His Mate, Enchanting

17

Elizabeth watched how Ciel and Anastasia danced beautifully. She knew how much Ciel hated dancing, but here he was dancing happily with Anastasia.

"They look enamored with each other." Her husband commented, envy was in his voice. He wished he shared a bond like that with his wife.

Elizabeth looked at her husband with guilty eyes. He was the most patient man she had met, and she felt bad that she couldn't return his affections. She looked back at Ciel, the man she loved her whole life who was now happily married to another, then back to her husband. She knew that she would have to make a decision.

"Let's dance." She said smiling softly at her husband who looked at her with slight surprise. He smiled sincerely and led her to the dance floor.

Meanwhile, Ciel and Anastasia bowed to each other again as they finished their dance. They went to greet other guests, one of them was the duke.

"Earl Phantomhive, Lady Anastasia." Henry greeted the couple like he would his friends.

"Lord Henry." Ciel greeted with a slight bow while Anastasia curtsied.

"You have definitely prepared a spectacular ball." Henry praised looking at the décor and guests.

"We only wish to exhibit the renowned Phantomhive standards." Anastasia said with a smile that the duke returned.

"I will enjoy the night then." The duke said with a small smile. "Please be reminded of our business meeting in three days."

"Of course." Ciel answered seriously. "Please enjoy the festivity, milord. If you will excuse us."

The duke nodded as the two demons bowed before attending to their other guests. Ciel was with business associates while Anastasia acted like a perfect hostess. She was now standing patiently by the windows watching as the humans enjoyed themselves.

"I can't believe the Earl would marry someone from nowhere." A female voice complained. Anastasia smirked and hid by the pillars to eavesdrop.

"I know! It's even more disappointing we never got the chance to win his affections." A brunette complained.

"Well, Elizabeth is the biggest loser amongst the female gentry." A woman said laughing. It was at that moment Anastasia noticed Elizabeth listening in as well. She was hiding behind a plant. "She was engaged to Earl Phantomhive, but he left without a trace for years, then came back with a beautiful mysterious wife."

"Yes, she ended up with a man with no title." One giggled. "Well, it serves her right. I remember when I tried befriending the earl, she acted like a spoiled brat and bragged about her engagement to him."

"I know! It wasn't even by the Earl's choice! It was just arranged."

"Maybe he wanted to get away from her. She was really annoying after all."

"And have you seen the Earl's wife? Lady Anastasia looks like a queen compared to Elizabeth."

"I know. She's so beautiful. I can't help but feel envious."

"Does anyone know where she's from though?"

"I think I heard she's a princess from Romania." One commented

"Elizabeth stood no chance against her then." One giggled. "If I were the Earl, I would've gone to Romania and married Lady Anastasia as well if I were arranged to marry someone like Elizabeth."

Anastasia raised her brow as the mortal women made fun of Elizabeth. She saw Elizabeth walk away with her head down and her hands fisted. She decided to make her presence known to the gossipmongers.

"Hello." Anastasia greeted with an amused smile.

"L-Lady Anastasia" The brunette greeted nervously.

"I hope the party is to your liking. Please don't let me stop your gossip. If you will excuse me then." She said with a smile making the group blush and look down. She went to follow Elizabeth who she saw slip away to the garden.