Dangerous Seduction {BOOK THREE}

3

~Dangerous Voyage ~

Naturally in light of this new task for the gods and Thanatos's warning I have begun to recognize that a quiet and simple life is too much to ask for. The letter from Her Majesty gave a detailed description for her concerns with the hospital Thanatos mentioned along with a supposed secret society hidden within. She wished for me to investigate and put a stop to the unnerving rumors along with her guard dog.

I glanced down at the letter in my hand as the carriage bumped along the graveled paths, Ciel's letter was much more detailed pertaining to the case. Ciel must have had Sebastian look into the matter in an attempt to gain more information. His letter mentioned the Aurora Society and how they were meeting on a luxury ship set to sail the seventeenth of April. I had heard from Elizabeth, mostly due to her enthusiasm, that her family was going to be on board. Knowing Ciel he would worry for his cousin and in light of my recent visions I am not too keen on the aspect of this cruise. He requested I accompany him and his servants to help with the case.

Veronica did not seem overly enthusiastic about the "little lord distracting her mistress" with another case "He could solve on his own". While I admit her reactions do amuse me, it is becoming more and more annoying having to deal with her constant snide remarks and condescending actions.

The carriage came to a halt and the door opened to reveal Vincent and Veronica standing opposite one another, "We have arrived mistress." 

I gracefully stepped out of the carriage with the help of Vincent. My forest green travel dress was only slightly covered by my formfitting black and fur lined coat. My dark purple locks were pulled into a clean twist and my black heels clicked as my feet hit the ground. "Prepare the luggage..." Vincent nodded and left with a bow.

I glanced up at the imposing ship, "So this is the Campania..." flashes of my vision, the corpses the water, drowning, stopped me in my tracks. I grimaced, it seems this trip will be far more troublesome than I originally thought. Veronica and I boarded the ship but were almost knocked over by a man carrying a rather large suitcase.

"Mistress it is close to departure time," Vincent's voice came from behind us as the loud horn and cheers sounded around us. With that, we were off.

As the ship finally left the docks, the crowd dispersed on deck allowing me to spot a certain blonde excitedly hugging what seemed to be a disgruntled Ciel. As I drifted closer I could hear their conversation.

"I'm so very happy!" Elizabeth squealed.

"Elizabeth, stop acting so indecently in public at once!" the stern voice of Francis Midford caused her daughter to quickly release her hold on Ciel.

The greetings of the Midford family were unique in their own ways, especially when the family head himself took Elizabeth's approach and hugged Ciel with as much enthusiasm as his daughter.

"My, My what a lively bunch you are..." I finally decided to announce my presence, with a charming smile I made my way closer to the group, Veronica and Vincent following quietly behind.

Ciel turned at the sound of my voice, his eye widening slightly. It had been awhile since we had seen one another, especially since my talk with Veronica, and with the sudden rush of paperwork and business it left little room for social calls. The members of the Midford  household were snapped out of their silence as Elizabeth let out a loud squeal.

"Oh Siren! You are here too!?" She rushed towards me, leaving little time to brace for impact but I managed.

With a light laugh I hugged the girl back, "It is good to see you all in such high spirits."

We all decided to have tea in one of the rooms provided, Elizabeth was quite excited about the fact that we all would be together for the duration of the cruise.

"It has been so long since we have been together Ciel, and I'm am absolutely excited about having the chance to get to know you as well Siren!"

"It is indeed a wonderful opportunity Elizabeth, " I took a sip of tea only to notice the girl pout slightly.

"Don't you start too," She complained, "I've told you both to call me Lizzie!" I giggled lightly, her pout changing into a smile at the sound. "Oh you simply must be excited about the dinner parties Siren!"

"I admit it will be a nice opportunity to have a bit of fun," I spared a glance at Ciel noticing his eye on me I winked causing him to nearly choke on his tea much to the amusement of Sebastian who was sporting a slicked back hairstyle. A quick survey of the other servants showed the males in our company were sporting similar hairstyle, even Vincent.

"The meeting of concern will be held on the eve of the nineth my lady," Veronica whispered as she served me another cup of tea, "I suppose this is a good opportunity to enjoy this unexpected holiday?"

I glanced at the beaming Lizzie and the bored looking Ciel, "A break is long overdue, but we have much to discuss. Maybe I should let them be for a days and give them a chance to relax..."

That night as I was preparing for bed with the help of Veronica, a knock sounded at the door. My long black nightgown was hidden under a soft robe before I answered, "Come in." The door opened and there stood a blushing Earl with a smirking butler behind him.

"I apologize for calling upon you at such a late hour..." Ciel coughed awkwardly into his hand, still dressed in his day clothes and standing in the doorway.

I laughed, "Please do come in Ciel, you as well Sebastian. It is good to see you."

The two made their way into my quarters as I shared a glance with Veronica. She nodded and left us alone. Sebastian followed shortly after. "You have come to discuss the case? I admit it is quite peculiar but nothing you couldn't have handled on your own."

"Siren, you know that isn't why I am here..." I watched as he shifted in his seat, the normally calm and collected Earl of Phantomhive seemed nervous.

"Pardon?" I tilted my head to the side in confusion.

"Siren...Have you been avoiding me?" I flinched, though it was barely noticeable, before giving him a smile.

"Now what gave you that idea Ciel?"

"Do not be coy with me Siren," His gaze met mine and his voice was stern, "After the dinner at my manor you have been avoiding me. You rarely visit the estate anymore, and the replies to my letters are always short or simple excuses."

"If you knew the answer to your question, why did you ask?" I looked down at my folded hands because I couldn't bring myself to look at him. I could hear Rose sneering at me "You coward. Make eye contact damn it, after everything you have been through this should be child's play!"

"Have I done something?" I risk a glance, only to see solem resignation in Ciel's blue eye. That look, one of uncertainty and emptiness, is enough to make me jump from my seat and wrap my arms around him.

"No..." I whisper against his neck as his arms settle around me, "I am just a fool." His gloveless fingers run through my loose hair as a comfortable silence forms. I enjoyed the peace knowing it could be broken at any moment.

"Mistress..."

Speak of the devil...

"Yes Veronica?" I lift my head from its resting place on Ciel's shoulder.

"It is quite late my lady, I am sure Master Ciel must be getting to bed as well." I rolled my eyes at the condescending tone but nodded nonetheless.

I gently removed myself from his comfortable embrace and bid him goodnight, "I will see you tomorrow Ciel."

"Indeed, we have much to discuss before the meeting on the ninth." He took my hand and planted a gentle kiss on it, "Goodnight Siren."

That night I dreamt of more corpses and sinking ships, the visions becoming more and more vivid as time went on...