Chapter I

"Rayna, you're staring in to space again," the earl reprimanded the young duchess. The red head looked up; her face flushed a pale pink. "Forgive me, dear cousin. I was-""Distracted by my butler, perhaps?" the young heir smirked as his older cousin's skin turned a crimson shade. Her body shook and she bit her lip. "I-I haven't the slightest idea of what you are talking about, Ciel!" she retorted, trying to keep some dignity. He chuckled, shaking his head arrogantly.

In truth, she most certainly was staring out the window at the butler in the garden below. He had been trimming Ciel's favorite white roses, his elegant and manly frame bent as he snipped away at thorns and dead remnants of blossoms. This butler, Sebastian Michaelis, was often the target of the duchess' cerulean gaze. Like so many others, men and women alike, she had fallen fast for his raven locks and chivalrous charms. However, unlike any others before, she has been told the secret behind his endless list of abilities, and those seductive scarlet eyes of his.

He was a demon, contracted by the Earl Phantomhive to exact revenge on the person who sullied his pride and murdered his parents. However, in payment, Sebastian would obtain his young master's soul. But- in an unforeseen turn of events, Alois Trancy along with his butler and maid- made sure that Sebastian would never be able to devour Ciel's soul. As a result, the demon butler was bound to his now-demon master for eternity. Naturally, at first this came as a shock to the duchess. When asked why she of all people had been informed, but no one else, Ciel simply stated, "I trust you, and no one else. That is all."

Despite his sinful origins, Sebastian Michaelis made the woman's heart flutter faster with every move he made, and every word he spoke.

"Now, I'd like these sketches by tomorrow, so I insist you stay the night. I'll have Sebastian prepare a room for you. Sebastian, come!" Before she could protest, he was standing at the window, the curtains and the tails of his coat billowing out around him before settling down. "Yes, Bocchan?" "Take the duchess to the finest guest chamber we have to offer her. She will be staying with us tonight." Ciel smirked, and the woman felt a sense of foreboding wash over her. "Yes, my lord." He smiled, playfully, offering his silk-gloved hand to the woman. She blushed and took it, letting him lead her out of the office and down the halls of the Phantomhive manor.

Rayna cast a curious glance at the butler, but his face was unreadable. His hand left hers as they arrived at their destination, and he opened the grand oak door. "Here we are," even as he said this, he began his work. He was a whirlwind of black; changing the linen, adjusting the furnishings and all at top demon speed. The duchess watched, amused. When he was through, Sebastian appeared before her, another playful smile on his lips, "In the wardrobe you will find an assortment of new clothing. The young master had me buy them in town when he learned you would be visiting. I hand selected them myself, please do enjoy them." The woman turned pink and stuttered, "Th-Thank you S-Sebastian." "Please feel free to take a rest. I will come to call on you for dinner." With that the butler bowed, and left the duchess to herself.

Rayna sighed contently, flopping backwards on to the large, feather-down bed. It was quite luxurious, the bedding and drapery a rich silk and velvet. The room was quite spacious, the large window overlooking the gardens. The duchess kicked off her boots, looking to the window. There was a small desk in front of it, not large enough to obstruct the view, and she took note of the empty vase on top of it. She traced the silver lines with her blue eyes as she drifted to sleep.