Can the Damned be Loved?

Chapter 7: Under Night’s Carnival Fireworks

It was nearing sundown by the time you reached the Phantomhive estate. Sweat soaked your dress, which had been torn from shrubs and dirtied by mud. Running without pause, you raced up to the large doors and banged the lion door-knocker.
Within minutes, Sebastian appeared and saw your pitiful state.
“My lady, what on Earth happened to you?”
Heaving, you breathlessly told him everything. Keeping his resolve, the demonic butler took you by the arm and hurried you inside.
“Come, we must get you washed before my young master sees you like this. Meirin!”
A yell then the sounds of running feet came to the top of the stairs, “Y…Yes Sebastian?”
“Please see to the Lady. Make sure she has a fine dress for this evening, I will inform the young master.”
With a deep bow, Sebastian glided away into the depths of the impressive mansion. The timid maid adjusted her large glasses and all but dragged you to the wash room.

~ “Young master, we have an unexpected visitor,” the black butler said.
The slate haired earl, looked up from his paperwork. Since the announcement at the party, Ciel was different. He would not speak to anyone, nor did he meet with his tutors. Sebastian had to admit he himself was worried for the boy…and his soul. If Ciel’s soul were to become dark, then the contract would be useless.
“Send them away.”
Sebastian chuckled, “Are you so certain of that? Young master? This visitor is quite different.”
Growing frustrated Ciel slammed the papers down, “Enough of your talk, who is it!?”
Narrowing his amber eyes, the demon softly spoke, “Lady (y/n)”
Ciel nearly choked on his spit.
“Is this true?”
The demonic butler smirked, “Yes, my lord.”

Donning his finest dress, a finely sewn satin navy blue tail-coat with long trousers of the same fabric detailed with a single thread of gold line down each leg, the young earl addressed his hair. The slate locks were moussed back from his forehead, slicked back behind his ears. The black leather shoes were polished to a shine. Sebastian fixed the buttons on his master’s coat shut, giving him a cleaned and finished look. Adjusting the black tie around his neck, Ciel gave himself a glance over. He wanted to look his best for you. And he spared nothing. White cotton gloves were pulled over pale hands for the final touch.
“If I may so, my young master resembles what a true Earl of Phantomhive should.”
Ciel looked like a regal prince standing before his mirror. Taking in a deep reassuring breath, he nodded and went to the door.
Meanwhile, you stared at your own reflection. The sight amazed you intensely. With the skilled hands of Meirin, you were transformed into a shining Lady again. A baby pink satin and velvet dress fitted your body perfectly, its neckline leaving your shoulders and upper chest bare. White lace trimmed the top, flattering your skin. The sleeves were short, letting your arms peek until white evening gloves engulfed them. The dress rustled and swished like air behind you. Your bustle was an arrangement of pink velvet and pink roses. Your hair was mostly down with a few pieces pinned up with an ivory comb. Diamond earrings dangled from your ears, sparkling like stars.
“You are beautiful Lady (y/n)!” Meirin exclaimed.
Blushing modestly, you thanked the gushing maid and gracefully picked up your full skirts to head to the stairway.
Sebastian and the other servants watched below as you made your way down the steps. The half hidden gasps emanated within your ears and you felt a well of happiness in your stomach. Your heels clicked on the hard floor, Sebastian took your hand and suavely led you to the dining hall. Gold plated carvings adorned the walls, the chair rails were detailed with flowers and swirls. Large mirrors hung on the walls, glittering from the numerous candles flickering on the table. An immaculate white cloth covered the table, displaying fine filigree china. White and pink Russian roses filled porcelain vases, cut by Sebastian no doubt.
“If my lady would take her seat here please,” the demonic butler gestured to an already pulled out chair.
Once seated and comfortable, the black butler soundlessly went over to the southern entrance to open the doors and bow low. Emerging from the shadows, was Ciel.

The instant the slate haired earl saw you, sitting there before him, his heart all but exploded in his chest. You were a vision. Ciel straightened his back and proudly strutted into the room. The first course of the twelve course dinner was served, a fine cucumber soup with imported French wine. The two of you ate, sneaking quick glances here and there.
“Sebastian, this is delicious,” you complimented.
The butler smiled and cleared the dishes. Following the soup came courses of salad, herb roasted chicken with potato balls, baked salmon with hollandaise sauce, ham, cucumber sauce, and then green peas. Dessert consisted of chocolate mousse, an assortment of pastries, lemon sherbet, ice cream, and finally coffee.
“This was incredible Sebastian! Truly you are a master in the kitchen,” you exclaimed sipping your coffee.
Ciel anxiously rubbed his handle with his thumb. Throughout the entire dinner, he said but a handful of words to you. He was unable to decipher if it was from your beauty or his own childish hesitation.
“The hour is ten, if it would please my lady and young master to follow me to the terrace, I shall prepare a fine ballad to perform for your dancing pleasures.”
Giggling, you rose and took Sebastian’s arm once again. The moon shone brightly upon the Phantomhive estate, illuminating the garden ponds and white marble terrace. Ciel situated himself to stand before you and bowed.
“Shall we dance my lady?”
Blushing, your thoughts brought you back to the party, when Ciel asked you the same question. Then you were all too happy to oblige, but now…
“Ciel, I don’t think…We shouldn’t…”
Pretending not to hear your bulking, Ciel grabbed your hands and placed them. You flushed, thanking God the it was night. The earl held you tightly, yet gently. The moon’s light gave everything a bluish tone, surrounding you in a silver light. The stars sparkled, as if trying to compete with the moon’s brilliance. Sebastian raised a well hidden violin up to his chin and closed his amber eyes. The music rang into the vast night, singing for the two of you. Ciel gently pushed you back, then to the side. Your feet caught up with the dance and for the second time, you floated along with him.
Closing your eyes, you couldn’t help but feel as if this was what destiny meant for you. Ciel Phantomhive was a gentleman of the highest sort. Nothing like Alois, your fiancé. The thought gave you shivers, you did not want to marry the blond count. Every fiber of your being was set against it in fact. The images of you wedding him, bedding him, and bearing his children disgusted you profoundly. Yet as Ciel held you to him, those awful images faded away. He felt so wonderful! Strong and sophisticated. His blue, blue eye kindly watched you and for the briefest moment you wondered if he could see into your soul.
Sebastian’s song continued long into the night. And the two of you soon found yourselves alone in the woods nearby. Still locked together in your midnight waltz, your only company the trees and stars, you spoke.
“Ciel, I don’t know what to say.”
The earl smiled softly, “Then take your time. I’m in no rush whatsoever,” he tentatively leaned in and nuzzled your forehead, “I’m not going anywhere, I’ll stay here for as long as it takes.”
His tender words cut into your core like a hot blade, and you felt the tears in your eyes. Feeling you shudder, Ciel held you closer. Your resolve crumbled like a great dam, and finally you released your inner emotions. You cried. You cried like a helpless child. Ciel stopped dancing and brought both arms around your shaking form. Somewhere in the distance, Sebastian’s violin feel silent.
Ciel rubbed your back, soothing you. Gripping his coat, you sobbed into his chest.
“I can’t marry him! I don’t want to! But I don’t know what to do, he’s horrible.”
Ciel looked up to the moon, asking it for advice for help. Within it’s silver light, Ciel mustered up the courage to speak.
“If it’s not too late, I would like to make my announcement to you,” he said.
Sniffling, you questioningly raised your head to face him. The earl looked down at your reddened face and gently wiped the tears away with his thumbs.
“Announcement?”
“Yes, the one I was robbed of.”
Curious, you waited to hear. Ciel held your face between his hands, and lowered his voice to a whisper.
“I love you Lady (y/n)…,” Ciel brought his face nearer to yours, “and I wish to make you my wife.”
Your face melted in his hands, your cheeks glowing red. This time tears of joy flowed, and you smiled.
“I love you Ciel! So much,” you said.
His nose brushed yours, an affectionate gesture that made you giggle. Tilting his head, Ciel angled his mouth to ghost over yours. You felt the faintest touch of his lips, and you felt as though you might faint into his arms. Both shutting your eyes, your breath mingled together and your lips just barely caressed.
“I apologize for the intrusion, but I cannot allow you to take my master’s betrothed for your own….Ciel Phantomhive.”