((Picture above is what I imagine Lady Aurora to look like. Also, from this point on there will be detailed naughty, ages 18+, parts. Read at your own risk. Thank you.))

A part of me expected when Gio mentioned being treated that I would be taken to something like a nurse or a doctor. Back home, Father would always bring one to me if I needed the attention. I never got sick, so usually it would be for injuries I sustained in my clumsiness.

But instead of a doctor, Gio led me away from any other being. His hands were gentle as he carried me, but I'd still not been allowed to turn my face away from his chest. I could feel the wetness of blood running down my arm and leg. Every step he took sent a sharp pain through my leg and I just knew whatever weapon had been used against me was still there, embedded into my flesh painfully. I kept a tight grip on his shirt, my teeth gritted together as I gasped periodically in pain.

I felt Gio release his hand from my head and I instinctively opened my eyes. He had been wise to forcefully keep my eyes closed if this was my immediate reaction. I glanced around to see nothing but darkness and tensed even further with renewed fear.

"Gio," I whimpered.

"I've got you, my lady. Close your eyes," He instructed calmly. I did as he requested, hoping that the next time I was allowed to look I would be able to see. I heard doors opening and then closing, felt him step carefully down flights of stairs, and heard yet another heavier door being opened before shutting solidly behind us.

Gio lowered himself briefly before standing again and this time when he lowered, I was cradled delicately on his lap as he sat down. My eyes fluttered open to a familiar room; the dungeon-like one Kol had been chained in before. A small light of a candle was in the distance, purely for my sake, but otherwise it was just Gio and me in the darkness.

I felt lightheaded, both from pain and also from a heat that was rising throughout my body.

"I'll have to remove your dress, Lady Rin," Gio said to me carefully. "I apologize."

"I-I understand," I replied, wincing at the throbbing pain throughout my body. The sapphire dress Madame Lena had selected for me was beautiful, but it would be in the way of treating the wounds from the attack.

Gio lifted me further so that I was lined against his chest and began to swiftly undo the ties to my dress. I clung to his chest, resting my head against his shoulder with my face pressed into his neck as I panted painfully. He pulled the fabric carefully over my arms, especially careful over the deep cut on my shoulder. And then he began to pull it from my torso, leaving me in the slip underneath.

I tightened my grip on Gio's shirt, afraid to look at him directly. My eyes were no doubt brightly gold at this point. Would he hate what I was? Would it disgust him?

"I'm going to start with your leg," Gio said to me gruffly. I tensed at his words, my fears refreshed. I didn't dare to even look at my leg. It was both numb and on fire. "I have to remove the blade. That'll be the worse part. You don't have to hold it in, Lady Rin." I opened and then closed my hands over his shirt, as though trying to comfort myself.

"Okay," I finally braved to whimper. Gio tightened his grip on me, holding me more firmly against him, and then reached for my leg. I suddenly felt an intensely sharp pain, like an explosion of fire over my body. I inhaled sharply and screamed in agony just briefly before a wave of darkness blackened my mind for just a moment.

When I opened my eyes, I was no longer clinging to Gio. I must've fainted and fallen back because now I was lying back against his arm while he bit into the flesh of his free hand painfully. I'd seen Niko use his blood to heal me before, when I burned my hand, and I knew he must have done it before that to heal the wounds on my wrists from being bound on the ship. Now, Gio reached for the wound on my leg, free from the blade, and pressed his bitten hand against it firmly.

I gasped at the sharp pain that followed, but it quickly numbed into something more peaceful and relieving. After a moment, it wasn't the agony in my leg that pulsed through me but the deep cut on my shoulder instead. Gio lifted his hand to his mouth once more, biting it yet again probably because his own wound had healed already, before reaching to grasp the cut on my shoulder.

The initial contact stung, not as badly as my leg had, and the relief was more immediate than before. My eyes fluttered closed from it and I allowed my head to lean back as I relaxed in his grip. I felt a humming sensation throughout me, which was both pleasant and uncomfortable. I also felt a steady increase of heat that came with it. I felt weak, but not in pain.

I turned my head to the side, away from Gio, and he carefully moved the hair that had fallen to my face back behind my ear. For a moment, he didn't do anything further. And then I felt a wet warmth along the cut just under my eye. I closed my eyes tighter in response, the feeling both stinging, but also pleasant.

Gio paused, but then I felt his breath as he trailed the warmth further along the cut back towards my ear. I opened my eyes slightly, realizing he wasn't using his bitten hand as he had done with my other wounds. His mouth hovered over my wound as he seemed to huff with restraint. I tensed, lifting my hands to clasp at my chest nervously.

He lowered his mouth over the cut on my face again and I whimpered, turning further away. This probably wasn't the best response because now his tongue ran further back to where the blade had sliced my ear. As his tongue traced the cut over my ear, I felt a chill throughout me in response. Gio paused again, seeming to try to gain control over his own instincts.

"Gio?" I wasn't sure what to ask him. I recalled Kol's threat not long ago. "Are you going to... to devour me?"

"You've been marked," Gio responded huskily, a hunger deep in his words. I turned in response to look at him, his face far too close to mine. His eyes were bright with that hunger, watching me with a thousand thoughts flickering behind them. "This is the most I can do."

Gio bit into his finger and reached for the cut on my face, trailing his blood over the wound delicately and with a bit of reluctance. After he was done, all the pain from the attack had vanished and all I had left was this heat within along with a growing weakness. Was it caused by the blood? I couldn't remember feeling such a sensation.

"Are you hurt anywhere else, Lady Rin?" Gio asked me, seeming to have gotten control over whatever instinct healing me had given him. With the physical pain of the cuts and puncture wounds gone, I could feel that heat within me more sharply. I took a breath, tightening my grip to clasp at my slip just over my stomach, and breathed again.

"I don't feel well," I admitted before looking to him with a pained expression.

"Where?" He asked, concerned.

"Inside," I answered with difficulty. I whimpered as the heat began to climb, sweat beginning to build over my skin in response. It was as though the blades had gone inside of me, rather than just in my flesh. I could feel it, cutting my insides in tiny, sharp lines. I whined, tensing in Gio's grasp. "Gio, it hurts. Please, it hurts."

Gio stood, lifting me in his arms with him, before turning around to lower me on top of the bed. I immediately reached for the surface of the bed, tightening my grip over the fabric in increasing agony. My hair and slip was beginning to cling to my skin from the sweat and a whimper escaped my throat over and over painfully.

"I can't feed you my blood, Lady Rin. Just wait for the Prince, okay?" Gio called to me, pulling off his bloodied shirt before ripping at the fabric and using it to try to keep my face dried. My lungs were burning, my chest heaving as I struggled to breathe around the growing pain. What was happening to me? What did he mean about feeding blood?

Would Kol be able to stop this pain himself?

This was something I'd never felt before; even when being held in the dark of the ship on the way here. This pain was overwhelming. I couldn't think of anything else besides it. Gio watched me struggle, crying out, and writhe from it. My skin began to glow from it, leaving me unable to even attempt to hide what I was. And yet, even in his discomfort, his eyes watched my form as though enthralled. With the sweat and the glow, the slip had become something almost transparent and I lied almost completely bared before him.

"Kol," I whimpered, calling out helplessly. Gio closed his eyes firmly, scolding himself.

After time passed, the door to the room suddenly burst open and Kol stormed in angrily. He paused for a moment when seeing me on the bed and then approached with an air of murder about him.

"Why the fuck haven't you healed her?" Kol growled furiously.

Gio looked up to him expressionlessly.

"The blades were poisoned. That's why they didn't just aim for a kill shot immediately. I healed the surface wounds, but to do anything further would mean...," Gio looked at the Prince pointedly.

"You're smarter than you look," Kol responded coolly.

"Thank you, Prince Nikolas. Please give the lady your blood."

"Shut up, Giovanni," Kol snarled before stepping further towards my form. I could barely hear them over the rush of blood in my ears. Kol lowered himself to his knees beside me, across from Gio.

"Should I go?" Gio asked simply.

"Don't you think about going anywhere if you want to keep your head," Kol hissed dangerously. He then lifted his wrist to his mouth and bit into it. Then he reached for me, lifting my head carefully. My eyes fluttered open blindly in confusion. "Open your mouth, Rin."

"Kol," I began to say and it was enough. He pressed his wrist to my lips, holding me firm against his bleeding flesh. His blood filled my mouth abruptly, the taste so foreign that I immediately fought against it. Kol didn't allow me to resist. I coughed as his blood slid down my throat and winced as I was forced to swallow it. When he was satisfied, he finally released me and I fell back against the bed gasping.

I felt the pain and heat begin to fade as the blood I'd swallowed seemed to stretch within me. I panted painfully at first, but then felt the pleasant relief rushing through me gently. Kol's blood didn't feel like the wild, angry side of him. It was calm and sweet; protective even. I sighed as I felt it in my fingertips down to my toes, lulling me into a restful sleep.

"Does King Cyril know what she is?" Gio asked Kol carefully.

"No, and he will never know," Kol responded sharply.

"If he finds out, he'll do worse than kill her," Gio warned.

"Are you planning on telling him, Giovanni? Or maybe someone else?" There was a threat rising within Kol and it was becoming clear why he hadn't wanted Gio to leave the room. He was assessing Gio's threat; to him and to me. He wasn't planning on letting Gio leave alive if he gave the wrong answers.

"I am loyal to you and only you, Prince Nikolas. As long as you are protecting the lady, I will do so, too. It doesn't matter to me if she's a Seraph," Gio answered determinedly. A deathly silence followed the word seraph as Kol glared at Gio intensely.

"Fine. If you betray me, I will kill you myself," Kol threatened him sincerely, heat in his words.

"Message received, your Majesty," Gio teased him before standing. "I will go assist with finding the assassin. I didn't get a good look at them, but I sensed him well. I should be able to track his scent from the garden." Without waiting for further permission, Gio left Kol to attend to me.

I awoke to the comfort of a bed with Prince's fur in my face as he dozed next to me. On instinct, I reached for him to hug more comfortably and he vibrated happily next to me. After a moment of this peace, I suddenly recalled dancing with Kol, being attacked in a garden, Gio taking me to that dark room, and Kol's blood over my lips. I jolted awake, sitting up sharply.

No one was in the bedroom with me besides Prince. I looked at myself to find I was still in the slip I wore under my dress, bits of blood staining the side I'd injured my shoulder on. Kol must have brought me back to the room at some point after I'd fallen asleep.

I stepped out of the bed and went towards the bathroom in hopes of secretly taking a bath, but as I entered, I found Vienna and Shan there already waiting for me. I knew better than to argue with their aid, so I obediently allowed them to help me.

As Vienna scrubbed shampoo into my hair, I traced my shoulder where the blade had cut me. Someone had tried to kill me, during a royal banquet, with the King of the Daemons not far away. Was this going to be my life here? Did someone consider me a danger, even not knowing who I was? If Kol hadn't given me his blood, I would've surely died, wouldn't I have?

"Vienna, Shan," I mused thoughtfully, catching their attention.

"Yes, my lady?" They answered quickly.

"Do you know what it means when a daemon has you drink their blood?" I inquired curiously, turning to look at them. I wasn't sure if they would know, being that they were human. Gio hadn't given me his blood, even while watching me suffer, so it must mean something more than just healing.

"I-," Shan hesitated, catching my attention, "Why do you ask, my lady?"

"Kol... Prince Nikolas gave me his blood," I answered honestly, "He did it to heal me, but I keep wondering if it means something more." Both of them seemed to freeze at my response, looking at one another as they tended to do when I'd said something atypical.

"Can I be candid, Lady Corrine?" Vienna suddenly braved. I frowned at her.

"I'm asking honestly so I can be answered honestly," I said slowly, "So, please do."

"Firstly, you really mustn't be so trusting," She abruptly scolded me while Shan nodded beside her in silent agreement. I flushed at her statement, but the advice was much easier given than done. "I understand that it is your nature, but you're not only among Daemons here. You're among Royalty. If you speak of something you shouldn't to the wrong people, it could put yourself and even the Prince in danger."

"I'm sorry," I apologized quietly, ducking further into the water as though to hide myself.

"Lady Corrine, you are also soon to be Royalty. You do not need to apologize to anyone, much less people of our status. I'm only saying this for your sake," Vienna responded in a panic, clearly not expecting my remorse. I felt like Sylvia was before me, both scolding me for improper actions and following up with a gentle affection. "As for the daemon blood, I will tell you just briefly... a daemon does not give their blood so easily. When blood is shared, it creates a connection between you that is rarely broken, and if the Prince has shared his with you, it may be considered a weakness to him. A part of his shadow is with you, now. What it all means should be something you discuss with Prince Nikolas, and only with him."

"I understand," I replied carefully, "Thank you, Vienna."

I continued the rest of the bath in silence, but my mind was in an uproar over Vienna's statement. How does giving me his blood make me a weakness for Kol? And what did it mean to have a part of his shadow with me? What exactly was his shadow? It didn't sound like the same thing as a typical shadow...

I stood in a daze as they dried me and began to help dress me for the day. I felt much better, far more normal, now that I had bathed.

"The butler has informed us that Lady Aurora wishes to have a visit with you when you're ready," Shan chirped to me quietly.

"Lady Aurora?" I inquired slowly. It took me a moment to recall her face; that elegant beauty who had been speaking to King Cyril at the banquet. "She's still here?" Once again, Vienna and Shan looked at each other, knowing something I didn't.

"Lady Aurora stays at the Royal castle frequently. After the mania at the banquet, she decided it would be easier to remain as a guest than to head back to her own estate," Vienna explained knowledgably. "Do you feel well enough to visit? We'll bring you breakfast while you get to know her."

"She's the leading lady of high society, so it would be good to become acquainted with her, if possible," Shan added, a note of doom in her tone. Vienna sent her a sharp look at her last comment, but I was too deep in thought to notice. I never had any chance of having friends remotely my age before... not that I knew how old a daemon would be based on first appearances. I just knew it was older than the five years of my siblings.

"I'll visit her, then," I agreed brightly. "Prince!"

As I called for him, Prince slipped into the room quickly like a shadow, appearing by my feet faster than the eye could see. The maids jolted back, still fearful of the beast. I crouched down, much unladylike, and cupped his face in my hands adoringly.

"Are you ready for breakfast, handsome?" I asked him and he seemed to bounce from foot to foot happily.

"My Lady, you'll bring the bea- I mean, the shadow daemon with you to visit Lady Aurora?" Vienna asked, though she seemed to already know the answer.

"Of course," I stood and made my way to exit into the hallway happily. As I looked around, I saw a new guard standing by the door stiffly; one I wasn't sure I'd met before. I looked both directions down the hallway, frowning. "Where's Sir Gio?"

"Sir Gio is taking time off, My Lady. My name is Anthony Acosta. I will be guarding you-"

"No, I don't want you," I interrupted the man abruptly before just as quickly raising my hand to cover my lips in surprise. In my sudden panic, I didn't mean to sound so rude, even if the new guard didn't appear to be shocked by it. "I'm sorry. I'm sure you're a fine guard, but I... I want Gio. Will you send him a message for me?"

"If that's what you wish, My Lady," Anthony bowed slightly, a curious yet amused look on his face.

"Ask him not to take time off because of me. And ask him to return to me immediately. But... if he feels he can't guard me because... I'm not a daemon," I was looking at my hands at this point, a blush of embarrassment rising on my cheeks as I tried to dance around my own meaning without giving away what I was to this daemon. "Then I would understand."

"We'll be in the parlor with Lady Aurora," Vienna chimed in before the man could ask. Anthony bowed again before leaving us to deliver the message. I frowned at his back, wondering if Gio would actually return. Perhaps his kindness extended only towards healing me and after that he couldn't find it in him to protect a Seraph. Why else would he suddenly distance himself from me?

I followed Vienna and Shan to where Lady Aurora was waiting for me, lost in my own thoughts the entire way. When I arrived, Lady Aurora was already seated and sipping from an expensive glass delicately. Her ruby red eyes were looking at the scenery outside the window and they gave nothing of her thoughts away as they turned to meet mine.

Lady Aurora looked far too beautiful to exist. I felt breathless under her gaze. She lowered her glass before indicating to the seat across the table from her politely.

"I'm sorry to keep you waiting," I said quickly, a bit flustered, as I felt her eyes on me so attentively when I approached. I sat quickly, folding my hands in my lap nervously.

"Hmm," was all Lady Aurora replied. I couldn't tell what it meant myself, but something of irritation flashed over Vienna's face from the corner of my eye. I turned to glance at her, but she'd already cleared her face of expression by the time I did.

"I see you're looking well," Lady Aurora spoke coolly.

"Yes! It was a frightful event, but I'm okay now," I answered reassuringly, looking up when Shan came with food to place before me. Being that Lady Aurora was a daemon, she didn't receive anything other than more red liquid for her glass. Lady Aurora ignored Shan while I quipped pleasantly, "Thank you."

"Hmm," Lady Aurora lifted her glass to her lips without taking her eyes from me.

"I heard you were left pretty much stranded here due to that event. I hope it wasn't too much of an inconvenience," I said politely as I began to eat delicately at the food before me. Lady Aurora lowered her glass and watched me intently. Even if she didn't show it on her face, I could feel something of a darker atmosphere about her. Maybe it had inconvenienced her after all.

"I don't care for small talk or niceties," Lady Aurora suddenly stated, "To be frank, I'm wondering why you've been selected to be Prince Nikolas' intended."

I paused, losing my appetite almost immediately.

"Well... I...," I hesitated, "I suppose you're wondering because I'm mortal..."

"Mortal, yes, which means inconsequential, so that isn't a large concern. But what do you know of Daemons? Of Seola? Are you aware of our laws? Our currency? Our politics? As far as I can tell, you're a naïve child with no qualifications to be the Princess. And if things proceed further, you're even less qualified to be the next Queen," Lady Aurora's words would have been sharp if I had wanted to be the next Princess or Queen of Seola. The honest part of me wanted to just make it clear that I wasn't here of my own accord; I had been taken during a bout of madness that Kol wasn't inclined to release me from.

I looked to Vienna in the distance, who was nothing more than a statue at this point. I recalled her words; to not be so trustworthy. Would my honesty put Kol at a disadvantage? If I said something that would go back to him, wouldn't he do something worse to me?

"I... I know the world I'm from is vastly different from this one and I know there are several things I'll have to learn, but," My heart was beginning to pound loudly in my chest as I pushed myself to be tougher than I felt, "I don't feel I need to explain myself to you, Lady Aurora. Prince Nikolas chose me to be his intended and so I am, whether you feel I'm qualified or not."

"Hmm," Lady Aurora responded and finally I knew it was a sound of disapproval; something condescending and somewhat rude. Before I could get flustered, she sat straighter, "Fine. As you said, you have nothing to explain to me. Would you like some more tea?"

I was thrown off by her sudden offer. She reached for the teapot Shan had left on the table, lifting it to fill my cup, and a vicious growl suddenly erupted from under us. Lady Aurora dropped the pot in surprise, sitting back in her chair with supernatural speed before looking to Prince in surprise.

"Prince, quiet," I whispered to him and he silenced his growls despite not taking his eyes off of Lady Aurora's form with determination. I had forgotten he was even there hiding in my shadows and Lady Aurora obviously hadn't spotted him either.

"Why do you have that thing at your feet?" Lady Aurora demanded an answer, huffing.

"He belongs to me. He doesn't like when people get too close to me, so I apologize if he startled you," I answered her politely. I didn't like when they spoke of Prince like that, as if he was some wild rabid animal. I knew I should be used to it by now, but my fondness made it uncomfortable for me.

"Prince Nikolas allows you to keep a shadow daemon by your side?" She asked incredulously.

"Yes, he has. You really can relax, Lady Aurora. He won't harm you," I insisted, taking a glance at Prince with a sigh. I looked to Vienna once more. "Could you bring food for Prince, Vienna?" With a quick bow, Vienna left Shan in the room with Lady Aurora and I.

"It looks as though Prince Nikolas has shown great generosity towards you. I've heard he's gifted you with a personal tailor, maids, and even a Knight of 1st class. On top of this, he allows you to have a shadow daemon as a pet," Lady Aurora remarked, leaning forward slightly to peer at me. "One must wonder, don't you think? What do you offer him? After all, I would hope you'd show your appreciation somehow."

I paused at her remark, hesitating. A part of me knew that because I wasn't here by my own wishes, anything I received should just be taken as something I deserved. But a bigger part of me did feel a sense of gratitude for how I was being taken care of, despite Prince Nikolas knowing I was a seraph and essentially capturing me as a prisoner.

"I hadn't thought of that," I answered honestly.

"Well, if anything, I did hope to leave you with something of advice when meeting you here," Lady Aurora said, pleased. She stood then, clearly ready to end our visit together. "You should think about getting Prince Nikolas a gift. I'm sure he would be delighted." She smiled then, something in her tone devious despite her rather innocent suggestion.

"It was nice to see you, Lady Aurora," I didn't answer her suggestion.

"You as well," She stated simply before walking away; taking extreme care to step around Prince. Vienna arrived as Lady Aurora left, nearly being knocked out of the way, but then corrected herself before presenting Prince with his dish of raw meat.

I continued my breakfast silently, mulling over Lady Aurora's words. I should give Niko something, shouldn't I? Perhaps Kol, too... he did heal me with his blood which may have caused a weakness somehow. Or maybe I'll give them both something as one gift? What kind of gift did you give a Prince?

When I left the parlor after eating, I stepped into the hallway to be greeted by the sight of Gio. I stiffened immediately, surprised at how quickly he had returned. I stood before him uncertainly, looking into his crimson eyes with difficulty. What did he think of me, now that he knew what I was? Daemons had hated Seraphim enough to wipe them from existence mercilessly. Yet, he stood here now, so it must mean something.

"Gio," I finally greeted him in a quiet voice.

"We'll leave the lady in your care," Vienna suddenly spoke to Gio and both she and Shan bowed briefly before leaving us alone. I hadn't responded to their farewell, my eyes glued to Gio's as though waiting for a death sentence to be announced.

"Do you need something, Lady Rin?" Gio asked when I continued to stare at him so openly.

"No... I was just," I hesitated, tightening my hands into fists beside me. "I thought you might not stand by me any longer because... because of what I am."

Gio's expression remained neutral as though I weren't referring to being something as a Seraph. He only tilted his head slowly and responded, "I will stay by your side for as long as Prince Nikolas wishes me to, as I've sworn."

"Then why weren't you there? The guard, Anthony, said you'd taken time off. I thought...," I frowned, finally looking away from his eyes uncertainly. Even if he was here now, it would only be because Niko had assigned him to. Perhaps he had tested the waters to see if he could get away from me and my demand for him to return was something he couldn't refuse, even if I was Seraphim.

Gio sighed loudly, lifting his hand to run through his hair uncomfortably and drawing my attention to his face once more. Then he lowered his eyes to peer at me solidly, "I acted inappropriately towards you, my Lady. I knew you wouldn't punish me for it, so I was going to punish myself."

I was confused. "Inappropriately?"

"Do you not remember?" He asked before lifting a finger to mark a line from his cheek under his eye back to his ear just briefly. There was a sharpness in his red eyes as he watched for my reaction with interest. I paused, but then remembered being in his arms and his tongue trailing over the cut on my cheek. A deep blush rose to my face and I lifted a hand to lightly touch where the cut had been before looking away shyly.

"Oh, that," I struggled to say breathlessly. "... It couldn't be helped though, could it?" I remembered that hunger in his face and the way he struggled with himself. Daemons craved blood, didn't they? And he had bled to heal me. Surely his actions were just something of instinct.

Gio sighed again, this time holding a hand over his face in exasperation for a moment before containing himself to address me again.

"Lady Corrine, please know there is no excuse for inappropriate actions from anyone other than your intended at all times. If anyone touches you, tastes you, or even speaks to you in an inappropriate way, you should report it for punishment without mercy immediately," Gio declared firmly, sounding similar to Vienna's own scolding not too long ago.

I blushed at his words. "T-tastes?" I lifted my hand to touch my lips absently and Gio immediately closed his eyes in discomfort.

"Lady Corrine, please become aware that I am a man and a daemon. Asking a man to drink with you while you're in sleepwear, falling asleep by him, and other inappropriate things really should be avoided," He continued, his body stiff and his words strained as he spoke.

"Drink," I whispered, feeling increasingly ashamed of myself. Had I been making Gio this uncomfortable for so long?

"Lady Corrine, please punish me for my inappropriate actions and please know if you tell Prince Nikolas of my actions, I will be executed immediately," Gio finished firmly before stepping forward onto one knee before me. Even on his knee, he was nearly as tall as me, yet it was startling to see him suddenly at such a height before me.

"Punish?" I continued to trace my lips shyly with such attention on me. I glanced to the side briefly, shamed thoroughly by Gio's words, but also highly uncertain as to what to do about his request. "I've never punished anyone before."

"I can offer methods, if you wish," Gio suggested, firm in his dedication to said punishment. "Bound by silver. Removal of fangs. Branding. Whipping. Removal of body parts such as ears; things not really needed to remain useful as your guard. Focused burning. Starvation..."

"Stop," I cried out, lifting my hands to my ears instead in horror. I shook my head viciously and then really looked at his features for a moment. The scars above his ear went up to his scalp painfully. I thought they had been earned in battle, but now I wondered what would leave scars on a Daemon like this if no marks were left on Kol's body from being held by silver. Had he'd been through a number of any of the punishments he'd mentioned?

I lowered my hand to reach out to touch one such scar, causing Gio to tense in response. I wondered for a moment if they still hurt him, even just as a memory. I traced my fingers over the scars delicately. Before I could go further, Gio abruptly grasped my wrist firmly and I jolted in surprise.

"Lady Rin, are you truly hoping to get me executed?" Gio sighed almost painfully.

"No, I wasn't, Sir Gio! I swear it. I'm sorry," I spoke so quickly that my words tumbled out in one breath. I hesitated, squeezing my captured hand into a fist before looking away, "I seem to be nothing but a burden to you and I don't want to be. I want... I want to be your friend."

I turned to look at Gio as he stood slowly, peering at me expressionlessly as though a wall were building around him. "I understand," He finally said before releasing his grasp on my wrist, "I will be certain to be more respectful in the future, my Lady."

I stared at Gio openly, rubbing my freed wrist as my mind turned. Should I get him a gift as well, I suddenly thought. If he hadn't arrived when he did, I would've been killed. And he hadn't told anyone about what I was nor did he seem to be thinking about doing so in the future. I guess it was his job, though, if I thought about it. But I was still grateful.

"Do you need something else, my Lady?" I jerked at Gio's question, realizing I'd been staring at him in silence this entire time. I cast my eyes to the side in embarrassment.

"N-no," I answered before turning to look for Prince abruptly. Even in a glance, I couldn't see him, but I was certain he was nearby. "Prince?"

Prince appeared from the shadows impressively, bounding towards me. I pat his head fondly, "Let's go, boy." I began to race down the hallway, laughing as Prince bolted after me playfully. He'd already grown more seemingly overnight. His onyx form was as tall as my mid-thighs and was quickly growing to swamp me when sleeping with me on the bed. I wasn't concerned, but I was curious just how large a shadow daemon would grow to.

I panted as I rushed into Prince Nikolas' private library. Prince ran around me in a circle before stopping before me and then sitting most politely. I stared at him for a moment, reminded suddenly of my baby siblings, and then abruptly fell to my knees and embraced him. He vibrated happily in response, making me laugh lightly.

"You're growing so handsomely, Prince," I said, sitting back before reaching to stroke the fur of his face down to his chest and rubbing the back of his ears fondly. As I groomed him, I watched his crimson eyes become lidded with lazy happiness, and I just couldn't see the dangers that everyone else saw when they looked at him.

I gripped his face in my hands and used my thumbs to lift his lips upwards to reveal his rows of sharp teeth curiously. They certainly looked dangerous, but the way Prince froze and waited obediently while I observed him made me feel completely safe before him.

"Gio," I suddenly called, my curiosity only growing.

"Lady Rin," Gio responded with clear strain on his voice. I didn't have to look to know he was preparing to attack Prince if needed.

"Do shadow daemons understand it when you speak to them?" I asked, releasing my grip on Prince's mouth. He stared at me patiently as though curious about my own question himself.

"They do," Gio answered simply. "They're not regular wildlife beasts. They're intelligent and dangerous. You really shouldn't get so close." I recalled how Niko had spoken to Prince as though he weren't an animal; telling him I belonged to him. Gio had said shadow daemons came from the Dark Realm, just like daemons. What kind of creature was Prince in the end? I couldn't figure it out.

"Open your mouth, Prince," I requested sweetly. Prince tilted his head, but then in an odd move of any animal I'd come across, he bared his teeth and opened his mouth obediently. I moved ever so closer, looking at the rows of razor sharp teeth all the way back, and then paused. There seemed to be something shining or a glint of metal along some of the back teeth. I lifted my hand, aiming to feel if it really was metal.

"Lady Corrine," Gio's voice was suddenly stern and almost angry. I'd never heard him like this and I immediately paused, pulling my hand back to my chest. I turned to glance at him over my shoulder to see him closer than before with his features set into dangerous intensity.

I looked back to Prince to see he'd already shut his mouth and was looking at me just as innocently before.

"I thought I saw metal in his teeth," I said quietly, feeling somewhat scolded and disappointed.

"Shadow daemons have silver centered in some parts of their back teeth. Their saliva protects them from the effects against their own body. It's a defense against our kind. They also have mercury lined in other parts, to protect them from Seraphim," Gio abruptly stated as though it were something he didn't want me to know in the first place. I splayed my hand onto my chest and blinked at Prince in surprise.

"Oh," I could only manage, startled. I could finally understand their concern, even to an extent. If Prince wanted to, he could be very dangerous to daemons and to me as well. But instead of showing fear, I reached out and continued to pet him adoringly. "Who's my special boy? Prince is- oh yes, you are. Handsome, smart, sweet, and special." Prince vibrated happily under my affection while Gio looked on with exhaustion before resolving himself back to a silent statue.

After awhile of playing with Prince, reading some literature which gave me a bit more insight into the society of Seola, and mulling over Lady Aurora's words about gratitude, I finally found myself lying on the floor. Prince was stretched out under me as I rested against him as though he were a pillow. I had my ear pressed against his side, lying mostly on one side myself, with both of my hands resting within his fur as I thought deeply.

What type of gift would Niko and Kol like? It wouldn't be something they needed being that they were royalty and they could get anything they wanted if they just asked. It would have to just be something like a token, I suppose, but I never really was great at picking out gifts for my own family. Plus, children were easy. What did a daemon want?

I sighed in frustration.

"Gio," I finally resolved to address Gio about the issue. He tilted his head, indicating he was listening. "What kind of gift would the Prince like, do you think?" Gio hesitated almost immediately, although not in the way that suggested he wasn't sure, but rather in a different and more dooming way.

"You wish to give Prince Nikolas a gift?" He finally asked carefully.

"I thought I should thank him for all he's done and... for giving me his blood," I admitted shyly. Gio was there when Kol did it, so it should be safe to speak to him about it. "Lady Aurora suggested I should give him a gift to show gratitude, but I'm not sure what type of gift he'd like."

"Lady Aurora suggested, did she?" Gio's eyes narrowed at the fact, but then he smiled slowly, "Well, I think you should go ahead. I'd love to see her face when the Prince accepts your gift instead of ripping your throat out." I sat up quickly at his words in surprise.

"Why would he rip my throat out?" I asked, reaching for my throat absently. I didn't want to give Kol any reason to decide to such a thing, no matter how good my intentions were.

"Prince Nikolas views gifts as a power play or contract in some ways. A person would only be giving him something if they want something in return. Usually, he either rejects it calmly, but sometimes he'll just...," Gio made a gesture of slitting his throat with his thumb. I frowned.

"Then I probably shouldn't...," my words mumbled into nothing as I felt suddenly disappointed.

"You should. Like I said, I'd love to see her face when he accepts your gift. I would tell you not to if I thought he'd harm you, my Lady," Gio responded respectfully with a glint of mischief in his eyes. So he believes Kol wouldn't hurt me. I felt a sense of warmth at this idea, my mind recalling how nice it felt when he had spun me so suddenly while dancing before looking into my eyes so deeply as though we were the only two people in existence. I flushed at the thought. And then another thought came as I realized what else Gio was saying.

"But then... you mean to say Lady Aurora is expecting the Prince to reject my gift?" I knew she didn't approve of me, but to make a suggestion that would potentially get me killed? That was a bit harsh in my opinion.

"Lady Aurora has been trying to get the Prince to accept her as his intended for a long time," Gio stated with a shrug, "She would probably rather Prince Nikolas end his engagement with you than wait for you to die of mortal natural causes in the future before trying again."

"Oh," I answered quietly, finally understanding several things. This is why she'd stayed at the castle many times before and also why King Cyril was speaking to easily to her. She was looking to become Prince Nikolas' wife and ultimately the Queen herself. Then I came along and snatched it from her without even trying, according to how she sees it.

I suddenly felt a twinge of something ugly within me. So she was hoping the Prince would reject my gift and kill me, but Gio didn't believe he would. I would have to prove her wrong as well. I led back down to rest against Prince, thinking hard about the gift once more.

I could get him something that would remind him of me. He probably wouldn't like jewelry, but I'd seen Sylvia give my father things like pins or even cuff links before. I could ask Vienna and Shan for information on how to order something like that secretly without Kol finding out.

The rest of my night was uneventful. I wandered, studied, napped, played with Prince, had lunch, and continued the cycle again. Before dinner, I used the time when the maids were freshening up my appearance to ask about ordering a gift for Kol. Even they reacted adversely at first, but like Gio, they seemed to agree that the Prince would probably treat me differently and Vienna said she would take care of making sure my wish was finalized.

I fully expected to eat alone, as always, so when I walked into the dining room to see Kol seated at the end of the table already, I was surprised. I felt a sudden sense of delight and began to rush to my seat beside him, but stopped myself quickly to slow down more appropriately.

"Prince Nikolas," I greeted him before sitting down. He was leaning against a fist, slouched rather boredly in his chair, and his expressionless features hadn't changed even as I'd approached him. Was he in another bad mood? It made me feel more nervous rather than delighted. I looked away from his solid stare down to the food prepared on my dish. "I didn't think you'd be here."

"Do you want to know why I haven't been coming even after promising I would?" Kol suddenly asked, his tone mischievous as he cloaked his words with Gio and other servants around. He knew Niko's mind, so obviously something entertained him in regards to this.

I looked to him shyly, noticing he'd leaned forward towards me and was watching with interest now. His face was enthralling now that he was even closer. I was stunned for a moment, staring openly at him, but then realized what I'd been doing and blushed.

"Were you able to find out anything about who attacked me?" I abruptly changed the subject, turning away to pick at my food distractedly.

"It wasn't because I was busy," Kol continued, ignoring my attempts to protect Niko's mind.

"Did they get away? I suppose it can't be helped. A Prince can't be expected to be so flawless all the time," I antagonized him purposely, my words growing softer being that I was not as brave as my statements sounded. The servants had all stopped moving and it was quiet except for my light feasting.

"Fortunately for you, I am flawless. The assassin was captured," Kol finally responded to my bait, leaning back in his chair expressionlessly. I looked to him with surprise. The assassin had been captured already? Of course, no one had told me until now.

"Did you recognize who it was?" I asked curiously.

"A hired hand. He's under investigation to find out who hired him, but for now he hasn't given anything up." Kol answered my questions agreeably, but then abruptly moved forward towards me. I froze as he partially stood, leaning over to put his lips just over my ears. "I didn't come because if I did, I knew I'd ravage you."

Kol sat back with a look of complete satisfaction as I was left stiff with a mortified blush over my skin. I wondered if Kol was lying about Niko's mind, but I remembered the night Niko had taken me to get sunlight and had ran his hands over me in the bed. It only made me blush deeper.

I dropped my silverware, having lost my appetite entirely.

"Are you done already?" Kol asked with a devious smirk.

"Um, yes. It was delicious, I just... I'm not... I've lost my appetite," I struggled to come up with something to say, being that I wasn't able to think of a lie. I lifted my hands absently to cover my flaming cheeks. "I'll just go rest-"

"I'll join you," Kol interjected mischievously and I jumped with a gasp at his statement.

"No! I mean, I'm going to take a bath and it might take awhile," I tried to keep my composure, but my heart was already racing at his words.

"I could join you in that, too," He added, lowering his voice seductively. I suddenly had an image of him in a bath with me, both of us bared of clothes, and I felt like my heart had stopped altogether.

I shot up from my seat, huffing before addressing him a final time, "You're honestly killing me, Prince Nikolas. I'll bathe alone, but th-thank you for the suggestion. I'll take my leave." I bowed only slightly, acting far too formal for a supposedly engaged woman. Then I turned to escape.

I couldn't look at anyone; not Gio nor any servants or maids who might've heard Kol being so vulgar in public. I walked with purpose directly towards Kol's room which had begun to look more like my own room as some time passed. In fact, Vienna had already told me this wasn't Kol's primary room, but rather one of his several smaller rooms. He will probably decorate and give you your own room in time, she'd told me.

Vienna and Shan were already in the process of creating a bath for me, knowing it was what I typically wanted after dinner. I didn't have to wait long. But as I entered the bath, I noticed it seemed a bit more focused on softening and sweet scents than usual.

"Why is the bath different?" I asked Shan curiously.

"Prince Nikolas has already informed the servants that he will be spending the day with his intended, My Lady," Shan was easy to speak. I felt my heart jolt at her statement and my face went red further at her statement. Was she serious? Was there a way I could run? Perhaps I could escape out of the bath through the hall and avoid him? Would Gio help me?

"Is Gio outside?" I asked Shan while Vienna massaged product into my long red hair diligently.

"Sir Giovanni has been released until Prince Nikolas has left, My Lady. We're required to leave after your bath as well," Shan answered honestly. Instead of blushing further, I paled considerably. All my hopes of getting away were dashed in moments.

"Do you have any chains of silver nearby?" I asked and immediately heard a burst of laughter in the adjacent bedroom. I blushed once more, knowing now Kol was in the bedroom and that he could hear everything I said. I sunk into the water further, hiding most of my face under the water up to my nose.

After the bath, I was dried off and placed in a light night slip before being abandoned by my maids. I considered following the maids, but knowing Kol was nearby meant I had no chance of trying to escape. Instead, I stood before the bedroom door, holding my arms crossed and comforting myself. Maybe if I waited long enough, Niko would come back. It was a long reach for any hope in that area.

My heart was pounding heavily in my chest and my skin was hot to the touch. But oddly enough, I didn't feel fear or dread when thinking about what types of ideas Kol might have for me. My heart was thudding with its own heat; a heat that spoke of first love. It was the kind of stuff I'd only read in fairytales. And though Kol himself was a hard man to fall for, Niko was someone remarkable, and the two of them together were like the handsome man of my dreams. I couldn't help but feel excitement among all the other nervousness and emotions that were bombarding me.

The door to the bathroom open abruptly and then Kol was there, leaning against the threshold most intimidatingly. I gulped at the sight of him prepared for bed; wearing just some loose pajamas and entirely shirtless. I tightened my grip on my own arms at my body's reaction.

"Are you planning on staying in there forever or are you going to come to bed?" Kol asked in his most devious tone. I wondered what he saw as he looked at me; if it would be something embarrassing or if it would be something he liked.

"What... what do I look like to you, Kol?" I decided to ask and find out. When Kol paused at my question, I thought I must've asked in a confusing way, so I continued, "Do you like me? Ah, I meant..." I hadn't meant to ask if he liked me, but rather if I looked like something he liked. Only now I didn't know how to fix my own words.

"Do I like you, hmm?" Kol asked, tilting his head as he looked at me from my face to my toes and back up again. Then he abruptly stepped into the bathroom, walking straight to me, before leaning forward to capture me in a controlling and obsessive kiss. My hands fell beside me uselessly and I lifted my face upwards, parting my lips so our kiss could grow deeper. I at some point lifted myself onto the tip of my feet, leaning my body against his as I became lost in his kiss.

I suddenly felt his large hands cupping my bottom, squeezing deliciously, and I gasped against his lips in surprise. He released his lips on mine to speak.

"If I say I like you, will you let me have you?" He asked, his voice low and husky.

"Even...," My heart was throbbing in my throat and it made it hard to speak, "Even if you didn't, I would." I blushed at my daring words, but it was honest. I would accept an unrequited love. Perhaps it was because I'd lived such a sheltered life or maybe I was just a stupid girl, but I couldn't fight against my heart. And he was what my heart wanted.

Kol lifted me from the ground and I had no choice but to wrap my legs around his waist and my arms around his neck. He seemed intent to take me in the room at first, but after wrapping my legs around him, Kol instead pushed me against the wall and devoured my lips. I could feel him against the apex of my thighs and it was such a new feeling that I shuddered against him.

"Hmmm, you're so responsive," Kol growled against my lips. I was too lost in my desire to let his words embarrass me. I pressed my lips against his and he laughed briefly before giving me what I wanted.

His hands ran over my bared skin as he held me firmly against the wall. I shivered at his touches, not used to the attention. My skin was alight with pleasure, giving away my Seraphim nature with a white glow. And then he trailed his hand up my side under my slip, pulling the fabric up with him until he gripped my breast firmly. I inhaled sharply in surprise, but only tightened my grip on him before arching my back for him to caress me more.

Kol released his grip on my breast and instead lifted me from the wall. I expected him to be rushed, but he was careful and slow as he began to walk into the bedroom. It gave me time to look into his face as he looked into mine. I lowered my lips over his eyes first, placing small and sweet kisses over them, before kissing his cheeks, nose, chin, and finally his lips. Love, my kisses whispered to him, I love you. I wondered if he heard them. I was too afraid to say it aloud.

Kol climbed onto the bed, still holding onto me, and finally laid me down with the pillows under my head. I looked up at him. His face was alight with desire, different from the anguished or devious desire from all our previous encounters. His desire seemed to hold fewer complications behind them; less being about revenge towards Niko or just being hungry for pain.

He began to lower his pants and I glanced more in curiosity than anything to see his member large and stiff before me. I blushed deeply, immediately closing my thighs tightly below him without meaning to. Kol growled lowly in reaction, but for some reason looked pleased rather than annoyed.

With strength too much for me to fight against, he pulled apart my trembling legs.

"Will it hurt?" I asked innocently, making Kol pause, closing his eyes as though trying to find control over himself.

His rough hand reached between my legs, immediately beginning to caress my most untouched and sacred area delicately. I gasped loudly at his invasive touch. "Yes," He growled into my ear as he continued to caress my core deeply. I whimpered as I felt the most new feelings of pleasure take me completely.

"Ah, Kol," I gasped, moving my hips against his hands delightfully.

"Cum for me, Rin," He ordered hungrily as his fingers carefully plunged into me demandingly. I clung onto his arm with one hand and the bedsheets with the other, curling my toes and bending my knees as he drove pleasure through me. I could feel something building within me, and while it was alarming, it was also something amazing.

"Ah! Ah, Kol," I called out as it continued to build before suddenly spilling over. I tightened all over with a cry, feeling waves of pleasure travel up and down my body before leaving me entirely soaked in my core and weak in the legs.

"I don't usually do that for other women," Kol stated, sounding quite pleased, "But you might hate me all the same in the end." I heard Kol's words and didn't understand them.

"What other women?" I asked about the only part my suddenly jealous self heard.

Before I got an answer, Kol parted my legs roughly and was abruptly pushing into me. I yelped at the fire of pain that came with his advancement. He paused, but then plunged into me deeper. I cried out and then whimpered repeatedly as I tensed all over painfully.

"Haaaa, you need to relax, love," Kol said, his voice caked with desired as he spoke. "You're so tight I just want to-" He pulled out just enough to roughly plunge as deep as he could into me, sighing with pleasure. I yelped at the pain of how big he was within me. My skin was damp with the pain. I felt him begin to move again and reached to stop him.

"W-wait! Wait, please," I pleaded, shivering against him as I tried to convince myself to relax as he had suggested. Amazingly, Kol did as I asked and waited as he felt me begin to smoothly relax around him. I frowned at him as though I'd been wronged, and he chuckled with amusement.

"I warned you," He said sweetly before frowning at a thought himself, "What a shame. I wanted to ravage you when you were tense all over and especially tight around me." I tensed in response to his statement and he looked delighted.

"Wai-" I began, but he already pulled back and shoved himself into me roughly. Only this time, it wasn't as painful as it had been the first time. When I didn't cry in pain, Kol seemed pleased and he began to pick up his speed. I felt like I couldn't breathe as he gripped my hips and began to repeatedly rock into them, filling me completely with his member as deep as he could manage.

At first, I felt discomfort, but then over time I felt that familiar feeling building within me. I began to move my hips against Kol's, asking for more. Each time he thrust into me, my body rocked from the near violence of it.

"Ah, Kol, I think I'm-" I said, just before the feeling exploded within me. I cried out in astonished pleasure, but it was only made overwhelming when Kol refused to stop plunging into me over and over as I tensed tightly under him.

"It feels like you're trying to swallow me whole," Kol sighed blissfully before he began to pick up his speed. He roughly tore into me, and I was left crying out as he rocked pleasure throughout me repeatedly. "I'll be nice and make it quick, Rin."

Kol had already been making love to me for at least an hour if not two, so I couldn't see how this was considered quick. However, I realized just how nice he'd been when he turned me over onto my stomach, lifting my hips so that my bottom was in the air, and he continued to slide solidly into me. I whimpered as he filled me overwhelmingly. It felt as though he could drive himself so much deeper.

"Wait," I tried to adjust.

"No," Kol responded thickly before he began to shove himself into me repeatedly as deep as he could. I yelped at the sensation of him so large and deep inside me, but it seemed to only excite him more. He gripped my hips and roughly plunged into me.

Just when I thought I might faint from exhaustion, Kol groaned, shoving into me just a couple of more times before holding me to him firmly. I winced when he finally removed himself from me, and then I turned onto my back to look at him. My gown was damp and see-through from our activities, but otherwise unharmed.

Kol disappeared into the bathroom and returned with a wet cloth after dressing himself. He crawled into bed beside me and began to wipe me down with the cloth gently. I only lay staring at him, eventually lifting my hand to play with his hair.

"I like you," I finally said, continuing the conversation from earlier. Though... I more than liked Kol and Niko. However, this was only as brave as I could get.

"Did you just decide this?" Kol said with a tone of self-satisfied amusement. I laughed.

"No. I had this thought... for awhile," I admitted sheepishly before remembering Lady Aurora's words about gratitude. I was going to give him a present eventually, but words could work, too. "Thank you for giving me your blood. I'd heard it can cause a weakness for you."

"That's an interesting way of saying it," Kol answered and I wanted to ask what he meant, but I ended up drifting off into a peaceful sleep before the words could leave my lips.

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Music: Emmit Fenn- Edge of the Dark