Excuse me for the shortness of this chapter. It just seemed appropriate to end it here. I do have the next one underway. Hopefully I will finish it in the next few days. I have a job interview tomorrow and possibly a job. I will make it my mission for it not to get in my way of writing. Wish me luck!

Silvio is waiting for me at the end of the halls when I come out of my chambers. Hal was right behind me but Silvio seemed to not notice. Maybe he was ignoring him.

"My Queen," Silvio seized me by the hand pulling me closer to his side. "Allow me to escort you to the dining hall for breakfast."

His touch sends my skin to crawl. I want to wrench myself away but think better of it. If I go along with his wiles, his guard will go down. That will be the time to strike.

Silvio guides me through the halls.
I can feel Hal's annoyance through our new bond as he walks behind us.
Also, I can hone in on Silvio's emotions but I try not to because I don't want to know his creepiness.

Walking stiffly like I'm approaching the hangman's noose, we arrive in front of the doors. This time I try to shake loose Silvio's grip but he's not relenting just yet. Grudgingly, I allow him to help me in my seat. Hal has already made his way to this assigned spot by the wall.

(I hate this.) Hal should be the one sitting beside me, not this demon.

"Queen Amelia, I hope you're feeling better today," Luca said on my left.

"Yes much better, thank you." I give him a genuine smile because my words are full of meaning.

Hal's cheeks catch a flame and I know he's thinking about last night and everything that happened between us.

I begin to wonder how many pairs of eyes have noticed his suspicious behavior. After today it won't matter who knows about Hal and I. The only question is when is the right time?

I wait until we're getting up from the table.

(Here goes.)

"Can we meet in the library at dusk? I need to talk to everyone."

Eyes blink in confusion; even Silvio.

"It's about my decision for a partner," I clarify.

Heads nod with understanding. Now I can only hope they understand my decision.