A Love Beyond Time

Chapter VII

After a slight tumble with Theodore and Sebastian thoroughly scolding him, the three of us linked arms, Sebastian to my left and Theodore to my right, ensuring that we could each support each other. When Theodore slipped to the side, Sebastian would gently tug my arm to reestablish a balance between the three of us. I must admit, it was a very pleasant experience, although, I believe I could only speak on behalf of myself and Theodore. Sebastian seemed to be beside himself with worry the entire time we ventured down the snowy street.

"It should just be a little more way down this street I believe," Theodore says as he pulls a bit harder on my arm, managing to successfully pry me away from Sebastian.

"My Lady, wait!" Sebastian called out as he carefully made haste toward Theodore and me. There was a twinge of worry laced in his words.

"Theodore, slow-"

"We don't have any time to spare. Every moment we aren't investigating is a moment the enemy has to prepare for another attack." Theodore slowly unlatched his arm around my own and instead wrapped his hand around mine, pulling me even closer to himself. I felt like a child's ragdoll just being thrown around. Even so, I got a good chuckle hearing Sebastian frantically call out for us to stop and allow him time to catch up. When he finally did, saying he was upset would be putting it mildly. While he kept his comments mostly to himself, he was quick to grab my hand and pull me back to his side.

"Mr. Wright, it is my duty to ensure my Mistress' safety, so I ask you to please refrain from handling her in such an indelicate and possibly dangerous manner."

Theodore lets out a low chuckle while stopping and turning to face us.

"My apologies, Mr. Butler. I didn't mean any harm by it."

This half-hearted apology was not enough to satisfy Sebastian, something I knew all too well, in fact, he took quite the offense to it, but despite this, he managed to take a deep breath and compose himself.

"You have my gratitude. Now then, shall we proceed? The day is slowly slipping past, we shouldn't dally here any longer than we need."

Sebastian spared no effort in containing myself only to be beside him as Theodore ran blocks ahead of us. He seemed to be extremely excited about this case, a feeling that I could not reciprocate.

"My Lady, are you well?" Sebastian asks, still gripping my hand.

"I have an odd feeling, Sebastian. Something about this whole "Brothers of the Undead" seems...strange. While it is true that London has seen its fair share of organized crime, they seem...different. Most of these organizations are in cahoots with the black market, selling and buying children and women...but this organization seems to be standing alone. Even their motives are unlike any other I've seen."

"And what do you think their motives are, My Lady...if you don't mind my asking."

"I think they wanted to draw us out...or at least my brother. They wanted to get the Queen's attention..."

Sebastian seemed to let this notion rummage through his brain, I could see it on his face as his eyebrows furrowed slightly.

"That is entirely possible, My Lady...we must remain vigilant if that is the case...we might have fallen straight into their trap. But fear not, I am here to protect you."

I glance up at Sebastian, a small smile spreading across my lips. His words were reassuring. I knew he would always be there to protect me. All I needed to do was whisper his name and like a shadow he would appear before me.