Happy Valentines Day!

Hal Route Chapter 4 pt 2

After we pull back from the kiss, I can tell by the expression on Hal's face he's just now registered what I'm wearing. He draws back from; face reddening.

Now to be fair, in my time and age, what I have on is more than modest. In the Fairytale World although I'm covered, I'm still wearing bed clothes; deeming me immodest.

I can't hold in the giggle that finds its way up my throat. "I'm sorry. I couldn't find a dress I could button myself." My own cheeks redden. As my butler, Hal is also in charge of taking care of dressing my person if needed. Now I feel like I'm hinting something I totally wasn't. It wouldn't be the first time he helped me with buttoning up. Now the idea of him doing such a task makes my stomach flip. (Let's not forget how awkward it would be…)

"Do you need my help?" Ever so sweet and pure, and yet all the same, I blush like mad.

"No, no, I can call a maid." My eyes skitter away from his.

Hal's hand touches mine to bring my gaze back. "I'm glad we sorted our feelings. Even if I don't deserve your love."

I smile, standing up from my seat. "You deserve it and more," with those parting words. I walk back into the castle to prepare for my day.

The next day, the princes of the realms circled around to talk about the next kingdom and partner for my newest ritual. I have told no one about my side effects and I'm not planning to tell a soul unless Hal tells them.

Despite the dangers of going through the rituals, I'm prepared to do the next without hesitation. Hal doesn't like the idea and wishes I wait until I can get my side effects under control. Because I haven't had an episode since Silvio found me, I'm hoping that means it passed.

I'll take my chances… after all; my small hindrance is saving this world. How can I not help the people I'm supposed to protect as their Queen?

Hal is staring at me rather intensely. I remember our agreement before this discussion. No matter what kingdom I do my next ritual in; I'm to pick Hal as my partner. He's the only one who knows my secret. I don't mind the deal in the least. I rather have Hal any day than the princes. Our future together is still unknown but at least we know where we stand with our feelings.

Fifteen minutes later it is decided that my next ritual is to be in Kite's Kingdom in the ice cave. It sounds a little more than intimidating. Could it be any worse than the glass cave? (Most likely not)

I barely keep Hal as my partner because the other's called him inadequate because he's not a prince, therefore he may not be as powerful. I stand my ground until it's finally accepted. In addition, I must have Kite, at least as a guide but I know they really mean as a backup.

Hopefully nothing will backfire with the prince around. Everyone would know my secret if that happened. I doubt Kite will keep it to himself. This world can't afford me to hiccup in my duties.

During the meeting I feel before see Silvio staring at me even more intensely than Hal. I have a horrible feeling he knows all my secrets somehow. His very presence makes me shiver. I try to ignore him best to my ability; keeping my eyes from straying his way. Silvio's eyes burn nearly as much as his touch. (What is with this guy?) Hal is always on edge around the prince even before he made a move on me. Is there something he knows that I don't? If so I'd like to know now!

With the meeting dispersed, I find myself in the library. Perhaps reading will soothe my nerves and help me forget Silvio and my declining health. It's worth the effort.

All the fiction is on the higher shelves as if no one reads them. I find it a little odd but maybe everyone else prefers nonfiction.

Well I know what to do now… I'm not especially a fan of heights but I really want a book. Determined I grab the sliding ladder. (Here goes…) I take a deep breath and climb. (Don't look down, Amelia. Don't look-) "Agh!" I wobble and cling to the sides. I imagine falling on the hard stone floor. I shudder.

Scanning the shelves, I finally find an interesting title only just as I pick it up I lose my footing and start to fall.

Shrieking, I wait for the impact against the stones. Nothing happens. Not a crack or a thud. I'm suspended in the air by someone's quick save.

"Oh!" I stare up at my savior, gripping my coveted book.

"Trouble seems to always follow you."