The Lady Shadowhive and her demon butler Lucius Dracovich

Surprise

Jade's POV
Well at least my business expo was a success.. I moved more papers around on my desk and signed my name at the bottom of some documents after carefully examining them. It was nothing of major importance, just some everyday requests from my shops for more fabrics to make the dresses i sent the designs for that would be up for sale. It was quiet, calm and relaxing in my study as i worked diligently at my company's paperwork. This was a good day, no loud talking. No obnoxious bursts. No flattery or romance. Just me, my thoughts and work, and Lucius standing idly by working around the house with his chores. Every now and then he would come in to take the documents i finished and refresh my tea with a new pot. It was a good day, and my schedule was empty of any visitors so i had the entire day to myself. Sir i'm afraid she's not accepting visitors at this time. I lifted my head from a dress design and Lucius turned his head to the door as well at the sound of one of my maids Victoria speaking in the hallway. She'll see me, we are very dear friends. But i haven't even heard her mention your name! What on earth was going on out there? Now Balto my chef was getting involved in this.

"Lucius what is going on out there?"

"I do not know... I shall take a look."

Lucius set the teapot down and made his way to the door, I rested my pen on the desk and took up my rose detailed tea cup and lifted it to my lips. Then the doors slammed open before Lucius even came close to them and a voice emitted from the source of the disruption.

"Jade! How i've missed you, it has been too long since you've seen me."

No... not him... i would have taken the Viscount over this boy.. Alois Trancy, what on earth was he doing here! I could not hide the surprise on my face as he came into my study. I felt my mind reeling with excuses and none of them were convincing enough to hide the fact i was not comfortable in his presence.

"Jade you are so quiet? Is something bothering you?"

He sat himself down in the chair across my desk and i took up my casual demeanor and smiled kindly at him as i spoke.

"Not at all, i am just surprised by your sudden visit? Why did you not send me a letter to tell me of your arrival, i would have had a room prepared for you."

"I wanted to surprise you my dear."

He smiled and spun in the chair like a child would when they were waiting for their parent to finish working. Honestly this isn't a pleasant surprise, i have too much work to do and now i have to deal with this pest. I sighed inwardly to myself and put forth my fake smile that portrayed actual joy. When really i wanted nothing more than for him to leave my house.

"Consider me very much surprised, i shall have a room prepared for you immediately. Lucius."

Lucius stepped forward from beside the desk and smiled at me.

"Yes Mistress."

"Have a room prepared for our guest, and set another plate out in the garden for lunch."

"Consdier it done my lady... I shall return shortly."

He bowed to me and then made his way out of my study, but as he left..another entered... and i fought the urge to call Lucius back the moment my eyes met his. Claude... how dare he show himself in front of me after what he did. I turned my attention from him and stood up from my chair looking at Alois.

"Come Alois, let's make our way to the table I'm sure Lucius is already making his way there as we speak."

"As you wish dear friend."

Alois took my arm in his and walked with me, or as i felt tried to lead me, through my estate out to the garden. His eyes went wide with awe when he caught a glimpse of its profound beauty.

"Jade... this garden is spectacular, i have never seen so many different colored roses and the foreign flowers look lovely."

"Thank you... most of the roses here are of my own breeding."

His eyes widened more hearing this, and soon we made our way over to the white iron table that was placed under the tree in my garden. The place settings were simple china. I wasn't planning on guests so i did not want to use any of my more elaborately decorated cups and tea set for my lunch. It didn't seem to bother Alois, i think he was more entranced with my presence than he was with anything else. I heard the echoing of footsteps and wheels rolling over the stones of the path and we both turned our heads to see Claude and Lucius approaching us. Lucius had the cart with delectable goodies to eat while Claude was carrying the tea. Lucius pulled the cart beside us and than placed the food before us, it was a dish of pasta primavera with a light sauce. My lips formed a smile, this was a perfect dish to enjoy on such a beautiful day like this and i only assumed that the tea he prepared would be a black tea with lavender. Claude poured the tea into our cups and then gave us each one of our own. I truly hated this butler, the way he kept smiling at me. I sipped my tea silently as Alois continued talking about all the flowers in my garden, he was so fascinated with all the colors and sweet fragrances filling his nose. The tea was delicious and the smell of lavender tickled my nose and made me smile.

"Something has made you happy Mistress?"

I looked up at Lucius and smiled nodding i turned my head to look at Alois but he was lost in his own dialogue about how decor of a house is important to someones image. I spoke in a hushed tone though so that i would not disturb his thoughts.

"Despite having unwanted visitors... this garden setting is quite lovely and the tea is very delightful... and watching the lord Trancy so engaged in his own conversation is providing me with entertainment."

Lucius smiled coyly and nodded in agreement, this gesture must have gained Alois's attention because he had stopped speaking and was now glaring at Lucius.

"What is so amusing my lady, it is quite rude to whisper in the presence of guests."

"Forgive me Lord Trancy, I was simply telling Lucius about how in depth you were when talking about decor. It must be a hobby of yours."

"Not at all, my hobbies are of performing arts. Watching shows and having my servants provide me with amusement by doing small shows."

Hmm... that seems fitting. I smiled more and then watched Lucius take up our plates and set them on the cart. He went to push it back to the kitchen.. but i did not want to be left alone with that man... Lucius i know you hear me, have Faustus go with you.​ Something troubles you? I do not want to be alone with that man... Understood Mistress.

"Faustus.. would you be so kind as to help me carry these back to the kitchen two extra hands would be greatly appreciated."

"Go and help Claude, i have no need of you here."

"Yes your highness."

Highness? Why did he call him that, the Trancy family was not royalty... I watched as our butlers left and Alois seemed to smile as we were now left alone.

"I am glad to have this time with you alone..."

He reached his hand out and then took mine in his.. much like Ciel would. Wait... no it couldn't be... was Alois... in love with me?