Claude x Reader: Kiss Me Goodnight Pt.3

The next morning had come sooner than the young Lady had thought. Claude had entered her room early that morning to wake his Mistress from her slumber. He opened the blood red curtains letting the sun's rays lighten the room once more. ____ winced in her bed as the sun licked at her eyes; Waking her from her sleep.

'' It is time to rise, My Lady.'' Spoke Claude as the demon made his way to her side. She groaned in her sleep and turned too her side while mumbling beneath her breath.

'' Just a few more minutes Claude.'' Mumbled his Lady. Claude wasted no time in removing the covers from her frail form. She shivered as the cold air met her warm pale skin.

'' I'm afraid not today that I can't let you sleep in, My Lady. You have a guest coming very soon. And we mustn't allow your tardiness to become a habit.'' Spoke Claude as he helped his Mistress to her feet. She sighed and let loose a yawn as her maids entered the room.

'' Make sure she is ready in an hour. Our guest will be arriving shortly.'' Ordered Claude as he exited the room and left the maids to tend to his Mistress. They striped her of her night clothing and prepared a hot bath for her. Afterwards they tended to her hair and dressed her in clothing only the wealthy could afford. His Lady was on time when she walked down the corridors and headed in to her office.

'' My Lady! May I suggest how beautiful you look in that dress!'' Complimented one of her maids as she entered her office. She acknowledged her compliment and made her way to her desk. She seated herself carefully--and as usual-- her faithful butler remained beside her.

'' My Lady. If you'll excuse me, But I must go and fetch your guest at the main gate.'' Spoke Claude and bowed before Lady _____. She gave him a gentle smile before speaking.

'' You're excused.'' Said she with a mature voice. He bowed once more before exiting the room leaving her alone once again. It was only moments later when that same familiar knock was heard on her front door.

'' You may enter.'' Called Out she as the large wooden doors moved to reveal her butler and her guest. Claude wasted no time and seated her guest before her.

'' Lady ____ _____ I introduce you to Lord Jonathan Smith. Second son of the Smith manor.'' Spoke Claude with a deep voice. The young man before her smiled--standing up from his seat--while holding out a hand too her.

'' Madam. It is a pleasure to meet you.'' Spoke the young man before her, shaking her hand as he did so. Lady _____ gave him a kind smile before seating herself once more.

'' The pleasure is all mine. Now. Let's get straight to business, Lord Smith. My very faithful Butler tells me that there is something you need to ask?'' Spoke ____. Jonathan smiled before he rose once more. He flashed her another smile before getting down on one knee.

'' My lady _____ _____. I've come to your estate today to ask you your hand in marriage. I know this might be sudden; But you and I are of twenty years old. It is inappropriate for a young English woman to wander the streets unwedded.'' Spoke Jonathan. His words had caught Lady ____ off guard. Confusion and wonder filled her young mind.

'' Why do you chose me?'' Asked Lady _____. Lord Smith removed his hat whilst placing his hands in front of him. His eyes quickly shot a glance at Claude who's expression was never unchanging.

'' This may sound a bit strange, My Lady, but I've fallen in love with you. I've had my heart set on you since the moment I saw your picture. I believe that you will make a good wife; And perhaps, A good mother too. I do ask for your answer now. Please, take as much time as you need to have a thought about this. Now, I must take my leave. Good Day My Lady.'' Said Lord Smith as one of the maids guided him out of the room. Silence had filled the air. Lady ____ found it hard to believe at what Lord Smith had just spoken of. Marriage? She couldn't possibly get married. After all, her frail heart was set on one man only. And that man was her most trusted Butler.

But maybe Marriage was not such a bad idea. Not only would she be able to expand her area: But her offspring would carry on the wealth she had so desperately worked for to achieve. Marrying Lord Smith would cut loose her fears of her children living in poverty. He was a kind man after all and very handsome as well. A height around the same as Claude, a very broad and muscular build, with a well defined jaw line and bright blonde hair to match. But perhaps the most stunning feature he possessed were his eyes.

They were a beautiful Royal Blue. There colour was so rich that it was hard to avoid. But what about Claude? Would she be able to keep her most trusted Butler? Most likely not. The moment a woman is married: Everything she possesses will then belong to her husband. And who knew of what Lord Smith might do with Claude. This turned out to be very troubling indeed.

Later on that evening she sat upon her window sill and watched her butler from above as he tended to the garden. The Lady had been so lost within her mind that she failed to notice of whom entered the room.

'' My lady? Are you feeling well? You seem a little down. Did something happen with Lord Smith earlier?'' Came a very feminine voice from behind her. She turned to see her most faithful maid, Lilly, standing behind her.

'' Yes I feel fine thank you. Nothing in particular. I just got a bit of a shock.'' Said She and turned her sights back to the window. Lilly set down the silver tray and sat down beside her Mistress.

'' A shock? From Lord Smith? Oh! That man didn't say something unnecessary now did he?'' Said Lilly with a hint of irritation in her voice. Lady _____ giggled at her remark and shook her head.

'' No. He said nothing of the sort. But he did propose to me. Said that he fell in love with me the moment he laid eyes on my photo.'' Spoke Lady _____ with a soft voice. Lilly gasped at her words and placed her hands over hers.

'' He did!? Well, what did you say?'' Asked Lilly with a frantic voice. She was always one to read romantic novels and fairy tales. How how she loved those books of hers.

'' I haven't given him an answer yet. He told me to give some thought about it first. Then approach him the moment I make my decision. But I can't marry him, Lilly. I just can't.'' Said her Lady with a saddened voice. Lilly could feel he heart drop to her stomach seeing her Mistress in such a sad state.

'' Why not? He's a good man: Kind and generous. And very handsome too! It is rare to come across a man with those good traits all in one.'' Spoke Lilly once more. Her Lady had turned her head and gave a very faint smile.

'' I'm still so young, Lilly. I have my whole life ahead of me. I don't hold any feelings for this man. I'd be living a lie if I married him. He only thinks of me as a breeding machine. To produce as many sons and airs as possible. What if I can't give him a son? What if both our genes were meant to be female? I simply can not bear his children. My inability to sleep would only cause grief for the both of us. And what would happen if I could not take Claude with me? He's the only one who can cure my insomnia after all.''

'' I'm pretty sure you can take Mr. Faustus with you, My Lady. And don't worry about bearing sons for Lord Smith! He doesn't seem like the type of man to give the gender of his children much thought.'' Spoke Lilly with a cheery voice. Her mistress simply turned back to the window and watched Claude's form once more.

'' I can't. I simply can't. Not when Claude is in my sight.'' Spoke She with a low voice. Lilly sighed and placed her hands in her lap.

'' It is a shame you can not be with Mr. Faustus forever. You would seem so lost with out him. Now come, come! I'll prepare some hot tea for you to take your mind off of this marriage matter.'' Said Lilly as she grabbed her Mistress's hand and led her away from the window. She had spent the rest of the evening with her most trusted Maid unaware of the pair of eyes that watched her from far below.