I've recently went through a pen name changed. I am now Saizo's Little Lady instead of The Narnian Phantom Stallion
On another note. Enjoy!
Upon arrival to the castle, Hal was taken to the infirmary where I stayed firmly by his side. At this point I didn't care what anyone thought of my familiarity with a servant. They would have found out regardless when I announced my decision.
Leave it to Silvio to make everyone question of my duties as Queen.
I'm sitting at Hal's side and have been since yesterday. Several maids have offered to take my place but I refuse them all. This disturbed the princes enough to visit me. One by one they file in. Silvio catches my eye, sending me a knowing smirk. I'm betting he knew this would happen. That Hal would risk himself to keep me from suffering Silvio's attacks. The fiery-haired demon prince viewed Hal as a nuisance that kept getting in the way of me—his prey.
A chill runs through me, stronger than the one I'm already feeling from the damage he's inflicted. The glamour and whatever Hal had placed over me is now gone without a trace. My teeth chatter even while wearing my warmest dress with long sleeves and a higher neck to hide my bruises. My face can't be hid but is better than the rest of me.
I quickly look away from Silvio as Prince Albert comes closer to my side. "Your Majesty, you haven't left this room in over twenty-four hours. We've all begun to worry." his gaze flickers from me to Hal's washed out pallor. Then he seems to notice where my hand is placed. Laced into Hal's seemingly lifeless one. Prince Albert's eyes widen in shock but before he can say another word Silvio interrupts.
"Why would you refuse the help of the maids? After all Your Majesty, it's unseemly for the master to play nursemaid to the servant." to everyone else he seemed genuinely worried, but I knew he was being demeaning but only the two of us were aware. He'd like nothing better than to separate me from Hal. (I dare you to try it buddy.)
By now, the rest of the princes have noticed I'm clutching Hal's hand in a much too familiar way. A part of me wants to let go but the other part of me is tired of hiding anymore. I'm not ashamed I chose a butler over a prince.
There was whispering between them. Leo spoke next. "We were under the impression Your Majesty and His Highness Silvio had an understanding. For you to stay alone with another man like this is not healthy for your reputation." concern showed in those gold eyes.
What lies has Silvio spouted while I wasn't around? How on earth could anyone get the impression we are an item? (That snake!) If I look at him now I won't be able to stop from throttling him. Best to avoid this in front of the others…
"It wounds me deeply for you to shirk your duties and myself for another man," the expression on Silvio's face would stir any female's heart but mine. I have to give this man credit, he's a darn good actor.
That was until he dared to step closer and pull my hand away from Hal. I swear the ice in my chest intensified and if I was cold before I'm three times as cold now.
I recoil and he pulls me back before the princes notice my futile attempt at escape.
If I beg for help, they'll think I'm crazy. Silvio is making it so he can get me alone.
I shudder from his touch but his hand finds its way into my hair where he threads his fingers into the strands. Winding until it's pulled taut. A warning grip that spoke agony if I blew his story.
"Gentlemen, if you wouldn't mind giving Her Majesty and I some alone time. I'd like to have a moment with her." Silvio patted my head like one would a dog. (Get your vile hand off my head you demon before I smack the snot out of you!)
The sound of their departure is muted as the blood seems to roar in my ears. I'm in a very dangerous situation right now. The fear seizing me into a frozen statue only strengthens as Silvio yanks my head up, forcing me to glare up at him.
"He won't save you this time, little Queen. It's time I finish what I started."
I shut my eyes in horror.