Prince was by far the smartest creature I'd ever come across. Back home, there were things like squirrels, birds, foxes, and other wildlife that were unable to be domesticated. There were also creatures like felines and canines that showed more success at being pets, but I was never allowed one of my own. They still took a lot of time and patience to train, if it was even possible.

Prince stood before me now, his front paws in the air and a square of raw meat on the tip of his nose, yet with great patience, he didn't move. It had been two days since the last time Niko had visited me, but Prince was already double his size since then. I hadn't expected him to grow so fast, but Gio mentioned a shadow daemon's size was dependent on the wealth of resources around them, so he may actually be much older than an infant as I originally had thought.

"Go on," I said and he dropped down to quickly devour the treat before twisting in a circle and waiting expectantly. "Sit." Prince sat immediately and I gave him yet another piece of his treat. "Show Prince Nikolas who's boss." Prince abruptly stood on all fours, stiffening, and growling viciously. I giggled humorously, only just noting Gio's presence shifting in the distance as though preparing to stop Prince from attacking me.

"Good boy," I said, lifting my hand to pat between Prince's ears even as his sharp teeth were bared dangerously. He quieted and I gave him another treat before beginning to shower him with love. With his crimson eyes half closed in happiness as I ran my fingers through his fur, I just couldn't imagine a time when he would ever turn on me.

"Lady Corrine," A familiar voice announced himself, though his voice seemed to waver a bit. I turned to see the man who usually delivers messages from Niko. I supposed he must be his assistant, being that he was daemon and was always the one speaking for the prince. He was looking at Prince, a clear distrust on his features. Prince tended to garner those types of looks; as though he were a wild creature doomed to attack anyone in sight at any point in time.

"Yes, Mr. Virgil?" I answered, standing to turn to him. Prince prickled at the presence of a new man, a growl low in his chest. I looked down and said in a hushed voice, "Quiet, Prince. Sit." He did as I said, sitting obediently beside me.

"I've never seen a tamed shadow daemon before," Mr. Virgil admitted, much unlike his typical straight to the point attitude. It had taken several tries to get him to admit his own name.

"Lady Corrine is the tamer of the wildest of beasts, haven't you heard?" Gio suddenly spoke, a hint of amusement and hidden meaning behind his words.

"I haven't gotten him to let anyone else touch him yet," I admitted sheepishly, "So I wouldn't say tamed. Just friendly."

"To her only," Gio continued with humor.

"And Prince Nikolas gave permission?" Mr. Virgil turned to glance at Gio, as though this idea was wildly unlikely, but Gio only smirked in response. He turned back to me, clearing his throat, "Well... Prince Nikolas asked me to let you know of the banquet scheduled for tomorrow. He wishes to escort you, being that you'll be announced as his fiancé officially by the King."

I was surprised.

"A banquet?" I asked, my eyes wide.

"Yes. Tomorrow approximately 3am," Mr. Virgil continued.

"Will there be a lot of people there? And music?" I asked hopefully.

"It's a royal banquet, so yes..."

"Oh... oh no," I clasped my hands together nervously. I'd never been to any type of banquet before. It was common back home and in fact even my siblings had gone even as young as they were, but I'd never been allowed outside my mansion. And I'd never been allowed to attend any parties at home either. I had no idea what to expect besides what descriptions I'd been given. What if they expected a lot from me and I disappointed? What if something happened and my true nature was revealed?

"Prince Nikolas will escort you," Gio suddenly said, interrupting my mild panic. I glanced to him, searching for hope. He smiled lightly. "I'll be there, too. So there's no need to worry."

"The beast won't be allowed to go, though," Mr. Virgil gestured to Prince lightly, igniting yet another growl from him.

"Quiet," I repeated to Prince, who cut his growl short and reluctantly. I felt better knowing Niko would be there and Gio as well, but it didn't ease my concerns about my own failures. I would've liked Prince to be nearby because he gave me comfort, but it made sense that he wouldn't come. I looked back to Mr. Virgil to see him looking at Prince with clear disapproval. It gave me an idea.

"Very well. Thank you, Mr. Virgil," I said and he made to turn to leave. "Oh, but I did want to show you one thing." He paused, looking back to me.

"Prince, show Mr. Virgil who's boss," I ordered deviously. Prince stood immediately, his fur standing on its ends as he growled louder than before at Mr. Virgil, a sense of murder in his atmosphere. Mr. Virgil stumbled a couple of steps back before doing a half-bow and fleeing. Prince looked up at me happily, as though entirely proud of himself. "Good boy." I gave him a treat and Gio ran a hand through his hair with a look of exhaustion.

"If he had attacked Virgil, it would've been the end of the beast, Lady Rin. Please don't do that again," Gio asked of me in exasperation.

"He was giving Prince a nasty look," I pouted innocently.

"Even still," Gio responded, but his amusement returned despite his scolding.

The rest of my night was suddenly busy with preparations for the royal banquet the next night. Madame Lena returned with new dresses, more lighter than the usual dark tones, and flowing rather than tight. She fitted me into one dress, a sapphire blue that dazzled even more than my eyes. This is what we decided I'd wear to the banquet.

After some time, I realized that most of the concern was around my appearance. Would I look suitable to be the fiancée of the prince? I wasn't daemon, after all. I looked weaker than expected of someone stepping into royalty. But I had elegance. I had an upbringing among higher class. It was in the way I walked and the way I talked, down to the way I breathed. Maybe Numa customs were different from Seola, but the elegance still remained.

I'd taken dinner in Niko's room, alone except for Prince beside me. A flicker of irritation nibbled at me as I'd clearly noted Niko had failed to follow his word once since he said he'd take time to have dinner with me. Was he afraid to lie beside me afterwards? I pouted and settled down into a restless sleep.

~...~

I burst through the door, my sapphire dress not quite completely strapped to my form, and the fabric pooling around my feet enough to make me stumble. Gio was just outside of the changing room and he reached out quickly to stop me from falling. I looked up to him nervously.

"Gio," I called out, forgetting the formalities in addressing him in my panic, "I don't think I should go. What if I embarrass myself?"

I only noticed Gio's expression of surprise after it'd already disappeared into one of amusement. "You would risk Prince Nikolas' rage in exchange for your dignity?" He asked me simply, tilting his head. I thought about his question a moment, wondering which was actually worse. Would Niko be angry if I skipped the banquet where our engagement was announced? I couldn't imagine Niko harming me... Kol, perhaps definitely. But would Kol care about a banquet in the first place?

"Yes," I decided, nodding firmly before looking back to Gio, "I'll risk his rage. Tell them I can't go, Gio, please?" He stared at me for a moment, his crimson eyes searching for something that might help the final decision. And then he abruptly closed his eyes, grabbing my shoulders, and turning me back towards the door.

"Finish getting ready, Lady Rin. The Prince will be here soon to escort you," Gio said firmly and I groaned, but it was enough of a push to make me step over my own nerves and back into the changing room. The truth was I wanted to go to the banquet. I'd never been to any sort of party and I had dreamed about them often. I wanted to see what it was like... to meet new people and dance with the prince. The danger felt near... what if I accidently slip and my true heritage is revealed? But it was a royal banquet... Niko and Gio would both be there. I could look forward to it, couldn't I?

I suffered through the preparations; the dress, makeup, jewelry, hair, and shoes. I could hear Prince pacing in Niko's room as though he were already aware that he wouldn't be going to the engagement party with me. When I was finished, I spent the rest of my time looking at my appearance in the mirror in a daze. It looked like me, but I'd never really been dressed up so much before. I looked... older, like a woman rather than the child I tended to feel like.

There was a sharp knock on the door and I heard Gio call out, "My Lady, Prince Nikolas is here." My heart jolted, renewed fears of potential embarrassments or life threatening mistakes rising within me now that the time was coming even closer.

Vienna went to open the door and I bolted past her, nearly entirely crashing against it to keep it shut. The maids looked at each other knowingly, being that I had been in a state of mild panic this entire time at this point. But they didn't try to push me out of the way. I turned my back on them, leaning my face close to the surface of the door as though to reason with it.

"Sir Gio, I'm not feeling... I probably shouldn't go... I'm not feeling well..." I'm not feeling confident. "I think I'll stay in." Hidden in my room, out of sight, just as father had taught me my whole life. "I'm..." I'm very afraid.

"Come out, Rin, or I'll break down the door and drag you out myself," Kol's voice was even and yet promising of painful dangers. I froze at the sound of it, recalling his last words that I'd heard from his lips. I want her now. I blushed suddenly, an overwhelming feeling of shyness flooding over me.

"Kol," I said nervously.

"Five... four... three..."

I abruptly opened the door widely, stumbling unsteadily in response to my rather aggressive action, but then stood before Kol stunned and wide-eyed. He was in his most royal attire; his suit flawless, black and adorned with gold along with a symbol of his family's crest just over his heart. His hair was smooth and fashioned well. His face, even set as sternly as his was now, was like a piece of art. There was no mistaken... he was a prince.

"You're so handsome," I whispered before realizing I'd said it out loud. I gasped, covering my mouth with my hand to stop myself from saying anything further embarrassing. Besides a sudden look of a satisfied ego, Kol didn't respond to the comment. Instead, his eyes slid over my own form before glancing towards the door leading to his room.

"Is the shadow daemon still in there?" He asked mysteriously. My embarrassment was immediately forgotten as I took a step to block the path to the door and gain his full attention once more.

"Why?" I asked quickly.

"I thought I might go ahead and get rid of it before we go," Kol confirmed my suspicions.

"But Ni-" I panicked and quickly stopped myself, realizing Gio was behind Kol and the maids behind me. "... you... said I could keep him, as long as he didn't turn on me." I frowned, tears coming to my eyes just imagining Prince disappearing. He was pretty much my only friend and comfort in the night.

"I changed my mind," Kol said evenly, the statement heavy by itself. Kol and Niko didn't agree on most things, I recalled. Niko might be okay with waiting for Prince to make a mistake. Kol was more instinct than intellect. He wouldn't want to give anyone a chance to make mistakes. I had to think quick.

"Then... then after the banquet... if you must," I whispered, looking down unhappily. I didn't intend to just allow him to kill Prince, but maybe I could postpone until Niko came back. I wasn't sure how long this would work, if at all, but I had to try.

"Now is better, before I change my mind again," Kol responded simply.

"Prince Nikolas," Gio suddenly spoke from behind him. Kol turned to glare at him dangerously. "I'll take care of the shadow daemon, if you wish. I think the King would prefer your Highness to be on time. He won't mind as much about me."

I paled, looking from Kol to Gio in fear. I hadn't expected Gio to volunteer to kill my Prince. It felt like... betrayal almost. It hurt.

"No," I said quietly.

"Fine," Kol ignored me, "Kill the shadow daemon and report back to me, Giovanni."

"No," I said louder, stepping back to block the door. Gio bowed briefly before walking towards the other door from the hallway. I made to run to block that one as well and Kol grabbed my arm just above my elbow, pulling me to walk with him. "No! No, Gio!"

"Be quiet, Rin. It's just a shadow daemon," Kol said as he pretty much dragged me down the hallway. Gio reached for the door, normally forbidden to even touch, and glanced at me for a moment.

"Gio, don't! He's my friend! He's my only friend," I gasped, sobs beginning to tear through me. "Prince!"

I screamed his named and before Gio could even open the door, the shadow of a beast was tearing down the hall. I ripped my arm from Kol's grip, rushing towards it before falling to my knees and feeling Prince's body collide against mine almost violently. I wrapped my arms around his body, hugging him to me protectively.

"Don't hurt him," I whimpered, closing my eyes firmly and refusing to let go. "Don't hurt him."

"Fine," Kol said with irritation from above me, "What a pitiful sight. I'm blaming you for this Giovanni."

"I offered to kill it on the first day and you said not to, Prince Nikolas," Gio responded, his voice above me as well.

"You little... you shouldn't even be her knight. You're a terrible knight," Kol stated in annoyance.

"You're the one who asked me to be Lady Rin's knight, Prince Nikolas," Gio continued, sounding all too amused with himself.

"Put the beast back in the room. We've got to go to this insufferable banquet," Kol ordered and I tightened my grip on Prince, afraid of what would happen if I let him go. Would Kol kill him immediately? Why was he so determined to do so? Was it to hurt me or was it to protect me from Prince? I couldn't tell.

"The maids would like to know if they should freshen up Lady Rin's attire. She's been crying," Gio's statement sounded slightly accusatory, but at the same time professional.

"Shut up and do what I say." Kol's voice was suddenly directly in front of me and I opened my eyes to see his crimson eyes before me. He was crouched down, looking at me with anger radiating underneath his handsome appearance. "Let go of the beast, Rin. He'll live for now."

"I'm afraid you'll change your mind," I whimpered honestly.

"If you don't let go, I will," Kol growled dangerously. I was doomed regardless of my choices. I looked down at Prince in my grasp. His form was shrouded in shadows, stiff in my grasp as his crimson eyes darted at all the daemons and humans in the nearby vicinity. He looked afraid, but also ready to fight. I lifted a hand and touched his head, catching his attention. He looked up at me and then vibrated happily, making me laugh lightly before hugging him again. Then I reluctantly let him go.

Prince stood before me hesitantly, but then turned to walk back towards the room slowly, glancing back at me periodically. Gio reached for him, intending to lead him more quickly towards the room where he would be safest. Prince stiffened, his fur lifting, and he growled in warning at Gio.

"Only Lady Rin still, is it?" Gio asked Prince, as though he would understand him. Prince huffed and then continued towards the room with a quicker pace before disappearing into the shadows within the room.

Kol's rough hands were suddenly on my arms, lifting me without care from the floor until I was standing unsteadily before him. I looked at him and was reminded of the look in his face, that devious terror, when he planned to harm or torture me. Where he was handsome just before, in such a short time he was just as frightening as the night he'd discovered what I was.

He lifted a hand towards my face and I flinched, closing my eyes quickly as though to prepare myself for whatever horrors he had planned. But then he only ran his thumb under each of my eyes, wiping away the tears that had streaked my cheeks roughly before grasping my chin firmly.

"You're not forgetting to concentrate, are you?" I knew he was talking about my eyes, which meant he could tell I was afraid of him. I opened my eyes, still blue despite the drama, and looked at him quietly before shaking my head shortly. "Good. Let's go."

Kol released me and held his arm out for me to take. I hesitated, my heart in my throat, but then slowly reached out to slide my hand under his arm and around it. I rested my hand on his arm, trembling despite my attempts to calm myself. We then began to head towards where the banquet was being held. I wondered where it would be, if there would be a lot of people, and what tests someone like Kol had planned for me while being there. Would I pass them?

The entire walk towards the banquet was in deafening silence. I felt in a daze after almost losing my Prince and there was terror in knowing I'd be required to remain close to Kol for the rest of the event. What small amount of confidence I had before was nothing more than a passing memory. I felt... fragile.

We stopped before two large doors and a daemon stepped forward to allow us access. In a moment of irrationality, I took the time to try to slip my hand from Kol's grip, intending on running away. He was quicker than me. He reached over and caged my arm against him so that I was stuck beside him. I tensed, but gave up rather quickly.

The doors were opened and even though we weren't announced, eyes from around the entire ballroom turned to look at us. It was the same ballroom I had stumbled within before; a great chandelier hanging from the dazzling ceiling. I didn't have to imagine a party within any longer. It was more lively than I could have imagined, filled with bodies of beautiful creatures with the highest valued fabric adorning their beings.

Kol pulled us forward with an air of familiarity and boredom that spoke of his experience with these types of events. He greeted some people as we walked into the crowd just briefly, dragging me along with him without introducing me. We made it almost halfway through the room before a small crowd of men appeared around Kol and me.

"Prince Nikolas, don't tell us you brought a snack?" One man said, stepping forward to run his fingers through the loose strands of my hair. His crimson eyes were dangerously peering at me as though it weren't unusual for Kol to bring "a snack" as he had suggested.

Kol abruptly reached with his free hand, snatching the man's wrist before glowering at him with a quiet yet dangerous aura.

"She's mine," Kol said evenly, "And only mine."

I felt a flush of heat flood my face at his declaration, remembering his words from our last conversation. You are mine. I lifted my hand to my lips shyly as I turned to peer at him, that dangerous form seething so close to me. He was like a wild beast, territorial and all instinct.

Kol led me through the room towards where one of the lifted stages held King Cyril, who stood speaking to other daemons animatedly. One of the daemons he was speaking to was a beautiful woman; with skin the color of ebony yet nearly gold. Her eyes turned to me briefly as we approached before landing on Kol's form with a sense of hunger in them. It was strange... most people, daemons included, seemed more afraid of Kol than anything else, but she looked as though he were a prize she intended to win.

King Cyril turned as he finished his conversation and where Niko had been respectful previously in addressing his father, Kol only tilted his head, unimpressed. I looked to him hesitantly, but then bowed respectfully without Kol's assistance.

"Greetings, Your Majesty," I said in a quiet voice before lifting my eyes to meet his carefully.

"Prince Nikolas, Lady Corrine," King Cyril greeted promptly, smiling at me just briefly, before turning towards the woman he'd been speaking to. "This is-"

"None of her concern," Kol interrupted quite rudely.

"Kol," I said hushly, tightening my grip on his arm despite myself. I didn't want him to anger his father here. Somehow I expected the anger would doom me by association. Kol rolled his eyes, looking to me dangerously.

"You're as delightful as ever, Prince Nikolas," the woman spoke in a teasing tone as though unbothered by his obviously rude reaction to her presence. She turned to me, those crimson eyes searching into my entire existence as though I were nothing. "I am Lady Aurora Dior."

"Corrine Adara," I introduced myself in a quiet voice.

"Lady Corrine Adara," Kol corrected, as though making it firmly clear I wasn't just some common human from the streets to this Lady Aurora.

"You can call me-"

"Lady Corrine, for now," Kol interrupted me firmly.

"Is she... your ward?" Lady Aurora asked, her tone careful yet seeming just a breath away from seething. King Cyril had been watching the conversation with apt attention as though it were providing him with a new form of entertainment. I suppose he wasn't used to seeing both Niko protect me and Kol as well in his own way...

"On that note," King Cyril stepped into the conversation before taking a step towards the crowd within the ballroom. The music paused and Kol sighed with boredom as his father cleared his throat to gain everyone's attention. "I am here today to make an announcement."

King Cyril's voice was booming. There was no greeting, nor thanks given for those attending, and yet no one seemed to feel disrespected. Perhaps royalty didn't follow any etiquette for politeness in this type of world. I didn't think I'd ever become confident enough to address any group of people this way.

"My son, Prince Nikolas Veil, has selected his intended. Tonight, we welcome the future Princess Corrine Adara and congratulations upon the Crowned Prince," King Cyril finished, ignoring the sudden whispers that were rising around the room in surprise. "Do you have anything to add, Prince Nikolas?"

"No," Kol replied emotionlessly. I didn't like the vision of all those crimson eyes on me, taking in my entire being so carefully, and so I turned my own gaze on Kol for a sense of reprieve. I tightened my grip on his arm, certain I'd never be willing to let go at this point until this was done. I'd never been around so many people, much less looked at by all of them so openly.

Kol looked down at me when sensing my gaze, but I didn't turn away. Even his coldest of stares was a familiar warmth in all this discomfort.

"Then let's proceed," King Cyril continued easily, stepping back to continue his conversations with other high society daemons. The music continued and the eyes looked away except for those who seemed intent on watching my every move.

"Are you going to stare at me all night?" Kol asked me coolly.

I hesitated. I was afraid to look elsewhere. "Can I?" I inquired innocently.

Kol looked pleased just for a moment before clearing his expression almost professionally. "Everyone will think you're infatuated with me if you do," He answered as though this idea would end up repulsing me. My heart skipped a beat and a blush rose on my cheek at his words, but I still didn't look away.

"I don't like when you're mean to me or want to hurt me... or the people and things I love, but..." I liked how he made me feel at other times. I liked when he went out of his way to heal my nightburn and how gentle he kissed me. "I'd rather look at you than anyone or anywhere else, if you'll allow it."

Kol paused for a moment, but then shrugged apathetically. He turned to look at the people among the crowd, allowing me to avoid their stares by watching him instead. He was nice to look at; comforting even. I could pretend, if only for a moment, that it was only him and I within the room. His eyes only looked to the crowd briefly before they slid back to me just as briefly, then he looked away again before looking back to me a second time. He closed his eyes as though irritated and I stifled a sudden laugh.

"What are you-" Kol's eyes sharpened in annoyance and I interrupted quickly.

"Will you dance with me?"

"Absolutely not," He answered stiffly.

"Are you bad at dancing?" I asked curiously. I'd always wanted to go to one of the banquets my father threw, if only to dance with a handsome man. It would be disappointing to not do so now that I had the opportunity. And it gave me more of a reason to focus on Kol than the stares around me. "I can lead, if it'll help." I smiled slightly, lifting my free hand to trace my lips to cover the smile.

Kol scoffed. "I'm not bad at dancing. I just hate it."

"Oh...," I frowned slightly. "Do you think someone else would be willing to dance with me, then?" I braved a glance around the ballroom, struck by the eyes still steady on my form, and quickly turned to look back to my refuge in Kol's presence. I'd been looking for someone like Gio, but I wasn't brave enough to look for him long.

Kol had tensed beside me immediately after my question.

"Try it and I'll break your legs," He growled threateningly. I widened my eyes fearfully, frowning deeply at his threat. Would he really do something like break my legs? I'd never broken any bone before, but Rory had broken his wrist just last year. It seemed to be quite painful.

Instead of looking at his face so openly, I turned my gaze to my hand resting on his arm. I suppose I should get used to this; the constant threats and the fear that came with being around Kol. It would only be a matter of time before he'd follow through, if Niko was unsuccessful in finding a way to release me from my fate.

Kol abruptly made a noise of irritation, reaching for my grasp on his arm before pulling me firmly from our spot nearby the King towards the center of the ballroom where several daemons had already begun dancing. I tried hard to keep up, surprised by his sudden action, and then stumbled when he abruptly stopped. I would've stumbled into him completely if he hadn't turned to face me and caught me in his arms just as abruptly.

Kol clasped his left hand in mine, lowering his other hand to my waist to pull me to him roughly. And then, before I could even prepare myself, he began to dance with me; albeit a bit aggressively. I reached out with my free hand to grasp his shoulder quickly to steady myself in surprise.

"Wait," I said breathlessly when his aggressive leading put a strain on my own ability to follow.

"You said you wanted to dance," Kol responded sharply.

"I can't... keep up..." I panted as he roughly spun me around. I stumbled and would've fallen, but Kol abruptly pulled me to him and stopped. I took a moment to gasp for air, trembling in his grasp.

"You're so," Kol paused, as though trying to think of what description was crossing his mind as he peered at me coolly. "... fragile."

"You're so mean," I huffed, turning my eyes upwards to meet his tearfully.

"Mean, hmm?" Kol asked before suddenly reaching down to lift me from the ground, and spun both of us around roughly. I squealed in surprise, part of me fully expecting him to let me fall in the cruelest of ways, but another part of me was just as suddenly delighted. My squeal tumbled into laughter and Kol eased into a stop, still holding me to him with my feet inches from the ground. My heart was racing heavily as I held my own hands on his chest, my face almost even with his now that he held me lifted against him. I stared at him openly, waiting.

"Don't I frighten you?" He suddenly asked, his tone curious as he watched me.

"Sometimes," I answered honestly. I was so enthralled suddenly by his eyes and his body so close to mine, that I didn't even realize the whispering around us was directly about us.

The Prince is in love with a mortal?

I've never seen him dance.

Look at the way they're looking at each other.

But isn't it pointless to be with a mortal...

"I'm bored," Kol stated, suddenly cold once more. He lowered me to the floor, not as rough as I had expected, and stepped just a couple steps away from me. I thought he would turn away from me, no doubt hearing much more than I could hear among the daemons, but he only lifted a hand for me to take stiffly. "Let's go."

I reached for his grasp almost thankfully and he turned to walk away determinedly. The crowd seemed to disperse and a glance around revealed no one dared to look at Kol directly even if they weren't afraid to watch me. I looked back to him quickly.

"Where are we going?" I asked curiously.

"Outside," He responded without giving further information. I didn't mind. I loved the outside. I reached forward to clasp his hand with my other hand as well, a smile lifting on my lips.

Kol pushed through a set of doors that led from the ballroom to an amazing patio with its own steps down to a larger garden than I'd been allowed to see since being here. He took me down the steps, past smaller groups of daemons until we were by a bench near a large water fountain. I was looking up at the stars delightfully and only looked down when he paused. It was quieter here away from the banquet and my face began to heat when I realized I was alone with Kol.

"Ugh, better," Kol said in near exasperation as he reached for the collar of his uniform to loosen it roughly. Was he a wild animal? I suppose formal clothing would be like chains to a wild animal like him. I looked from my grasp on his hand to him slowly.

"Do you want me to hold your jacket for awhile?" I asked timidly. He peered at me from the corner of his eye as though trying to read my mind.

"Why? Are you cold?" He replied with his own question. It was a bit chilly in the night, but I could still feel the warmth of the sun under my skin. My baby siblings used to cuddle with me during wintertime especially because I seemed to radiate warmth no matter what the situation.

Before I could answer him, Kol pulled his hand from my grasp and removed his uniform jacket before slinging it around me. With each hand on the jacket on either side of me, he pulled me sharply to him before lowering his face over mine dominatingly.

"Look at this. I've spared your strange choice of a pet. I allowed you to stare at me, the Prince, during a royal ball, with utter disrespect, however long you liked. I danced with you. And I've given you my royal coat; something far too valuable for you to understand. Am I still mean, Rin?" Kol teased me, that dangerous tone of his lining his every word. I peered into those eyes of his openly, feeling like a caught prey in his grasp.

"Everything you do feels... threatening," I replied honestly, "Even now."

"That's because you make me want to devour you. Even now," Kol said, his voice lowering even further. My breath was caught, but not in fear. He tilted his head and lowered his lips, just barely tracing the line of my jawbone before lowering over my neck and shoulder dangerously. My breathing came shallow, short and choppy, but I didn't move from him. "What do you think, Rin? Should I just swallow you whole here? Now?"

I knew I should be afraid. He was like a monster, considering eating me alive. We were alone and even if we weren't, he was a Prince of the Daemons. Who would dare to stop him? I should be terrified as I'd been before. But I only swallowed carefully, my flesh on fire under his attention.

"If... if that's what you want," I finally answered breathlessly. I felt his lips on the flesh of my neck and I closed my eyes tightly, gasping sharply. But Kol didn't bite me. He lifted his head to look at me, eyes still remaining closed, and smiled deviously.

"Careful, Rin," He said in warning, causing me to open my eyes quickly. "You'll lose concentration if you keep acting like that." I peered at him as though dazed, but then shook my head sharply to get a hold of myself. He was right. If I didn't concentrate, my whole body could end up glowing and give away what I was.

I froze again when he lowered his lips over my ear suddenly.

"I think you like when I'm mean," He whispered slowly, sending chills over my flesh in an unusually delightful way. Before I could respond, a voice interrupted from the direction of the ballroom.

"My apologies, Prince Nikolas, the King is asking for you," Mr. Virgil said cautiously, as though not sure he would survive the interruption, and for good reason. Kol stiffened at his presence, an air of black anger radiating from him that was far more dangerous than any aura I'd ever sensed from him before; even while threatening me. I raised my eyes to look at him carefully, taking in his near murderous expression as he glared at Mr. Virgil.

"Can't you see I'm with my fiancée?" Kol answered dangerously. "Am I some dog that's to be led around as seen fit?" I could suddenly understand his anger. Even if Niko was more responsible and levelheaded, the responsibilities of being a Prince could be infuriating. Despite being in power, he could still be summoned; it must be a feeling of helplessness.

I reached forward timidly, unbuttoning some of the clasps around the collar of his shirt and drawing his attention to me. His murderous eyes didn't waver for a moment and I felt the heat of his anger on my own skin, but I only bit my lip before stepping forward to kiss the white of the fabric on his shirt bravely. When I stepped back, an obvious mark of the lipstick the maids had applied to my lips was left on his previously flawless shirt.

"What are you doing?" He asked steely, though a bit of curiosity came through.

"I'm making you look a bit less appropriate for a royal ball, so the King won't see fit that you stand near him for too long," I responded determinedly before reaching for his hair to ruffle it just as carefully. Kol didn't stop me. Instead, he looked at me expressionlessly as the murderous intent seemed to slip from his form slowly. "I'll stay here and wait for you, so tell him you must return quickly, okay?"

A look of irritation slipped back into his features as he took in my suggestion reluctantly.

"Don't try to run away or I'll kill you," He said sharply. I couldn't help it. I laughed, lifting my hand to cover my mouth in my own surprise. "I mean it."

"I know," I corrected myself quickly, ducking my head sheepishly. I looked to Mr. Virgil, who looked both entirely stunned and also relieved. It could've been the end for him, but now it looked as though Kol wouldn't murder anyone tonight... yet.

Kol pulled at his shirt further, disrupting its prior perfection even more, and began to wave Mr. Virgil to head towards the ballroom determinedly. Kol glanced towards me just once more before following Mr. Virgil's lead towards where King Cyril was waiting. I was both disappointed that I wouldn't get to see other's reaction to Kol's improper presence and relieved that I wouldn't have to be there to be embarrassed entirely by my association to it.

I took what felt like my first real breath since before seeing Kol again and collapsed onto the nearby bench. Kol's jacket was still around my shoulders loosely. I reached for it, pulling it further around me, before looking at the designs along the front of it curiously. I traced the family crest, feeling the detail whoever made the outfit put into it. It felt quite important and valuable.

After awhile of being alone, I heard the shuffle of someone or something nearby in the distance. I stood sharply, expecting Kol to have returned already, but when I looked I saw no one there. I tightened my grasp on the jacket around me, looking around hesitantly.

"Kol?" I asked the darkness carefully.

I suddenly heard something ring in the air, quiet like wind yet solid. And just as suddenly, I felt a sharp sting line my cheek just under my eye all the way back to my ear. I stumbled back just a few steps, lifting my hand to my face in confusion. I touched my cheek and looked at my hand, seeing the dark red of blood on my fingertips.

Danger, my mind screamed at me, you're in danger!

I gasped, looking up and around at the darkness. I couldn't see anyone, but I was cut. I heard yet another ring followed by a second sting of a cut, this time much deeper into my shoulder. I yelped in pain, dropping the jacket from my shoulders to see a deep gash embedded into my arm.

I turned to run, intending to scream out for help... who would help me in this world of daemons? Would Kol? Before I could, another ring sang out into the air and pain struck my leg. I screamed this time, the pain like fire as I fell forward.

I expected to fall roughly to the floor of the garden, but instead I fell into a pair of powerful arms. I cried out fearfully, afraid this was the person who would kill me. But when I looked up, it was Gio's furious expression that greeted me as he looked over my form into the darkness.

The ring lifted into the air sharply and without hesitation, Gio sliced a suddenly large sword over the air above my form. A dark shadow seemed to erupt from his blade, tearing through the air towards where the attacks had come from, and ripped into the darkness mercilessly. Trees were torn into and bushes decimated, but something told me this attack wasn't even half of the power Gio could use if needed.

There was a deathly silence after Gio's attack. He watched the darkness attentively, waiting for a moment. I gasped painfully in his grasp, the fire in my leg almost overwhelming the wound on my arm. But I didn't want to distract him. If I distracted him, we might both die.

"He's gone," Gio said stiffly before looking down towards me. I was terrified, even despite his words. I looked up to Gio's crimson eyes, whimpering fearfully and painfully in his grasp. Gio froze when he looked at me, his body tensing even further. I heard footsteps as people from the banquet no doubt heard his counterattack.

Before anyone could come into view, Gio abruptly reached forward, covering my eyes with a large hand, and pulled my face into his chest determinedly.

"Don't open your eyes," Gio warned me and I realized what must have surprised him. My concentration was gone after being attacked. He saw them. He saw my eyes. I reached for him, clasping my hands into his shirt fearfully.

"What the fuck happened?" I heard Kol's thunderous voice erupt before surprised whispers followed behind him.

"I need to speak to your privately, Prince Nikolas," Gio responded, his voice strained. "But first, Lady Corrine needs to be treated and quickly." I felt a brush of fingers over my leg, igniting fresh pain where the fire had erupted. I screamed against Gio's chest in agony.

"Give her to me," Kol seethed furiously.

"It would be better that I take her," Gio immediately disobeyed Kol's order firmly. "Her eyes... may also be injured." Gio's hesitation was a clear message to the Prince, though something in his words seemed to also be seeking an answer to his own question. Did the Prince know about what I was already? If he acted like he didn't, my mind raced. Would Gio tell him and everyone here and now? Why didn't he say anything immediately? Why was he holding me so protectively to his chest? What was Gio going to do? I tightened my grip on his shirt, gasping frightfully.

"Take her," Kol finally responded sharply. "No one even think about leaving until we've investigated every last one of you. We'll find out whose idiotic idea it was to touch what's mine." There were shuffles of discomfort and outbursts of protest.

"You heard Prince Nikolas," King Cyril's voice boomed in powerful anger, "Someone dared attempt to assassinate the future Princess. Guards, lock down the castle."

Gio stood carefully, continuing to hold my face gently against him as he used his other hand to cradle my useless legs over his arm gently. I whimpered as he began to walk determinedly, stepping past whispers of daemons, and pulling me safely away from both discovery and harm.

"I'm sorry I was late, Lady Rin," Gio said to me quietly.

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Music: Koste- Weather