In times of service chp 12

The carriage bumped along the road gently as it rolled down the road beneath the silver coating of the rising moon. The birds slept and kept quiet above inside the trees as below in the course grass came the wild chattering and chirping of the crickets. The pristine butler of the Phantomhive family sat perched high in the seat.
Black eyes were trained forward watching the rippling of the muscles beneath the well brushed coats of the horses. Keen hearing that he had alerted him to listen to the deep even breathing of the child that now slept within the vehicle cloaked in finery and comfort as they traveled. A young boy of twelve that held more power than men five times his age, an innocent face covering a mind of unbridled confidence and drive. A drive that pushed him forward strong and hell bent towards hiss goal, his current goal being taking back what was his.
Eyes narrowing in thought he allowed his thoughts to conquer (this is rather going to be troublesome. It is obvious that the culprits are not all humor. And they will not go down without a fight) his head raised as the carriage tilted back slightly as the road arched upwards as it began to climb up through a forest. Clicking his tongue he snapped the reins against the breasts flanks quickening their pace the naked eye could suddenly catch flashes and glimpses of a heavy stone building built tall and proud upon the breast of the hill.
"Sebastian" the irritated voice from the depths of the carriage
"We are almost there young master" he replied instinctively knowing what the young boy was asking
"Good. I am getting sick of this ride"
"Sorry young master, the horses are at their max speed for this hill"
"Fine. I do not wish to kill the beasts" he replied with a sigh. Keen hearing allowed the butler to listen to the shifting of the small lord inside the carriage. The hushed rustling of cloth against cloth and the clicks of the boys heals against the floor of the vehicle exhaling with a sigh of annoyance. He turned his attention forward with a smile.
'this is very annoying. Taking way to much time' Ceil watched as the dark trees rushed by blending into a smudge of black and dusted over with silver from the light of the moon. 'to have taken this long to find this place and the person responsible for this case, and to take one of my servants on top of this….she better have not been harmed, nobody has the right to take and touch what is mine' his teeth ground together gently as flashes of the large stone made building began to plat hide-n-seek inside of gaps in the tree. It seemed to loom over the traveling pair in almost a mocking manner, taunting and laughing at them as if daring them to try and complete their mission….
"Don't you knock!" she snapped "How dare you walk in on a lady in the bath!" she inhaled to scream at him but her voice died in her throat as the situation pieced itself together like a puzzle in her mind as he stared at the naked skin of her upper thigh. She knew why he was shocked, in the last month or so men had broken into the bathroom on more than one occasion yet every time she had been covered breast to almost her knees, covered, hidden. That was until now and now black eyes were fixated in surprise and almost disbelief. The butlers attention darted upwards as he spoke.
"That is it isn't it."
"…"
"That's what I thought. That's a seal, the seal of a demon contract" the air became tense and the heat from the steam seemed to intensify. He stared at her a strange look covering his features "A contract…then Sebastian is your.."
"No!" she snapped and dropped back into the water her eyes fixed on his "Frankly it is none of your business now is it?"
"If it becomes a threat to my master than yes it is" he said bending down to pick up the bathroom items that lay scattered across the floor.
"Of course not you bloody git!" she snapped "If I had that option at my disposal do you think that I would still be here and dealing with all of these assaults on my person!" her patience was beginning to wear thin and the evidence coated her tongue thickly.
"Of course my apologies" he perched the basket on top of the tubs edge. "If that is everything than I shall take my leave" with a bow he turned and left the room closing the door behind him. He turned walking down the hallway his thoughts wild inside his mind 'this could make a change occur, How annoying yet very intriguing' the hard heals of his shoes clicked against the stone floor the sound bouncing along the walls loudly. 'it seems as if I shall have to open up two new bedchambers, we have visitors on the way' he looked out a window and across the lawn of the manor his sight going even farther. 'How rude to show up without an invitation'
Ceil watched as the trees thinned dramatically to reveal a wrought iron gate standing tall and menacing. The shadows it cast seemed to crawl and slither across the packed dirt of the forest floor like serpents looking for their next meal. A man stood behind the gate, straight and proper with eyes of black as coal.
"It is rather late for travelers to be out on the road, especially for forest out here s far away from the city. Most only travel during the day so that they may avoid the beasts of the dark" an edge of took over his voice "unless they are seeking something that is not to be sought after" his eyes fell upon the curtains that cloaked the sturdy windows of the carriage.
"Oh no we were merely traveling and got lost. Due to this fact we were trying to make up for lost time but it seems that we wound up landing yourself in a tight spot and are more lost than before" the Phantomhive butler lied his voice painted in embarrassment as he smiled. "My master is tired and I too tire from wandering these roads. Could I perhaps trouble you and your master for lodging for the night?" he looked back at him a seemingly plain picture of innocence.
"Why of course. It wouldn't be any trouble at all" slipping his hand smoothly into his pocket he pulled out a heavy key and it fit snugly into the lock and twisted it. The gate responded with a loud thunk and shudder. Stepping back he pulled the wrought iron giant open and stood to the side "Come through here and I shall lead you up to the house"
With a soft click of his tongue he moved the horses forward and passed through the gates. The haunches of the large beasts quivered uncomfortably as they trotted past the black clad man. Animals were sensitive to such beings as the one that stood posted at the gate and most would frighten away yet any creatures that had been working for the Phantomhive had been specifically taken care of by Sebastian and had come to place a basic trust in the being dressed as a man after hours of interaction with no foul, under the calm hand of the butler they continued forward with only the slightest bit of reluctance. But it was not the horses that had the eyes of the foreign man, the soft curtains that covered the windows of the elegant carriage that had his entire focus, and they shadow that danced behind the curtain.
'we have barely just crossed the border of their territory and yet the atmosphere is already tense and it carries a challenge' once again the young lord shifted in his seat the anticipation taking his nerves for a joy ride that was driving the boy insane. The carriage jostled side to side as it rolled over the uneven pathway yet came to a gentle stop the horses huffing in annoyance. In mere seconds the door opened, revealing his butler with gloved hand extended to help. Quick, proper and efficient, those were a few of the things that made up a Phantomhive butler. His heals clicked against the pavement as he allowed the servant to help him down. His open eye locked ont the butler of this foreign household. The man stood firm the lantern clutched in his right fist.
Few strands of hair had escaped the tight ponytail and clung to high cheekbones as the butler watched the young boy coming out of the carriage.
"What a pleasure. Earl of Phantomhive I am thrilled to have you visiting my young masters manor" he bent at the waist in a bow. "My young master has yet to turn in for the night so he will be able to greet you. Please follow me inside, I will have refreshments set out for momentarily" he said and straightened turning on his heal and began to lead the two gentlemen inside…..
A sigh of exhaustion and unwilling slipped past pink lips as she turned away from the mirror. Pale nimble fingers expertly tied off the bow that cinched around her waist. Moments before Deane had entered and informed her that Carter had guests arriving and she was supposed to be down there as well to help the boy greet them and keep the visitors entertained. She grabbed a brush up from the dresser top and used it to help scoop her hair up into a neat knot at the base of her neck. A soft knock filled with hesitation sounded against the wood of the door. Turning she looked at the door and set down the bush.
"Come in" she turned and watched as Carter walked in the room slowly. Tension trickled through her muscles pulling her body taut her nerves humming with danger. The read headed child stares at his feet, the shame and guilt he was feeling cloaked him like a blanket.
"Meylene I came to apologize" his blue eyes were glassy with unshed tears and despite the disgust that filled her, the bile rising in her throat her heart tugged in sympathy.
"I know what I did was wrong, it was really, really bad" he swallowed fumbling with the cuffs of his shirt "I don't know why I went and did that…I just…you look a lot like her…my mom and I…" he stuttering apology came to an abrupt halt as a gentle hand pressed itself to the top of his head. His eyes found hers as she looked down at him.
"Don't we have guests to go take care of" s\he pushed his hair from hi face and offered it to him. "Now let us go downstairs, you don't want to be rude" his small fingers laced inside of hers and the pair headed down the stairs the heels of their shoes. Hushed voices were heard from the hall as they got downstairs. "Who are your guests Carter" she smiled down at him and a look of anger crossed his features.
"People who want to steal from me" he said coldly and she frowned.
"Then why do you allow them into your home?" she asked as Deane opened the door bowing to them.
"Its not like I have a choice" he grumbled glaring into the room. Brown eyes flickered forward and she felt her lips part in shock as she saw the familiar pair seated inside the spacious dining hall. Her eyes widened as she looked at boy clocked in dark blue, the ever present patch covering his eye as his butler stood like hi s shadow behind his chair.
"Young Master…Mr.. Sebastian…"
"Meylene!" Ceil was up and on his small healed feet in seconds his free hand clutching at the table. His blue gaze narrowed as Carter stepped forward in front of the woman a defensive gaze on his face.
"Good evening Earl Phantomhive": he said stiffly. Tension in the room seemed to blossom up like a flowering plant as the two adolescents stated each other down. Meylene looked over the situation with darting brown eyes 'for them to show up here of all places and in such an open manner. This is no coincidence. Sebastian would not allow for such a thing to happen for now the young master is in danger'
The stare down between the two boys was broken as the door of the dinning hall that was connected to the kitchen swung open as Deane appeared pushing a rolling silver cart decorated with tea cups, spoons, plates and scones all nestled in orderly display around a previously whistling china kettle.
"Forgive me but the tea took a little longer to heat up than anticipated" Deane apologized as he began to set out the cups and plated with gentle precession. At this Meylene settled herself into a chair opposite of the young Phantomhive and Carter sat beside her his eyes narrowed slightly as he remained tensed, the muscles of his small body almost recoiling back like that of cat. Her naked hand ghosted the rim of the tea cup her eyes focusing directly at the brown liquid cooling off inside, she was avoiding the two burning gazes she felt trained upon her. 'What the hell were they thinking?'
"I shall return to the kitchen to retrieve another item, just ring for me if I need to come back sooner" Deane bowed and once again left the room.
"You are Ceil Phantomhive" Carter stated bluntly before taking a bite of the scone sitting on his plate.
"Yes and you are Carter Vasqures I presume" the boy replied as both gloved hands settled firmly on top of the cane that stood solid at his feet. The red headed boy merely looked at him over the rim of his china tea cup and drank in silence. Setting down the cup he looked at the boy.
"Well you seem to be rather informed for someone who seems to have just stumbled into my home by accident. Lost in the woods were you? In a hurry and traveling late. That is what your butler told my butler when you stood waiting at my gates. Did he lie? I don't know about you but I don't allow servants to tell falsehoods. It is rather unbecoming and makes me unsure whether they are a loyal or not. Especially as an Englishman, aren't all of you supposed to have good morals or something.
Ceil glared back at the boy his fingers twitched slightly in annoyance before replying. "How I raise and train my servants is none of your business. What is my business though is when people mess with my servants and take them without my permission. Nobody takes what is mine and gets away with it"
"Servants have the right to come and go as they please do they not?" Carter questioned tripping his fingers across the white table cloth in boredom as his chin sat propped in one hand.
"Of course. Hence servant and not slave" he stated slowly as if Carter was stupid.
"Then she doesn't have to come back if she doesn't want to then?" his fingers landed to circle around the silver bell that sat beside his plate.
"If she doesn't want to. She doesn't" he smirked 'bloody twat'
"Makes sense" he shrugged and grabbed the bell and shook it vigorously.
"Bloody hell !" ceil snapped, the entire room cringed in pain as the bell rang loud and shrill. Almost immediately Deane entered the room pushing that silver cart of his.
"You called?"
"yes I want more tea" Carter replied setting down the bell then once again turned to Meylene who was staring down into her tea cup. "What do you think?" he looked at her a serious expression crossing his face. Silence filled the room as they all fixed eyes full of different expectations upon the only female inside of the manor. The red head did not respond and only continued to stare down into her tea."Meylene!" Carter touched her shoulder and the woman twitched slightly in alarm and looked up.
"Forgive me but what were we talking about. My attention seemed to have drifted elsewhere"
"You don't want to leave here do you?" Carter asked. In return the ex assassin stared at him as if in disbelief that he had even asked the question. Then to the Phantomhives disbelief and horror a gentle smile coated her features.
"Of course not. Why would I ever want to leave your side?"….
"She has to have been drugged or forced into an illusion with something" Ceil concluded as he sat upon the guest bed in the bedroom Deane had set up for him for the night.
"That is the most likely of explanations" Sebastian replied as he undid the tie that wrapped snug around the adolescents slim neck. Long fingered, gloved hands worked its way to remove layers of material. Traipsing through threads, buttons, buckles and clips he began to reveal the naked boy to the air around them. Snatching up the night shirt he once again covered his young master with correct amount of modesty required for the boy state of resting and position. Rising he picked up the folded clothes that now needed to be washed and placed them in an empty bag.
"Such madness". He muttered as his thoughts took a short trip back in time. 'Disbelief slammed into the young lords body as he stared at his red haired maid. Had he heard correctly, the woman did not want to leave this place. The place that she had been captured in, knocked out, kidnapped and who knows what else.
"What are you talking about Meylene! You don't belong here. You were kidnapped while we were on that mission. He took you when Sebastian came to make sure that I was alright!"
"Goodness. Mr. Phantomhive you certainly are rather high strung tonight are you not?" she looked at him in shock. "You really think that I was kidnapped? You yourself accepted my hiring after Mr. Sebastian picked me to be a part of your personal private army did you not? Do you really think that I could have been kidnapped by one single man and taken against my will? Even if I was then would I really still be here. I would have escaped away from here a long time ago if that were the case." She cradled her cup of tea in her hands rolling it back and forth. I was offered another job and decided that I wanted it so I took it." She looked up at Ceil "No hard feelings Mr. Phantomhive but I just don't want to work for you anymore"
"Meylene are you quite sure about this?" Sebastian asked his hand coming to clutch at the top of the chair his young master's chair.
"Yes I am Mr. Sebastian. I am quite sure that I want to be here" she smiled and looked at them. "I am sorry but I do not wish to return"…..
"This is something that I order you to fix Sebastian" Ceil ordered as he himself removed the eye patch that always adorned his face. With careless accuracy he dropped it onto the wooden night stand that acted as if it was a guard to the bed he was about to sleep in. Scooting back he flopped down allowing the pillows to embrace his upper torso as his butler pulled the blankets up to his shoulders. Stepping back a formal bow overtook the butlers body as he hoisted the candlestick.
"Yes my Lord" with that the candle was out and Ceil Phantomhive was left to sleep in solitude until either morning or confrontation came. Whichever one came first…..
Brush met table top as Meylene put the brush down to get up and respond to the knocking at her door. Draping the indigo shawl around her body she answered the large door with a start of surprise. "Mr. Sebastian what are you doing here so late at night" she stumbled back as he entered the room without permission. "What are you doing?"
She watched in shock as he closed the door behind him and strode over in long strides to set the candle stand down onto the bed stand. "You are once again causing the young master many problems." He turned to face her and was met with no resistance as gloved hand met bare wrist and pulled them together.
"Now Meylene let us fix this problem shall we" Brown eyes met obsidian orbs as hands slid through damp locks of red. Nose bumped against nose, eyelashes against cheek, hot breaths mixing together. Mouth against mouth.
"You have become rather pushy Sebastian" she gasped as she bounced lightly against the flexible mattress . Cool softness melded her body below as a warm sturdy body pressed into her own from above. "And maser Ceil allows this?" she breathed out her lips pressing to his hands twisting in black suit material.
"I was given orders to wake you back up no matter what"
"I guess you are just doing your job right then" she closed her eyes feeling hot breath ghosting down her neck as cool air dipped against her skin as button upon button of her top popped open.
"A shock to the mind and body is always a good way to get around a was the drink. Wasn't it? Something that was slipped into your tea that was activated when he rang that atrocious bell of his?"
"N-No it wasn't the tea" she muttered moving his hands away from her gown to slid her fingers in between his. She looked up at him as he pressed his forehead to hers.
"Tell me everything" he ordered quietly. Sighing she allowed the man to roll off her body and she herself turned on her side facing him their foreheads touching once more.
"Well you are right about the bell activating it I think…""Alright . Alright ill drink it" she laughed and took a sip. Brown eyes widened in delight and surprise "My word it is delicious" she took another drink and another, finding herself unable to stop. The maid was too busy downing the refreshment to notice the devious look that had conquered the face of the youth beside her. "That really was good" she smiled as she handed the glass off to Deane. She smiled brightly and turned to look at the river 'what in the…' her body went numb and she could barley express her surprise and she dropped backwards into the grass her body going limp without her command.
"Hehe"….
The breath in her chest froze as she felt the cold tip of the metal brush against the skin of her neck to come rest at the top of her dress. "W-what"
"We had a very special, special relationship. Oh did I love my mother" it was the sound of ripping fabric that filled the air next and fear struck the ex-assassins' heart as cool air rushed suddenly over her upper body as her the bodice of her dress was split leaving her pale skin naked to the world….
"N-" protests were killed in horror 'what the hell' her mind could barley process the situation as the red headed boy pressed his mouth to hers.
BANG! If possible her eyes widened despite the bright sun as dirt crashed onto the pair of them.
"Dammit!" Carter yelled his small arms flying up to cover his face like makeshift shields. He looked around for the cause of the disruption. Yet the trained assassin found the source of the problem before the small child did. Inside a pocket of dirt and grass shined a bullet. Someone had shot at them.
"Forgive me My liege but it seems as if our picnic must come to an abrupt ending" Deane appeared behind them and before either of the humans could protest they were yanked from the ground , the only thing holding them against gravity was a pair of lean arms. Then it seemed as if they were flying, the demon butler took off at a run as bullets rang and screamed through the air missing their target as the man dressed in finery dodged to and fro….."
She fell silent her eyes remaining closed as they had been the entire time she had retold the story. Pale eyelids opened up to look at the man who remained unmoving in front of her. His face had not changed, remaining as ever stoic yet pleasant as it always was, yet obsidian orbs burned with a cold fury. Within an instant he had the both of them on their feet.
"We will be leaving here tonight. Please dress yourself properly and I will attend to the young master" Brushing a stray strand of hair out of his eyes he once carried that prim and proper. "Though I am rather sure that Deane knows that we are already together and is more than likely watching our every movement. He disappeared quickly closing the door behind him silently. At this she moved in a flurry of movement and clothing as she hurried to dress herself. Undergarments, shoes, stockings, dress all of it thrown on quickly. Not worrying about her hair she pulled open the door and made her way to the stairwell. Her hurried footsteps came to a stop as a loud crash vibrated the air inside the home. It was then that she heard the crash and to her horror, the screams of the Phantomhive earl.
"Ceil!" her hand quickly snatched up the candlestick and dashed out the door running down the stairs as there was the shrieking of shattered glass and the yells of adolescent boys. Heals screeched in protest as she skidded to a stop in the main hall. She took no notice to the air that clouded around her face as she stared in horror. All the tall glass windows in the front of the castle were gone. Her eyes found the two different pairs of males standing face to face outside.
Ceil stood defiantly beside Sebastian a sharp sword blade in hand his face dark with anger. Carter stood smirking behind Deane his hands on his hips. "Sebastian take out Deane. I will deal with Carter"
The butler smirked "Yes my Lord"
"Deane! Take down Phantomhive's Butler! Phantomhive is mine!"
"Yes, My Liege"
With that all hell broke loose, or so it seemed. Within mere seconds Sebastian and Deane disappeared quick as a flash leaving the two adolescents in the yard. Running forward she pushed through the doors making her way to the boys as quick as possibly. Her gut was twisting in nervousness as she hoisted her skirts tossing the candlestick to the side she ran. 'something's not right! Please don't do anything' Alarm fired itself across her body as she watched the scene unfold before her. "STOP!"
"Die Ceil Phantomhive!" Carter screeched laughing as he yanked out a shot gun, his finger kissing the trigger.
"Seba-" The name lodged itself in the young boys throat at the sound of the gunshot. He stopped staring in surprise as his vision filled with red. Not in pain, but red hair.
"Meylene…" the sword dropped properly to his side as he stared at the woman in front of him arms spread wide. "You'd do well to listen to adults next time" she joked lightly looking over her shoulder at him "Now behave Ceil" she smiled dropping her arms and she tripped sideways. Two sets of blue eyes widened as red liquid seeped and sprawled its way across the light yellow material that made up the maids dress. She smiled at the Phantomhive boy before nature and gravity took over. With the closing of eye lids and a sigh she dropped, hitting the ground with a thud.