Devil's In The Details [Close]

[Lucyfer]

Demons did not need to sleep, which was usually a benefit. This time around, however, it was not. The platinum-blonde haired demon let his body lean back against the chair in the lounge, book falling into his lap. He was trying to get into these ‘novels’, but they just couldn’t keep his interest for long. Human stories were far too predictable.


Good always won over evil. ‘I suppose I could try the Sherlock series.’ He had heard there were a few stories of Sherlock where he did not, in fact, prevail.


Of course, there were no Sherlock novels in this home, and to leave would not be beneficial. It was close to morning as it was, and the young lady would be waking soon. ‘I cannot believe I signed up for this.’


It already felt like it had been too long. Most of his deals were easy to do, and then soul was his, but this one was taking some…finesse. ‘There were three men, and we haven’t a clue who they are!’ Elisha hadn’t yet had time to scour London for them, if they were even still in London. If they were smart, they would have fled.


Of course, he believed they were hired thugs. The real criminal was someone else, but who, neither Elisha nor Melody knew. He was contracted to her, until this mystery was solved. With how little information they had, that made things difficult. On top of that, Melody had a life to pretend to be a part of. She was an aristocrat, and that came with certain responsibilities.


As her advisor, he also had responsibilities to play a part in this life. ‘Starting now.’ He thought as the sky tinted with purple and orange. He rose from his chair, placing the book on his desk. He crossed the room, still immaculately dressed in a tailcoat suit. He rung a bell on the wall, and then walked back to his desk. Black gloves came to rest on the mahogany wood.


Three knocks, “Enter.”


In came the maid, Delilah, and he gave her a pleasant smile, “Please see that the young lady is woken and dressed for the day. There will be tea prepared in the dining hall when she is properly prepared. Also,” he took a letter from atop the desk and handed it to Delilah. The handwriting was perfectly cursive, and familiar. “Do inform the young lady that this arrived for her in the night,” the seal was not broken.


Elisha never read the letters that the Queen sent, as that would simply be improper. “I shall be in the dining hall when the young lady is ready.”


Delilah was the quiet sort, and so she took the letter without question, inclined her head, and stole out of the room to go wake Melody if she was not already awake.


Elisha left the lounge, and went into the kitchen himself to begin to prepare breakfast and tea. He already knew that Brandon wouldn’t be awake for breakfast, and getting him to do anything at this hour was simply foolish. “I never thought I’d need to know how to cook,” Elisha commented to himself with a chuckle.


It had been amusing to learn, though. He didn’t care about any of these things, and so his first few attempts had been rather…terrible. Now he had a better idea of how to make food that the young lady enjoyed to eat, and flavorful tea. He went about making pancakes, and made sure to set some fresh fruit off to the side for the young lady. The tea itself was light and floral, a sweet blend.


He made nothing for the servants, or himself, of course, and brought these things out to the dining hall, setting them before the seat that the young lady always occupied. He did not sit.

 

[Scarlatina]

Melody couldn't sleep, again. Nightmares wouldn't stop haunting her through out the night, thoughts rushed in an out like racing horse running for gold. She simply stared at the top of her bed, possibly even past it with her gaze. After awhile she sat up and looked toward the window as the sun began to rise and peak through. She shielded her eyes some. It didn't take long for her mind to switch to another issue.


"A deal with the devil", the idea seem some what absurd to even comprehend let alone act upon it. She couldn't even remember what she was feeling at the time she made the deal. He just appeared from the darkness, the emptiness of her mind, her soul. At the time however, she cared for one thing only, answers. Why was her family killed, why was she murdered so horrifically. She shook her head, getting the idea out of her mind before memories resurfaced to haunt her again.


A knock at the door turned her attention to the maid that was entering.


"Sorry Delilah", Melody said, "I didn't notice you were knocking."

 

[Lucyfer]

Delilah just smiled at the young lady’s response, used to this by now. Gently, she set the letter down on the end table, “Sir Darnell received this letter in the night from the Queen,” her voice was quiet, but it carried. “He will be in the dining hall when you are ready for the day, my lady.”


With that set, the black-haired maid stepped back and looked kindly upon the young lady, “Shall I assist you in preparing for the day, my lady, or would you prefer to do so yourself?” Delilah’s purpose was to assist in these modest aspect of Melody’s life, ensuring she was properly dressed and bathed. Corsets could be a terrible thing to put on by one’s self, after all, and all the lacing required with some dresses meant an extra hand was needed.


Delilah would wait for the answer from Melody, and would either leave or assist Melody in preparing for the day based on what Melody’s wish was.

 

[Scarlatina]

"I could use a hand in preparing for the day", Melody smiles at her warmingly. She turned and stood up out of bed. As Delilah assisted her in dressing she got curious about the letter. Noticing it was unopened she knew no one would be able to answer her as to its contents. What could the Queen want that required a letter in the night. She pondered for a moment.


The dress was made of a purple, blue violet, laced silk. High quality material traded for gemstones in the far eastern countries. Corset, while lose then most times, was velvet jet black with intricate designs running down the sides. Since her hair was short, not much was needed to manage it, a lace parley rested with a pearl Butterfly design, this often was lose as well do to her short hair style a simple turn could make the item fall.


After she was dressed she thanked Delilah for her service, something her father told her to do no matter what. Even though they serve you, remember that being kind to them can go along way. Even so, he often said them and never referred to anyone by their name, unless they were of equal or higher standing.


Melody followed Delilah to the Dinning Hall, waiting to greet, Him.

 

[Lucyfer]

“You are welcome, my lady.”


Delilah then led the way to the dining hall, if only to ensure that Elisha was there. He was, of course, standing near the head of the table where the food was already prepared. With an inclination of his head, Delilah was truly dismissed to tend to other chores around the home.


Elisha pulled out the chair for Melody when he saw her, “Good morning, my lady,” he greeted, “Today I have prepared pancakes, and there is a selection of fresh fruits for you to pick from,” he motioned over the plate, “I have set butter and syrup to the side, so that you may dress your pancakes however you wish,” he would not presume to know what she preferred.


Much as he did not presume to know how she took her tea, since every blend was different, “To go with it, I have prepared tea from the Fujiwan province in China known as the Three Cultivar Red, though I assure you it is a black tea.” Black tea just went best in the morning. As per usual, there was cream, sugar, and honey nearby.

 

[Scarlatina]

Melody took a look around at the food that was prepared. It at first didn't phase her how empty the room really was, she again had to shake another thought from her mind. "Sounds intriguing, no need for anything to add, I wish to taste the tea pure before making any changes to it." She smile at him, whether she meant it or not was another story. She prepped her own food, small amounts of butter and a light dash of syrup. She reached for a small berry and placed it on top like a crown, garnishing it.


"Did you by any chance know what the letter was about. I have yet to read it myself, but a letter from the Queen in the middle of the night is not a good sign." She asked, even though she told herself it was pointless to do so. She might be trying to make conversation, either way this part of the day wasn't her favorite.

 

[Lucyfer]

Elisha clasped his hands behind his back, “Very good, my lady,” he said, as if approving of her decision to taste the tea pure. It didn’t matter to him at all, though he supposed in ‘high society’ it was a sign of acceptable snobbery to take things ‘pure’. They were all about purity here—pure blood, pure tea, pure before marriage—so many ridiculous things. Humans had such strange obsessions, and that one never ceased to amuse him.


As if pure things were better. He never would agree. A pure soul was absolutely terrible.


At the question, Elisha shook his head, “I do not know what is within the letter, my lady, it is not my place to read your things,” he answered. He had not bothered to speak with the messenger, either. He simply accepted what was brought, and informed the man that it would be given to Melody when she awoke. That seemed to annoy the messenger, but it couldn’t be helped. Melody would be allowed her restless sleep.

 

[Scarlatina]

Melody finished and turned to the letter, which she had brought with her. "It is odd, now of all times." She pushed herself free from the table and walked toward the study's direction. She turned the envelope over, examining any other contents. "What do you think could be so urgent to send a message?" Again she was trying to make conversation.


Upon reaching the study, Melody sighed at thoughts of her father spending days in here working. It was her turn now it seemed, the company needed her to help run the Rosario name. She sat at the desk chair and cut open the letter.

 

[Lucyfer]

The demon could hypothesize about human motives and desires all day, but the quickest way to find out was simply to open the letter. It seemed that this process was to be drawn out, though, and he was to humor his mistress by providing her with an answer. “It is not so odd. You have gotten comfortable again, it is fitting that Her Majesty would contact you now,” he informed.


Then, he considered, “Perhaps it is an order to get married,” he mused with a wicked smile on his lips, “It is peculiar that the Queen has shown you favor to allow you to own property and work all on your own. She may be facing backlash for such a scandal,” it was not common in this time, and certainly not for a highborn lady. The peasants, certainly. Women needed to work to stay afloat down in the muck.


He supposed that wasn’t an appropriate order, “Or perhaps she simply wants you to earn your keep, since she has shown you such favor. All favors require repayment, and this one shall require constant repayment.”


The mystery would be over soon, as the lady finished her meal and decided to take the letter on to the study. He followed two steps behind, as that seemed polite, and shut the door behind them once they were in the study. He did not go to look over her shoulder, but waited at the side of the desk.

 

[Scarlatina]

Melody slowly read to herself, muttering under a silent breath. She heard what he had to say, but given the answer that he himself had no idea, she merely took his jesting words as nothing more than that. Eventually she stops and sets the letter down with a sigh.


"I was hoping you were merely jesting at the proposal of marriage Elisha. It appears the Queen is indeed wanting me to meet her son for such a proposition." She thought for a moment, "It's either that or the prince wishes to humiliate me."


She placed the letter inside one of the drawers before she stood. "I still don't understand the urgency of such a letter in the dead of night. Any thoughts?" She turned to him with more of a serious notion.

 

[Lucyfer]

‘Proposal? I wasn’t proposing.’ How his words could have been misinterpreted, he didn’t know. Perhaps she merely meant the idea, “Would you prefer humiliation, my lady? I’m sure it can be arranged if the prince wishes to marry you instead,” he wondered which prince it would be.


He did not believe it could be a marriage proposal, though. Alfred was already married to Maria of Russia, Arthur to Louise of Prussia, and Leopold was dead for six years now. “Which prince is it that wishes to meet with you, my lady?” Perhaps one was having maritial troubles, but he couldn’t fathom why they would marry some lowborn noble like Melody.


Oh, sure, she was pretty and of a childbearing age, but it made no logical sense. There would be no ties here to strengthen the nation, and her wealth was laughable compared to the princesses of other nations. “Perhaps a wet nurse is needed,” he said in a deadpan voice, since he didn’t know which prince it was that required Melody.

 

[Scarlatina]

"You sure know who to talk to a lady Elisha", she said in a stern voice before getting up from her chair. "Though I agree with you, Alfred isn't one to call on young girls. As I hear it Russia isn't in good standing with the European Nations. That is something to put a damper on a relationship. Regardless, its summons by the Queen herself. Get my things ready and we will be off. I have something I must do before we go."


She turned and left the study, heading down the hall. She had forgotten how far her family fell since the death of her parents. The Company was still doing well, could be better, but then again she never managed it in the first place. She was but a figurehead for it now, a public face for anything good or bad to lay blame on. Even so, it did give her a standing in the Lord's House, but only slightly. If this is what it took, she wouldn't complain other wise.


Melody looked out in the gardens, remembering old times. This was where she would go if she needed some time to think. Trapped in the life of her family name, tied to contract with a demon, hunting the very people who put her here, symbolically of coarse. She stared out at the flowers, smiling as she hadn't for awhile.

 

[Lucyfer]

Elisha’s nose wrinkled. ‘Who to talk to a lady?’ Again, he wasn’t quite sure what meaning Melody was going for, but he didn’t question it, simply smiled his agreement. It wasn’t his place to disagree with what she said, and her words didn’t require clarification to the overall scheme.


No, all that was required was playing the game of politics with the Queen and her children, apparently. “It shall be done, my lady,” he said and allowed her to leave the room first. He followed after her, but only so far as the hallway. He clapped his hands twice, quickly, and another of the servants showed up. This one was young, a boy of seventeen. “Please prepare Lady Rosario’s things for departure, and see to it that the carriage is out front,” Elisha himself would drive the carriage. It was considered improper for him to ride with the lady in the carriage, and he quite liked the horses.


He went down the stairs and into the entrance hall. It did not take long for Piper to have the horses brought around with the lovely carriage. He did take a step out to have a moment alone with the gorgeous creatures, stroke down the neck of one in particular, a black mare that had become his favorite. He didn’t tarry too long, since it would be wrong to keep the Queen waiting any longer. He knew where to find his mistress. Out in the garden was where she always went, and so he found her when he stepped out.


“My lady,” he called to her from the doorway, “the carriage is ready to leave when you are.”

 

[Scarlatina]

Melody walked down the stairs into the foyer and then out the door toward the carriage. She appeared to be a deep thought at this time. Who can really blame her at this point. She thanked Piper for getting the carriage for them and sat inside quietly. The door closed lightly, clicking shut as the horses rustled a bit.


It didn't take much for the horses to get going, Elisha had ease of control over the beasts. She looked out the window at the passing trees and fields as they headed closer to the estate's gate. The town was busy this time of day, people at markets, working, or just walking around. She never looked down upon them, in fact she envied them sometimes. Free from the shackles of expectations. Coarse that came with a price.

 

[Lucyfer]

Elisha couldn’t help but speak to the horses once they got going, knowing the clopping of their hooves would prevent the lady within from hearing his words. “It is amusing, isn’t it?” He spoke to them, “How He has deemed it appropriate that you, living, breathing, beautiful creatures, be bound to the will of these humans. He created you only for them,” one of his issues with the man upstairs was the hierarchy.


He created such wonderful things—roses, willow trees, horses, dogs—and all of them to be put under the dominion of humanity. It was twisted, really, that he created things only to be killed for human pleasure. Even angels, eventually, were forced to kneel to humanity. That was the spark of Lucifer’s rebellion.


Then, of course, his rebellion followed when he was young and stupid, and couldn’t see humanity for the plague they were to this beautiful world. Ah, to think, he’d even taught humans how to beautify themselves with the things of the world. Such a long, long time ago that was. “It really isn’t fair. You don’t belong in these binds,” and yet, like him, they were bound to serve humanity. At least his job came with perks. As bad as he felt about the horse’s lot in life, he did use them, too.


He knew that at least his black mare didn’t mind, for she took them happily to the gates of the palace, and he drove them around the circle to the front of the building. He hopped down and quickly opened the door for his mistress, offering his hand to her so that she would have an easy way down. Someone approached to greet them, saying, “Her Majesty has been waiting for you, Lady Rosario,” while another stepped forward to take their carriage away and rest the horses.

 

[Scarlatina]

Melody followed the man inside, not saying a word for now. The palace was in much better order then her own residence, something she would expect from the Queen of England. "Her taste sure hasn't changed since I visited as a child." She thought to herself as they passed portraits of the family, living and deceased. It took a few minuets before they reached the main hall, were guards stood at each side of the wall for a few meters before eventually a door stood, two guards waited.


A man stopped them for a moment, "The Majesty has been expecting you, but she is finishing up a meeting with Lord Issac." The name made her cringe slightly, it was at this moment she knew exactly why she was called here.


Lord Issac was one of the few lords who have decided to cut trade to the Russian Empire, and have asked the Queen to embargo other trades. This would cause any trade the Rosario Company made with Russia to suffer greatly. Alongside that it became very clear Prince Alfred's hatred for Lord Issac, s this is obviously something Issac was planing, and she didn't like it one bit.


The doors open as the man bows and offered to lead her in. Melody nodded and within a few minuets, was in front of the Queen, Lord Issac was standing off to the side, smirking some, but nothing more. His cane in one hand and the other holding his jacket, decorated with medals of war. Melody bowed to the Queen, "Greetings your Majesty, I have come as you requested."

 

[Lucyfer]

A servant in a palace. It was strange for Elisha, considering he was not the Queen’s servant and never would be. ‘England. Land of Angels.’ He thought with a roll of his crimson eyes as he followed behind his lady. He took in the portraits of the family, of the deceased king. ‘I suspect that’s why she has more sympathy for Melody.’


The Queen was the ruler of all. She saw a woman’s worth, but it was still a dangerous line to be on. A woman could do much, of course, but Melody was still a child. An unproven one at that, in a very dangerous world.


That was why Elisha was there, though. Until they figured out who destroyed her family, and took revenge, he would ensure that dangerous world never laid a finger on his lady. He took a glance at the man dubbed Lord Isaac once they entered the room with the Queen and arched an eyebrow at his smug expression. He had no idea why anything involving a war hero would concern Melody, but went along with it.


As always, he was two steps behind. He bowed at the waist when before the Queen, and did not straighten his back lest it be rude to do so. He waited with baited breath to hear what Her Majesty had to say about this strange situation.

 

[Scarlatina]

"Rise you two", the Queen stated and Melody did as such, "I am glad to see you come on such an urgent matter." Melody first looked at the Queen then to Issac before looking back at the Queen again.


"Forgive me for asking this, but the letter stated I was here about Prince Albert?" The Queen raised her hand, stopping Melody in mid thought.


"I understand your confusion, the situation I listed in the letter may have come off as, out of the ordinary. You understand there is a conflict of interest with our neighboring Empire of Russia." Melody nodded, taking a quick glance at Issac, who was eyeing Elisha quiet strangely. "Well you understand my son Albert is married to the Princess of Russia?"


"Yes your majesty, I do."


The Queen smiled before continuing, "Well the Emperor has recalled his daughter back to their home country. Albert understands war could come and as much as it pains me to say this, his marriage may not be in the interests of our nation."

 

[Lucyfer]

There were many things that the demon considered strange about this, after he rose and put a single hand behind his back.


Not only, that the Queen seemed to be listening to this Lord Isaac, but that she would consider war with Russia. Her godfather, Alexander, was Russian—he was deceased now, but his great grandson, Alexander III, reigned. He was hailed “the Peacemaker” in Russia, last the demon had known when he’d whispered in the ears of a few higher ups. Her granddaughter, Alexandra, was in Russia, married to the future emperor Nicholas II.


Why were relations so tense? It made no sense to the demon at all, and so his suspicions fell quite quickly to Isaac. Whatever the case, war was not in the interest of England. He knew exactly what would happen—England would lose. “Your Grace, forgive this humble servant for asking, but I am not aware of what strain there is between this nation and Russia. I would be eternally grateful if you would enlighten me, since it does not seem in our interest to plot for a war that could be avoided.” This was bizarre, and he saw no reason for either himself or Melody to be involved.


If this was to be a marriage proposal, he wouldn’t be able to help himself from laughing at the stupidity of the Queen. Rather, he’d prefer to derail that and figure a way to get relations back on track. Otherwise, his poor mistress might never get her revenge—her enemies would be destroyed by Russian soldiers before she could lay a single, dainty hand on them.

 

[Scarlatina]

Before the Queen could answer, Lord Issac spoke up, "Allow my your majesty. Were you aware of an attack on a trade group in Russia, one organized by Russian military. They killed several unarmed Austrian traders. Due to this hostile act, the European Council had to act immediately. Soldier from both sides now take up arms on the Border of Russia, Austria, and now Germany." Issac smirked slightly at the idea, for whatever reason.


Melody looked at the Queen, "Was there any proof of Russian military involvement?"


Issac again spoke up, "It happened on their soil, under their supervision, and when they had the chance to inform the other nations, they simply covered it up. Even now they deny it has happened, yet the dead trades were sent back with a warning by written military officials."


The Queen raised her hand, "I hope that answers your question young man. I didn't get your name, care to introduce yourself?"


Melody looked back at Elisha, she too seemed puzzled by the events of war stirring.

 

[Lucyfer]

“Of course, Your Grace, I am known as Elisha Darnell, in service to the lady Melody Rosario since the unfortunate demise of her parents,” Elisha answered.


His opinion was not asked for further, but he did glance to Lord Isaac, “I suppose this does answer my question, Lord Isaac, but I am surprised that we are not supporting Russia since we bear no allegiance to Austria, and I have never before heard of this European Council,” last he knew, the UK didn’t really care what other nations thought of or what they did. “This appears to be a matter that is none of our concern, even if Russia did act.”


And there he smiled, looking like the absolute face of humility as he bowed his head to the Queen and put a hand over his heart. “But forgive me for speaking out of turn. This sounds rather like a set-up to me, but I am certain you have had your best men and women on the job,” he only cared about keeping Russia out of war with the UK while his charge was alive. After that, it really wouldn’t matter.


With that, he fell silent, and waited for the Queen to explain what she was to do about all of this that made Melody oh-so important.

 

[Scarlatina]

Issac didn't seem to like Elisha's comments as he tried to glare a hole right through him. However, Melody understood Elisha's words and how true they were. The Queen looked rather amused for the moment. "Quiet a servant you have there Lady Rosario, any other court and you might have to face the consequences of his words. But I like honesty." She turned toward Issac, "Lord Issac, if you please, I think I have heard enough from your point of view and I wish to speak alone with Lady Rosario and her company."


Issac seemed rather displeased by this, but did as he was told. With a farewell he turned and left through the front doors Melody and Elisha had entered. Melody was quiet glad he was gone, one of many Lords who she didn't agree with. "Now then, the reason I called you here is that Albert is in need of an escort for a royal gathering. I should like you to attend." Melody snapped back, some what confused.


"With all due respect your Majesty, but he is still married."


"That he is, bu that is the concern here. Lord Issac and few others worry about his loyalties."


"And you?"


"I believe he is just in need of a friend. With that being said, I should mention that I am asking you of all people because there is something more that I require."

 

[Lucyfer]

It seemed their problem was not to do with marriage, but rather a simple escort. Elisha couldn’t help the smile that came to his lips as he thought of Alfred, 46-year old man escorting a 15-year old girl. He wondered at the scandal that might cause, but it seemed the Queen thought Melody a good friend, and good for something else.


That was the interesting part. ‘Would she remind him of a daughter?’ Daughters and their look-alikes had ways of getting information out of paternal figures. It was all Elisha could think, and so he waited calmly for Her Grace to continue, hands returning to be held behind his back.

 

[Scarlatina]

Melody asked, "What is it that you need of me?"


The Queen smiled, "Albert was a good friend of your fathers, and it is with great hope that seeing you will give him some good of heart. I am sure this whole mess is too much for him to handle right now, being separated from his love in life."


Melody actually breathed a sigh of relief. The Queen noticed and let out a giggle, a side of the Queen many don't show. "Your father was a loyal person, it was a sad day when he passed." Melody nods, she obviously didn't want to talk about it. "Albert would be pleased to see you I'm sure."


Melody nodded yet again, "I am sure he would."

 

[Lucyfer]

Elisha could not mask his relief, though he found the task rather boring and hardly urgent. There were no secrets to get from the prince, just a friendship to resolidify.


Honestly, this could have all been written in the letter itself. Elisha wanted to ask if that was all, if they could leave, but he held his tongue and waited, however impatiently, for them to be dismissed or for the heart of the matter to be gotten to. ‘What people think is important enough to hide….’ He had to resist the urge to roll his eyes at the strangeness of this whole situation.