The Queen's Dove (Black Butler)

Chapter Six: The Party - Part 1

Isabella

Alex returned last night very late. It had started raining and he was drenched. He didn't say anything when he came through the door, except for "Goodnight" and he went to the servant's parlour. I felt like such a bitch. I couldn't bring myself to say anything to him back, so I went to bed. This morning Alex didn't even wake me up, it was Rosalie who did it. I asked why he wasn't but Rosalie didn't say anything. I'm being given the silent treatment by my servants except for Johnny, he seems to understand or maybe he's scared of me? Probably.

"Isabella!" George shouts, he bounds down the hall. He is already dressed in his birthday outfit: a white frilled shirt underneath a green waistcoat with a swirling pattern and a dark green blazer on top with dark grey trousers, "Look at me! Look at me! I'm the birthday king!" I laugh and hug him.

"Happy birthday, George!" I say, I think I hear him say a muffled thank you into my dress, "Now I must go get changed for your party!"

"You won't look as good as me!" He teases, "I won't allow it!" I smile and plant a kiss on his cheek. I bound down the hall and into my bedroom. No one is there to greet me, no Alex waiting with a already chosen outfit. I decide I should choose the dress myself and so I open up my wardrobe. However a short, strapless white dress hangs by itself. The skirt of the dress is lacy and impeccably detailed. A note is attached to the hanger, I remove it and begin reading.

Dear Isabella,

I hope you like this dress. When you went home yesterday I visited the dress department of Harrods and thought this would be perfect for the party today. Think of it as an apology gift.

From,

Alexander

I am nearly brought to tears by his letter. But I blink them back and remove the dress from the hanger. I gently slip it over myself, it falls just above my knee. I look back at myself in the mirror. The girl in the mirror is not me but someone else, she's much more beautiful. Her red hair flows in two perfect pigtails down to her waist. Her green eyes sparkle and shine. Her dress is fit for a princess. I'm none of that. I sigh and turn away from the mirror. Pushing the image away from my mind. I turn towards my dressing table, finding a green diamond necklace laying inside a clear bow. I take it out and place it around my neck, sweeping my hair out of the way. Underneath the table there is a pair of white high heels that easily slip onto my feet.

When I'm ready, I walk out of my bedroom. It is already 5:45pm and the first early guests arrive. I greet them at the manor door alongside the servants. They've all scrubbed up quite well. The boys wear tuxedos and Rosalie wears a pale blue dress. People compliment me on my outfit but I shrug them off. George sees me at the other end of the hall, he runs over and takes my hand.

"I told you!" He beams, "I told you that you can't look as good as me!" I laugh when he pulls the sweetest grumpy face, "Come on! It's time you socialise with people!" He drags me into the ballroom, inside the buffet table is packed with food and a huge birthday cake lies in the middle. Swirling icing writes Happy birthday, George! in blue and green. The room is full with children, but mainly adults. Lots hold glasses of champagne, and make conversation with each other. Some turn to see me and I feel embarrassed as my cheeks start to burn.

Suddenly George's hand stops holding onto mine as he rushes over to greet his friends and I feel alone in a crowd of adults. The noises of music and talking mixing hurts my ears and my visions blurs. I feel like I am about to be sick until a warm hand touches my shoulder. I open my eyes and find myself gazing at Ciel Phantomhive.

"Ciel," I greet, "I didn't know you were coming,"

"Neither did I," He smiles slightly to himself, his hand combs through his dark blue hair, "you look nice." For a second I feel slightly offended. Nice? Is that all you've got? I think.