The Spider's Kiss (Alois x Reader)

2: Welcome to Phantomhive Manor

"Welcome to the Phantomhive manor." The man extends his similarly gloved hand for me to take to help me out of the carriage.

I refuse. Instead, I brush past the man and exit the carriage on my own. "Know your place. I have no need of help for a simple step. Someone should have briefed you on that." The words come out softly, as should a woman's, but the message is clear. I won't stand for such helpless behavior to be thrust upon me.

"My apologies, madame."

I slide my hand down the left side of my dress, smoothing down the green fabric. Ellis receives my signal and stops his glaring contest with the other man and returns to where he belongs: by my side. His presence is one of the few comforts I have at this moment.

The grand ball room is overwhelmingly full of earls and their female counterparts. My elbow locks with Ellis' as we navigate the pristine area. Besides the comfort, travelling with Ellis allows me the freedom to navigate society; despite lacking a proper male escort.

I scan the room to take in the full impression it made. From the tables and chairs, to the walls and flooring, everything was either red, white, or gold. Although I hated to admit it, the interior of the mansion is just as stunning as the exterior. I had never bothered to redecorate after my mother's death. That will soon change. I quickly thought to myself. I am ready to move forward.

Ellis, who was guiding me through the party as I was lost in thought, finally reaches a stop. In unison, I do the same.

My eyes quickly travel up and down the younger of the two in front of us. Short, blonde hair, light blue eyes, a black bow, a red and gold ring, and a tall butler accompanying him. This could only be one man; Alois Trancy.

I allow a smile to grace my features as the devious boy bends down and kisses my ring.

"YN, it's been too long!" He slid his sleeve up, just slightly, to reveal a golden dagger with rubies embedded within it.

"Much too long." I replied, curtsying and lifting my dress up just enough to reveal the emerald studded dagger attached to my ankle.

In sync we remove ourselves from each other and replace our weapons in their respective hiding spots. This completes the traditional greeting between the spider boy and I, the greeting Ellis continues to advise me against, lest someone catch our secrets

"So do you know this Phantomhive boy?" I ask as we stroll through the party. He replaces my butler as a male companion seeing as Ellis and Claude have occupied themselves in some inane argument.