped, she turned abruptly to face him. "What are you doing here?" Her tone was harsh, almost accusatory.

Lord Ashton's lips curled into a smug smile, his eyes glinting with malice. "My dear Madeline, surely you didn't think I'd miss such a grand affair? After all, I do have a reputation to uphold."

Madeline's heart raced, her fingers clenching into fists at her sides. She was acutely aware of Sebastian's gaze burning into her from across the room, but she dared not look his way. "You're not welcome here, Ashton. Not after what you've done."

The lord leaned in close, his breath hot against her ear. "Careful, my sweet. We wouldn't want to cause a scene, now would we? Think of the scandal."

Across the ballroom, Sebastian tensed, his crimson eyes narrowing as he observed the exchange. He could sense Madeline's discomfort, could almost taste the fear emanating from her. His gloved hand tightened imperceptibly on the silver tray he held, the only outward sign of his inner turmoil.

Ciel, noticing Sebastian's sudden rigidity, followed his butler's gaze to where Madeline stood with Lord Ashton. The young earl's visible eye narrowed, recognizing the potential for trouble.