A Demons Mate

.....

The next morning, Serena was awake when Mei-Rin came to wake her. The redhead was quiet while sitting on the bed. The maid was subdued herself as Sebastian had caught her going up the stairs with the order that Serena was not to be given alcohol again. He had also made sure to inform Mei-Rin that she had made a large mistake in bringing her the wine to begin with.

'A guest should be given a glass if they request a nightcap, not an entire two bottles.'

Mei-Rin pulled the peach dress that Lady Elizabeth had chosen in London from the closet. Thankfully, it was a little looser than the others being pre-made. It left room not to lace the lady's corset as tight as normal. Once it was on, Serena sat at the vanity. She dropped the brush right after picking it up.

"I'm sorry, Mei-Rin."

"My lady?"

"I'm sorry that I lost it yesterday. And I have a feeling that Sebastian already talked to you about the wine."

The maid blushed. "Yes, my lady."

"I thought I told you that you didn't have to call me that." Serena tried to smile at the other woman.

"Sebastian said something about that too."

The girl heaved a heavy sigh. "Alright. The butler gets his way again."

Serena walked into the dining room with Mei-Rin right behind her. The rest of the house was already there and the maid went to stand with the other servants. Ciel stood when she entered, as usual. Snake stepped forward to hold out her chair, as usual. Sebastian set the plates in front of the two, as usual. Serena wouldn't look at the butler. Unusual.

Ciel watched the red head eat in a detached sort of way. She didn't seem to be there at all. There was no smiles, no attempt at conversation, and no looking at anyone in the room.

"Serena," the earl waited for her to look up at him. "I would like to talk to you in my study after breakfast."

She looked away again and nodded.

"I would like an actual answer."

Serena looked back over, a dangerous gleam in her eyes and a fake smile on her face. "Yes, my lord. I would like that very much."

"Thank you." Ciel answered with his own fake smile.

The servants shifted uneasily at the tension except for Sebastian and Tanaka.

Ciel watched Serena carefully as she sat before him. The red head was back to being quiet and staring at nothing. Whatever he had seen at the breakfast table was long gone.

"What's wrong with you?" The earl leaned back in his seat, tired of whatever drama was going on now.

"I don't know what you mean, my lord."

"Bullshit."

Sebastian and Serena both looked shocked at the profanity coming from the nobleman.

"Sebastian, I want you to go into town and pick up the clothing that Lizzy ordered for Serena. It should be ready now."

"Yes, My Lord." The butler bowed at his new orders and walked out of the room.

"I'm assuming there was something that you wanted to talk about without the demon around."

"Yes." Ciel stood to look out the window and waited to see Sebastian leaving through the gates.

"So..." The earl held up a finger to stop her.

"Just wait." He saw the small rig heading down the driveway. "I've learned that if I want to speak without Sebastian hearing, then I have to make him leave the house."