+Warning; Sexual content+

The Silver Bell Ball.

An event that had been happening for centuries and now, it was Halley's turn. It would be the first time she and all the other young royals would be all together. "To keep the peace." Grandma Moon had told her when she was little.

She was considerably nervous. She'd only met a handful of the other royals and she wasn't sure what they'd think of her. Who would ask her to dance? Would she just be the last one left? She forced those thoughts away and remembered her mother's words. "You'll be surprised. Trust me." She had said with a knowing smile.

Now she was in her bathroom, putting the finishing touches on her hair. Just a few flowers on the side would do. After her hair was adequately tamed, she stepped back to get a good look in the mirror. Halley thought she looked nice. Maybe using real flowers was a bit of a stretch... Maybe the pollen would get everywhere and make people sneeze...She shook her head. She was worrying for nothing, and even in the worse case scenario, she was still the Princess of Mewni. There was apprehension lurking, though, as she had designed the dress herself. It was short so she wouldn't trip up when she danced but it was fairly wide, mimicking a bloomed hibiscus.* Flowerlike dresses were her favorite but this one was special.

She felt her heart pounding in her chest as she stepped out of the bathroom. Her bare feet were leaving traces of scorch marks and she had to force her powers under control.

Allison was sitting on the edge of her bed, careful not to ruin her long silk green dress. Her hair was pinned behind her ear and the rest hung down in waves. It was a rare look for her friend, she even wore a pair of heels. Allison explained that "she could look hot when she wanted to." Tucker was lazily reclining in one of her chairs. At the sound of her footsteps Tucker snorted, "Took you long enough."

The two looked up when she came approached. She gave them a nervous smile as they stared. When no one said anything, her smile shrank.

"What do you guys think?"

"You look amazing!" Allison finally grinned. She hopped off her bed and came to get a closer look. Halley's eyes flickered over to Tucker for a moment, who hadn't said a word. She could have sworn his eyes had widened a bit. Strangely, she didn't feel too much of anything. A few weeks had gone by since they had made up, and Halley grew to be more comfortable around him, and her crush seemed to subside as she learned to cope with all his admirers.

Allison was saying something, "...and your hair. I love it! Halley you should've done my hair, this is actual perfection. Tuck," She turned around to look at him. "You haven't said anything. That's a little rude."

Tucker blinked himself out of a momentary trance, "She looks great. You look great, Halley."

She smiled, "Thanks."

Allison resumed her chattering and Halley joined her happily as they talked about the Ball. She noticed, though, that Tucker looked a little... left out. He was only there for moral support, so he called it.

Allison put their conversation on hold while she answered her buzzing phone."

"Hello? Hi Dad I...What?! I'm just at Halley's...What's the problem? We're going to be coming here anyway...Dad, come on..." A groan. "Fine...Okay, bye."

Allison put her phone in her purse with a sigh, "That was my Dad, he said I had to go all the way back home so our family can make a 'grand entrance like everyone else.' That man I swear..." She rolled her eyes good-naturedly, "Well I'll see you in a bit, Hal. Bye Tucker." And with that, she left, leaving Tucker and Halley alone. Four weeks ago she would have been a nervous wreck, but now she didn't mind at all. She went over to sit on her bed. Halley slid on her shoes and tied them up so it looked like vines were crawling up her legs. Halley smiled at her work and looked up to see Tucker on his mirrorphone, looking bored as ever.

She shook her head, "You know when I invited you over, I expected you to at least talk to me."

Tucker put his phone down and sarcastically remarked, "My apologies, Princess. It was most rude of me."

Halley rolled her eyes and stood to check on one of her indoor plants. The little thing seemed to be doing much better than it was about a month ago. Nothing a little TLC couldn't fix.

"Are these Ball things fun?" Tucker asked suddenly.

Halley shrugged, not looking away from her plant, "Sometimes. I'm not sure about this one though. It's a little different."

"Hm. I've never been to one."

She whipped her head around at that, "Really?" Suddenly she realized that she should check her privilege. Halley corrected herself, "I mean... school dances and such? You haven't been to one of those?"

"No. I don't know how to dance."

She burst out laughing and Tucker rolled his eyes. She held a hand over her mouth, "You're telling me that the charming, suave, debonair Tucker, doesn't know how to dance? That's rich."

"Yeah yeah," He said. "Laugh it up."

Her laughter was fading away. She walked up to him, "No I'm sorry. Really. Come on." Halley grabbed his hands and hauled him up. (Her confidence had improved greatly with him as well.) "I've got a little time." She led him to her balcony. The sun was just setting and they were getting the last few minutes of light.

"Alright." She turned him to face her and she put his right hand on her waist. (Her heart did clench.) Halley put her own hand on his shoulder, which wasn't an easy feat seeing that he was much taller than her. She held their hands up.

Tucker was looking at his hands his feet, anywhere but her face.

"Eyes up." She instructed. His bright hazel eyes looked up at her. (A flutter. Nothing more.) "Stand up straight."

"It isn't that serious, squirt." He righted himself anyway.

"Now just step up, then back, then repeat. One two three, one two three..." They both looked at their feet so they wouldn't trip over each other. Soon Tucker was dancing. Sure it was a little stiff and he made a mistake every now and then, but he was dancing. He looked at her and smiled, "What do you know? I'm doing it."

"I knew you had it in you."

"Think I'm good enough for the Ball?" He joked.

She shook her head keeping to the rhythm, "Not at all. Most of those guys have been dancing since they were in diapers. No offense Tuck but you look like you're dancing in a diaper."

"No way," He insisted. "I'd be great. Everyone would love me."

"Everyone except maybe my father," She laughed.

Tucker joined her, "He doesn't seem to like me."

They both couldn't forget how about an hour prior, Halley tried her best to sneak Tucker into the castle. They ran into her father who was not at all pleased with the situation. He glared daggers into Tucker and if it wasn't for preparations he had to attend to, they might not have made it.

"How'd you guess?" She asked sarcastically.

They danced in silence for a few moments, on autopilot it seemed. The tension was building and Halley needed to break it down before it got awkward.

"So uh how are things going with that girl...uh Samantha?"

He gave a halfhearted eye roll, "There aren't 'things' going on. She's just another mindless idiot." His eyes settled on her and she began to get uncomfortable.

"Wanna try a dip?" Halley blurted out.

He smirked, "Sure why not?"

She knew she probably should've sensed that red flag but she prepared herself for a dip and all seemed to be going well. Until he dropped her. Tucker burst into laughter, telling her that it was very much on purpose. And of course she was pissed. Her dress could've been ruined and it'd be all his fault.

"Oh relax," He hauled her up, "You look amazing."

She froze. After a pause, she looked up at him. He stared calmly back. Her eyes shined. There was something with the way he said it so easily that got her going.

She smiled bashfully at him, "You think so?"

Something flickered in his expression and he averted his gaze and shrugged. "I'm supposed to say that right? You are my superior."

Her smile fell and the sun disappeared below the horizon. She was stupid. Of course he didn't think she looked pretty. She had three fucking eyes for Eclipsa's sake. It was what he had to say.

She turned away and mumbled, "The Ball should be starting soon. Are you leaving?"

"No, I think I'll stick around. I'll leave in a little bit."

"Fine." With that she left him on the balcony without another word.

...

She sat by Allison and they both eyed the other royals in the large circle, trying to get a read on them as announcements we made. There were quite a few more royals now than when her mother was young, Star had explained. It had something to do with royalty now being recognized by how much money someone had than by whether or not they ruled anyone. Most were Mewman and, surprisingly, a couple were hybrids like she was. Now the question that remained was who was going to dance with said hybrids?

Her mother rang the bell and the music started. The young royals all looked around at each other, waiting for someone to stand. After a few tense moments someone got up. It was Phil. Halley smiled as he approached Princess Morgan, who was only 12 years old. She pushed her glasses up on her nose when Phil held a gloved hand out to her. She reluctantly took it. They danced around the space and Little Morgan looked like she was on Cloud 9. Halley had to admit she admired her brother's kind heart. She frowned a bit when she thought of her brother... the other one, who had declined Star's invitation to attend. It had been at dinner.

"Only one of the royal family is supposed to attend." He had said angrily. "And that's the heir." Halley looked down at her meal.

"We can make an exception, Jamie. It's alright." Star spoke carefully. James had been on edge ever since their mother asked Aunt Etheria to leave.

"No thanks." He growled. He slammed his fork down on the table and stomped away, but not after Tom called after him and so began a very heated argument. James adored Tom and Halley knew that the fight had upset them both.

Halley sighed and saw that more and more dancers were beginning to rise. Allison had been whisked off by a Johansson, Halley's cousin, Damien. She laughed as Damien quite literally spun her around, despite his short stature. The almost frazzled look Allison had on her face afterwards had Halley fighting back laughter. Allison straightened her tiara and sat down.

"That was fun..."

Halley was too busy laughing at her to notice someone standing in front of her. She looked up and she quietly gasped. Prince Angel Norwood was asking her to dance. Holy. Fucking. Crap. First off, Angel was notorious for his dangerously good looks. He presided in the neighboring district and they specialized in Mewni's technology. His family even started to dabble in advancing magic. Their work was really quite fascinating. Halley had only seen Angel once before when she was 13 and...he had definitely grown up. He smiled politely at her, hand extended. Allison poked her and Halley realized that she had been staring.

She took his hand and they began to dance. Halley looked down at her feet, her earlier dance making her feel self-conscious.

"So," He began, catching her by surprise. "Halley Butterfly. It's been a while."

She looked up, not sure what to say.

"You sure have grown up." He teased.

She smiled, knowing that it was okay to converse, "I was thinking the same thing about yourself."

He expertly twirled her and resumed conversation, "How have you been?"

"Good, I've been fine. What about you?"

He shrugged playfully, "You know, duties, duties, duties. It never stops so you know," He gave her a mock-serious look, "I'm on right on the brink."

She laughed lightly and he gave her a friendly smile. Their dance lasted a whole two minutes and they talked the whole time. When Halley went to sit down, she was quite happy by how well things were going.

A few more dances occurred. One being with her and Allison as a joke. Angel asked her to dance again and they did. They spoke like the last time, but this time Halley unconsciously analyzed him. He was tall for 16. (About as tall as Tucker, she noted.) When Tucker danced with her, he was clumsy and tense. Angel was light and gentle. Graceful even. She supposed she wasn't being too fair on Tucker, though. Angel had a large mass of golden hair, an actually quite innocent face and piercing sapphire eyes. He was an actual angel, it seemed.

The dancing soon ended and Halley didn't know what she had been so worried about. The Mewmans weren't at all like the citizens towards the hybrids and that put them at an ease that they never before could acquire in the presence of Mewmans.

They had a reception afterwards and they all mingled. She found Angel and they talked and joked for a while.

"I'm not sure I've gotten around to saying this but, you look beautiful tonight."

She grinned at finally having the words said to her, "Thank you."

Angel's mother called him over to where she was speaking with Ponyhead. He gave her a parting glance and left.

She shook her head. What was the matter with her...

Her brother came up beside her suddenly, startling her.

"So," He started, red eyes fixing her with an intense stare. "You and Angel, huh?"

"What?!" She stammered. "I don't know what you're—"

"It's okay, Sis. Everyone can see it."

Her face started to heat up. "There's nothing, okay?"

"You know Mom and Dad met at the Silver Bell Ball." He said thoughtfully.

"Phil!"

"I'm only messing with you." He nudged her. "But seriously though, be careful. This is me being a protective triplet."

She rolled her eyes, "I will." Everyone seemed to forget that she could easily overpower anyone. She wasn't some delicate flower.

"Good," He said with a nod. "I'm planning your wedding already."

She looked at him with narrowed eyes, pulled out her wand, and glued him to the floor. Halley walked away, a smile planted firmly on her face as her brother tried to pull his feet from the ground.

Halley and Angel found each other by chance. He had two glasses of punch in his hands. He gave one to her.

"A drink for Her Highness."

She played along and curtsied, "Why thank you, my Prince."

They both erupted into a fit of giggles. Halley felt oddly comfortable with him. It was nice.

"This party is losing momentum fast. At least for me." Angel observed.

"Yeah..." She nodded. "Oh! I have an idea!" Halley took a sip of punch. "Have you ever been on a tour of the castle?"

"No, I haven't gotten the chance," He smiled. It gave her a warm feeling inside.

They snuck out one of the doors, unnoticed. She led him all around the castle, their laughter echoed off the walls. Halley liked Angel. He was polite. A real gentleman. Not to mention his accent added to his charm factor.

They were approaching the residential wing when Angel made a comment on a flower in her hair.

"That's a hyacinth if I'm not mistaken."

"How'd you know?" She smirked.

"A prince must have some interests. Flora just happens to be one of mine."

"Mine too," She beamed. "In fact, I have to show you my garden. Come on."

He followed suit as she opened the door to her room. It was as she swung it open, she realized that Tucker might have still been there. Halley was relieved to see that no light was on and he seemed to have left.

"This is my room." She announced. "I keep my garden up here." She lit a flame with her hand and Angel's eyes flew to it, "Fascinating."

He reached out for her hand, "May I, Princess?**"

She gave it to him and he examined it inquisitively. "Your power is fantastic." He remarked. "The things you must be able to do."

She shrugged a little coyly, "I don't know...It's nothing really."

He grabbed her hand and pulled her close suddenly. She kept her flame from burning him as her did so, eyes wide, heart racing with sudden excitement.

"Princess, it isn't nothing. You must have more respect for yourself than that. I know my respect for you has no bounds."

She was beyond flattered. Halley looked up at him, he was a mere three inches away from her. He leaned down. She leaned up. She stopped about halfway. Halley put a hand on his chest, "Angel...I like you but...I...can't." She hated herself for it. She hated herself for thinking about Tucker.

He blinked at her. His eyes flickered to her hand holding the glass, then back to her. He grabbed her roughly by the waist so that she was flush against him. That made her nervous.

"Just relax," He whispered and he leaned in and kissed her. A thousand things ran through her mind at that moment. What was happening? Why did she feel sluggish all of a sudden? Why hadn't she seen anyone serving punch at the reception?

She brought a hand up to push him away. It felt like lead. She dropped her glass and it shattered to the ground. Halley was struggling to breathe.

"What's...happening?" She panted.

Angel said nothing but came towards her. She tried summoning her flames but as she did so, she felt weaker.

"Wha...?" She drew in deeper breaths and managed to summon her flaming aura but it quickly disappeared and so did her energy. The amount drained from her almost caused her to collapse, Angel caught her up by her waist. He grabbed her face and made her look at him.

"Just relax." He repeated. "You'll only make it worse for yourself." He began kissing her again and Halley felt terror creeping into her skin. A tiny part of her noticed that this was her first and second kiss; she was drugged and there was nothing she could do about it.

(++)

Tears streamed down her face when Angel started pressing kisses to her neck.

This couldn't be happening, this couldn't be happening. She couldn't speak, her mouth had gone almost completely numb. She was able to let out a sob when he started grabbing at her thighs. She tried powering up again but that made her head spin and she was aware that she had begun to slip. Angel easily caught her and began tearing at her dress. She couldn't breathe, panic was overwhelming her. Why was this happening? She let out another sob and in a matter of seconds she was dropped to the ground on top of the broken glass. It pierced her skin and her vision blurred. She couldn't tell what was happening now.

There was a thud and then a groan. Several more thuds. Another groan. Hands on her shoulders, pulling her up. She couldn't see. It was dark and only the moon illuminated the room. A face came into focus, she almost cried of pure joy. She wanted to hug him, she wanted to hug him and never let go. Tucker looked at her, a rare look of absolute concern etched his features.

"Halley?" It came out like an echo. She was underwater. Why was she underwater? "Halley, stay with me okay? Can you hear me?"

She couldn't say anything, she couldn't move. She was suddenly aware of the pricking of glass in her skin and the warmness that came with it. Blood, she figured. She felt strangely peaceful. Tucker was doing something, she looked at the phone in his hands.

He must be calling someone, she thought.

She was tired. She just wanted to go to bed. She closed her eyes and Tucker's voice was almost unrecognizable as frantic it was. She'd be right back, she thought. Tucker shouldn't worry. She'd be right back...

His hands disappeared and she fell to the floor again. Her eyes opened, her vision was clearer. She vaguely noticed Angel and Tucker struggling on the ground. His phone had landed beside her. It was still ringing, he was calling Allison. Thankfully, she picked up.

"Hello?"

Allison was squinting in the screen, trying to make sense of what was going on.

"Hello?" She asked again. "Tucker did you butt dial me or something?"

Halley nudged herself over to the phone and was able to slowly reach her seemingly 20 ton arm out to grab it. She almost had it, her fingers scraped along the edge.

A foot came down on top of it, shattering it to pieces. Her heart dropped. Hands were instantly around her throat, picking her up. She feebly tried scratching at Angel's hands, to no avail, another 5 tons seemed to be added to her limbs. He threw her on her bed like she weighed nothing. She tried to get up. His hand was back on her throat. He gazed down at her, a deranged look in his sapphire eyes. Angel's golden mane was disheveled. His perfect face was covered in cuts and developing bruises.

"Listen here," He spat. "You are nothing more than some fucking monster that has no place on the thrown. It's time that you learn otherwise..."

She remembered the pain. A persistent, sharp pain that was relentless as her body rejected him. Halley was losing blood fast, it had all been a blur yet it felt that it dragged on for hours. She had no control. She didn't know where Tucker was or if he was even alive. The only feeling she still had was in her fingers. She was able to move them as she barely mumbled a healing incantation. Halley focused and sent it to Tucker wherever he happened to be on her floor. He could be dead. The healing spell wouldn't work if he was dead. She waited and waited. Nothing. A fresh stream of tears flowed down her cheeks. She was so fucking stupid. So unbelievably stupid... She was stupid for thinking that things could change. Stupid for thinking that she could be respected. She was stupid for thinking anyone could see her as more than a monster.

Halley would lose consciousness and she'd get slapped, with all the blood that she was losing, that happened often. She could practically feel the bruises forming on her face. Blood and tears were smeared on her face. As the minutes ticked on and she could hear Angel's muffled grunts and pants, she felt more and more sick and ashamed of herself. She let this happen. Halley knew she was going to die. That was a fact as she could now smell blood in her hair.

He had finished shortly and the rocking of her distorted vision had stopped. She didn't know what was happening now.

(++)

Had he just left her? She blacked out. The drugs wouldn't let her stay out for too long though. There was a bone crushing sound and she figured that he'd broken one of her bones on account of the pain coming from all directions of her body. There was the sound of the door opening and yelling.

Tucker?

There was a pull on her leg from on the ground and she was yanked down. The pain that shot through her was unimaginable. Her vision was going in and out. It focused on an angry Angel, blood dripping from his mouth. Her brain was so scrambled she couldn't make sense of it, but she was able to gather up all her strength and swing her hand up and clasp it down on his wrist. She burned right through the fabric of his suit and she wouldn't let up until she could smell burning flesh. Halley's ears began to ring and all of her pain melted away as she released Angel and fell backwards. A white light came over her and she figured that she was dying. She heard a faint bloodcurdling scream then nothing.

Just this blinding white light...

...

*Design is not my own but thestarfan18's

**Reference to my baby Lotor whom I based Angel's character off of.