Nightshade Valet And His Nobel Mistress

Chapter 10: A Night In The Stables

As Sebastian strode away, Madeline leaned against the wall, her mind reeling. The events of the past 24 hours felt surreal - from their passionate night together to Ciel's surprising acceptance of their relationship. And now, the promise of a clandestine midnight rendezvous in the stables sent a thrill of excitement through her body.

Madeline took a deep breath before closing her eyes, savoring the familiar scent of Sebastian's cologne that still clung to her skin from their embrace earlier. Her body trembled with anticipation as she remembered his strong hands gripping her waist. But a nagging doubt crept into her thoughts as she wondered if this relationship was moving too quickly. She straightened her skirt and pushed herself off the wall in an attempt to compose herself.

As she made her way down the dimly lit hallway, Madeline's footsteps echoed softly against the polished marble floors. She paused at a large window, gazing out at the sprawling estate grounds bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. The stables were just visible in the distance, and her heart fluttered at the thought of meeting Sebastian there in a few short hours.

A gentle voice startled her from her reverie. "Madeline? Are you quite alright?"

Madeline took a sudden leap, startled by the unexpected presence of Elizabeth. Her heart raced and her hands flew up in defense. Turning to face her friend, she let out a nervous laugh, trying to shake off her fear. "Lizzie, you scared me," she exclaimed, slightly breathless from the shock. Elizabeth stood before her, wearing a sly grin that revealed she had indeed intended to startle Madeline. The two friends shared a moment of laughter and relief at the harmless prank.

Elizabeth's playful smile faded as she studied Madeline's flushed face. "You seem... distracted," she observed, her green eyes narrowing with curiosity. "Is everything alright?"

Madeline felt her cheeks grow even warmer under Elizabeth's scrutiny. She cleared her throat, desperately searching for a plausible excuse. "Oh, I'm fine," she said, waving her hand dismissively. "Just a bit tired from all the excitement of the past few days."

Elizabeth nodded, but her expression remained unconvinced. She linked her arm through Madeline's, guiding her away from the window. "Come, let's have some tea in the drawing room. You can tell me all about what's been keeping you so preoccupied."

While walking to the drawing room, Madeline stopped and spoke quickly, "I bed with Sebastian."

Elizabeth froze mid-step, her eyes widening in shock. For a moment, she was speechless, her mouth opening and closing as she struggled to find words. Finally, she managed to stammer, "You... you what?"

Madeline felt a rush of relief at finally confessing her secret, but it was quickly replaced by anxiety as she awaited Elizabeth's reaction. She pulled her friend into a nearby alcove, away from any prying ears.

"It happened last night," Madeline whispered, her voice trembling with a mix of excitement and nervousness. "We've been growing closer for weeks, and last night... everything just fell into place."

Elizabeth's initial shock gave way to a mix of concern and curiosity. "But Madeline, he's a servant! And what about Ciel? Surely he doesn't approve?"

Madeline bit her lip, remembering Ciel's surprising reaction. "That's the strangest part, Lizzie. Ciel... he gave us his blessing. I still can't quite believe it myself."

Elizabeth's jaw dropped even further. "Ciel? Our Ciel? The same Ciel who once fired a maid for looking at Sebastian too long?" She shook her head in disbelief. "Madeline, this is... extraordinary. But are you sure you know what you're getting into?"

Madeline sighed, leaning against the wall of the alcove. "I'm not sure of anything anymore, Lizzie. It's all happening so fast. Sebastian is... intoxicating. When I'm with him, I feel alive in ways I never knew were possible. But then I remember who he is, what he is to this household, and I wonder if I've lost my mind."