Work consumed me completely since very early morning. Every few days seemed to loop endlessly - I wake up, I prepare food, clean, work, sleep. This afternoon however Duke was out for seminars in medical school. I felt almost proud seeing him perform back in the day, teaching young minds about the wonders of the human body. Little did they know about how he obtained such immense knowledge.

I, on the other hand, was examining our youngest live subject. A beautiful little girl of blue eyes and black hair. She was deaf, she couln't speak, We found this orphan on the streets, god knows what would happen to her out there. Perhaps, this was not the best substitute for the outside dangers, but I treated her as more than a subject.

- ''I have to give you your medicine. It will hurt just a little.''

I signed to her, but she shook her head. I felt terrible lying to her like this, and knowing how much it hurts to actually have the thick needle under your skin, but it had to be done, I knew it. I knew it, but I could't help but to glance at the clock on the wall. We had plenty of time before Duke was supposed to come back home. I looked back at the worried girl and sighed, pushing the cart with tools away.

- '' Does the medicin makes you feel sick?''

- ''Dizzy.''

She answered, and I looked at the tools once more. Then, at the clock, and finally at her. I stood up from my stool, lowered the mask and took the usual amount of serum into the syringe, but I wasn't going to inject it. I simply put the tool in the pocket of my coat, and put everything back like I always did after each use. I turned around to the orphan and smiled.

- '' I don't think you need your medicine today. How about we go for a walk? ''

I offered, and helped the girl off the table where she was sitted. I let her grab my hand, and I traced it gently with my thumb, comforting the anxious child.

We left the lab and went up to explore the first floor together. She knew where we were going, sometimes I let her explore with me when Duke wasn't home. It was very risky, but if I could give her a glimpse of normal life before she's gone, I was ready to take that chance. We walked around, looking at paintings and statues filling long halls. I liked most of them, even those of Arundell family. My lover's ancestors watched my every move, hostility seeping even through superbly framed canvases. They always made me feel that I don't belong by Duke's side. But I knew that already, didn't I?

Finally, we ended up in the kitchen and sneaked into the pantry. I decided to treat us a little to a small snack, and prepared us bread with rose marmalade that I have made by myself out of wild rose petals. While it made me happy to see the child relaxed and joyful, I couldn't help but to anxiously look through the window. If demon found out about my shenanigans, he'd kill us both. Suddenly, I heard a noise. My heart was ready to burst. I turned my head towards the door, but my mind eased as I realized which direction the noise came from. The orphan tried to catch my attention slamming her hand on the cabinet. I took a deeper breath and I smiled.

- ''Eat up, we should go back downstairs soon.''

I signed and crouched in front of the child.

- '' Can we go outside? ''

My eyes grew a little wider for a moment, smile washing off my face. Then, I gently placed my palms on her arms for a moment and shook my head, briefly thinking about a good excuse.

- ''I'm sorry, you're too sick. But as soon as you get better, we could visit the garden.''

I signed once more, letting go of the small child, and hid a strand of her black hair behind her little, pale ear. I stood up readjusting my vest and a white coat I still had on, just to offer the subject my hand. Once she grabbed it, we moved towards the door. One last time I looked back at the window with a growing dread in my chest. I felt him watching, even thought he was miles away. I despised this feeling. I knew I was doing something good, and yet I felt guilty. I was no stranger to this feeling, although today I just could not ignore it.

Evening has come, I got rid of the evidence of my disobedience, but I could not stop my body from a nervous twitch. Thankfully, my Master didn't notice anything was off. Journal etnries were in, patients were in their rooms, chores were done, and his loyal subject was by his side, pampering him as always.

While I was setting a tea tray beside Duke's favorite armchair, he decided to grab my palm. Naturally, I looked up at him curiously, and straightened my posture. He gave me a gentle smile, guided my person to sit in his lap, and announced.

- We're going to the opera later today. We were invited by Sir Burton, so dress appropriately, will you.

Surprised I parted my lips for a moment. I was not expecting to meet this monster today, nor was I ready. Reaching for a teacup, I followed.

- Really? How did you obtain the invitation?

- One of the teachers handed me an envelope after I've finished the seminar, saying someone left it for me. Isn't it exciting? We're going to have to make an impression.

I wasn't very happy with this information, but I managed to give him an amused look, and took a sip of my earl grey. I then let out a quiet sigh, and looked at the lit fireplace in front of us. I felt his stare at the back of my head. Demon shifted with a slight frown, and asked.

- What was that suposed to be?

I turned my head back to look at him, surprised, quickly explaining myself after a short pause.

- I'm sorry dearest, I'm just very tired.

- You're going with me.

- Of course I will. I'm always thrilled to spend time with you.

I said, anxiously putting my teacup down on the tray, and leaned onto my lover's chest. The last thing I wanted is for him to be upset over something so minuscule. I looked into the demon's eyes, and continued.

- I'm glad we can meet them today. Your work is groundbreaking, and your knowledge is great. I'm sure it will impress them, you're one of the best doctors here in England. And me, I'll be honoured to turn up by your side.

His face lit up, like a toddler who's favorite toy got waved in front of his face. I gently planted a kiss on his pale cheek, and let his hand rest on my hip.

- In that case, I'll pick you an outfit so you may shine too. The carrige will be here at seven.

- So early?

- Indeed. Let's get ready for the show.