This one is a bit longer than the other ones, but that's what happens when you dish out 3k+ words in a day, haha. Oh, and I decided to experiment with POV changes, so... yeah.
This feels like a filler to me, but... it's not. Anyways, enjoy.
(This is Unbeta'd and I edit/review it myself, so all mistakes are my own.)


For hours they rode, taking breaks frequently in order to allow Castielle rest and to rehydrate her of her fever-induced sweating. As often as he could, Henry forced her to munch on a piece of bitter, dry hardtack to just keep a little something in her stomach despite her adamant refusal. In protest of food, she would puff up her cheeks and keep her lips shut tight like a petulant child, convinced that it would prevent any sort of sustenance from entering her body. Little did she know that, instead of letting her be, he would just glare and pinch her cheeks together before shoving a piece in her mouth and telling her to chew.

As annoying as it was, in the end, the Omega would have no strength left to argue but to comply with the Alpha's demand. Not without glowering back, of course.

The sun was beginning to set and the cold was already biting into her core, the bear pelt long since lost its ability to keep her heat. So, between the two of them and a half-coherent conversation, they decided to ride towards the Kingdom of Perdition, which happened to be a lot closer than they had originally thought. Closer than Providence, at least. Far beyond the horizon, they could see the faint, thin, dark outline of the Kingdom's walls, and there would be the place where they would rest until Castielle was better.

"Jimmy, sweetheart," Henry called quietly, trying to get her attention with a loose grip on her waist. Castielle slowly blinked her eyes opened, still between the veil of sleep and lucidity. Humming her acknowledgement, she looked up at the Alpha, still leaning her head back in the crook of his neck. It is only because this is the most comfortable position, she tells herself (as she takes another whiff of the Alpha. It's really embarrassing behavior to be quite honest.)

She could see bright green looking down, knowing that the Alpha was looking at her as she slowly closes her eyes once more and succumbs to the darkness—sunlight burning behind her eyelids irritating her already pounding head. The horses had already come to a stop, the nausea settling down once again. More than once had she had to throw herself to the side in order to satisfy her body's need to expel and relent to the illness. A thumb was barely ghosting against her side, while a hand snuck up and rested against her forehead. "You've still got a fever," he muttered to himself.

With as much strength as she could muster, Castielle half-heartedly attempted to swat the hand away as it fell away from her face. She didn't want to be coddled by the Alpha, only adding fuel to her small fire that needed to be extinguished as soon as possible. The ride consisted of being in and out of shallow dreams that revolved around her life in Caelum, a far future that included pups with messy, blonde hair and bright, green eyes. Those dreams instantly shook her out of sleep with a sharp gasp and a sharp pang of longing in her chest; but those dreams would slowly fade away as fast as they come. Worry would linger in the back of her mind, but for reasons unknown, she wouldn't be able to place the reason as to why it was there.

Eyes still closed, she felt the mouthpiece of the water skin against her chapped lips and drank greedily. Her tongue and throat were parched from the fast winds and the droplet of drool that might or might not have dribbled down the corner of her mouth onto her cloak. Henry scolded her for drinking too quickly before pulling the water skin away in order to speak with her full attention.

"Providence is still a couple of days ride, so are you okay with staying in Perdition for a while?"

"Mm…" Castielle hummed, nodding, not really caring where they went as long as she was comfortable and warm and with company. A couple of extra days with the Alpha were a couple of days extra she would gladly (and greedily) take. But that was nobody's business.

Even if it wasn't Perdition, she would comply. But alas, she actually enjoyed Perdition despite their tainted reputation. She missed her Uncle Crowley, not having seen him since the night she received the blade those few years ago. Castielle knew that people would find as many small nuances as they can in order to sully the name of King Crowley and his "minions," but she always saw the good in him. To be fair, she knew that privately, he had a soft spot for her.

Maybe once she felt better, she could sneak away and drop by as a surprise, despite how dangerous that could potentially be. She wasn't too eager to leave behind a giant footprint, clearly evidence of her visit, knowing that Michael's keen senses would easily pick up on it.

Or worse—Metatron's.

Shaken out of her thoughts, Castielle felt a warm bear skin pelt being wrapped around, instantly warming her up from the chill she was beginning to notice she felt. Quietly, she voiced her appreciation with a 'thank you,' leaning back into the Alpha as they began their trek once again.

So, with a consensus and an extra cloak wrapped around the two riders, they changed their route and headed towards the Kingdom of Perdition.

By the time they both reached the city walls, the sun was barely casting enough light for them to see the beautiful, yet haunting look of the city. Dark buildings, almost blackened with ashen mortar. Dirt-covered pebble stone streets with haggard looking elders loitering around dressed in black robes.

But, despite the dismal appearance, Castielle could still see the young children running around and playing, all with smudges of dirt and smiles on their faces, turning their heads excitedly as their parents call to them for dinner. It wasn't as all bad as people made it out be.

"There we go, Angel." Castielle barely registered being hauled off the saddle and carried into the gaudy inn, bridal style. The chatter and the miscellaneous clatter of mugs, and chairs and everything in general were making her head pound. Without a second thought, the Omega nuzzled into the Alpha's neck and began scenting—only to stop herself short.

Scenting was appropriate behavior between mates and family only. For years, Castielle listened to Tessa's lessons. Over and over again she studied each of her lectures entailing what was considered right and what was considered wrong in mating behavior—just to help keep it ingrained in the Princess' memory.

Stupid, stupid Omega.

Maybe people were right. Maybe Omegas were just as weak and needy as they say they were.

A whine ripped its way out of the Omega's throat when she felt the scratchy covers of the bed along her back side, along with the loss of the warm body heat that she had well become accustomed to within the past day. Despite the loss, Castielle was glad to have something stable to lie on. Her body was aching, her head was pounding, her nose was running and each cough was tearing its way through the soft tissues of her throat. With whatever strength she had left, she turned to her side and burrowed underneath the covers before nodding off into a restless sleep.

More than once had she been shaken from her slumber. Once, to be fed bland vegetable stew, the broth tasteless and having no flavor, only closely resembling the palatableness of stagnant water; the vegetables were like grit and mush in her mouth. But, she kept swallowing. A few times, she imagined that she felt rough, calloused fingers lightly carding through her hair, as she was forced to swallow a few mouthfuls of water periodically. In one sheer moment of lucidity, she looked up to see Henry with his back facing the bed, in the process of completely removing his clothes.

Cheeks flared she couldn't cover the squeak that escaped her mouth. "Henry! W-what are you doing?" Back still turned, Henry looked over his shoulder with a raised eyebrow and a smirk.

"You've still got a fever, figured you need some warmth." Breathing in sharply, she instantly regretted it, once she folded over and began another coughing fit. A hand was rubbing her back, another placing a cup at her lips. The faint humming in the background only helped soothe her mind and her body. Eagerly, Castielle gulped down as much water as she could until she was blue in the face from a lack of breath. The world was spinning, but it didn't deter her from glaring back at the Alpha who left her side and returned to his previous position, still removing his clothes.

With the dim glow of the tableside candle, Castielle couldn't help but stare shamelessly at the man before her. She could see miles and miles of muscle spanning from across Henry's shoulder to his backside, reaching far down to his substantial calves. She could really see the way he looked like an Alpha, towering over with rippling muscles and strong, broad shoulders as he leaned over to the side to place his folded clothes on a chair.

It wasn't until he turned around and walked towards her did she completely realize the situation she was in. Neck and face flushed red with heat not from the fever, she eyed the Alpha. From his (endearing) bowed legs, to his soft cock, large and hanging heavy in between his legs (only making her blush harder); the sinful v-line of his hips and the contours running up his taut abdominal muscles and firm chest that just screamed power and strength.

A bronze amulet hung from his neck, gleaming in the light. The figure took her eyes away from the brand on his left pectoral; an inky pentagram, one that she recognized from her Gaean history books resembling that of protection, engulfed in flames. The mark seemed familiar, the flaring of the sun-like figure licking at his chest—something that came from a lesson that she has long since placed in the back of her mind.

The Omega searched through her mind, trying to grasp the memory of the mark. The moment she felt a grasp on the memory, the Alpha's deep voice shook her right out of her reverie.

"Like what you see?" Castielle's eyes found their way up to the older man's, finding amusement flickering behind the viridescent irises. With a scowl, she huffed in annoyance and flipped over to her side. The sound of soft chuckling came closer and closer with every step, and in the corner of her eye, she could see Henry standing at her bedside, a dark shadow lightly casting over the room.

Castielle was waiting for what seemed like hours, but only moments, for the brief, chill draft that was meant to trespass under the covers as another warm body ensconced over her own delicate one, but it never came. It was only dead silent and the Omega was almost scared to look over her shoulder, but with courage she turned to lie on her back, recoiling as she rammed into a warm wall of golden fur, face first, mouth slightly parted.

Spluttering, Castielle found herself pulling away quickly, almost as if she was burnt. Her eyes flickered back and forth, searching until they made contact with a familiar pair of jade.

"Shifter," she gasped in awe. The Princess had only ever seen Shifters within her own family, and Michael prided himself as being the largest… but compared to Henry, he was but the size of a pup. Henry was a true beast—pure Alpha, running through his veins.

Castielle's eyes rolled to the back of her head, completely disoriented from the sudden movement. With the heel of her palm pressed onto her closed eyes, she heard the quiet whines coming from the wolf next to her, sniffing at her lightly and nudging at her cheek with the tip of his cold, wet nose. Chewing on her bottom lip to conceal her smile, Castielle lightly pushed the wolf away from her face.

"Cold," she murmured, giggling as he poked at her more, swiping his tongue once under her chin. Without dissuasion, Henry whined louder, high pitched and ringing sharply in her ears. The Alpha started digging lightly at the edge of the covers to be let under. With a sigh, Castielle lifted the covers and shimmied herself lower to lie down properly.

It should have felt weird and awkward, but truthfully, it felt natural. Henry waited patiently until she was comfortable before circling around and all but laying on top of her, head resting at her chest.

For the first time in weeks, the Princess was content. The bed beneath her was slightly lumpy, the covers were a bit scratchy, but the warm weight of the Alpha lying on top of her was relaxing. For a moment, all of her stress and worries, all of her troubles and doubts all faded away. There was a sort of ache left in her chest, however and it was both bad and good.

One of her hands crept its way up and found a soft patch of fur behind the Shifter's ears. Rubbing and scratching, she could hear a slight rumbling coming from the Alpha above her, almost like a purr. For the first time in what seems like forever, she felt the ghost of a smile—a real, genuine smile—on her face, and as she felt her eyes slowly close with sleep; she realized what that ache was. It was something she missed so dearly, because it has long since left her at such a young age. That ache? It was comfort. That ache? It was home.

ωΩω

Truthfully, there were many benefits in the form of a Shifter. One was the heightened senses, and the other was the ability of night vision. The second one helps a lot in certain… particular situations that would even make the most straight edge people's toes curl. At that particular moment, the Alpha was glad he had that ability.

Jimmy had fallen asleep rather quickly, thankfully, because of the illness giving him an ample amount of time to just watch. The Beta was letting out cute, soft snores while constantly sticking his cute, little, pink tongue out to wet his lips. Green eyes roamed over the younger companion's face, from the messy mop of bedhead, to the relaxed muscles of his face. The Shifter couldn't help but find the flittering of dark eyelashes in midst of a dream to be so endearing.

Shuffling forward, the Alpha took a moment to scent the Pup. Jimmy's scent was similarly muted like a Beta, but… he couldn't help but pick up the light scent of… sweetness and a tang of iron—like blood? Before he could look around for the source, the body underneath rearranged itself and the Shifter found himself flipped over in a tight hold. Arms wrapped tight around his neck, a leg thrown over his body, the Alpha was stuck with his muzzle stuck in the crevice of the Beta's throat.

Scenting again, he couldn't help but feel a little weary. Well, he already suspected that Jimmy was lying about a lot of things, but who was he to judge? He wasn't so… straight forward like he wanted to be, but he was on a mission—to find his intended, and if that meant keeping secrets and hiding names, then so be it.

It was hard; and he means really, really, hard. Every day, every moment that he stays with the Beta, he gets that much more distracted from his objective, and he can't afford to get distracted. There was more than just fleeting attractions at stake and he knew it—believed it, but sniffing again at that underlying honey scent, it seemed to have just gone away like a wisp in the wind.

A quiet whimper brought the Alpha out of his thoughts. Licking at the Beta's neck, the both of them relaxed gently into the mattress, and for the rest of the night, he watched over his charge as he slept.

The illness seemed to fluctuate between getting better and worse over the course of a few days. Overtime, Jimmy would sometimes be coherent enough to carry on conversations and eat properly, and some days, he would just want to lay in bed and attempt to fall into a restless sleep.

Every night the Alpha would shift into the form of his wolf and keep the Pup warm, but in the day; he would walk around as a man and try to meet the Beta's needs.

Throughout the day, the Alpha would help the Beta to stand and walk around a little to keep his muscles from getting too stiff. Trips to the wash room were spent with the Alpha standing outside of the door while Jimmy would use the restroom privately and then come out slightly skittish. It was confusing behavior, and honestly he didn't want Jimmy to fall over into the latrine, but he respected his wishes and left it at that.

It was the same with bathing. When Jimmy wanted to take a bath, he tried his best to keep the Alpha out.

"I don't need your help while I am bathing, Henry! Just go and… eat or do something!" Jimmy would yell from the arch of the doorway, the Alpha stepping forward, grimacing at the name.

"Don't tell me you're embarrassed? We're both guys, and plus; I don't want you passing out and drowning in the tub," he took another step forward closer to the agitated Beta. He must have been exuding strong pheromones if Jimmy's scrunched up nose said anything.

"I'm fine, Henry. Just… go and have fun for a bit. I'll be okay by myself for a bit," he struggled to say. Taking a deep breathe to fill his lungs, a tender smile replaced the frown on his face. Jimmy placed a palm on his chest, pushing lightly. "Just for a bit, Alpha."

Arms held out to the side, he gave in. Jimmy calling him Alpha was stirring up inappropriate arousal in his gut, so with a sigh, he stepped back as the door closed in his face, turning to change before getting out of the room.

Honestly, he was getting slight cabin fever, but as long as the Beta was getting better, he didn't mind. The Alpha couldn't help but laugh quietly to himself. If only Sammy could see him now, playing mother hen, acting like a mated Alpha, it was all too domestic. Changing into a set of light brown trousers and a green tunic, he slipped on his boots and covered himself in a layered cloak to stave off the harsh winter cold.

Once stepping outside, the Alpha couldn't resist taking in a deep breath of fresh air. The cold nipped at the tips of his ears and nose and it bit into the tips of his fingers. Huddling into the warmth of his cloak, he set off and began to find different medicines and foods for the Beta left to bathe. While out, he also took the time to replenish their supplies and just look around to pass the time.

When he did come back to the hotel room, Jimmy was replacing the bed sheets and covers with fresh ones, a bright smile on his face. The Alpha couldn't help the warm feeling looming in his chest; the thought that his mate was nesting for the two of them.

It was strange. In the past, the thought of mating with a Beta was never in his options, to be quite frank. Betas just never really did it for him. All a Beta was to him, was a warm body to share his bed for the night.

In his mind, Betas mated Betas, Alphas mated Omegas; that was the way of life. Alphas and Betas weren't uncommon, but the single thought repulsed him. But with Jimmy? That perspective was quickly dwindling, and he was beginning to question a future with the quiet Pup.

Quickly shoving that thought aside, he scowled when he noticed the state of the Beta. His hair was still dripping, clinging and curling to the edges of his hair line with moisture. The Alpha growled, finding a towel and started rubbing the Beta's hair dry.

"Stupid boy. You're already sick. Are you're trying to make it worse?" Only due to his enhanced Alpha senses was he able to pick up the quiet whimper let out by the boy. Removing the towel from Jimmy's head, he could see his eyes shut tight, moisture clinging to his eyelashes, face laced with pain. All the tension left the Alpha's body as he cupped the Pup's face. Hot. Fever.

Sighing, exasperated, he the younger one into an embrace, lightly pressing his lips to his crown.

"C'mere." Picking Jimmy up, he gently placed him on top of the new sheets and tucked him in. Making sure he was warm enough, he quickly went downstairs to the bar to scout for food and drink.

Minutes later, the Alpha walked back in with a tray on his hip and saw that Jimmy was fast asleep. Putting the tray down on the tableside, he removed his clothes and eagerly climbed in to shift.

The process of shifting was always tricky. Shifting, he could feel the familiar yet alien ache of his flesh quickly ebbing away for a thick coat of golden fur. He could feel every bone and joint contorting, snapping in place for shorter limbs and motility.

His teeth would pull from his gums, lengthening, sharpening. Fingers and toes would curl, his nails ripping the skin around and growing into long, pointed claws. He could feel every moment that his spine twisted and pulled, all while hunching over as his body gradually took shape of a majestic canine.

It was always a process that he could never forget. Step, by every Godforsaken step.

Tongue lolling out, the Alpha was left panting as the pain slowly melted away. He curled up, close to the feverish body and left his head on the Beta's chest watching. Closing his eyes, he waited for sleep to overcome.

Sometime in the night Jimmy let out a loud sneeze, jolting the Alpha out of his comfort. Looking down to glare at the Beta, clothes and space were in place of a tiny, black mound of wolf pup. Huh, he snuffed. Jimmy really is a pup, isn't he? The Alpha looked down at the adorable ball of fur in amusement.

In comparison between the two, the ebony wolf looked almost like a new born, about the size of two of his Alpha paws together. But, he was helpless against how cute Jimmy really was. (If you were to ask him about it later, he would vehemently deny that he would ever call someone 'cute'.)

Licking the muzzle of the pup, he went back and curled himself around the tiny, sleeping puppy, quickly falling back asleep. The next morning? Well, let's just say it didn't end well for him. He could've done with a morning without slaps and punches, but that was besides the point.

It was one of the later nights when Jimmy turned and unexpectedly asked the question of reason. "Why are you doing this, Henry?" The Alpha looked over next to him at Jimmy resting his head on his shoulder. He was currently feeding the Beta some hunter's stew, a concoction full of different vegetables and gamey meats; at least he could stomach solids again.

Taking a bite of his apple pie, he looked back down again making a face. "Doing what?" He asked, replacing his fork with picking up another spoonful of stew to feed the Beta.

"This. Feeding me, keeping me company… keeping me warm," he trailed off with what looked like a blush forming on his cheeks. The Alpha could only shrug, unsure as to how to answer.

"Guess you've just grown on me," he chuckled without amusement. Jimmy sighed heavily, pushing away from the Alpha's shoulder. Eyebrows furrowed, he watched as the Pup burrowed into the covers. "Why do you ask?"

A blue gaze flickered across his face, searching, hesitant. The Beta could only shrug so much on his side. The covers were muffling his voice, but he could still hear him clearly. "I appreciate it… I really do, but it's… weird. For as long as we have traveled together, not once have you not bedded a—a harlot in each town."

Grimacing, he turned and asked incredulously, "Really? Out of everything, that's your issue with this?" In his heart, the Alpha knew it wasn't brought up out of spite, but he couldn't help but feel a little hurt by her accusations.

It was true, despite his necessity to stop succumbing to his desires, he still had time. He knew he had to… stay pure, in a way… but he couldn't help it, not really… okay, that's a lie. He just really, really liked sex. So what? Sue him.

How could he answer? The only way he knew how, to twist it into something trivial, meaningless. Huffing humourlessly, he went back to the flakey pastry plated on his lap. "Well, no one's caught my eye just yet," he smirked, winking at the Beta. Jimmy nodded before turning to look straight at the wall, burrowing deeper in the covers signaling the end of the conversation.

Jimmy was right though. He hadn't looked at a woman with want ever since they had arrived to Perdition. Sure, he'd seen plenty of hot, willing Betas and Omegas, but they weren't what he actually wanted.

The conversation stuck with him. Even when the next night, Jimmy wanted to go to the dining room to eat dinner for once, sick of the room, he complied. He sat the Beta down into a booth before going up to the bar and ordering food and water. While he waited, a cute brunette traipsed her way up to him, flicking her hair behind her shoulder and slightly baring her neck. It was meant to be seductive, and with Jimmy's words ringing in the back of his mind, he figured what the hell, I'm allowed to treat myself.

"Is that your mate, Alpha?" the woman asked with a slight tilt of her head towards the booth. Scenting properly, he knew that the woman was an Omega, a beautiful specimen at that. Glancing over to the side where she was pointedly looking, he smirked.

"Who, Jimmy? Nah, he's just a friend. We're just travelling through." With a growing expression, the Omega stepped forward into his space, one hand lightly gripping his hip while the other palmed at his chest. "What's your name, gorgeous?"

"Lisa. Yours?" She sucked in, chewing lightly at her bottom lip. The Alpha couldn't keep his eyes off of the way her teeth dug into the plump flesh.

"Henry," he winked.

"Well, Henry… Why don't you… ditch your friend, and spend the night with me?" She leaned forward, red stained lips just barely ghosting over his. Her scent was alluring, and he was tempted to close the small space by her warm breath puffing onto his lips. With the decision to lean forward made, they were interrupted with the innkeeper presenting two plates of food.

Lisa glared at the retreating innkeeper, and the Alpha almost rolled his eyes at the interruption before remembering that Jimmy was waiting.

"Sorry, sweetheart. Let me put this down, then we'll talk." Picking up the food, he turned to see the table empty. Jimmy was gone.

"Shit," he cursed loudly. The plates clattered on the table where he hadn't realized he walked towards. Looking around, he couldn't see any figure resembling the Beta. He should've paid closer attention instead of paying attention with his knot. "Son of a bitch!" Eyes lingered, perusing the Alpha for his outburst.

Scrubbing his face with the palm of his hand, worry welled up in his chest. Jimmy was gone.

It had only been a minute, but the Beta took that minute as a window for escape. He left.

Scrambling around, he dropped a silver coin on the table before rushing up the stairs. He had to find him, and quick.

ωΩω

Castielle couldn't deny it. She was cold, annoyed, and hurt laced every nerve in her body. The wind was blowing furiously and all she had was the cloak over her shoulders and the clothes on her back that Henry, thankfully, made her wear down to the bar.

It was dark outside, and the Omega was walking behind alleyways to ensure that she wasn't being followed or trailed by the Alpha. She just couldn't handle being near him after that little show at the hotel. A feeling burned low in her gut, and she couldn't stop herself from sneering at the thought of that woman.

Physically, the Princess was feeling a lot better, but she was beginning to regret ever suggesting going down to eat for the night—not to mention what she had asked him the night before. The hatred for that woman was coiling tighter and deeper, so much that Castielle had to stop and brace herself on the side of a house just to be able to breathe properly.

Unshed tears burned beneath her eyelids and her lungs felt like they were collapsing. Jealousy. The word rang clearly in her head, the meaning not so much. Gabriel used to say it, but she never truly understood what the word meant. Not until now.

She was jealous.

But who was she to take away Henry's freedom to make love to a woman? Who was she to chain him down more than she already has, albeit unwillingly?

Castielle clenched her fist tight, fingernails digging sharply into the flesh of her palm. Bracing herself, she breathed in deep one last time before making her way towards the castle. It had been too long, and she was in need of company other than the Alpha who was by her side for many nights.

It was disgusting. Shameful. If it wasn't for the rattling coughs and the viscous fluids running down her nose, the Alpha wouldn't have been so careful and tender, and she wouldn't have felt her heart growing fuller and fuller every time she looked at him or felt his strong arms around her body.

Being an Omega was disgusting. All the years that she was taught to accept the secondary gender seemed to flit away in a moment's notice.

She now knew why people say what they say. She knew from firsthand experience—Omegas are needy and too dependent. All they can think about is submitting to an Alpha—to be a bitch for the taking. Omegas were pitiful. She was pitiful.

One thing Castielle knew for sure, however. She had completely changed in both mind and manners ever since she left. Henry? He was just fueling her metaphorical fire of rebellion. If anything, she couldn't recognize herself from any other civilian, let alone recognize herself in a metaphorical mirror.

Her change was something she was proud of, even though she would never admit it. She looked back and saw that she hated being the timid little Omega. If only Michael could see her now…

Castielle thanked Oiad that her fever relented, that her body and joints had stopped aching as much. But, with a heavy heart, she found her feet approaching the castle's gates. Stepping forward, a knight kept his hand at bay, resting on the hilt of his sword. She figured with her suspicious appearance, anybody would feel the need for caution.

"Who are you?" the Knight asks. Looking up, Castielle could see a flash of yellow in the man's eyes.

"I need to see the King," she gruffly replies. Keeping her hood low against her brow. The Knight smiled sweetly at her, but behind the smile; she could see the man's irritation rising.

"Sorry, sweetheart; but the King seems to be taking his nightly bath before bed," he intoned a little too brightly for how late it was. "Anything you need to tell him, tell me and I'll let him know… in the morning," he cooed, bending forward to look under the hood.

Castielle decided she needed to pull out the royal card. As much as she hated it to begin with, she was thankful that she left a little pocket in the sleeve of her cloak to conceal her blade—the cloak being heavy enough to hide the added weight of the dagger.

"Tell him that the Princess of Caelum requests his presence." The Yellow Eyed man scoffed.

"Look here, sweetheart. Last time I checked … the Princess was missing. You're going to have to try a lot harder than that." Growling, Castielle ripped the hood off of her head, eyes glowing an ethereal blue in the cast of the moonlight.

Gaze piercing, Yellow Eyes stumbled backwards. Cloak whipping in the wind, Castielle reached in and pulled out the silver blade. Gripping the hilt tight, she presented the etchings of the blade to the Knight, fear evident in his eyes.

"No, it can't be," he stuttered. "A-Angel…" Mustering up the hardest expression she could, she dipped her head in affirmation.

"I trust that you will keep quiet? Lest I request Crowley to have your tongue," she spat. The Knight's distasteful eyes widened with fear into the night, but he quickly hid it with a change of face.

With a smirk, Yellow Eyes bowed low in respect. "I beg forgiveness, Your Highness. Azazel, at your service." Castielle only nodded in acknowledgement. Azazel looked to another soldier and nodded. The grating noise of gears turning signaled the opening of the gates.

Swinging his arm out obnoxiously, the Knight turned and looked over his shoulder. "Right this way, Princess." He walked ahead of her, passed the gates and up the pebbled path to the castle illuminated by the moon.

Everything was just as she remembered. The décor, the ambiance of the palace—it was all the same, but that was not the purpose of her visit.

She kept her gaze forward as she was lead to the main foyer of the castle. She stood in the middle of the hall, watching over her shoulder as Azazel bowed dramatically and dismissed himself.

It was quiet, silent as she waited—until she heard the sound of footsteps echoing through the ceilings. Whipping her head around, she glanced upwards. There, at the top of the stairs, dressed in his fine, blackened silks, accented with red cloth peeking out of his collar; a goblet of wine resting in his fingers like it belonged there. The man, seemingly tall above her, a scruffy beard donning his jaw, thinning hair, a slightly rounded stomach. The man who looks exactly the same as when she saw him last, standing tall, shoulders pulled back, chin raised high with such intent.

King Crowley.

"Hello, Pet." A seemingly permanent smirk on his face. "I've been expecting you."


Liked it? Tell me what you thing with Kudos and Comments. (This includes constructive criticism. (They also motivate me to write more.))
Anyways, I am debating whether or not I should post every other week from now on... hmm, I'm still deciding.
Whatever, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Hope you liked this week's chapter, I'm glad if you do. If you don't, thanks for reading it anyways.
Thanks again, and have a good week.