Entwined | Sebastian Michaelis

Chapter 3, Phantomhive Mischief.

"We will be having a guest for dinner tonight, Verena," my brother says. 

I sigh. "Will it be Elizabeth this time? You have been stalling for two weeks, dear brother. Elizabeth grows impatient by the day. You know what will happen if you do not send word for her soon. I fear to see the berating our cousin would bestow upon you." 

The tips of Ciel's ears turn red from his embarrassment. "Though I know what you speak is true, Elizabeth's arrival will have to wait. Our guest tonight is Damian, the man who runs our factory in India. We have economic matters to discuss." 

My foot taps the floor impatiently. "Very well. I will see you tonight for dinner. If you need me, I shall be in the library reading." 

I roll my eyes as I exit the study. To hell with waiting. If my own brother did not want to see his fiancee, then I would have to take matters into my own hands.

I head out through the kitchen's back door and make my way to the stables. I hear the whinnying of the horses as I approach. One of the horses sticks its head out and gently blows air on my hair. I laugh and pat the horse on the head, to which it neighs contentedly. This horse will have to do, I think to myself.

I grab a saddle from one of the wall hooks and place it upon the horse. "Since I do not know your name, I suppose I shall have to give you a nickname for now. How about Mischief? I think that works, considering we are about to get into trouble." 

"Why ever would you be getting into trouble? I should hope you are not up to anything distasteful. Anything so would surely tarnish your name." 

Startled, I turn around and see the mysterious butler. "Ah, Sebastian. I did not hear you enter. Does this mean you are spying on me?" 

"Forgive me, Lady Verena. It is my duty as a butler to ensure your safety and security at all times," he says. 

"I see. No apologies needed. I will only be in trouble if my late father bestows a heavenly scolding upon me, considering the fact that I plan to take a side saddle stroll around the estate. I never was the best at riding side saddle," I chuckle. 

The butler bows. "Then forgive my intrusion, milady. I shall take my leave now. Supper will be ready within the hour. Our esteemed guest will be arriving soon." 

He exits the stable, leaving me alone with the horse. The horse neighs happily as I hoist myself to the saddle. As soon as the butler is out of sight, I urge the horse into a light trot. Once we happen upon the entrance to the manor, we break into a sprint. I turn around to make sure no one witnesses my rebellious act. 

Unfortunately for me, the butler stands at the front door, watching as I take off in the dusk.

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The sun has completely gone down by the time I arrive at the Midford Estate. I lead the horse to the stables, and quickly enter the manor. I walk into the dining room. Paula notices me and abruptly stops serving Elizabeth her food. 

"Oh, Lady Verena! How wonderful to see you again. Please, situate yourself and I will fetch your supper," Paula says. 

"Thank you, Paula," I reply as she heads to the kitchen. I turn my focus to my cousin. "Lizzie... he's alive. My brother is alive." 

Elizabeth looks at me with tears threatening to escape her eyes. "Ciel truly is alive? This... this is not a cruel joke, is it?"

I shake my head, "No, dear Lizzie, I promise I do not jest. Ciel is alive and doing well. He is healthy as ever."

Elizabeth gasps in relief. "Thank goodness! I thought that I -- that we lost him forever. Oh dear, I feel I might faint from happiness! We must set out to the Phantomhive Estate as soon as supper is finished. I will have Paula prepare the carriage in the meantime."