The Flower Blooming Out Of Season

Episode 1

Cover by JoelleAu

It was snowing heavily outside and the ground was being blanketed by the white snow.

Ciel sat within his study room reading over a newspaper while sipping his tea. The cold winter snow always reminded him of back then. Back when he was younger and would go outside to play and build a snowman with his father. Of course, those times were over and would never return.

Ciel glanced out of his window and saw a curious sight. A hooded figure was running towards the mansion dressed in a light brown attire.

This was odd. Who would be outside in this type of weather?

Ciel knew Sebastian would get the door. It would be rude not to meet with this stranger. After all, Ciel was the Phantomhive head. He stood up from his chair and prepared himself as he exited his study room.

Standing at the top of the stairs, Ciel peered down and watched as Sebastian took off the cloak of the stranger.

Ciel blinked in surprise. The stranger was revealed to be a young girl with short blonde hair wearing an elegant brown dress. She shivered and rubbed her bare shoulders.

"Can I get you some tea?" Sebastian asked. The girl nodded and Sebastian walked off.

The girl turned her attention up the stairs and caught sight of Ciel. The two locked eyes.

Something about this girl was unusual. Her green eyes searched his face and she smiled.

Ciel's face heated up and he cleared his throat before stepping down the stairs.

"Hello, I'm Earl Ciel Phantomhive, and welcome to my manor. What brings you here?"

The girl was handed a cup of tea and she nodded to Sebastian before raising the teacup to her lips. After a few sips, she said, "I'm...Ozina, duchess of the Vessalius family. I'm sorry to intrude but I was on my way to a winter ball hosted by the viscount Druitt when my carriage was thrown off course by the snow. It's too deep to travel in..."

"You can stay here until the snow lightens up," Ciel said. "Consider it the least I can do for a lady."

Ozina smiled, "Thank you for your hospitality."

"It is a pleasure. Lady Ozina, are you hungry? Sebastian! Prepare a meal at once!" Ciel ordered.

Ozina looked around for a moment, wrapping her arms around herself as she shivered again.

"Are you Cold?" Ciel inquired.

"A little bit," Ozina said.

"Come with me to the dining room. Its much warmer there," Ciel said, leading Ozina into the dining room.

Sebastian pulled out a chair for Ozina and she nodded before sitting down. Sebastian pushed in the chair before heading over to Ciel and doing the same for him. Once seated, the two began eating.

Ciel glanced over to where Ozina was and watched as she delicately ate her food.

Within the dining hall, Ciel grew aware of the awkward silence. He cleared his throat before speaking.

"Lady Ozina, What happened to the maids who accompanied you?"

Lady Ozina became visibly uncomfortable. Ciel took note of how she shifted in her seat and picked at her food for a moment before looking up at him.

"I don't have any maids. Only my Valet. But he accompanied my younger sister today so..."

"You were headed to a ball alone? What of the Vessalius family head? Surely he wouldn't let one of his daughters go to a ball alone," Ciel commented.

Lady Ozina sighed heavily. "If I may be truthful, my father isn't really that protective of me. It's a mystery as to why he cares so little of me,"
There was a slight warble in Her voice that suggested that this was the first time she had said such a thing out loud. In fact, she was blinking rapidly as if trying to push back forming tears.
A pang went through Ciel's chest. Although he no longer had his parents he was sure of the fact that they had loved him.

"What of your mother? Surely she showers you with affection?"

Lady Ozina shook her head, forcing a smile on her face. "My mother died giving birth to my sister. That was a long time ago,"

Ciel glanced down at his food. He had lost all interest in it and waved for Sebastian.

When Sebastian approached, Ciel whispered in his ear before standing up and walking over to Lady Ozina.

Hand outstretched and a forced smile on his face Ciel said, "Why don't we play a game of chess to take your mind off things?"

Ciel sat across from Lady Ozina and placed a pawn down. He glanced up and observed Lady Ozina as she lightly hummed and picked up her knight before quickly placing it down.

"You're quite skilled at Chess," Ciel commented, placing down another piece.

"Oh not really. You must be going easy on me because I'm quite terrible," Ozina responded, carefully examining the board.

She hummed to herself again, and Ciel took note of the tune.

"You listened to the Lacie melody?" Ciel inquired.

The question seemed to startle Lady Ozina for she said, "You've heard it before?"

"Yes, my father played it on the piano once. He called it Lacie's melody. Is it strange that I've heard of it?"

Lady Ozina shook her head, "I was simply surprised is all."

Sebastian entered the room carrying a platter of small cakes and teacups. Gently placing one in front of Ozina and then Ciel.

"My Lady, whenever you are ready to retire for the night I shall escort you to your room," Sebastian stated.

"Ah yes, I think I should excuse myself. I'm feeling a bit tired," Lady Ozina said, nervously laughing softly.

Lady Ozina stood up and gave a small quick bow before following after Sebastian.

Ciel watched her go and calmly drank his tea before taking a small bite of cake.