To Trust a Demon

the Lady

We arrived at Lady Amares mansion at six o'clock sharp. Gargoyles glared at us from above as we walked us the steps to the doors. The servants escorted Ciel, myself, and the other guests into the dining hall where we were seated at the table. The chair at the head of the table was empty and even though the food had been served no one ate a bite. All were waiting for the Lady of the house to take her honoured place. I noted the elegance and style of the evening. Everything was set properly, prepared, and even the silverware sparkled. The theme of the banquet seemed to be the sea. Of course I wasn't surprised, oh dear Emily your tastes never change. The tablecloth was   ocean blue silk which was matched perfectly with bouquets of starfish, shells, and urchins. I admired the touch of sea salt scented candles. And to perfect the banquet was the meal itself, a wide variety fish, squid, octopus, shark meat, shrimp, and even whale.

"Ladies and gentlemen," spoke Lady Amare's butler, "We are glad each of you could be here tonight. Many have arrived from far off places, yet others have simply come from among the grassy knolls of England. And I welcome both alike. Now I propose a toast. For the reason we have gathered here together this evening. I raise my cup for the most beautiful woman on earth! Lady Emily Amares!" He thrust his glass of wine into the air and all the guests followed his lead. For Lady Amares! They shouted. Ciel only sniffed the liquid in his glass and took a sip. Obviously unimpressed.

All the guests stood as the doors opened ceremoniously and Lady Amares herself entered the room. Sweet music in the background sounded like the lull of ocean waves. If my master had seemed unimpressed before, now his opinion was certainly changed. The Lady was the embodiment of beauty and grace.

"Good evening my guests," her melodious voice was smooth as silk. Her flowing turquoise gown went perfectly with the evenings theme. White frills around her breasts resembled the caps of ocean waves breaking in the wind. Her dark wavy hair swayed about her shoulders and framed her face complementing her deep blue eyes. She glided across the wooden floors and took her seat beside my lord. Glancing briefly at me her gaze then settled upon Ciel.

"My Lady," he took a gentlemanly bow. And I was surprised when taking her hand he  touched his lips to her knuckles. It would have seemed a bit odd, a twelve year old child beside a flower in full bloom. Of course, Ciel is no twelve year old boy, but he is not yet a man either. He is Earl Phantomhive. And as he skillfully laid a kiss upon her hand it seemed absolutely natural to everyone around. To all except for me that is. To me, his butler, his protector, his caretaker. To the only one who knew how childlike his soul truely was. It was complete and utter blasphemy. I smiled and sat down along with the rest of the guests. No one could ever know my thoughts. My master least of all.

"The meal was splendid," I complemented the cook later that evening. In truth I found it a bit too salty, but I knew he was simply following orders. Emily loved all her food over salted. Wandering among the guests I searched for Ciel.

"Sebastian, is it?" I heard a sweet voice call me from behind. Turning around I saw the Lady.

"Sebastian, my Lady," I kissed her knuckles the way Ciel had done earlier that evening and then suddenly realised whom he might have picked up that habit from.

"I haven't seen you in quite some time, demon child." She leaned in way past my personal space boundary and I took a step backwards.

"I'm sorry but I haven't been a child in quite some time." I corrected her.

"But you are oddly fond of one certain child, I see." The smile on her face was twisted. What is she scheming up now, I thought.

"Sebastian," my master approached us, "Where have you been?" Ciel scolded.

"Earl Phantomhive," Emily chimed in before I could answer, "May I have a word with you, privately?"

"Yes, indeed." He answered. She smiled sweetly but I knew she was up to no good.

"Young master," I hissed. My glare said everything my words could not. Take caution.

He leaned in close to my ear, standing on his toes he whispered his order, "Find the photographs. " I watched as he Emily took his arm and together they went into the garden. I heard her softly humming to herself. That bitch, I knew exactly what she was up to. But I could do nothing until my task was fulfilled.