"Because, he… Hell is my king."

Again, a soft swoosh of wind whispered in my ears. Silence.

For reasons unknown, I couldn't bring myself to speak. Sam? Her king?

What none sense.

"Don't misunderstand. I see Hell as my big brother, but also my king. My blood chose him and I like someone else. It just so happens that we favor the same man."

"How can you say that when you're married to the king?" I blurted out in disbelief.

I didn't think. It was just as if right now, I couldn't control my tongue from what and what not to say.

It may sound strange, but how could she say that? I would understand if she would tell me we'd end up as enemies in the end. However, she was openly saying she'd betray her other brother, who was also her husband?

Did she think I would applaud? How could I trust someone who could do that?

"I'm married to my brother, yes. However, do you think there's love in this marriage? How naive." Silvia snorted as she gazed back at me.

"My brother married me and Cassara because we didn't want to get married off. The Heart's Kingdom might be different; it may be our little playground, but we still need diplomatic relation from other reliable kingdoms."

Then, the more reason I shouldn't trust you… were the words I held back to speak. If Silvia and Cassara only married the king to avoid such situation, shouldn't they feel a little grateful?

But that was not for me to judge. I knew that.

It was just that, if they could do this to someone they should be grateful for, they could do worse. They could do worse to Sam, who was being forced to take the throne.

I'm glad she told me to hold it in. Because right now, that's what I am doing. But this awful and upsetting feeling stuck in my throat won't go down easily.

Nevertheless, I would hold it in until I get the hell out of here. This place… these people… they were all sick.

They turned my stomach upside down. I felt sorry for Sam to be born in this kind of environment.

It was worse than I thought. With people thinking, Sam's life was theirs to operate. It made my blood boil.

"You might not trust me, but I'm doing this because of Hell. I want him to be happy and put things back to their rightful place." Silvia let out a deep exhale.

I remained quiet. All the information she told, I'm grateful for it. I think it was enough motivation for me to survive in this damn place.

For now, I had to set aside this fury within me. I had to survive this place. Hence, even though I didn't trust Silvia, it seemed she wouldn't harm me… just yet.

"Anyway, this is an invitation to you." Silvia slid an envelope towards me. "Countess Thornhart is holding a banquet for her daughter's coming of age. It will be good for you to come."

I gazed at the invitation without saying a word. Pursing my lips as I looked up.

Silvia furrowed her brows before narrowing her eyes. After a minute of silence, a brief chuckle left her lips.

"Really…" she muttered, massaging her temples. "… you're never been into one?"

I shook my head. Was attending to such was a necessity? Sam was never invited into one. Well, even when he was, he wouldn't go.

"Hell…" Silvia let out a frustrated sigh. "… what was he thinking? Did he think monopolizing you is enough?"

"Pardon?"

Silvia placed her curled finger before her lips; the back of her thumb against her chin. She gazed at me solemnly, as if thinking deeply.

What did she mean by Sam monopolizing me? She should know her brother more. Sam was not the person who enjoyed those banquets.

Even when Sam awoke from his long slumber, he said it was too loud. There was a banquet for him at that time.

"I've decided, I'll go."

"What?"

"I'll accompany you to the banquet. Although I already planned to come." She paused and pointed at me. I flinched when her finger pointed at me.

"But now, I planned to come as your partner."

"Partner…?" I mumbled, furrowing my brows.

"The banquet is in four days. I will send you someone who will teach you how to dance and things you should know." Silvia informed me.

Yet, I barely understood her determination. I knew banquets, but I've been never into one. Thus, the lack of information about things I needed to know.

Silvia then went on and on about what to expect. She gleefully told me bits and pieces of everything; from who to be wary about and individuals who I should impress.

I just hoped my memory could remember all of it.

When Silvia was about to leave, I perked up and blurted out. "Sivi."

She stopped and turned her head to me. Silvia said nothing, but smiled kindly.

"Uhm… is the banquet… a banquet for vampires only?" I asked out of curiosity.

"Oh…" Her eyes briefly dilated. The side of her lips slowly curled into a smirk.

"Yes."

Was she planning to serve me as the main course? I'm glad I didn't forget to ask.

"Haha! Oh dear. Fret not. They won't dare sink their fangs into my partner." Silvia reassured with a subtle smile.

"I see…" I gazed down. Somehow, I felt Silvia had another plan.

"Sister-in-law." To my surprise, Silvia was already standing beside me. I nearly flinched before I looked up at her.

Silvia was smiling. She slowly raised her hand and caressed my cheek.

I gulped down a mouthful of saliva. This was the second time she looked at me as if she was staring at her child. Still, her loving touch sent a shiver down my spine.

"Your words remind me of my big sister. But your face…" she trailed off as her eyes softened.

Again, what was that bitterness in her eyes? I ended up staring back at her, barely blinking.

"Sivi…" I whispered unknowingly.

"How adorable." She smiled, pleased at how I addressed her. "I'll see you in four days. Avoid Cassara at all costs. If she came to see you, tell me, alright?"

I only pursed my lips and nodded. Her smile grew brighter.

"Good girl." And off she goes.