Anime: Black Butler

Requested by: @fluffystar89

(Y/n)'s POV

Taking the snow white envelope into my hand, I carefully broke the seal and took out a cream-coloured letter written in elegant handwriting. An invitation to a ball being held in the Phantomhive manor...how unusual for him to invite someone such as myself.

"My lady, the preparations have been complete. I have selected an array of gowns. Which would you prefer to wear tonight?" asked my maid.

"The (f/c) ball gown seems suitable."

"As you wish, my lady."

Taking a sip of my tea, I stared out the large window as the sun's golden rays cast the room in a mystical shade of warm light. Taking notice of my maid's presence, I stood up and permitted her to prepare me for tonight.

The bath had already been filled to the brim, its fluffy bubbles and crimson rose petals creating an air of relaxation. I found myself relaxing in the warmth of the water, not having realised the tense state I was in before.

My maid never left my side as that was how she was trained to behave. Of course, her title as a maid was simply a facade, a mask of sorts. Her ulterior motive was to provide me with protection...the job of a skilled assassin.

"My lady, would you like to relax a little more?" she asked.

"Yes...if time allows."

"Do not worry, my lady. We have sufficient time."

~Two hours later~

Riding in the horse-pulled carriage, I carefully put on my mask. In the young earl's invitation, it had said very specifically that this ball was to be a masquerade ball. My maid had picked this out in order to bring out the colour of my eyes.

A smile tugged at my lips as I recalled the events from before. Being the secret child of the queen, I had almost no friends nor many acquaintances. I assumed that she wanted me to find the perfect man.

As the door to the carriage opened, a tall dark-haired butler greeted me with a polite smile. I quietly thanked him as he took my hand and helped me out.

"The young master is grateful that you have decided to attend," he exclaimed.

"Then I take it you know my identity?"

"Yes, Lady (Y/n). Shall we go inside?"

I let him lead me into the ballroom. The extravagant furnishings and decorations certainly did live up to the Phantomhives' high position. Midnight blue wall paper, a French grey-coloured carpet and white roses adorning the hall.

"Well then, I have other duties to attend to. Please enjoy yourself."

"I will, thank you."

I could not say I recognised many of the people here due to their masks so I most likely had no chance to make light conversation, much less meet an acquaintance.

I wandered to the table of luxuriously delicious dishes, only to have a man address me with a graceful bow and a knowing smile. Managing a small smile of my own, I hoped it passed for a suitable greeting.

"May I have this dance, milady?" he asked with an extended hand.

"I'd be honoured."

As soon as he had his arm around my waist, he immediately pulled my body closer to his to the point where I could feel his hot breath in my ear. Blushing, I looked away from his eyes and instead focused on his collar.

"So it really is you, my little raven."

"Charles!"

"The queen sent me here to monitor the brat's advancement. Of course the queen's guard dog would send out an invitation to the queen's raven."

I found myself relaxing in my childhood friend's familiar presence. His hold on me neither loosened nor tightened, his gaze never leaving my own.

His familiar stature calmed my nervous thinking yet it did nothing to quell the vigorous beating of my heart. A small smile graced his face as he leaned in to whisper in my ear.

"You look beautiful, little raven."

"*blush* S-stop with the flattery."

We switched partners, where he reluctantly passed me into the arms of another male. The aura my current partner emitted only amplified the unease resting in my stomach, his stern mouth seemingly scowling at me.

I glanced at Charles, who flashed a secretive yet reassuring smile my way as I waltzed with this mysterious man. Taking comfort in his rare yet genuine smile, I relaxed slightly only to have the man suddenly turn me around and hold a knife to my throat.

"You! Release her at once!" Charles yelled.

"Do you have any idea who this girl is?" asked my capturer.

"Why does her identity matter? Let her go!"

"Lady (Y/n) (L/n) or should I say...the princess of the United Kingdom."

Gasps from around the ballroom reverberated across the hall. He knocked off my mask, revealing my face for all the world to see. Whispers of suspicion and disbelief whizzed past my ears as they stared at me in shock.

"Who are you to barge into my ball and cause distress and shock amongst my guests?" Ciel asked as he stepped out from the shadows.

"Just a man with ambitions, Earl Phantomhive. By holding this girl hostage, the queen will have no choice but to do my bidding!"

"Release her!"

I screamed as the man held me in Charles' line of attack, his sword missing my face by a bare millimetre.

"Sebastian, apprehend that man," Ciel ordered.

Finding myself released from the man's tight hold, I stumbled forward, his knife having cut my arm in the chaos of it all. Charles immediately came forward and held me in his arms.

"(Y/n), you're safe. Don't worry."

I whimpered slightly, unwilling to show fear. Charles pulled me in by the waist, using his other arm to stab the perpetrator's heart as the butler, Sebastian, pushed him forward.

Swinging me back around whilst sheathing his bloodied sword, I gasped as he leaned my body back. His grip was sturdy and safe as he moved closer to my face before sealing my mouth in a passionate kiss.

Blushing deeply, I looked away from his playful grin as he bowed towards the guests and thanked them for their beloved attention. Within seconds, he had turned the situation around, making it seem like a play.

"Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. We sincerely hope you enjoyed this surprise show organised by the young earl," exclaimed Charles.

The silence was soon dispelled with loud applause. I gasped slightly as Charles once again twirled me around, his flawless dancing skills leading me in my moments of disarray.

The mysterious man's body had disappeared, seemingly to play along with Charles' lie. Once again, he captured my lips in a gentler kiss.

"Don't look away from me, my little raven. I'll protect you...always."