Upon entering the banquet hall, it felt like all eyes were on me as I heard the whispers as I walked pass of people accounting the event in different versions. I was beginning to think that this idea of Una's wasn't the greatest one. I showed up though, but that's all I would do, show up, best behaviour, and then leave.

Una supportively squeezed my arm as we parted ways to our tables. Everyone at my end of the table clearly felt awkward, I could tell they wanted to ask me about but didn't know how. Had seriously no one ever stood up to him before?

I didn't look over to where Secundus usually sat, I knew what kind of face he would be sending in my direction without looking. However, I did look over to my right where Septimus always sat close by. I met the gaze of his green eyes, and he nodded in acknowledgement of my presence, and I politely nodded back. I couldn't quite believe what had happened, the world seemed to be turning upside down.

Dinner was less formal tonight due to the ball last night, which meant less courses and more mingling. Quintus came over and sat next to me as he laughed "That was quite the move this afternoon, bravo!'

I shifted in my seat, not sure how to respond. I enjoyed Quintus's company but wasn't sure what the right thing to say was without causing further gossip.

"Everyone is even more in awe in you" he smiled, I think he was trying to reassure me, but I hated the thought of people giving me attention, I didn't like to think of people having an opinion on me.

"Bella, are you OK?" Primus also joined Quintus as he continued "I heard about the incident this afternoon".

"I'm completely fine. It was nothing really" I reassured the eldest Prince.

I wanted nothing but everyone to leave me alone, I know the prince's were being kind but it seemed to be attracting even more attention by the gossipers of the Court.

"Actually, I'm very tired from last night. I think I will retire to my room" I smiled politely. I thought I could do this, but I had the thoughts from the ball to process still as well as the incident from today, it was all becoming a lot and my head was hurting from it.

"Would you like me to escort you back?" offered Quintus as he raised from his seat.

"I am more than capable, thank you though" I smiled politely as Primus laughed "Yes, you clearly are!"

I bowed my head to them both and took my leave from the table as they headed back to theirs. I tried to attract Una's attention to indicate I was leaving but she was too lost in conversation with Quartus. I took the quiet route from the banquet hall, along the side making myself lost in the servants rushing around and snuck my way out of the room.

Once I left the hall, I felt so relieved. Hopefully something else would happen to draw attention elsewhere and the incident today would be forgotten about. I wanted to focus my thoughts on who the mysterious man who seemed to have stolen my heart without saying a word. I needed to know who he was so I could either close this chapter or begin a new one.

Suddenly I felt my head crash against the stone wall, warm blood instantly flowing down the side of my face. It knocked me back, my head spinning from the impact. I turned to see the culprit, Secundus standing there looking rather proud of himself as I clutched hold of my head covering my hands in my own blood.

"Did you think you could get away with humiliating me like that?" He growled as he came closer, grabbing hold of wrist "I'm in two minds on wherever to kill you or tame you."

There was a disgusting look in his eyes as I tried to force my way out of his grip, with the impact of my head it was slowing me down.

"I told you not to touch me ever again" I tried to threaten as my heart raced and my head spun.

"I will touch you however I want" he muttered lowly as he moved his hands around my neck, making me feel more lightheaded.

I kept telling myself to stay with it, don't pass out, keep awake. My eyes kept fluttering trying to keep with it and all I could see was his eyes burning into me.

"Bella!" I heard Una scream, Secundus turned to watch his sister run down the hall to us. There was a shadow following her too, I couldn't quite work out what was happening. Maybe I was seeing things? I suddenly felt like I was floating as the darkness hit me.