I leaned against the railing of the balcony, my chin on my hand as I peered at the darkness of the land of Seola before me from several floors high. My eyes tried to adjust to the black of the trees in the distance, beyond the wall of the Royal Daemon Estate, but it all just looked like an onyx sea. The Division was just in the distance, but I couldn't see a hint of Numa beyond the waters. I lifted my eyes from the land and waters below to the stars and moon above.

This at least was familiar. I could see the constellations I'd name childishly and the twinkling of the beautiful stars among the black sky comforted me. It also saddened me. I looked for the Three Cherubs, what I'd renamed the Three Kings of Orion's Belt. The stars were there, bright in the sky, and I stared at them, each one at a time. Their original names had been Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka, but I'd named them Lupita, Eliza, and Rory.

"Do you see them?" I pointed to the stars from the garden, the three babies looking up with me curiously. I held my hand in an L above them, aligning their sight so they could see Orion's Belt. "There's my Three Cherubs."

"Which one's me?" Lupa asked excitedly.

"The dullest one," Rory replied wisely, pointing firmly as though he'd known entirely about these stars his whole life. I chuckled with amusement.

"They're all three equally bright, Rory," I scolded him teasingly, running my hand over his blonde curls. Lupa stuck her tongue out at him firmly.

"You're the first one there, Lupita. See? Eliza is in the middle because she'll keep you and Rory from fussing in the sky. And Rory, you're there," I pointed to each one delicately. "If ever we part, I'll always see you together, there in the sky."

"What about you, Rin?" Liza chirped curiously, her sapphire eyes looking up at me with adoration, "Where are you?"

"She's there," Rory announced, pointing firmly at the star at the end of the little dipper. Polaris; the North Star. He looked at me with a smile. "Cause you're the most prettiest." I pinched his cheek lightly.

I stared at the Three Cherubs fondly and I missed them terribly, probably more so than my father if I was honest. I turned my gaze to find the North Star, dubbed Corrine by the three babies. I never noticed really until now just how far away the star was to them.

Gio was standing not too far behind me, quiet like a shadow. He had followed me through the building silently, only speaking when I asked him what a room was or to direct me away from a forbidden or dangerous area or direction. I never questioned his instincts, knowing as a daemon he could hear things I couldn't and probably sensed any other creatures nearby that he felt I should avoid. I thought I must be boring to him, settling on silent musings while staring at stars, but he didn't complain or look uncomfortable.

Niko and Kol... Prince Nikolas... he was my only friend here, if I could willingly call him that. I possibly could never hear the sound of delightful laughter in the halls again. I would possibly never share snacks, as it was a human thing, or play little pranks. Sylvia would never scold me and ask me to act my age. Father would never hug me to him, offering his wise advice and sneaking me sweets when I was in trouble. I could possibly never return home.

My eyes burned with tears, a homesickness heavy on my heart, until the stars blurred in my vision. I blinked the tears from my eyes, trying to keep the three stars in my vision, but my eyes continued to blur as soft sobs crept past my lips. I lowered my head into my hands to hide my face and wept morosely.

"Lady Corrine," Gio's voice called softly from beside me. I quickly straightened, rubbing my eyes with the back of my hands in an attempt to clear my reddened and wet face.

"Yes, S-sir Gio... Giovanni?" I addressed him, my voice trembling.

"Are you okay?" He tilted his head and though his words were kind, his expression was calm and controlled so that I wasn't sure what he was thinking.

"I-I'm fine," I whimpered, the tears still stubbornly falling freshly over my cheeks. But even in my sadness, I couldn't stand to taste the lie, "I miss my f-family. I didn't get to s-say goodbye." A new wave of pain flooded me and I lifted a hand, covering my eyes with the back of my hand as I sobbed. I felt like a child and I knew I must look pitiful to a daemon, especially a Knight, but try as I might, I couldn't get myself to stop.

"Lady," Gio said carefully and I felt a touch on my other hand that I'd left stiff beside me. Something was placed in my hand and Gio's fingers tightened my grip around it so that I wouldn't drop it. I tried to calm my cries, breathing unsteady shuddering gasps, and I lowered my hand from my eyes to look at the object uncertainly.

It was a folded paper, only it wasn't exactly a paper. I continued to gasp painfully, reaching to unfold the item until I recognized it. It was a picture of my family; the one I had removed from the frame and put in the handbag Kol had given me, along with a handful of other items. I'd considered the bag lost in the ship once Kol had thrown it away into the darkness. Now, the picture was before me, my father standing with Sylvia beside him, me between them, and around my legs my three siblings smiling brightly.

New tears were choking me, but they weren't one of despair. It was a joy; intense and horrible.

"I wasn't able to salvage anything else, unfortunately...," Gio began, his voice apologetic despite his stony features. Before he could say anything more, I stepped forward and threw my arms around his waist, burying my face into his chest, and hugged him tightly.

"Thank you," I mustered every ounce of grateful sincerity into each word, hoping to convey just how thankful I was in such a short manner. My words were muffled in his clothes, but I continued anyway, "Thank you, Gio... Sir... vanni..."

"Just... Gio is fine," He said with clear discomfort. I released him abruptly, stepping back with my hands clasping the photo delicately as I looked up at him in concern. Had I broken a rule? Perhaps Daemons don't accept hugs or... perhaps it was inappropriate.

"I'm sorry," I said quickly.

"I don't think I'll ever get used to you," Gio suddenly responded, an exasperated sigh escaping his lips as he tilted his head back, his eyes closing and his face twisting into one of exhaustion just momentarily. He gained control of his features shortly after, looking back to me solidly. "My Lady, please don't relay to the Prince that you embraced me. I would be executed immediately."

"I'm sorry," I repeated, turning pale at the idea of my thoughtlessness causing Gio's death.

"My Lady, please consider learning to be less polite in the future. Royals don't say things like sorry, thank you, and please to non-Royals," Gio suggested slowly. I hesitated, but then the statement was so absurd to me that I laughed suddenly. I lifted my hand to cover my mouth, trying to keep myself from laughing further, but I couldn't stop the smile on my lips.

"Sir Gio, please consider me a non-Royal or if it's better, consider yourself a Royal around me," I replied, another trickle of laughter falling from my lips. "I could never be rude to anyone who didn't deserve it and even then... I don't think I could either. If it isn't too much of a bother, would you call me by Rin from now on?"

Gio lifted his hand up to rub through his hair, drawing my attention to his face.

"Oh, I understand it now," Gio sighed, speaking more to himself than me. He turned his crimson eyes to peer at me with his face turned slightly. "If it means you'll stop crying, then yes, I'll call you... Lady... Rin." Gio said my name with difficulty as though the slightly less formal speech was painful for him.

I smiled brightly and began walking back into the building, my steps much lighter than they had been before. My happiness was short lived. Maids were waiting for me in front of the changing area beside the Prince's bedroom when I returned. They began to adjust my appearance so that I looked my best for dinner. Apparently, word traveled fast and everyone already knew of the Prince's promise to me to meet me daily. They also all seemed unaffected by Gio's presence nearby at all times like a dark shadow just out of vision.

I ended up in a grand dining room with a table large enough to fit my entire Adara family back to my cousins even. Two sets were prepared at the end, one where I was seated and the other next to me on the end of the table. My food was taken out, prepared on a plate with a drink poured sweetly into my cup. And then I was alone except for Gio and a server by the door should I need them.

I lifted a spoon to stir what looked like a creamy soup. It smelled wonderful. But I couldn't find it in me to eat anything. I placed my elbow on the tabletop and leaned my chin against my palm as I absently stirred the soup quietly. Sylvia would have an absolutely fit if she saw such improper posture in a dining setting, alone or otherwise.

Where was Niko? Had he not been true when saying he'd eat with me, even if I was really the only one eating? Maybe it would be too much of a burden for someone like him.

I thought of his cold silence after Kol had been taken over by Niko and of my embarrassment; my concerns. Perhaps Niko only saw me as a silly girl who had caught Kol's attention for something mild as Niko speaking to me. Now that I had a guard, he could leave me alone while he figured out a way to send me back without incurring Kol's responding wrath.

"Is it not to your liking, Lady Corrine? Would you like something else?" The server spoke up suddenly. I sat up quickly, not wanting to appear to be ungrateful. I was in Seola, the land of Daemons and darkness. I could've been treated like nothing more than a slave, but thanks to Niko I was being treated like royalty.

"No, it's fine. I'm just... not hungry right now," I answered hesitantly. I considered just leaving my food to retire back in Niko's bedroom, but before I could decide, the door to the dining room opened and a strange daemon was standing stiffly. He bowed just slightly towards me.

"Lady Corrine, Prince Nikolas asked me to let you know he will be unable to make dinner tonight. He's been caught in an important meeting." The man announced his message quickly and waited pointedly for a response. I thought I would feel disappointed, but instead I felt something of relief. Niko had taken time to send a message, even though he couldn't come himself. He wouldn't do that if he planned to ignore me until further notice.

"Thank you for coming all the way here to tell me," I replied, a sincere smile falling on my lips. The daemon looked startled, as though this response wasn't what he expected at all. I lifted my hand towards my lips thoughtfully and mused aloud, "I suppose I'll have to just wait to see him later."

The messenger bowed again before stepping back and leaving me with only a glance towards Gio who pointedly ignored him. I grasped my spoon again and began to taste the soup, gaining some of my appetite back. The drink was familiar; the dryness of wine that I was beginning to feel fond towards. When I finished the small bowl, the server brought out more entrees, involving meats that seemed to match perfectly with the wine. I ate what I could, giving my compliments to the chef, and returned to Niko's room with Gio in tow.

I allowed Vienna and Shan to assist me with a bath, and by allowed I mean they pretty much forced me to allow them to. The water was soothing in warm oils and fragrances that I hadn't known about before. It was delightful.

Once I was in my sleeping gown, I was allowed my own peace within Niko's bedroom. I led on the sofa near the fireplace, my torso slumped against the back of the seat with my hands dangling lazily. There was a clock above the fireplace and so I could see it was 10 o'clock, but I couldn't be sure if it was in the morning or evening. Would Niko be too busy to return to his bed tonight? Then again, this place was much larger than the Adara mansion... if we had a wealth of extra bedrooms, I'm sure Niko had plenty of places he could retire to rather than here.

By the blackened window was a small display of bottles of liquor. I thought about it I sighed, pushing myself to my feet slowly. I could still feel the heat of the bath and the wine under this. I carefully stepped to the door of the bedroom, leaning against it as though I might hear something on the other side. I tapped my fingertip on the door, just a couple of times, and waited.

"Gio," I whispered, far too quietly for any normal person to hear.

"Do you need something, Lady Corrine?" Gio's voice was deep and carried easily through the surface of the door.

"Rin," I corrected him, my voice still hushed. "Will you drink with me for a little bit?"

Gio was quiet for a moment and I wondered if he was planning on just ignoring me now. But then his voice carried over, "Prince Nikolas' room is off limits for all personnel, punishable by execution." I widened my eyes, jolted into remembering how no one was allowed to even touch the Prince's door. And then I laughed lightly, imagining Kol's more aggressive nature being the reason behind this.

"Okay," I answered and stepped away from the door. I walked to the bottles of liquor, grabbing one bottle that had already been opened and was clear in color. I grasped two glasses and with the bottle, I walked back to the door, opening it quickly to step into the hallway.

Gio was standing just off the side of the door diligently, looking nothing more than a statue blending into the background. I walked towards him confidently before lowering myself to sit next to him with my back also against the wall. I placed the glasses on the floor, opening the bottle clumsily before pouring a bit into each glass. Then I look up and to my side towards Gio who hadn't moved at all.

I reached for the fabric of his pants, tugging on his clothing for his attention. Gio glanced at me when I did this and patted the ground at his feet.

"Come on. Don't be such a...," I frowned at him, uncertain of how to accurately describe one who would ignore me, "... grumpy... old, boring..."

Gio slid down the wall until he was sitting next to me, the motion so fluid that it startled me. He reached for both of the glasses, holding mine to me invitingly. I laughed, reaching for it before sniffing it curiously. Gio drank his in one throwback without so much a grimace on his face. I tasted it and cringed at the strength of the alcohol that greeted me.

"You're not supposed to sip it," Gio said with amusement. "Have you never drank before?"

I blushed in embarrassment over my inexperience, but I didn't want to admit to it. The most I've ever drank was the wine I'd been given while here.

"I've drank... things...," I protested before taking a deep breath, pinching my nose, and pouring the drink through my lips. I released my nose to cover my mouth, afraid I would try to spit it out, before swallowing it with great difficulty. But once done, I felt a sense of pride and lifted my empty glass triumphantly. "See?"

"A real pro," Gio responded dryly. He lifted the bottle to pour more into our glasses.

"Do you have weapons on you?" I asked him abruptly, already heated from the wine and only feeling flushed further from the liquor we were drinking now. Gio was already drinking from his second glass, but he paused to look at me expressionlessly.

"I do; a dagger and my shadow blade." I looked at his form curiously. I hadn't seen anything like a blade on him. He hid it well.

"Are you good at fighting?" I nursed my drink, not feeling brave enough to attempt to down it again.

"I like to think I am," Gio replied, pouring himself another drink before glancing at me. "Are you quitting?" I tightened my grip on the glass and shook my head. I didn't really care about the drinking. I just didn't want to be alone, if I was honest. I hadn't had silence to myself since the triplets had been born and I missed their chaos.

"How about a drinking game, then?"

"A game?" I was intrigued. Sylvia would be appalled. I was too old for games. Gio pulled a gold coin from his pocket, an image of the king etched on one side and a symbol on the other. It was daemon currency, though I hadn't learned the conversion rate or what each individual coin or bill was in comparison to Numa's currency.

"I can control which side this coin lands on every time," Gio told me, flipping the coin between his fingers easily. It was amazing, but his statement seemed a little exaggerated.

"I'm sure you can't control it every time," I said skeptically.

"Then let's flip it. If I call it, you have to drink. If you call it, I'll drink," Gio challenged me with determination. I watched as he called heads and flipped the coin, catching it and revealing it to be correct.

"That's just luck," I cried out, but took a reluctant drink before holding my hand. "Give it." Gio smirked, but then put the coin on my palm. I tried to flip the coin, failing, and tried again to fail again. I'd never done a game like this before and it was embarrassing how easy it seemed yet I couldn't get it.

Gio grabbed the coin, placing it atop of his finger with his thumb just under it. "Like this," He instructed with great patience. I replicated what he did, flicking my thumb for the coin to flip in the air. I gasped in delight, reaching out to catch it and place on my hand to reveal it was tails.

"I forgot to call it..." I said, dumbfounded before suddenly smile. "Oh well, drink anyway."

"Cheat," Gio replied shortly, but he drank anyway.

We continued to play with the coin, my laughter lifting through the hallway as I tried various methods to win such as lunging for the coin to make it land differently than Gio wanted. After awhile, I couldn't drink anymore. My head was floating even more so than when I'd drank the glasses of wine. Gio was trying to balance the coin on the edge of his glass, seeming to be completely sober despite having drunk more than I did.

I was staring at the coin as though in a daze. Then I began to doze off, my body sliding to the floor as I rested my head beside my glass, my face red from the liquor.

"Lady Rin," Gio called to me, his hand on my shoulder as he shook me lightly. "You shouldn't sleep out here. We'll be in trouble if we're caught like this..." I ignored his concerns, entirely content in resting on the hallway floor.

After a moment of internal struggle, Gio stood and reached for me. He slid his arms under my legs and across my back, lifting me like a child. I didn't resist him, nor did I notice when he did the forbidden; opening the door to the Prince's bedroom. Gio walked across the room determinedly, lowering me over the surface of the bed carefully. My hand dangled off the edge of the bed and he reached for it, intending to place it over my stomach.

Gio paused, looking at my wrist for a moment. He then leaned forward, his mouth just over the surface of my wrist carefully. He breathed in slowly, moving his lips over my skin with just enough distance to not actually be touching me. I opened my eyes, blinking in a daze as I looked at his form just over me. His crimson eyes turned to mine sharply. His eyes looked like Niko's, glowing in the darkness familiarly.

"Niko," I murmured. Gio lifted my arm to place it over my stomach and left without responding.

The next day I woke up alone. I got dressed and had breakfast alone. I wandered the building with Gio following in the distance, only speaking up to direct me away from danger zones. I kept trying doors in hopes of leading outside, but many lead to only more rooms of various natures or were locked from me.

"Do they have a garden here, Sir Gio?" I turned to address Gio despite the fact that he was a few steps behind. I turned again to look down the halls, uncertain about my direction.

"You want outside." The statement wasn't accusatory, but it wasn't exactly a lofty one either. From the way he didn't directly say no, as he does for the danger zones, I knew he must not have been directly told that I couldn't go outside. Yet a part of him probably thought it wasn't something he should do.

"I don't want outside of the walls. I just wanted some fresh air," I replied before feeling a sense of sadness at the idea that I might not be allowed outside ever again. "I feel like I'm suffocating."

Gio stared at me a moment with those crimson eyes, his thoughts unclear to discern through his expressions. And then he abruptly began to walk past me without a word. I jolted, hurrying to catch up to his sudden pace with renewed happiness.

After a short walk along the halls, down several flights of stairs, Gio finally indicated to a set of double doors and stepped aside for me to go ahead of him. I did so with utmost curiosity, pushing open only the left door to find myself on a stairway entrance into a massive garden encircled by the walls of the castle. It wasn't like any garden I'd seen before, though I only had the Adara in comparison. It was fleshy with forest like trees, shrubs and bushes, a stream cutting through the middle leading to a wide pond with a small cascading waterfall on the corner.

I stepped through the garden in wonder, looking up at the strange and crooked trees with both curiosity and uncertain fear. My hands lifted against my will, tightening into clasped fists over my chest as though it would protect me from being scratched or bitten by the dangerous looking plant-life. The trees were deep shades of green, nearly black, with twisted branches that held jagged points of thorns unlike any tree in Numa; which were smooth and welcoming.

I approached the pond, crouching down to touch the surface of the cool water with my fingertips. The fish were surprisingly colorful, a shimmer of deep gold and oil-like purples. They danced around my fingers when I didn't move and darted away with surprising speed when I did. I heard a shuffling in the shrubbery in the distance and stood quickly.

A set of crimson eyes were glowing among the bushes, low to the ground. I was immediately afraid, but I took a moment to remind myself that Gio was nearby and he would protect me. Whatever it was that looked at me in the night was probably a strange Seola plant or maybe a creature. What kind of creatures were in this land?

I took a step towards the eyes, jumping when they shuffled in response. It had to be a creature. I crouched down onto my hands and knees, lifting a hand up towards the eyes beckoning.

"Come here, little creature. I won't hurt you," I coaxed the eyes curiously, holding my hand palm up as though it would give me theirs. Nothing happened for a moment, but then the creature came closer, the tip of its nose and mouth peaking through the leaves. I blinked in surprise as its head emerged, its nose lifting to my hand and sniffing curiously.

It was like a fox... but entirely different. Its eyes were red like a daemon's. It was small; extremely small. In fact I could carry it in my hands easily except I didn't want to scare the creature away. Its fur was a deep onyx, almost like it was a shadow more than anything else. It suddenly lunged forward, biting my pinky sharply. I gasped, the pain a surprise, but the beast released me and licked the small bite mark as though it were joyful rather than aggressive. Was this how its kind showed love? With small acts of aggression?

"You found a Shadow Daemon," Gio's voice suddenly claimed from behind me. I feared a moment that the creature would run away in his presence, but it instead lunged towards my legs, seeming to disappear in my own shadow with only its red eyes peering out. "They can shade themselves in shadows. That one looks like a pup. I wonder how it got into the royal garden..."

"Don't be afraid," I said coaxingly, reaching for the glowing eyes until my hands were touching what I couldn't even see. I lifted the creature from the shadows under me and cradled it in my arms. It appeared stunned. "Are you a girl or boy?" I asked the creature as though it could speak. It only squirmed in my arms until it was no longer on its back, but otherwise didn't try to jump from my grip.

"It's a boy," Gio answered me before tilting his head, "You should put it down. It might have... disease or something."

"I want to keep him," I announced determinedly, already entirely attached to the creature. It looked up at me with its tiny face and blinked slowly; a black daemon furry baby fox. "Look how tiny and cute you are. You remind me of Prince Nikolas."

Gio made a noise like he was choking for a second, but when I glanced at him he had already stiffened into his professional stance without emotion. I looked back to the Shadow Daemon, stroking its fur delightfully.

"I'll name you Prince," I said, turning to head back towards the castle.

"The Prince will not like you having a pet Shadow Daemon," Gio warned me, "It may look tiny and cute now, but they're not like that forever."

"I've never had a pet before, but I've always wanted one," I cooed at Prince, continue to stroke his fur happily. The creature seemed to vibrate in my arms silently and I knew it was how he showed his own happiness.

"There are much safer animals you can have as a pet. They won't eat you in your sleep," Gio continued to warn me, though something in his tone signified that he doubted he could convince me to change my mind.

"You're not going to eat me, are you, Prince?" I asked the shadow daemon teasingly.

"He's not going to like that you named it Prince," Gio added simply. I ignored him, prancing the rest of my way to Prince Nikolas' room. I spent the rest of my day showering Prince with love, even if he didn't particularly enjoy some of it. I bathed him, much to the dismay of the maids. They had stepped forward to stop me, but Prince can sound so threatening even in such a tiny body and he didn't like the maids at all. They also seemed a bit terrified of the creature.

I chased Prince around with a towel after his bath, watching as he darted into impossibly small shadows behind counters and still disappeared except for his glowing eyes. It was amusing, seeing him skinny and wet yet still refusing to get dried. I finally collapsed on the ground laughing and then held my breath and pretended to be dead. After a moment of silence, Prince suddenly darted towards me, jumping on top of me before rolling around on my clothes as though to dry himself with me instead. I lunged for him, smothering him with a towel, and giggling as he jumped around in my arms.

I forgot about lunch, spending my time playing with Prince in the bedroom where no one would bother me, and when I became hungry it was just about time for dinner, if I went based on the time before. I got ready in the changing room with Prince at my feet, growling at anyone who got too close. I nudged him every time to silence him, but it was obvious it would take time to tame him.

I wondered if I should leave the creature in the room for dinner, but then I thought maybe he would be hungry too so I shouldn't. I arrived to the dining room, taking a seat, and beginning the wait for Niko to come see me.

"Gio, what do shadow daemons eat?" I asked Gio curiously, glancing down at Prince who was still determined to hide at my feet.

"Humans," Gio responded menacingly, catching a glance from the server.

"Really?" I asked, my heart dropping.

"They're from the Dark Realm just as we are," Gio answered shortly before adding, "They eat raw meat and blood. Usually other animals in the wild. They do have a taste for humans, but they can survive without them."

I was staring at him openly now. The Dark Realm?

"What's the Dark Realm?" I braved to ask curiously.

"Something I shouldn't have mentioned, for fear of execution," Gio replied shortly before reverting back to his silent statue stage. I wouldn't get any further comments from him for awhile, now.

"I'm starting to think you make it a goal to break all rules punishable by death at this point," I muttered, poking at my food absently. I turned to address the server reapproachfully, "Excuse me. Can you bring out some raw meat? Not human? For my shadow daemon?"

The server was hesitant, glancing around suddenly as though he hadn't seen Prince at all. I suppose it made sense because he'd been hiding in my shadow the entire way here.

"Of course, Lady Corrine," The server responded uncertainly before leaving. I suppose if this castle was anything like my home, it would be too improper to own a beast, especially one picked up from the wild like a stray. But I didn't have any friends here and it was already too lonely, so I would keep my Prince as long as I was able to.

The server came with a bowl of raw meat, the blood still seeping from it and pooling under as though it had been marinated with it. It didn't look appeasing to me at all. I indicated where to put the bowl and after a moment, Prince slid from the shadows and began to eat with hungry vigor. A familiar man stepped into the dining hall, bowing slightly.

"Lady Corrine, Prince Nikolas sent me to let you know he will be unable to attend dinner tonight. He is extremely behind on a report that is due tomorrow. He sends his apologies," The man pretty much repeated what he'd said before. I frowned, a disappointment setting in my soul, but nodded before smiling lightly.

"Thank you, Sir," I answered politely. The messenger hesitated, as though he still wasn't sure what to make of me, and then left once more. I did my best to eat what had been prepared for me, alone within the dining hall again, but was unable to find the appetite to quite finish anything. When I'd given up, I wandered towards Niko's bedroom again.

I suppose he was extremely busy, being a Prince of not only Seola, but also holding dominion over Numa as well. I wondered if he would return to his room tonight. He hadn't the night before, so I had to believe he probably wouldn't this night either. How long would he be absent?

I lifted my hand up to touch my neck under my chin, searching for a sign of nightburn. How many days did it take for it to settle in before? What would I do if it happened again and Niko hadn't returned?

I approached the bedroom door, glancing at Gio who stationed beside it.

"You don't stay here all night and day, do you?" I asked, a sense of concern washing over me. "When do you get rest?"

"Once you're asleep, I send for a replacement guard and return after I've rested," Gio replied as though this was considered common sense.

"Oh," I said, relieved. "Goodnight then, Sir Gio."

"Sleep well, Lady Rin," Gio answered simply.

I changed into my sleepwear, slipping into bed easily. I patted the spot next to me, summoning Prince from the floor. He pranced onto the bed and curled up against me comfortably, and I felt a sense of comfort. At least, I wouldn't be entirely alone, with Prince beside me.

The next day, I played with Prince in a large library; of which Gio informed me was Prince Nikolas' personal library so no other person would disturb us. I was reading the titles of various books on the shelf when Prince began to prance around me, tugging at my clothes, and vying for attention like a child. Used to such antics from three little children back home, I began to chase after him, giggling as I'd almost reach him even through his shadow tricks.

Prince Nikolas didn't make it to dinner or his room this night either.

The next day, I found a room that reminded me of the home studio my family had at the Adara mansion, though this one was possibly meant as something more... more like a massive ballroom. The room was clear of any furniture. The walls were lined from floor to ceiling in mirrors. The ceiling had the largest chandelier I'd seen.

There were lifted areas at various corners of the ballroom, where I imagined music players could stage. And maybe royal tables set up to look over all the attendances of any meeting or dance. I stepped to the center of the room, looking around curiously, and imagining a fancy birthday banquet or something of the sort. I imagined the music playing, maybe something classical like expected for royalty.

I began to sway; straightening my posture and pointing my feet in a correct stance for the dance I'd practiced back home. Prince pranced around me as I twirled slowly, putting minimal effort into any twist, turn, and dip. I didn't feel as though I had the energy to play with Prince, my energy beginning to feel depleted as though I were some neglected flower.

Niko was unable to attend dinner on this night as well. I fell asleep with a frown, Prince curled against me, and wondered when I'd see the Mad Prince again.

I woke up to the sound of a growl rumbling against me. Prince was across my stomach, a shadow in the darkness, but the sound of his growl carried much deeper than one would expect from such a small creature.

"Why is there a shadow daemon in my bed?" Niko's voice lifted with amusement in the darkness.

I sat up suddenly. "Prince!" I scolded the beast lightly before blushing, recalling Gio's warning that the Prince wouldn't like my pet's name. "Niko..."

"I see, I've been replaced already," Niko mused, turning on the lamp next to the bed. He reached for my hand, lifting to look at my pinky that still had the faint marks of Prince's love bite. Niko turned to the creature, a growl forming in his own chest dangerous. "She's mine, shadow daemon."

Prince seemed to shrink in response, crawling from the bed and disappearing in the shadows nearby. I pouted at Niko unhappily.

"Don't be mean to Prince. He's my friend," I said with a frown.

"No one has ever been able to tame a shadow daemon, Rin," Niko said cautiously, "You can keep the beast for now, but when it grows and turns on you, Gio or I will kill it. So try not to get too attached." I wanted to protest, but I knew Niko and Gio would know more about the creatures in their own land than I would, so whatever warnings they gave must be out of concern than malice. I nodded carefully, unhappy but accepting.

"You haven't come to see me in days," I suddenly changed the topic to what was already on the tip of my tongue. Niko frowned and reached to rub the back of his neck uncomfortably.

"Yes, I'm sorry. I've had too much to catch up on..." Niko explained what I already knew, so the entire subject was a waste of time on my end. I suppose I just wanted him to say sorry in person. I pushed the blanket from my legs, perching on the edge of the bed as he knelt before me on a knee.

"I'm starting not to feel well," I told him, leading to an uncertain point of the topic.

"Lift your head," Niko answered without any hesitation. I did as he asked and he inspected the skin of my throat and shoulders carefully. "There's nothing there yet, but we should prevent it anyways. Come on a walk with me?"

Niko lifted his hand invitingly, waiting for my response. I hesitated.

"To the scary chair?" I asked uncertainly.

"The castle goes into lockdown during the day. The sun only rises for six hours here. That's the only safe place I can take you to prevent the nightburn," Niko explained far more than Kol had been willing to. I recalled the pain of nightburn and I didn't want to feel it again. I lifted my hand to take Niko's lightly and allowed him to lead me towards the strange room I felt was probably something of a dungeon for Seraphim in the past. A strange guard had been posted at the bedroom door, but Niko ordered him to stay back firmly so that we would be alone.

He carefully led me up several stairs to the room, listening intently for any followers, before unlocking an entrance that looked none-too-welcoming. The familiar view of sheets covering several tables and chairs greeted me, and in the back was the dome that Kol had left me in before. I entered without coaxing, sitting on the frightening torture chair with shackles on it, making sure not to touch the mercury infused shackles as Kol had warned before.

Prince suddenly appeared at my feet, sniffing the chair curiously.

"You'll die if you stay in there," Niko warned the beast as though it would understand him. He didn't seem surprised that Prince was here, so I knew he must've sensed the creature following us the entire way.

I reached for Prince, lifting him before me. Had he already gotten larger? He spilled over my hands now when before he fit in them perfectly.

"Wait outside for me, okay?" I told him adoringly. He vibrated in my hands happily, and when I released him, he pranced back outside the dome, sitting most obediently with only a glance at Niko.

"It'll be dark for a second," Niko warned me.

"Okay," I said nervously, but I still tensed when he shut the door, leaving me in the solid darkness. My heart jolted in my chest, the fear rising within me. It was only for a moment. A square of metal opened in the ceiling, flooding the dome with the brightest of sunshine. I lifted my face, feeling the warmth of the sun sooth over me delightfully. I leaned my head back against the chair, closing my eyes as I bathed in the sun gratefully.

I wasn't sure how long I was in there before the ceiling abruptly closed again and Niko opened the door, gesturing for me to come. I must've fallen asleep because my mind was fuzzy. I grasped the arms of the chair, lifting myself, but when I went to step forward, my hand slid along the arm of the chair and brushed against the shackle.

It felt like the metal had been heated nearly into melted steel and the burn that shocked my hand made me yelp loudly. I ripped my hand away, the flame of the metal throbbing on my palm painfully. Niko was suddenly before me, grasping my wrist and blowing on the inflamed flesh as though he could cool it with his breath.

"It hurts," I whimpered, afraid to close my hand around the wound.

Niko used his hands to open mine further, inspecting the burn carefully. It had broken the skin just enough to scorch the flesh similarly to how the silver had on Kol's skin when I had found him in that dungeon. I winced at every movement. Without a word, Niko lifted his thumb to his mouth, fangs flashing in the dark as he bit into the pad of his finger without any sign of pain. Then he lowered his bleeding finger to my hand. I gasped when his thumb touched my wound, swiping over it gently despite the tenderness. And then I watched as the pain faded and the wound seemed to begin to heal before my eyes.

"You need to be more careful. If anyone sees a weakness like this, they'll find out what you are," Niko warned me, his concern clear in his words. I closed my hand into a fist, stepping forward to the tip of my toes to place a kiss upon his lips carefully. After a moment, I stepped back, blushing deeply.

"Thank you," I said sheepishly.

Niko looked surprised, but also rigid in response to my bold actions. After all, he was still a prince and he didn't consider our engagement valid. Was I too improper? Would he think I was becoming too desperate for his attention? Perhaps he didn't see me in any other way than an unfortunate soul he'd taken upon himself to help.

"I'll escort you back to the bedroom," Niko finally said, releasing his grip on my hand. I followed him quietly back towards the bedroom, watching him walk ahead of me curiously. Maybe it was the sun that had just been heating on my skin that made it flush red against my will. I felt warmth all over as I watched him stride purposely, his form so tall and manly, and his face strikingly handsome. Was I too ugly to interest someone like him? I'd never seen female daemons as of yet besides Madame Lena, but perhaps they were all breathtakingly beautiful like him.

The strange guard was still posted nearby the bedroom door instead of Gio. Niko paused before the door, waiting for me to go in. I realized then that he intended to depart from me here. He must've only come to make sure I didn't get nightburn in his absence.

"Gio hasn't returned yet," I said, stalling obviously. "That means the sun is still up, right?"

"That's true," Niko stated simply.

"Then that means you still have time to rest, right?" I asked quietly, lifting my hand to my lips shyly. Had I gone mad? Was a handsome face all it took to sway me, no matter the madness behind it? Was my heart so easily captured?

"That's true," Niko answered, looking away briefly with that same expression of discomfort. He was so very striking. I supposed it was true. My heart was surely captured if it was racing this hard and not able to run away.

"Will you stay with me then?"

Niko hesitated to answer, but then said slowly, "I suppose I can't refuse." And with that, he stepped into the bedroom ahead of me, holding the door open so that I could follow him in. I was already dressed still in my night gown, though it wasn't the most appropriate attire, it was enough. Niko walked towards his closet, stepping in to begin changing as well. I crawled into bed and Prince immediately darted up as though to join me as he was now accustomed to.

Niko stepped back into the room and all it took was a glance for Prince to suddenly leap from the bed into the shadows to hide. I sat up to watch him disappear, but then glanced at Niko before snuggling under the blanket again. Niko was wearing a white t-shirt and a pair of shorts, looking far less dressed than I was used to... except for that time... with Kol... I blushed just thinking about it.

Niko turned off the light, casting the room into darkness that made me stiffen. Normally I kept one of the lamps over by the far end of the room on so that it wasn't completely dark. I clasped my hands into fists and closed my eyes frightfully.

"Are you afraid?" Niko's voice asked from beside me. He had crawled into the bed without me noticing. I opened my eyes reluctantly, rolling over to reach for Niko despite my embarrassment. He was tense the moment I touched him, but just my hands grasping his shirt was enough to calm me. He was really close.

"I'm okay as long as you're here," I managed, trembling. After a moment, I shifted closer to Niko, lining my body against his carefully before looking up into those crimson eyes. They looked so dangerous in the night and yet they comforted me. I began to doze off into a peaceful sleep in his arms.

I twisted so that my back was against Niko's form, squirming until I was comfortably fit against him. For a moment, he didn't move, but then he carefully placed an arm over me, holding me against him firmly. I lifted my hand to clasp at his wrist comfortably. I could feel his legs against mine, his skin rough against my own. I squirmed a bit, wriggling my legs against his until he shifted enough for me to entangle his with my own.

I felt Niko's breath just behind my ear and I stiffened but otherwise held still. He leaned forward further and I felt a trace of his lips on my neck just behind my earlobe, trailing down towards my shoulders just briefly.

"You smell good," Niko murmured, his voice low in the darkness. I remembered the pain of his bite, the rush of euphoria after, and the heat of the desire that followed. It had been embarrassing, but the effects were something I could recall easily like something of a drug. I felt a brush of fangs on my neck and gasped, an overwhelming heat responding to the tease. "Shouldn't you say no?"

The question was shameful. I felt I should say no, but instead I waited openly, agreeably, as though my body belonged to him and could be used however he wished. Shameful. I felt his lips on my skin again and tightened my grasp on his wrist, squirming against him in response. The teasing... it was overwhelming, as if my body remembered the pleasure in his bite and wanted it desperately.

Niko lifted his arm from over me and began to run it over my arm slowly. Without his arm to grab, I clasped my hand into a fist and held it tight to my chest as though I could slow my heartbeat myself. He reached down to trace his fingers over my leg delicately. In all my movement, my gown had started to creep up my legs and was now just under my hips. Shameful.

Niko lifted it further, spanning his palm over my stomach and pulling me snug against him. I gasped in surprise and desire, feeling the bulge of his member under his shorts tight against my bottom, now bared against him.

"Will you say no?" Niko asked, rocking against me suggestively. His legs, already entwined in mine, bent until his knee was between them, parting them purposely. When he rocked into me again, I could feel his bulge deep against my sex, igniting pleasure throughout me. "You won't say no?"

"Niko," I gasped, moving against him mindlessly. I could still feel his breath over my skin, that temptation to sink his fangs into me lingering as he rocked against me hungrily.

"You're glowing," Niko growled huskily, a satisfaction in his words.

"Please," I pleaded, asking for several things.

Niko panted as though he were struggling to breathe, his mouth over the bend of my neck and shoulder. I breathed heavily against him, waiting for him to strike without struggling. And then he suddenly was no longer in the bed with me. I squirmed even with him gone, the glow of my skin still shining from leftover feelings of pleasure.

"Are you leaving me?" I asked the darkness, knowing he was still nearby. I ran my hand over my stomach and lower, tightening my grasp on my gown before twisting helplessly. "Do you not want me?"

Niko was suddenly there at the end of the bed, his hand clasping the corner bedpost before he leaned forward dangerously. His eyes glowed brightly in the darkness, watching my form on the bed like a wolf with prey in its sight.

"I want you," Niko admitted, his voice deep with unsaid words as though the statement didn't quite cover it, "That's been the problem since the beginning, Rin. Get some rest." He left without a sound, leaving me alone. I felt shameful, but also disappointed.

I sighed, twisting on the bed unhappily, and called out into the dark room, "Come here, Prince." The shadow daemon seemed to materialize beside me, bounding happily before curling up against me. And even though the room was entirely dark, even after my glow faded, I still felt a comfort that eased me into an albeit not-so-restful sleep.

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Music: Stileto- Let's Just (feat. Alus & Luke Baker)