No More (Elizabeth x Ciel)

Chapter 1: Just a Child

The queen. Sitting high on her thrown. The most powerful piece, yet so easy to lose. A good king knows how to protect his queen, and still command an army. A good King, loving but clever. Cynical. Lying. No. No more. It's time for the queen to rule. To conquer. To protect.

Elizabeth snapped her eyes open. What? She thought. She stretched out her arms gingerly and yawned. Such a sweet dream.

A recurring dream of sorts. Always the same place. A lovely colorful world with a sweet woman. She had been quite suspicious of this woman at first, but she was so polite. She showed Elizabeth all sorts of wondrous things. The mountains, the oceans, it was all wonderful.

The young lady climbed out of her bed and skipped to her closet. Oh what to wear, what to wear. She searched meticulously through  her mass of dresses, all hanging neatly in her closet. The doorknob turned ever so quietly.

"Milady? You're awake already? That's the fourth time this week that you've awoken before I came! I usually have to shake you." Paula chuckled.

"I do hope you haven't been telling people that. Being a heavy sleeper isn't cute at all, or attractive in the slightest."

"I find it quite adorable, ma'am" Elizabeth pouted.

Paula aided in the search for a cute outfit. They agreed on a sweet baby doll blue with a lavender trim and white lace. "Nothing could be more perfect for the springtime." Elizabeth chirped excitedly.

"I couldn't agree more!" Elizabeth's father pushed open the door.

"Daddy, how many times must I tell you? I'm a lady now. It's improper to enter without knocking." Elizabeth scrunched her face.

Her father, Alexis Leone Midford, sighed. "I'm so sorry, dear. I'll remember next time for sure. Just don't tell your mother, she'll have my head!" Alexis chuckled heartily.

"Please excuse me." Paula said sweetly before exiting. Once the coast was clear, Alexis engulfed his sweet daughter in a hug.

"You're so cute, my sweet little girl! Please never grow up!" Elizabeth rolled her eyes at this usual behavior.

"Daddy, would you do my hair? I'm visiting the Phantomhive manor today, I wish to look extra cute."

"Of course sweetie, tell that darling boy I said hello!" Alexis cooed whilst brushing Elizabeth's tangles.

---

The road to the manor is a bumpy one, as always. Elizabeth never quite understood why Ciel's family had ever chosen to live so far from town. It must be a pain for any delivery boy. But Elizabeth never minded the trip. She loved getting the chance to see Ciel. She decided, the more she went, the better chance she'll see Ciel smile again. She never sees it anymore. Not since that month. Well, it's there, but it's fake. Like a hollow mask, it's not quite genuine. Oh how she wished to see it again.

The carriage turned the final stretch, she swayed excitedly. When they finally parked, Elizabeth shot out of the carriage and climbed the steps to the door, leaving Paula clumsily grabbing her hat and trying to keep up.

Elizabeth knocked on the door impatiently. She would have let herself in, but the door was locked. That's strange. She pondered, Ciel doesn't usually lock the doors when he's home. She didn't have time to make the full realization before the fiery haired maid, Meyrin, came to the door. 

"Miss Elizabeth! What brings you 'ere? We weren't expectin' you." Elizabeth could tell that she spoke a rather improper English, not one fit for someone who'd been a maid amongst nobles their entire life. She figured Ciel must have brought her in. He did always have quite the kind heart, though he would never admit it. She never disliked the way Meyrin talked, she always found it quite cute. 

"I've come to visit Ciel!" She joyfully exclaimed, her curls bouncing up and down with her words. 

"Oh," Meyrin started. "I'm afraid he isn't home. He's off doing some job for the queen again. He's probably somewhere out in London." Elizabeth's smile dropped like stone. Meyrin noticed the girls changing demeanor. "B-But feel free to come in an' rest before you leave!" She quickly spouted, trying to lighten Elizabeth's spirits. 

"No, it's okay. I'll just be going then." She tried to force a smile, the maid didn't fall for it. 

Elizabeth began down the steps and climbed into the carriage. Her somber expression told Paula that she had been disappointed. "Milady?" She asked. The usually happy blond gave no response. Paula decided it'd just be better to stay silent. 

---

Elizabeth tried to squish herself down the rest of the day. She wanted nothing more than to be small and disappear. Her brother, Edward, noticed this and tried his best to prod. 

"Lizzy? What's wrong?" She gave him no response. "You weren't like this before you went to that phantomhive house. I swear, if he angered you I'll pummel him! What did he do to you?" Edward protectively asked. 

"Nothing." Elizabeth muttered, "Nothing at all." 

Elizabeth confined herself to her room the majority of the day. She let down her pigtail drills and changed into a plain nightgown. Paula came in sometime to tell her it was time for her to get to bed. Elizabeth lay her head down on the plush pillows. She was hoping for at least a good dream, maybe that'd boost her mood. 

Sleep didn't come as quickly as she'd expected. She just lay, pondering the events of earlier today. Perhaps she wouldn't be so sad if this was one of her usual surprise visits. But it wasn't. She'd sent a telegram at least two weeks in advance. Ciel always got mad at her visiting unannounced like she usually did. 

"I suppose Ciel just doesn't have time for a silly child like me." She muttered, closing her eyes. He was so adult and grown up. He ran a business for Christ's sake! She knew he never liked her the same way he used to. He was such a sweet child. Now, she could tell that he was just annoyed every time she came over to see him. She could feel his irritation when she gave him hugs. She just didn't matter to him. All he cared about was serving the queen. 

She finally managed to drift off to sleep, and was met by her usual dream. Although, something felt uneasy this night. 

(A/N) Hiyaa guys! My second fanfic is in the works!! And it's a CieLizzy one too! I have been OBSESSED with this couple ever since the Campania arc lol. DM me with suggestions and stuff, I always love to hear from readers!