Two days have passed since my last nightmare. Every night I close my eyes the whole scene plays in front of me once again and I'm awake screaming.

I don't know how much sleep I've gotten in total the past few nights but I'm sure it couldn't have been much because when I look in the mirror I look like a zombie queen.

Hal has barely left my side at night and most of the day. He can't save me from my nightmares but he can comfort me afterwards and he does just that.

Silvio has been extremely nice to me, especially around others. It gives me the creeps to see him smile and act all cheery. I think I like his hostile attitude better.

I'm on pins and needles every time the fiery-haired prince is around. Silvio puts on a nice show in front of the princes, conspicuously during supper like now. I detest the fact that Silvio always sits beside me while Hal stands against the wall, befitting his status as a servant.

A giant wall stands between us when others are around. A desire to tear down those walls linger with me daily but tonight it's stronger than ever.

Drawn away from conversation; my eyes keep straying to Hal. I'm not surprised to find Hal's gaze already trained on me.

The surrounding voices become a distant hum as I forget my surroundings for the moment.

Silvio has the princes convinced I intend to choose him as my partner. Between this false gossip and Hal being a castle servant I'm almost positive they will try to keep me from choosing Hal.

That's why the both of us decided we would announce being partners after the official binding was complete. It's impossible to reverse the binding magic. They would then have to accept Hal as the Queen's partner like it or not. And Silvio… he wouldn't be able to continue to harass us anymore because we would be stronger than him.

I don't know if I'll ever get pieces of my soul back but maybe it will hurt less soon than later.

"Your Majesty-"

"Wh-what? I mean yes?" I snap out of my daze realizing Hal is no longer in front of me by the wall. I turn back to the conversation as the beastkin in question carries a tray filled with a tureen of soup. They're all staring at me and I focus back to them as if I'd been listening the whole time, waiting on the answer I cannot give.

Their faces blanch as they blink at me.

"Silvio just announced your agreement of becoming official partners in a few days time. I thought we could hold a ball for the occasion if it's to your liking," Elio quipped.

A crash follows Prince Eleo's words. The tray no longer gripped in Hal's hands. Now his hands tremble and the turren of soup is shattered to pieces at his feet. Face ashen, my butler bends down to clean up the broken clay. He never once looks up at us but I know he's heard Prince Eleo's words. His hands shake so hard I'm afraid he will cut himself.

Shock is not I feel by Silvio's announcements. I'm more annoyed than anything.

I turn toward my wanna-be-partner and flash him a grin with all teeth. Silvio doesn't bat at eye. "I thought we were keeping this a secret a little longer, Silvio."

Like a dog, he pats my head. Silvio better keep his hands to himself before this little doggie bites. "Don't you remember when we discussed it last night?"

(NO!)

"Oh yes. Of course. Excuse me, I haven't slept well in the last few days."

(You stinkin' demon!)

"How terrible." I can hear the sarcasm dripping from the demon prince's tongue. "Then you must be ready to return to your chambers."

"I admit I am tired," my eyes find Hal's form still stooped, picking up broken bits of pottery.

"Would you like me to escort you back?" Silvio touches my elbow, concern lights his features. "Our supper has met an unfortunate accident. I can have a servant bring you your meal to your chambers when it's ready." I don't miss the look shot toward Hal when he empathizes 'accident'.

Hal doesn't take the bait. He's the perfect picture of composure while I'm the definition of a ticking bomb.

(I have to get out of here!)

"N—no thank you. I can escort myself out," my tone comes more harshly than I meant it causing the others at the table to widen their eyes.

"Oh well, serves you right, Silvio.)

I fight back a gasp when Silvio finds my thigh under the table and squeezes it hard. Fingernails biting through the fabric of my dress and shift into my skin.

Eyes watering, I smile. "If you would excuse me." I meet eyes with Silvio, denying him the satisfaction of seeing me suffer. I kick his leg but he doesn't release me at first.

"If I may, I will escort you." Hal appears at my side to offer his hand.

Without a second thought, I latch onto it.

Silvio's fingers dig into my flesh a little more causing my grip to tighten on Hal's hand.

"We'll talk later, Silvio," I hope my voice doesn't crack.

"Very well,: Prince Silvio withdraws his hand from my leg and I try not to scramble away too fast. I focus on composure as slowly I stand up.

I glance down at my dress horrified to see blood spots blossoming across the fabric. I cover it quickly before anyone notices. Just another mark to add to my many others.

Hal leads me away without a word and I follow quietly, ignoring the sting in my thigh as I walk.

When we enter my chamber, Hal turns to me as I shut the door and lock it.

The pained glimmer in his eyes is devastating. "We have to make this stop now. He can't keep hurting you like this, Amelia." his voice peals with desperation as he steps closer. My back falls against the door, and my heart trips itself. Not out of fear like it does with Silvio.

Barricaded by Hal's arms I feel safety and love.

I tip my head back to stare up at him. Hal isn't that much taller than me but just enough. "Let's end this," I whisper.